Guide to House Moving

Plan What to Move

• Start by making an inventory of your current household and personal possessions. This is an opportunity to weed through these items and mark items not worth moving for sale, donation or disposal. A floor plan of the new home will help determine which items you need to move. Don't forget to gather any items stored in safe deposit boxes or rental storage. Mark any valuable items for special packing or transportation.

Fill Out the Paperwork

• Fill out change of address forms for the post office as well as any magazines, organizations or groups you regularly receive mail from. Fill out a change of address form for the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security and any other government agency you deal with. Schedule disconnect dates for any utilities to coincide with the move.

Gather the Documents

• Request transfers of professional records to similar services near your new location. This will include medical records, including dentists and optometrists, as well as lawyers, veterinarians or any other professional you have dealt with. In most cases a signed written request is necessary for the transfer.

Load It Up

• Recruit as many friends and relatives as possible for the actual moving day. Check the truck or trailer for any leaks or other obvious defects before renting the vehicle. Keep areas from one room of the house labeled and together so they end up in the proper room at the new location. Place heavy furniture and appliances on the floor of the trailer or truck bed with boxes and lighter items on the top.