Before You Relocate

One Month Before Moving

  • Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, call 1-800-829-1040. Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.
  • If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations, or plan your travel route if driving.
  • Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself.
  • Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs. Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place. Give your mailers your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards):
    • Friends and family members
    • Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
    • Charge card and credit card companies
    • Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
    • State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
    • Internal Revenue Service
  • Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).
  • Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area.
  • Plan your moving budget

Two Weeks Before Moving

  • Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address.
  • Get new cable service for your new home.
  • Inform long distance phone company of your move. Sign up for long distance service at your new address.
  • Recruit moving day help.
  • Confirm travel reservation.
  • Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.

The Day Before Moving

  • Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers.
  • Pick up rental truck.
  • Check oil and gas in your car.
  • If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.

Packing Tips

  • Keep the Following Supplies and Accessories on Hand
    • Boxes, all sizes
    • Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
    • Marking pens
    • Tape measure
    • Furniture pads or old blankets
    • Packing tape and scissors
    • Money and credit cards
  • Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered.
  • Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box.
  • Clearly mark fragile items.
  • Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy to find place when you pack.
  • Keep a medical kit accessible.
  • If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.