Before You Move Checklist by Realty Times Staff It's said that Rome wasn't built in a day. Many strokes topple mighty oaks. You can eat an elephant a bite at at time. If you are facing a move, old axioms like these can offer some encouragement, but how about some practical advice? What you really need are step-by-step tips that will help you chip away at the daunting task of packing, moving and settling in. Courtesy of NorthAmerican Van Lines, here is a checklist of things to do to prepare to move: Two-Three Weeks Fill and transfer prescriptions for family and pets. Pack them to travel with you. Arrange for shipment of plants and pets. Get immunization records for pets. Dispose of or give away all flammables. One Week Defrost refrigerator and freezer, plus allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew. Dispose of persishables. Transfer checking and savings accounts. Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment. Drain water hoses. Pack items to be carried in the car, and label "Do Not Move." Gather valuables from safe deposit box, drawers, jewelry cases as well as personal records. Pack them safely to take with you. Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping. Take down curtain rods, shelves, and TV antenna. Have the car serviced for the trip and have proof of insurance in car. Moving Day Remember to pack a box of basics you'll need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.) Be sure to have it loaded last so that it will be first off at your new home. Pack suitcases for trip. Remove all bed linens. Be available to check items on inventory sheet. Conduct a last minute walk through with your van operator. Make sure windows are closed, closets empty, lights out and doors locked. Dos and Don'ts Do keep your copy of inventory, Bill of Lading, Order for Service, Estimate, household booklet, numbers to call, etc. with you at all times when moving begins. Don't pack these items with the shipment. Do carefully wrap liquids, cleansers, and shampoos in plastic wrap or liners. Don't pack paint, bottles of bleach, gas cans, or other inflammables. It is against federal law for movers to transport flammables and combustibles. Do back up your PC with copies of all your files. Put in a scratch diskette to park your hard drive. Try to pack the PC in its original carton. Remove CD's from your player before packing and put the discs back in their cases. Wrap multi-play cartridges separately. Do moisten plants before placing them in cartons. Know that professional movers are prohibited from moving plants unless delivery is scheduled within 24 hours or is less than 150 miles away. Do have your appliance motors bolted to ensure safe arrival

Before You Leave checklist

· Address Change
o Post Office: Give forwarding address 2-4 weeks early
o Charge Accounts, Credit Cards Call ahead and change 2-4 weeks early
o Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks
o Friends and Relatives
· Bank
o Cancel any automatic payment or direct deposit arrangements
o Transfer funds & arrange check-cashing in new city
o Arrange credit references
· Insurance
o Notify company of new location for insured's coverage's: Life, Health, Fire, and Auto
· Utility Companies
o Gas, Electricity, Water, Telephone, Fuel, Garbage, and Cable/Sat. T.V.
o Get refunds on any deposits made
· Delivery Service
o Laundry, newspaper, change over of services to new address
· Children
o Register the children in school
o Have school records transferred
o Arrange for day care for the kids
· Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories
o Ask your Doctor and Dentist for referrals, or call 1-800 dentist; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays
o Obtain family birth records, family medical records, etc.
· Pets
o Consult a veterinarian about moving your pet(s)
o Obtain all pet(s) records
o Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc. in the new area you are moving to
· Don't Forget To:
o Empty freezer; plan use of foods
o Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal or baking soda inside to dispel odors
o Have appliances serviced before moving
o Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-shrink wrapped or boxed
o Clean and/or repair furniture and curtains
o Check with your moving advisor on insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment
o Plan for special care needs for your children and pets
o Assemble first day items - soap, toilet paper, pencils, paper, toiletries, bath towels, utility knife, scissors, trash bags, etc. and keep marked and handy
o Obtain relocation package from Realtor in your new city
o Arrange for storage (if necessary)
o Find out about tax-deductible moving expenses
o Obtain all personal records from lawyers and accountants
o Assemble applicable packing materials
o Have your car(s) checked and serviced for the trip
o Pack a day or two worth of extra clothing in case of a delay
· On Moving Day
o Make a checklist of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
o Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and your expenses until you make newbanking connections
o Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or make other arrngements
o Carry an assortment of toys for the children (if necessary).
o Let a close friend or relative know what route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops
o Double check all closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
o Turn off all appliances and lock all doors and windows
o Leave all old keys and garage door opener for new owner with Realtor or with Escrow
· At Your New Address
o Check off all the boxes and items as they come off the truck for damage
o Install new locks at new home
o Check on service of gas, electricity, water, telephone, garbage, and Cable T.V.
o Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace.
o Have appliances checked.
o Ask mail carrier for mail he or she may be holding for you.
o Apply for state driver license (or just address change if needed).
o Visit city offices and register for voting.
o Register car within five (5) days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
o Transfer motor club membership.
o Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.