Bill White

Important Checklist Items and places to notify:

• Electric, power, water and gas companies
• Local and long distance telephone, television and cable companies
• Magazine subscriptions and book clubs
• Religious organizations
• Investment Adviser and Stockbroker
• House and car Insurance companies
• Banks and Credit card companies
• Sports club
• Arrange the shut-off and start-up of utilities so that you will not to be without electricity, water, gas or phone services. (Give yourself one or two days on both ends to compensate for potential delays.)
• Send out address change notices to friends and family.

Common things people forget to do:

• Advising subscriptions.
• Cleaning supplies after movers have loaded everything.
• Garage door opener (remember to leave it behind).
• Keys (gather up all house keys and leave for new home owner).

Packing Materials and Techniques Checklist

• Sturdy boxes and Packing tape
• Use newspaper, old blankets, pillows and clothing to serve as a buffer between breakable objects
• Styrofoam packing peanuts or Bubble wrap
• Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (ie: kitchen, bathroom). Mark the room destination on the tip and at least one side of every carton. Be as specific as you can.
• Put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.
• Don’t apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.
• Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.
• Do not pack up valuables such as jewelry, money or important legal documents.
• Take them with you in your car.

Priority Items Checklist

• Make sure the items you need most are loaded LAST.
• Pack essential items that you will need for the first 24 hours in your new home and take them in your car.
• A change of clothes for each person
• A towel and toothbrush for each person
• Prescriptions and other personal items