Relocation Checklist

Before you move...
-	Research your new community.
		Subscribe to the local paper to learn about the government, community and events.
		Get a phone book to find important businesses and services in the new area.
		Locate doctors, dentists and hospitals in the new location.
		Contact electric, water, phone, cable TV, and trash collection companies for new service connection.
-	Prepare your belongings.
		Remove unused items from your attic, basement, and storage shed.
		Create (or update) an inventory of your possessions.
		Get a floor plan of your new residence and plan your furniture layout, and storage capability.
		Hold a garage sale or donate unneeded items to charities.
-	Plan your finances.
		Contact the IRS or your CPA for tax-deductible moving information.
		Contact your new employer to see what costs they will cover.
		Separate important documents, medical and school records, and insurance policies.
		Make a file for all moving papers and receipts.
		Call your homeowner's insurance agent to find out what is covered during your move.
		Get estimates from at least three moving companies.
		Ask the movers about their insurance coverage for your move.
		Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
		Contact gas, oil, electric, water, phone, cable TV, and trash collection companies for service disconnection. Ask for final readings.
		Request refunds on unused homeowner's insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service.
		Arrange to close current bank accounts and open new accounts in Naples.
		Settle outstanding bills with local retailers. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes.
-	Notify everyone.
		Complete a change of address with post office cards or an online service.
		Notify banks, credit cards, the IRS and Social Security, insurance agent, lawyer, accountant, and stockbroker.
		Notify churches, doctors, relatives and friends, magazines, post office, and schools.
		Notify your gardener, snow removal service, and pool service.
		Notify your state's Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
		Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
		Arrange the transfer of your children's school records.
-	Get Ready.
		Service your car for the trip.
		Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
		Cancel newspaper delivery.
		Buy two-weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy.
		Buy traveler's checks.
		Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
		Disconnect all major appliances.
		Pack first-night and emergency items seperately and keep them in your car.
		Pack sheets, towels, toiletries, change of clothes, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, bandages and aspirin.
		Pack a phone, alarm clock, flashlight, scissors, utility knife, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking or duct tape, and trash bags.
On moving day...
-	Supervise the packing.
		Be home to answer any questions your mover may have on moving day. Stay until your movers are finished.
		Complete information on the bill of lading and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.
		Keep your copies of the bill of lading and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
		Give movers directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.
		Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, and water).
When you arrive...
-	Supervise the unloading.
		Be at the destination to welcome the movers and stay to answer any questions.
		Watch the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet. Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
		After the job is completed, pay what is owed. The driver is required by Federal law (for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery.

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