As you get closer to the date of your move, the preparations that you need to make start to become more intense. Around four to five weeks prior to your move you should draw up a list of the people and organizations that will need to be notified about your upcoming change of address, including family and friends, tax authorities, banks, lawyers, associations, accountants, insurance agents, publications, the Post Office, utilities, credit card companies, clubs, brokers and doctors. You need to create a checklist for your move and make sure that you refer back to it on a regular basis. The checklist should be kept with you at all times and have space for new items to be added as and when appropriate.
If you have any items that you no longer need, get rid of them before the move. This will cut down on the cost of having all your possessions transported to your new home. Items can be donated to charity, sold at a garage sale or simply thrown away if they are not likely to be of any use to anyone. When it comes to packing, you can either hand over the responsibility to the professional moving company that you have decided to hire or you can do it yourself. Doing the packing yourself will reduce the amount of money you have to pay the moving company and you are more likely to know where everything is when the time comes to unpack in your new home; however, you should be aware that your moving company cannot be held responsible for damage to any items that they have not packed, unless under certain circumstances.
If you are making a move to a totally new city, you will need to learn about the requirements for obtaining any professional licenses that you may need. Find out information about the requirements for new driving licenses and auto registration in the state, and make the necessary arrangements to move your banking accounts to your new city. You should arrange for all your utilities to still be functional on the day of the move. Before you leave your home you should request a final reading of the gas, water and electricity meters, and make sure that all the utility companies have your new address and that arrangements have been made for the utilities to be working when you arrive at your new home.
If you are moving long distance you will also need to think about whether to drive your car to your new home or whether to have it shipped there by professional auto movers. If you intend to drive, it is a good idea to have your car serviced beforehand. You will be able to take pets with you in your vehicle if you elect to drive, and it is a good idea to check out which hotels and motels allow pets on your route. Moving your pets via an airline is also an option; however, it should be kept in mind that this can be potentially dangerous, especially for older animals or those of a nervous disposition.
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