Sandy Schweiger

Sandy's Relocation Check list

·        determine what expenses will be paid by your company

·        determine what expenses you will have to cover yourself

·        start a log of moving expense receipts (some may be deductible)

·        get estimates from two or more movers

·        including written commitment of pickup and delivery dates

·        get and check references

·        check the limits of the insurance offered

·        see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost

·        purchase additional insurance, if necessary

·        give day care center proper notice of withdrawal

·        give notice to clubs, organizations, volunteer activities

·        cancel newspaper subscriptions and regular deliveries

·        check the limits of the insurance offered

·        see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost

·        purchase additional insurance, if necessary

·        arrange transfer of your accounts

·        order checks with new address

·        clean out your safety deposit box

·        hotels / temporary housing

·        rental cars / plane tickets

·        transport service for pets and automobiles, if needed

·        school records / pet documents

·        home purchase / sale papers

·        wills / marriage / divorce papers

·        financial records / stock certificates

·        birth certificates / social security cards / passports

·        turn in forms at the post office

·        mail post cards to friends and creditors

·        contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records

·        contact doctors for medical records and referrals to new physicians

·        change your insurance policies on property, auto, and medical

·        take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you want to take

·        tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale

·        or call a charity for pick-up

·        clean out club, gym, and school lockers

·        pick up all dry cleaning

·        retrieve and return all borrowed items from friends and neighbors

·        return library books

·        arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities

·        begin packing less-used items

·        clean out the cupboards

·        plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need

·        don't buy any more perishables than you have to

·        dates / agreements with moving and storage companies

·        agreements with auto and pet transportation companies

·        hotel and temporary housing accommodations

·        rental car and other transportation arrangements

·        don't buy any more perishables than you have to

·        inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address

·        if you'll be without phone service, get a temporary voice mail box

·        some long-distance providers offer 1-800 voice mail numbers

·        paper / pens

·        address book / stamps / envelopes

·        cellophane and heavy-duty tape / scissors

·        tape measure

·        paper cups, plates, and towels / plastic utensils / ziploc bags

·        facial and toilet tissue / soap / moist towelettes

·        instant coffee or tea / bottled drinks / snacks / can opener

·        aspirin / band-aids

·        travel alarm

·        flashlight / small tool kit

·        trash bags

·        children's games

·        spare car keys

·        phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination

·        make an inventory list of all items going with you personally

·        keep valuable / irreplaceable items (jewelry, heirlooms) with you

·        clean out and defrost the deep freezer

·        disassemble furniture or other items

·        check yard and shed for all items that need packed

·        set aside box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner

·        take pictures of furniture / get fabric samples and paint chips

·        create a "decorating reference file"

·        have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence

·        use floor plans to determine where everything will go

·        remove all perishable food

·        store anything you still need in a cooler

·        clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer

·        complete packing of all household goods for the move

·        make sure all boxes are clearly marked

·        conclude any arrangements relating to sale or lease of your home

·        purchase traveler's checks for trip expenses

·        reconcile and close or transfer bank accounts

·        confirm delivery address, directions, and delivery date with movers

·        make sure boxes are clearly marked

·        make sure your instructions are understood

·        make sure a relative, neighbor, or real estate agent has the keys

·        make sure that person knows how to contact you

·        notify insurance agent and police that the home will be empty

·        clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving

·        check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately

·        make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked

·        make sure all appliances are turned off

·        leave forwarding address, keys, and garage door opener

·        supervise moving crew on location of furniture and boxes

·        begin unpacking necessary basics first (utensils, toiletries, etc.)

·        give the kids a job to do -- let them start on their rooms

·        set kitchen and bedrooms up first, to make you feel at home

·        go over "Bill of Lading" with the moving company before signing

·        check for damaged and missing items and make a note of them

·        the Bill of Lading is usually binding once signed

·        check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly

·        let family members or friends know that you have arrived safely

·        check in with employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries

·        now relax, order dinner out, and take a hot bath...you deserve it!

Published Saturday, June 07, 2008 5:22 AM by Sandra Schweiger - Reed