Before You Move
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Send your forwarding address to the local post office and send change of address card to:
- Insurance companies
- Magazines
- Merchants
- Clubs to which you belong
- Friends
- Charge accounts, credit cards
- Book/CD clubs
- Catalogs
- Keep file of vital papers and reminders
- Get estimates from moving companies, select a moving company, confirm date and decide who will pack. Paid packers typically come the day before moving day.
- Start sorting. Decide what to move, what to sell, give away, discard. Take cuttings or give away extra houseplants.
- Inventory possessions. List dents and scratches and, if possible, list value and year of purchase. Photo or video records are ideal.
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Transfer insurance:
- Life
- Automobile
- Hospitalization
- Household goods
- Personal possessions
- Arrange sufficient cash or traveler's checks to cover cost of moving expenses and services. The transfer company usually requires cash or certified cheques.
- Have your bank recommend an affiliate in your new city and transfer bank accounts and empty safe deposit box.
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Disconnect and obtain any deposits or letters of credit:
- Electric
- Water
- Gas
- Phone / Internet
- Cable
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Stop service on the following:
- Newspapers
- Garbage Collection
- Landscaping
- Laundry / Maid Service
- Other
- Notify principal of your children's school about your intended move. Request a letter from him/her covering the status of your children in school.
- Notify your church pastor that you are leaving.
- Obtain birth and baptism records of your children.
- Obtain all medical records of shots, dental records and eyeglass prescriptions. Have your drug prescriptions filled.
- Check with your attorney about will revisions, if moving out of province or country.
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Have appliances serviced for the trip:
- Service power mowers, boats, etc. and drain all gas and oil
- Automobiles
- Refrigerator
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Pick up personal items:
- Shoes being repaired
- Off-season stored clothing
- Dry cleaning and laundry
- Film
- Return all borrowed items such as movies or library books. Collect anything borrowed from you.
- Pack cleaning supplies, hammer, nails, screwdriver, pliers, masking tape, tape measure, flashlight and batteries, cloths, scissors, light bulbs, aspirin, soap, toilet paper and first aid supplies, in a separate carton, to take with you.
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Keep basics handy and in well-marked boxes:
- Comfortable clothes
- Phones
- Cosmetics/toiletries
- Alarm clocks
- Iron
- Cleaning supplies
- Extension cords
- Toolbox and flashlight
- Linens and towels
- Save the phone book from your former city residence.
- Carry jewelry and documents yourself.
- Verify insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
- Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will travel, including overnight stops. Use him/her as message headquarters.
- Leave the keys for your old property with your RE/MAX sales representative or neighbours.
- Collect children's games and activities for the trip.
- Plan meals and snacks, to minimize shopping. Have "quick-fix" foods ready or plan to eat out/carry in.