Checklist for Buyers

Before You Move:

• Arrange for necessary funds or transfer of funds to close escrow on a timely basis

• Send your forwarding address to the post office and change of address cards to family, friends, magazines, creditors, etc.

• Transfer fire, auto and other relevant insurance coverage to your new home

• On the day of moving, get readings from gas, water, and electric meters

• Contact utility companies in your new city about initiating service, fees and deposits

• Cancel utility services and deliveries at your old address

• Contact your bank about transferring funds and checking accounts to your new city

• Obtain birth, medical and school records
  
• Obtain medical referrals for your new city

• Transfer prescriptions

• Transfer memberships in clubs and civic organizations, if possible

• Arrange safe travel for your pets and plants. Investigate regulations, vaccinations and tags for your new city
  
• Have automobile and appliances serviced for the trip

• Consult with your attorney about wills, if you are crossing state lines

• Decide what to bring and what to part with. Consider a garage sale or donating to your favorite charities

• Design a floor plan for your furniture in your new home. This will make moving in and getting settled much easier for you and your family

• Save the current phone book from your old address, for future reference
  
• Obtain a phone book from your new location. This will come in handy particularly for service inquiries

• Plan your travel itinerary. Be sure to leave a copy with a relative or friend
  
• Investigate registration deadlines for any schools you may be interested in

After You Move:

• Change locks as you're never able to be entirely sure who has had keys to the residence in the past
  
• Register your children with their new school(s)

• Arrange for medical services BEFORE you need them

• Obtain emergency phone numbers for police, fire, poison control etc.

• Adjust your insurance needs, if necessary

• Register all vehicles in order to avoid the risk of penalties
  
• License your animals

• Change the address on your driver's license

• Check the pilot lights on your new gas appliances

• Verify telephone, electrical, water, gas and other services. Introduce yourself to your postman

• Have appliances, such as the refrigerator, washer/dryer, and dishwasher checked for damage

• Set aside enough time for installing your personal computer, television, and other home electronics

• Seek out a place of worship

• Register to vote