Your Organized Life

Okay, I’ve recovered. So, to pick up where we left off and get on with organizing a move:

At least one month before . . .

MAIL
Notify everyone (everyone including the boring places like businesses and government agencies, not just your friends) of your new address. For example:

• banks
• brokerage firms
• your employer’s human resources department
• magazine and newspapers you subscribe to
• credit card, insurance, and utility companies

Fill out a change-of-address form at your post office or online at usps.gov.

BUSINESS

• Make any arrangements you need to with your bank.
• Arrange turn-off dates with delivery services and utility companies here and
• Arrange turn-on dates with those there.
• Forward medical records. Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. And don’t forget to ask for referrals.
• If you’re a renter, notify your landlord of your move and set up an appointment to return your keys.
• If you haven’t already done it, make arrangements to get your news keys..
• If you’re move will be longer than one day, make the necessary travel arrangements.

One month before . . .

LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Start your packing with the things you need and use least (e.g., holiday decorations, the fondue set). Label boxes so you’ll know which room they go in and/or if the contents are especially fragile. If you aren’t taking them yourself, be sure to mark the box(es) you’ll need right away.

NOTE: While you’re doing this, keep a record (in your binder) of items that will require extra insurance from the mover.

SPEAKING OF THINGS YOU’LL TAKE YOURSELF
Plan to transport valuables such as jewelry and important files yourself.

At least 2 weeks before the move . . .

WRAPPING THINGS UP

• Reconfirm your moving date with the mover and make a plan for the packing and moving. It’s better to have this in writing.
• If you’re car needs it, arrange a final check with your mechanic
• If you’re changing banks, get the contents of your safe-deposit box to take with you (in a safe box!).

One week before . . .

• Stock up a two week supply of any prescriptions you’ll need .
• Pack clothing for everyone, enough for a few days.
• Empty and clean your freezer and unplug and (start to) pack away your other appliances.

A few days before . . .

ONE LAST THING
Reconfirm when the moving company will arrive and prepare (written) contact information and directions to your new home for them.

AND FINALLY
Make arrangements for how you’ll pay the movers (e.g., credit card, money order, cashier’s check).

Moving day . . .

BEFORE YOU COLLAPSE
Be sure that the mover who shows up is the one you hired. It sounds obvious, but . . . moving scams do happen.

Before the movers leave, take a quick inventory and be sure you have a copy of your signed paperwork.

Because of the traumatic events associated with previous moves, I have the feeling that I’m “blanking” on some important things that should be on this list. I really want these kinds of posts to be useful, so I plan to update them as appropriate, and I would welcome your suggestions.