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Guide to Moving

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Our Vermont moving guide aims to simplify the process with a comprehensive moving checklist that covers everything from packing tips to settling into your new neighborhood. These tips will help you stay organized and reduce stress when relocating to Vermont. Consider making a checklist for each week leading up to your move.

Before You Leave

  • Post Office: Give forwarding address, find out the date that forwarding expires.
  • Address Change Notification or Termination of services
    • Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks.
    • Charge Accounts, Credit Cards.
    • Friends and Relatives.
    • Utilities and other services - Gas, electric, water, telephone, cable or satellite, fuel, garbage, laundry, newspaper
    • Insurance: Notify appropriate company of new location for coverage: Life, Health, Fire and Auto
  • Get refunds on any security deposits made to businesses in the area. Cancel memberships at video rentals, etc.
  • Banking
  • Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city.
  • Arrange credit references.
  • Ask Doctor and Dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays.
  • Obtain birth records, medical records, medical, dental, & prescription histories
  • Pets: Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags. Transfer pet records.

And Don't Forget To:

  • Plan the use of foods, so you are not moving it with you.
  • Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place a box of baking soda inside to dispel odors.
  • Have appliances serviced for moving.
  • Remember arrangements for TV and cable.
  • Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped.
  • Pick-up items sent out for repair, or dry cleaning.
  • Check with your Moving Company regarding: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
  • Plan for special care needs of infants or pets and plants.

On Moving Day

Whether you're a seasoned mover or this is your first time, our tips for first-time movers in Vermont will help make the day go smoothly. If you're handling the move yourself, consider a Vermont moving truck rental to transport your belongings.

  • Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses, quick available refunds and emergencies.
  • Carry jewelry and important documents yourself, or use registered mail.
  • Plan for transporting pets; they are poor traveling companions, if unhappy.
  • Let a close friend or relative know your schedule and route you will travel including overnight stops; use them as message headquarters.
  • Double-check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
  • Leave all old keys needed by the new owner with Realtor®.
     

At Your New Address

  • Obtain certified check or cashiers check necessary for closing Real Estate Transactions.
  • Check on utilities and services: telephone, gas, electricity, water, and garbage.
  • Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace.
  • Get appliances checked.
  • Ask Mail Carrier for mail he or she may be holding for your arrival, and give the postal service your new residence information.
  • Visit local DMV for driver's license and registration changes.
  • Some states require you to register your car within five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
  • Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership.
  • Visit city offices and register for voting.
  • Register family in your new place of worship.
  • Register children in school.
  • Arrange for medical services: Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, etc.

Once you've moved in, take time to explore your local Vermont neighborhood amenities, such as parks, restaurants, and shopping centers. Familiarizing yourself with your new area will make settling into the Vermont community easier.

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