Mover's Checklist

1. Arrange for the utilities (gas electric, water, garbage and others) to be turned on in the new house. Do this as early as possible to ensure all the needed services are available as of the day you move in. Request that the water and electric utilities be turned on concurrent with the termination of services by the seller. This way, devices with timers such as sprinkler timers and your irrigation will continue uninterrupted and may avoid the need to “reprogram” such systems and appliances.
2. Order phone service as early as feasible. (In some areas it can take several weeks for a request for new service to be processed.)
3. Get copies of your children's school records from their present schools and deliver them to the new school(s).
4. Get a change of address kit from your post office and notify all companies you deal with by mail (insurance companies, credit cards, magazines) of your address change.
5. Request the post office for your new residence to hold mail for your arrival.
6. If you are moving to a new state, make sure your auto insurance coverage can move with you.
7. Notify the Internal Revenue Service of your new address at the time of your move and again when you file your income tax.
8. If moving within the state, notify the DMV of your change of address. If you are moving into California, register your car and apply for a new driver's license.
9. Have medical records forwarded and be sure to have a supply of current prescriptions to last until you are settled in.
10. Register to vote.
11. Ask the previous resident and/or the real estate listing agent (or the buyer’s agent if they are from the area) for a list of reliable local service people (electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other who are familiar with the property) and where convenient shopping centers are located.
12. If you moving into a guard gated community pick up the paperwork from the guard allowing them to change their owner roster at the gate and HOA’s property management company.
13. Prepare first day survival kit in case you cannot find certain vital items in all of your packed belongings such as: hand soap, towels, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc.