Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks
ahead of the move.
Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of
your change of address.
Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need
to be notified about your move.
Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new
home.
Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your
new home.
Check insurance coverage for the items you're moving. Usually movers
only cover what they pack.
Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance
moves are usually billed according to
weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the
elevator or particular exits for moving.
Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most, such as
toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors,
hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks,
and toothpaste.
Plus, if you're moving out of town, be sure to:
Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your
family and your pets.
Get copies of children's school records for transfer.
Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new
neighborhood.
Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
Let a friend or relative know your route.
Empty your safety deposit box.
Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in
cold weather.