Cooksey & Company Realtors, LLC

Relocation

Get organized. Start a file to keep track of estimates, receipts and other information. You may be able to deduct your move and lower your taxes, so check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.

Research your new community. The local police department and local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find information about your new community.

Stay Healthy. Gather medical and dental records – including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to care providers in your new city.

Prepare your children. Arrange to have school records transferred to your children’s new school district and/or daycare.

Tie up loose ends

Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler’s checks or cash for “on the road” expenses.

Keep in touch

File a change of address. If you don’t know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city. Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that will need to know of your move and send your new address to them as soon as possible. Postal forwarding time is limited.

Take inventory

Decide what items need to go before your move and plan a yard sale or contact your local charities. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Ship these items by certified mail or carry them with you.

Clean House

Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. must be emptied as well.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.

Reserve your moving truck. Do this at least a few weeks before your move. If you need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.

Be prepared. As moving day gets closer, finish packing and prepare a box with the essentials. Keep these items handy, preferably in your automobile. Don’t forget to include extra clothing, toiletries and snacks for the kids. Other things to consider are:

Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
Plastic forks, spoons, knives
Dish soap, trash bags, towels
Phone books, pencils and paper, your “move file”
Telephone, radio, batteries
Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener
Toilet paper, prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
Toys for the kids

Finish up. Before leaving your old home, check every room, closet and cabinet one last time. Make sure everything is loaded. Leave a note with your new address in the house so future occupants can forward any stray mail.

Downloadable Move Out Checklist (DOC)

After the move

Get connected. Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.

Fill out the paperwork. Get a new driver’s license and new tags for your automobile. And don’t forget to register to vote. In many states, you can do this when you get your new license.