FrontDoor's Moving Guide

Your Records

• Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance policies, and while you have them on the phone -- be sure to ask about coverage while you're in transit.
• Create a designated folder for moving-related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS Web site. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses. To find out what expenses are tax deductible, check out our article on moving expenses.
• Notify old and new schools and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
• Notify doctors and dentists of moves, and seek referrals and collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date; some require written permission for this. Keep these in a safe place.
• Belong to any membership associations? Be sure to transfer membership to your new hometown.

Your Family and Pets

• Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it's renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry. Be sure to arrive well before your movers' scheduled arrival.
• If you're nearing a pet's regular exam, schedule it now, and start getting recommendations for veterinarians in your new town.

Quick Tips

• Contemplate holding a garage sale prior to your move; this will help you reduce the amount of stuff you need to move, and earn some extra cash on the side. Start planning one now, or think of charities that could take your stuff.
• Unless you're buying packing materials new, keep an eye out of for used items that could be used for packing, like old towels and sheets that could be used as packing material. Want an eco-friendly move? Read up on our green moving tips.
• Do you need storage? Start researching your storage options now.

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