Moving can be very exhausting & stressful, and most people dread the entire process. Some simple planning can help greatly. Below are a few tips to make you move easier and more efficient:

One Month Before Moving:

• Be sure to complete a chance of address form with the US Postal Service. This can be done free of charge by completing a change of address for at your local post office, or online at www.usps.com for $1.00
• Fill out an IRS change of address form (Form 8822). This can be found at www.irs.gov
• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck, and, make travel arrangements.
• If moving a long distance, you might want to obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
• Take and inventory of your things while you pack in the event you need to file an insurance claim later if something happened during your move. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment and high dollar items.

Two Weeks Before Moving:

• Reserve elevator if necessary when moving to / from a high-rise building
• Set up utilities so that they available on the day you move. You can sometimes save money when changing the utilities over to your name instead of letting them turn off and having the switched on again. Some utilities require you to scheduling an appointment with a technician, so plan ahead. Try www.moveutilities.com to find various utility providers and order utilities online. Also, see the link to the utilities page on our website. RPMG, Inc. will often give you a grace period for utilities, so be sure you ask ahead of time.
• If you use a local bank, close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank (be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments being processed)
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you will be covered through your renter's policy during the move. If not, be sure to obtain renters insurance for the new rental home that will cover you during the move.
• Give a friend or relative your travel schedule just to be safe.

On Moving Day:

• Double check all closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, and other valuables, or use registered mail.
• Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds without the risk of using cash.
• After Arriving At New Home:
• If you are moving to a new state be sure to change your driver's license and auto tags. (in Georgia you are required to change your driver's license and tags within 30 days).
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage and renters insurance.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home

Packing Tips:

• Keep supplies handy for packing like: Boxes, marking pens, bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, tape, scissors, etc.
• Moving boxes of all sizes and purposes can be purchased at most truck rental locations or from moving companies. Special boxes are available for packing dished, glasses, or hanging clothing. You can also save money by asking for free boxes at your local grocery store.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate any info that will help with unpacking such as: - Contents - Which room it should go in - Whether it is fragile - If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion contents with packing material like bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, etc. Using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items can help you save room.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move
• Pack medicines in a leak-proof container, and carry any medications you need with you at all times.
• Carry all small valuables with you
• If moving plants, check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.