Move-In Checklist

*Remember* - many of your moving expenses are tax-deductible, so hang on to your receipts. Call the Internal Revenue Service and request "Tax Information On Moving Expenses" to find out which moving expenses you can deduct.

One Month Before Moving

• Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill it out for:
  
• Banks
  
• Insurance companies
  
• Credit card companies
  
• Magazines and newspapers - to cancel local newspaper delivery
  
• Doctors, dentists, and other providers - to transfer drug prescriptions 
  
• Past employer - for W2 forms
• Take a look around the house
• Start to think about what you don't want to take with you
• Use up perishable foods
• Sell, donate, or hold a garage sale for unwanted items 
• Prepare a list of what you want to move...Large appliances? Outdoor furniture?
  

For Full-Service moves:

• Get written estimates from several moving companies
  
• Will the movers pack for you?
  
• What items won't they move?
  
• Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
  
• Videotape your home and its contents for future reference in case of future claims

For Do-It-Yourself moves:

• Make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
  
• Boxes
  
• Packing and masking tape
  
• Markers
  
• Newspapers
  
• Twine
• Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and the room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first, including: Dishes, Pots and pans, Alarm clock, Bedding, Special toys, Towels, Light Bulbs, Plates, Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench
• Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records: Birth, Doctor, Dentist, Legal, Optician, Optometrist, School Documents, Veterinarian 
• Close out your bank accounts
• Start a new bank account in Boca Raton.
• Transfer account from the current bank?
• Contact your child's new school; notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
• Contact the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Request a relocation package.

Two Weeks Before Moving:

• Pack your vital documents in one place:
  Passports, Military records, Mortgage records, Marriage license, Birth certificates, Vehicle titles, Stock certificates, Insurance papers, Bank
  records, School records, Medical records
  
• Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill: Cable - return box if necessary, Electric, Gas, Fuel, Telephone, Water
  
• Make arrangements to connect utilities to your New Home.
  
• Make arrangements for cleaning your old home.
  
• Inquire about your new Florida auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
  
• Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your New Home.
  
• Arrange to have a sitter watch your children away from the house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving:

• Dispose of any flammable items: lawn mower gas, snow blower gas, paint aerosol cans
  
• Plan what goes in the car with you: Toys and games for kids, Special breakable items or collections, Important documents and records, Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day, Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away, Toilet paper, First aid kit, Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
  
• Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
  
• Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
  
• Have your car tuned up, oil changed, and ready for the trip.

The Day Before Moving:

• Defrost, clean, and air out your refrigerator. 
  
• Clean your stove.
  
• Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check.
  
• Check your moving company's payment policies.
  
• Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
  
• Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
  
• Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
  
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
  
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
  
• Get a good night's sleep!

Moving Day!

• Strip your beds.
  
• Moving company - will they disassemble the beds? Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
  
• Get all keys together. Put it in a safe spot. 
  
• Make sure the moving van driver has the correct address, phone number, and directions.
  
• Confirm delivery date with movers.
  
• Check all rooms one last time.
  
• Remember closets and cupboards, the basement and garage!
  
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

Feel free to contact us if we can be of any service!