Fl Keys Moving Guide

8 Weeks before move:

___	Look into getting moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move. Begin to get estimates from moving companies. Shop around as much as possible to get the best rate. Remember to be as accurate as possible when giving information for your estimate.
___	If you plan to move yourself, now is the time to reserve a rental truck. Again, it pays to shop around
___	Get estimates for shipping your car.
___	If you are moving overseas, check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet.
___	If you have small children, be sure to research child care options in your new area. Select and register children for local schools in your new area. Arrange transfer of immunization and records and transcripts.

7 Weeks before move:

___	Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
___	Check with accountant about which moving expenses are deductible.
___	Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage.
___	Plan to donate or sell.
___	Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
___	Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc..) and place them in a briefcase, strong box, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
___	If you're using a mover, get in touch with your chosen moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.

6 Weeks before move:

___	Check that your car registration and driver's license are up to date.
___	You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
___	Make item donations, and collect receipts for tax purposes. Or, try selling your unwanted items online.
___	Have garage sale.
___	Notify your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, accountant, and financial planner of your move and ask for referrals in your new area. Collect records from them.
___	Be sure your medical insurance covers the professionals in your new area. ___Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions, or memberships.

5 Weeks before move:

___	Contact current utility companies to cancel or transfer accounts to lower Keys utilities.
___	Decide where you are going to stay your last night in town after all your items are packed for moving.
___	Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet.

4 Weeks before move:

___	Fill out an official change of address with USPS online.
___	Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address.
___	Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
___	Leave a forwarding address with the next owners or tenants of your home if possible.
___	Buy boxes and packing materials if you are moving yourself.
___	Reserve elevator, if necessary, for moving day.

3 Weeks before move:
Start packing! Begin with rooms of the house you don't use often and finish with the kitchen.

___	Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes.
___	Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items, if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in the event items get lost or damaged in the move.
___	Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily.
___	Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things. Give them their own box to pack. Let them figure out new layouts for their rooms.
___	If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your children are being cared for safely.

2 Weeks before move:

___	Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
___	Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, old paint cans, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or give away.
___	Verify schedules with Realtor.
___	Arrange to have your new home cleaned before movers arrive.

1 Week before move:

___	Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
___	Service your car, especially if you're driving to your new place.
___	Donate food items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank.
___	Cancel newspapers.
___	Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.)
___	Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
___	Give plants a loving home
___	Return cable boxes for TV.

Moving week:

___	Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc. Keep in mind that many businesses do not accept out-of-state checks.
___	Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
___	Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc.).
___	Keep your pets confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water.
___	When you're finished, do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc.
___	Turn off all lights, turn off hot water heater, lock all doors and windows.

PACK THESE ITEMS IN A BOX TO GO WITH YOU

___A wall phone.
___Cell phone and charger.
___Extension cords, batteries.
___Tools-hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, scotch tape, duct tape, and a tape measure.
___Address book or PDA.
___Suffiencit cash or traveler's checks.
___Personal ID - driver's license.
___Cleaning materials-especially paper towels.
___Hand wipes and toilet paper.
___Light bulbs, a small lamp, flashlight.
___Alarm clock.

AT YOUR NEW HOME

___Take doors off hinges, clear paths for movers.
___Have your REALTOR suggest a local food delivery service for lunch/dinner on moving day.
___Make sure you have a cooler of drinks and toilet paper available on moving day
___Check each item off your inventory that movers bring into home
___Send in claims for damages during the move
___Make grocery shopping list for new home
___Test security and smoke alarms
___Obtain local emergency numbers and post them
___Take back rental truck with full tank of gas
___Get a professional to set up appliances (gas, electric or plumbing)
___Change locks on all doors. Call Realtor for locksmith referral.
___Find the right cellular phone service for your needs
___Feng Shui your home
___Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of vehicles
___Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for gas-powered tools
___File real estate documents in safe place-copy closing statement for accountant
___Join new homeowners association if there is one
___Buy new plants and flowers
___Throw a house warming party
___Find a new veterinarian, doctor, dentist, hair and nail salons. Again, your Realtor is the best place to head for recommendations.