Streamlining Your Move: A Comprehensive Checklist
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Provide your forwarding address to the post office at least two to four weeks before moving.
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Inform credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and your bank about the change of address.
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Compile a list of friends, family, and business contacts to notify about the move.
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Coordinate the disconnection of utilities at your old home and their connection at the new one.
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Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
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Verify insurance coverage for moved items, as movers typically cover what they pack.
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Clean and prepare appliances for moving if applicable.
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Document the weight of your belongings, crucial for long-distance moves billed by weight.
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Check condo or co-op restrictions on elevator and exit usage.
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Prepare a “first open” box with essentials like toilet paper, soap, tools, cups, and snacks.
For Long-Distance Moves:
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Obtain copies of medical, and dental records, and prescriptions for your family and pets.
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Secure copies of children’s school records for transfer.
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Seek introductions to new neighbors through friends.
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Plan for special car needs for pets during travel.
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Inform a friend or relative about your travel route.
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Carry traveler’s checks or an ATM card for immediate cash access.
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Empty your safety deposit box.
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Box plants with air holes in cold weather.
Additionally, Ensure a Smooth Transition for New Owners:
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Include owner’s manuals and warranties for items left in the house.
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Provide a list of local service providers (dry cleaner, yard service, etc.).
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Hand over the garage door opener.
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Supply extra sets of house keys.
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Share the code to the burglar alarm and the monitoring service’s contact if applicable.