Buyers: Moving

Now that you have a bottom lined purchase agreement on your Ann Arbor Condo, what should you do next?

One Month before Moving:

    * Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, call 800-829-1040 and ask for form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
    * Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope, etc.
    * 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. For a full list of reliable home service professionals, view our current Preferred Vendor List.
    * Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
    * Obtain a change of address form to tell the post office of your move.
    * Give people or businesses that send you mail your new address:
          o Friends and family members
          o Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
          o Charge card and credit card companies
          o Doctors, Dentists, and other medical providers
          o State and Federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed
          o The IRS
    * 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.
    * Arrange for new cable service for your new home.
    * Inform your phone company of your move. Sign up for service at your new address.
    * Recruit moving day help.
    * Confirm travel reservations.
    * 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 essential items.