Moving Tips

• Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.
• Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.
• Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.
• Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
• Cancel the newspaper.
• Check insurance coverage for moved items. 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 restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
• Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most - 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:

• 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.
• Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.
• Empty your safety deposit box.
• Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather.