For Buyers

Move-In Checklist

Remember - many of your moving expenses are tax deductible, so hang on to your receipts. Call the Internal Revenue Service and request "Tax Information On Moving Expenses" to find out which moving expenses you can deduct.
One Month Before Moving
  • Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out for:
    • Banks
    • Insurance companies
    • Credit card companies
    • Magazines and newspapers - to cancel local newspaper delivery
    • Doctors, dentists and other providers - to transfer drug prescriptions
    • Past employer - for W2 forms
  • Take a look around the house.
  • Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.
  • Use up perishable foods
  • Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
  • Prepare a list of what you want to move.
  • Large appliances?
  • Outside furniture?
For full service moves:
  • Get written estimates from several moving companies
  • Will the movers pack for you?
  • What items won't they move?
  • Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
  • Videotape your home and its contents for future reference in case of future claims
For do-it-yourself moves
  • Make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
    • Boxes
    • Packing and masking tape
    • Markers
    • Newspapers
    • Twine
  • Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first including:Dishes, Pots and pans, Alarm clock, Bedding, Special toys, Towels, Light Bulbs, Plates, Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench
  • Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records: Birth, Doctor, Dentist, Legal, Optician, Optometrist, School Documents, Veterinarian
  • Close out your bank accounts
  • Start a new bank account in Boca Raton.
  • Transfer account from current bank?
  • Contact your child's new school; notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
  • Contact the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Request a relocation package.
Two Weeks Before Moving
  • Pack your vital documents in one place: Passports, Military records, Mortgage records, Marriage license, Birth certificates, Vehicle titles, Stock certificates, Insurance papers, Bank records, School records, Medical records
  • Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill: Cable - return box if necessary, Electric, Gas, Fuel, Telephone, Water
  • Make arrangements to connect utilities to your New Home.
  • Make arrangements for cleaning your old home.
  • Inquire about your new Florida's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
  • Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your New Home.
  • Arrange to have a sitter watch your children away from the house on moving day.
One Week Before Moving
  • Dispose of any flammable items: lawn mower gas, snow blower gas, paint aerosol cans
  • Plan what goes in the car with you: Toys and games for kids, Special breakable items or collections, Important documents and records, Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day, Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away, Toilet paper, First aid kit, Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
  • Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
  • Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
  • Have your car tuned up, oil changed and ready for the trip.
The Day Before Moving
  • Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
  • Clean your stove.
  • Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check.
  • Check your moving company's payment policies.
  • Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
  • Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
  • Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
  • Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
  • Take down curtains and curtain rods.
  • Get a good night's sleep!
Moving Day!
  • Strip your beds.
  • Moving company - will they disassemble the beds? Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
  • Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
  • Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions.
  • Confirm delivery date with movers.
  • Check all rooms one last time.
  • Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage!
  • Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
Feel free to contact me if I can be of any service!
BUYER TIPS

Eight Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order

Budget Basics Work Sheet

Eight Ways to Improve Your Credit

Five Factors that Decide Your Credit Score

Your Property Wish List

Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

Tips on Buying in a Tight Market

The Pros and Cons of Condos

Five Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent

Ten Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership

How Big A Mortgage Can I Afford?

Seven Reasons to Own Your Own Home

Five Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

Ten Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Ten Things to Take the Trauma Out of Home Buying

» More buyer articles

Contact us for help buying!

Please enter your requirements below for a complete report on properties which meet your needs. Please include your valid e-mail address for responses.

Your Contact Info

First Name
Last Name
E-mail
Phone

What Are You Looking For?

  
Desirable Towns, Communities or School Districts

Your Address

Address
City

ZIP/Postal Code
Your Message