Before and after you move:

It's surprising how many things get forgotten before the move. (Hopefully this will help.)

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out change of address order form for post office
• Fill out an Tax, change of address form
• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations
• Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
• Set up a checking account in your new city
• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you
• Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed; in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment
• Make arrangements for transporting pets.
  
  One To Two Weeks Before Moving
• Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine
• Subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move
• Arrange for help on moving day
• Confirm travel reservations
• Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment
• Have appliances serviced for moving
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
• Plan ahead for special needs of infants
• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
• Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed
  
  On Moving Day
• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty
• Carry important documents, currency and jewellery yourself, or use registered mail
• Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds
  
  After Arriving At New Home
• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home
  
  Reading your home insurance policy may not be your idea of exciting escapism, but it is something that should be done. Not knowing exactly what coverage you have could cost you plenty later on. Many people simply renew, year after year, without checking if the coverage is still adequate, or whether there have been any new money-saving features introduced. When deciding on your home insurance plan, you must think in two parts: the house itself and the contents.
  
  Insurance:
• Don’t make the mistake of going by the amount your mortgage lender requires. Remember, that only covers the balance due on your mortgage should your home be destroyed.
• Don’t base your coverage on what your home would sell for today; rebuilding may cost more
• Ask your agent or insurer to calculate rebuilding costs or hire an appraiser
• Don’t forget about inflation. Add an inflation guard where the policy will be automatically adjusted at each renewal period to reflect construction costs in your area
• Better yet buy guaranteed or full replacement coverage
• Simply getting replacement coverage (not full) will give you only similar materials to replace the damaged property and not necessarily enough money to rebuild the house
• You may want an enforcement to code provision as new building codes may up the costs
  
  The contents:
• Keep records of all your belongings and place them in a safety deposit box (outside of the home)
• Write down exactly how much your belongings are worth at todays replacement cost
• Take pictures or use a video camera and attach receipts to the pictures
• Make sure your contents insurance is adequate
• Make sure your personal property is covered for replacement cost or you may find it will be depreciated
• Standard policies limit jewellery, watches and silverware coverage to a specific maximum amount. For heirlooms or other special items, have them appraised and insure them separately on a personal articles floater
  
  This is a guideline only, please contract your insurance professional