Ultimate Moving Checklist

The stress of moving can seem overwhelming. There are dozens of tasks to accomplish and scores of things to keep track of. The good news is that a well-organized checklist can do wonders to manage all that information. This article details the best of the moving checklists online or in print.

4 Weeks Prior to Move: Organizing

 Set the date.

Mondays - Thursdays are your best choices so that banks and offices are open in case you have a problem.

 Arrange for utility transfers.

Notify current and future utility providers of your move date. Note when current security deposits will be refunded and how much is due when for the new ones. This includes: __ Cable/satellite television __ Cell phone service __ Electricity __ Gas __ Internet/broadband __ Local phone service __ Long distance phone service __ Propane __ Recycling pick-up __ Sewer __ Security system __ Trash pick-up __ Water

NOTE: It's a good idea to schedule utility "turn on dates" at least one day prior to the move date and "turn off dates" at least one day after the move to allow for emergencies or issues that may arise.

 File change of address.

At minimum, file a Temporary Change of Address with the U.S. Post Office to buy you time before you notify everyone else. You can file online at http://www.MoversGuide.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) (both have a $1 fee), or go to the local Post Office and complete form PS 3575.

 Make sure you have enough cash. Most moving companies insist on being paid in cash before they unload a single box. Be sure have the correct amount with you with moving expenses, deposits, tips, and anything else you'll need on moving day.

 Start a "change of address log."

Create a change of address log by writing down who you receive mail from each day. Then contact those organizations with your change of address each morning or evening. This breaks up the task and helps make sure you aren't missing important contacts.

 Notify specific people of your change of address. Some of the people who might need your change of address include:

__ Accountant/tax preparer __ Alumni associations __ Attorneys __ Babysitter/ child care provider __ Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, home equity, IRA's, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account) __ Broker __ Business cards (order new ones) __ Cell phone provider __ Child care/ daycare __ Chiropractor __ Courts, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes __ Credit bureaus __ Credit card issuers __ Dentist __ Department of Motor Vehicles __ Diaper service __ Doctor __ Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery __ Family members __ Health clubs __ House cleaning service __ House of worship __ Insurance providers (auto, health, life, other vehicles) __ IRS (form 8822) __ Lawn care __ Luggage tags (replace existing ones) __ Magazine subscriptions __ New business cards __ New employer __ Newspaper subscriptions __ Old employer __ Orthodontist __ Parent-teacher association __ Passport __ Pet sitter/ dog walker/ pet day care __ Pharmacy (BONUS: get year-to-date expense summary for taxes) __ Physical therapist __ Physician (BONUS: get referral for new location) __ Post office __ Professional organizations __ Retirement plan holders __ Return address labels (order new ones) __ Schools (BONUS: get copies of transcripts) __ Snow removal service __ Social Security Administration __ Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing) __ Swimming pool memberships __ Veterinarian BONUS get vet records and recommendations __ Water delivery service