Moving Checklist - Buying a Home

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Before Moving To Your New Home

Change of address given to post office.
Bank - Transfer funds, arrange check cashing in new city, order checks with new address.
Address change to all investment companies and banks that have your money.
Address change to all credit card and department store charge accounts.
Change address for magazine subscriptions.
Notify relatives, friends, employer, parents of children you are listed as an emergency contact for.
Change newspaper subscriptions.
Auto insurance and auto club adjusted for new address.
Health insurance coverage.
Life insurance.
Home owners insurance (old and new)
Telephone company. Get refund of any deposit.
Gas and Electric company. Get refunds of any deposits.
Water company. (old and new)
Trash collecion companies. (old and new)
New doctor, dentist, veterinarian (ask for referals)
Pet vaccinations and license for new location.
Make arrangements to move pets.
Check with the Agriculture Department of new home area to see if they have restrictions on plants.
Many items such as copiers and printers require the normally moving parts to be screwed into a fixed position for transport.
Clean rugs and clothing before moving. Have them wrapped.
Return cable TV boxes, cancel subscription.
Return all video rentals and cancel membership if appropriate.
Return all library books.
Retrieve all laundry from dry cleaners.
Empty freezer, plan food consumption.
Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Unplug and prop doors slightly open to prevent odors.

Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover the cost of moving services and other expenses until you are able to use your chosen bank in the new area.
Carry jewelry and important documents yourself, or use registered mail.
Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty.
Leave old keys, garage door openers, instruction manuals, and house plans with your real estate agent.

Check utilities: gas, electricity, water, telephone, and garbage collection.
Check pilot lights for water heater and furnace.
Retrieve any mail being held at post office.
Promptly register your cars with Department of Motor Vehicles if moving to new state. Avoid penalties.
Have new address recorded on driver's license and car registration.
Register to vote.
Register children in school.
Apply for state drivers license if necessary.
Check local chamber of commerce to see if they have "new resident" discount packages.