• Moving Overview Checklist
• Packing Tips
• Protecting the Environment

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out change of address order form for post office.
• Fill out an IRS 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.
• Make arrangements for transporting pets.
• Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

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.
• 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.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.

On Moving Day

• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry 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.

• Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue
• Tape and scissors
• Tape measure
• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
• Pack medicines in a leakproof container.
• Carry all valuables with you.

Following are some general suggestions to help you protect the environment before, during and after your move

Yard

• Sweep instead of hosing down driveways.
• Use sand or kitty litter instead of salt on icy sidewalks.
• Minimize paved surfaces on property and retain as much vegetation and rural wetlands as possible.
• Use water-based products rather than solvent-based.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides - use mulch and organic fertilizers instead.
• Mow lawn frequently to increase grass shoot density.

Home

• Rinse disposable diapers before throwing them away.
• Turn off the water while brushing teeth.
• Recycle cardboard boxes.
• Use phosphate-free laundry detergent.
• Recycle whenever possible.

Automobile & Traveling

• Keep your car tuned.
• Recycle and dispose of oil safely.
• Wash your car on grass.
• Don't litter.

Garbage

• Non-hazardous and non-recyclable.
• Call the Solid Waste Division in your county for disposal instructions and transfer stations in your area.

Recyclable Material

• Aluminum cans, papers, appliances.
• Call the Solid Waste Division/Recycling in your county for instructions.

Hazardous Wastes

• Paints, oil, pesticides, dyes, coolants.
• Call the Solid Waste Division/Hazardous Wastes in your county for instructions.