TRAVEL: Moving checklist

Moving can be an overwhelming and daunting task. This checklist will help make this event a little easier as well as keeping you feeling organized and in control.

1. Two months in advance, budget for your move and check for any possible tax deductions you may qualify for.
2. Begin collecting any records or documents you may need including, doctor, school, veterinary and legal papers. Plan to keep these with you during your move rather than loading them in the moving van.
3. Call your insurance company to know how your cost will differ in your new home as well as your automobile coverage.
4. Call any membership based programs you belong to including gym memberships to see if you can move, sell or end your contract.
5. Room by room find things you can donate or throw out to try paring down your moving expenses.
6. Pack ahead of time the items you rarely use.
7. File change of address forms with the postal service a month in advance.
8. Schedule utilities to be shut off and turned on in your new place a month in advance.
9. Cancel newspaper subscriptions and change your address with other periodicals you subscribe to.
10. Make travel arrangements for family pets and gather necessary medical records and immunizations.
11. Reserve moving van at least one month in advance.
12. Pack an essentials box with things you will need your first night in your new place.
13. Label boxes according to the order in which you will need to open with a 1, 2 or 3. 1 ™s you need to open right away and 3 ™s can wait a day or two.
14. Keep medications, valuables and important papers with you during the move.