Relocating Advice

One Month Before Moving: Obtain an IRS Change of Address form (call 1-800-829-1040). Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape and rope. If you're moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel and rental car reservations, or plan your travel route if driving. Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself. Place legal, medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place. Give your mailers your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards from the Post Office):
Friends and family members
· Banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions
· Charge card and credit card companies
· Doctors, dentists and other service providers
· State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
· IRS
Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible). Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area. Plan your moving budget

Two Weeks Before Moving: Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address. Recruit moving-day help. Confirm travel reservation. Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.

The Day Before Moving: Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers. Pick up rental truck. Check oil and gas in your car. If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards and other essentials.

Packing Tips
Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:
Boxes, all sizes
Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
Marking pens
Tape measure
Furniture pads or old blankets
Packing tape and scissors
Money and credit cards
Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered. Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box. Clearly mark fragile items. Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack. Keep a medical kit accessible. If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.

After Moving: Locate police, fire stations, hospitals and gas stations near your home. Scout your new neighborhood for shopping areas. You may need furniture, tools or housewares unexpectedly. Call the Department of Sanitation to find out which day trash is collected. Also ask whether your new community has recycling programs. Seek out new service providers such as a bank, cleaners or veterinarian. Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for specific registration information. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address. If you have moved to a different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver's license. Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on: schools, cable service, cultural events and community activities, libraries and parks, and availability of emergency services such as 911. Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may need to request your file from your previous doctor or dentist. Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community. You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value and your coverage. Give your new home a good cleaning. Moving can be stressful. Watch for effects on family members and pets so you can give comfort and a helping hand.