Saint Louis Blog

One Month Before Moving   Obtain an IRS Change of Address form,    call 1-800-829-1040.   Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.· Make any necessary travel arrangements like   airline, hotel, and rental car reservations, or plan your travel route if driving. ·  Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself. ·  Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs. ·  Place legal, medical, and insurance records in    a safe and accessible place. ·  Give-out your new address (using address change notification cards) to:     * Friends and family members     * Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions     * Charge card and credit card companies     * Doctors, dentists, and other service providers     * State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as  needed.     * IRS ·  Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible). ·  Make maps of your new neighborhood to  familiarize yourself and your family with your new area. ·  Plan your moving budget  Two Weeks Before Moving   Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local   telephone and trash removal services of your move.·  Sign up for services at your new address. ·  Sign up for services at your new address.·  Get new cable service for your new home. ·  Cancel old long distance and get new. ·  Recruit moving-day help. ·  Confirm travel reservation. ·  Arrange to close or transfer your bank  account.  The Day Before Moving   Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers.·  Pick up rental truck. ·  Pick up rental truck.·  Check oil and gas in your car. ·  If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.  After Relocating  During the First Week After Moving ·  Locate police, fire stations, hospitals and gas stations near your home. ·  Scout your new neighborhood for shopping areas. ·  Call the Department of Sanitation to find out which day the trash is collected. Also ask whether your new community has recycling programs. ·  Seek out new service providers such as a bank, cleaners, veterinarian. ·  Register to vote. Call your local board of elections. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address. ·  If you have moved into a different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver’s license. ·  Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on: schools, cable service, cultural events and community activities, libraries and parks, and availability of emergency (911) calling services. ·  Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may need to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist. ·  Transfer insurance policies. You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and your coverage. ·  Give your new home a good cleaning. ·  Watch for effects of stress on family members and pets so you can give comfort and a helping hand. Packing Tips   Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:  Boxes, all sizes Bubble wrap or other cushioning material Marking pens Tape measure Furniture pads or old blankets Packing tape and scissors Money and credit cards ·  Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered. ·  Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box. ·  Clearly mark fragile items. ·  Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack. ·  Keep a medical kit accessible. ·  If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.