Getting ready for the move with Advantage

Congratulations! You are about to become an official member of the thousands of people that have packed up and moved their family to a new home or a new community. Why not do everything you can to make these memories become cherished stories rather than sleep disturbing nightmares? Use this handy checklist as a resource to make this a “smooth move”!

Contact your bank and arrange transfer of your accounts; order checks with new address; clean out your safety deposit box.
Submit change-of-address forms to the post office; mail postcards to friends and creditors.
Organize all important documents in a fire-safe box. Some things you want to include are school records, home purchase/safe papers, will, marriage/divorce papers, pet documents, financial records, stock certificates, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports.

2 Weeks Before the Move

Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take.
Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale; or call a charity for pick-up.
Arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities.
Retrieve and return all borrowed items from neighbors and friends; return library books.

1 Week Before the Move

Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally.
Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.
Disassemble furniture or other items.
Be sure to check yard and sheds for all items to pack.
Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner.
Begin making a “Survival Box” for the move. This should include paper, pens, stamps, envelopes, cellophane & heavy duty tape, scissors, tape measure, paper cups, ziplock bags, paper plates & towels, plastic utensils, facial & toilet tissue, instant coffee or tea, cream/sugar, soap, moist towelettes, aspirin, bandaids, can opener, bottled water, travel alarm, flashlight, small tools kit, trash bags, snacks or drinks, children’s games, address book, spare car keys, phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination.

1-2 Days Before the Move

Clean and defrost refrigerator and freezer.
Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home.

Moving Day

Clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving.
Check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and all appliances are turned off. Leave forwarding address, garage door openers and any keys, if agreed to, for the new owners or renters.
· If your home is going to be vacant when you leave, make sure a relative, neighbor or real estate agent have keys and contact information in the event of an emergency. In addition, notify your insurance agent and the police department that the home will be empty.

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