One Month Before Moving:
Fill out change of address order form for post office.
Fill out an IRS change of address form.
Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up a checking account in your new city.
Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
Start using up food items so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.
Packing Tips:
Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue, tape, tape measure and scissors.
Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly.
Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws.
If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
Carry all valuables with you.
Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
Moving Pets:
Following are tips for moving your pets to their new home.
Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so, remember to take along the following items:
Food
Water
A leash for letting your pet out of the car
Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean
Animals can get carsick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals. To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary.
If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following items:
Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately
before going to the airport.
Last - Your scent is a great tip. Having a piece of cloth with your scent on it can comfort your pet.
