Moving Tips

There are things that we don’t think of when we move in or out of a place. These tips will help you know what to do.

One Month Before Moving

  • To obtain an IRS Change of Address form, call 1-800-829-1040 or download (personal form). See all IRS Forms
  • Download Form 8822 and print to help deduct Moving Expenses.
  • Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.
  • If moving far away, 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.
  • Use the Change of Address Order Form to tell the Post Office of your move.
  • Give your mailers your new address:
    • 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–see note and links at the top of this page
  • You can do this by sending them Address Change Notification Cards or, for magazine publishers and business mailers, by following their change of address instructions.
  • 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.
  • Recruit moving-day help.
  • Confirm travel reservation.
  • Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.

The Day Before Moving

  • Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers.
  • Pick up rental truck.
  • Check oil and gas in your car.
  • If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.