* Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:
- Friends and family
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Credit card companies
- Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery
- Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions
- Past employer forms
* Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.
* Use up perishable foods
* Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
* Prepare a list of what you want to move. Large appliances? Outside furniture?

* For full service moves:
- Get written estimates from several moving companies
- Will the movers pack for you?
- What items won't they move?
- Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims

* For do-it-yourself moves
- Make arrangements for truck rental and moving help,
- Buy packing supplies: Boxes, Packing and masking tape, Markers...
- Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in.
- Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first.

* Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
- Birth
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Legal
- Optician, optometrist
- School - make sure you get one with a raised seal.

* Close out your bank accounts:
- Checking
- Savings
- Safe Deposit Box

* Start a new bank account in your new town.
* Transfer account from current bank?
* Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
* Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package.

2 Weeks Before Moving

* Pack your vital documents in one place:
- Passports
- Mortgage records
- Marriage license
- Birth certificates
- Vehicle titles
- Stock certificates
- Insurance papers
- Bank records
- School records
- Medical records
- Tax records

* Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
- Cable - return box if necessary
- Electric
- Gas
- Internet access
- Telephone
- Water

* Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
* Make arrangements for cleaning
* Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
* Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.
* Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

1 Week Before Moving

* Dispose or drain any flammable items: Lawn mower gas, Snow blower gas.
* Plan what goes in the car with you:
- Toys and games for kids
- Special breakable items or collections
- Important documents and records
- Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
- Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean your new home right away
- Toilet paper
- First aid kit
- Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
* Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
* Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
* Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving

- Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
- Clean your stove.
- Make sure you have payment ready for the mover
- They will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.
- Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
- Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
- Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
- Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
- Take down curtains and curtain rods.
- Get a good night's sleep!

MOVING DAY!

- Strip your beds.
- Moving company - will they disassemble?
- Show movers around.
- Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
- Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
- Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
- Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

Home Buying Process

1:	Get free consultation
2:	Decide to buy
3:	Get your loan approved
4:	Shop for a home
5:	Make an offer
6:	Get a home inspection
7:	Clear required conditions
8:	Sign final paperworks
9:	Move in

Buying a Home

1:	Home Buying Tips
2:	Home Shopping Tips
3:	Choose a Neighborhood
4:	Reasons to Buy a Home
5:	Role and Responsibilities
6:	Negotiation Strategies
7:	Choose a realtor
8:	Move in Process

Links
	How much home?
	Rent or Buy?