Relocation Check List

Prior to Moving Day:

File your "Change of Address" with the U.S. Post Office (Do it Online).
Give forwarding address to Post Office four to six weeks before moving.
Change the Address for your: Charge accounts, credit cards, subscriptions (six to eight weeks notice generally required), your friends, relatives and your bank.
Review your banking to: transfer funds and arrange check-cashing in new city if necessary.
Collect documentation for your credit references and the different types of insurance you carry. Notify your insurance carriers of new location for coverages: life, health, fire and auto.
Coordinate with the utility companies to change over service or turn it off. These include: gas, light, water, fuel, garbage. Don't forget to ask about any deposits the utility companies may be holding on your account. Get the refunds on any deposits made.
Coordinate with the delivery services you use, such as: laundry, newspaper, change over of service.
Ensure you have copies of all your Medical, Dental and Prescription History documents.
Ask your doctor(s) and dentist for referrals to specialists in the area you are moving to.
Transfer needed for prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.
Plan the care for your pets. Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.
Don't Forget To: Empty the freezer, plan use of foods, defrost the freezer and clean the refrigerator.
Have appliances serviced for moving.
Check with your moving counselor/company - insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
Plan for special care needs of infant or pets.

On Moving Day:

Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you establish new banking services.
Carry jewelry and important documents yourself or used registered mail.
Plan for transporting of pets.
Let close friends or relatives know route and schedule you will travel, including any overnight stops.
Final check of old residence: double-check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
Leave old keys, garage door openers, broiler pans, landscape/house plans and instruction manuals needed by new owner with the REALTOR®.

At Your New Address:

Obtain certified checks or cashier's checks necessary for closing real estate transaction (check title company for details).
Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage.
Check pilot light for stove, water heater and furnace.
Ask mailman for mail he may be holding for your
Have new address recorded on driver's license.
Visit city offices and register for voting.
Register car within five days after arrival in state or penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
Apply for state driver's license.
Register family in your new place of worship.
Register children in school.
Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.

printable check list

back to resources home page back to top

Copyright © 2007 Keller Williams® Realty. All Rights Reserved.
*All listing data and information provided on this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. C'Na Raines, and/or her affiliates can not be held liable for typographical errors, layout error, or misinformation contained herein.