Consumer Rental - Make a list. Check it twice.

Worried about your move? Don’t be. Penske has compiled a comprehensive moving checklist to help you from beginning to end. Five to eight weeks before moving:

• Calculate moving expenses and create a moving expense receipt file
• Verify your belongings are covered through insurance before the move
• Determine the right size Penske rental truck for your move
• Determine any necessary moving accessories—packing supplies, hand truck, etc.
• Appraise valuables specifically insured for the move
• Transfer insurance policies to your new address
• Contact doctor, dentist, pharmacist and vet for referrals
• Request additional refills of vital medications
• Begin using food and cleaning supplies already on hand
• Start cleaning closets, bookcases and other storage areas
• Have a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity
• Reserve storage space if necessary
• Make any long-distance travel arrangements—hotel, etc.

Three to five weeks before moving:

• Reserve your Penske truck and accessories, including packing supplies
• Pick up your packing supplies or order them online for delivery right to your door
• Research and choose a bank at your new location
• Schedule disconnection of utilities
• Contact utility companies in new area to sign up for new service
• Transfer car registration to your new location
• Register your children in their new schools
• Forward children’s school records
• Order mailing labels with your new address
• Determine if there are any pet restrictions at your new location
• Round up people to be a part of the moving crew or hire a professional moving service
• Arrange child care for moving day
• Begin packing nonessential items like books, seasonal clothing or sporting equipment

One to two weeks before moving:

• Transfer or close bank accounts and empty safe-deposit box
• Pick up and complete change-of-address cards from the post office
• Have medical and dental records and prescriptions forwarded
• Subscribe to new local newspapers and community newsletters
• Have your car inspected and serviced
• Get copies of important papers—medical; dental; eyeglass/contact lens records; prescriptions; pet immunization records; passports; marriage license; birth certificates; Social Security papers; and keep copies in a safe place separate from household goods
• Drain all fluids from your lawn mower and power tools and dispose of fluids properly
• Pack all valuables in a small container to move personally
• Pack all nonessentials early and label boxes so you can unload quickly at your new location
• Pack travel bags and confirm any travel arrangements
• Clean appliances, including emptying, defrosting and cleaning refrigerator
• Prepare a comfort bag for moving day that includes items you’ll need on the road—bottled water, snacks, phone charger, tissues, hand cream and personal care items; make one for your pet, too

Day of the move - old residence:

• Make sure all possessions are packed
• Pick up your Penske truck and accessories the day before or day of the move; remember, you’ll need two forms of identification
• Have tools, packing tape and spare boxes on hand
• Be sure to load all your possessions onto your truck
• If you’re towing a car, be sure it’s attached to your truck appropriately with a Penske tow dolly or car carrier
• Pack cleaning supplies, including vacuum cleaner, in a box labeled “First Off”
• Have beverages and snacks on hand for your moving crew

Day of the move - new residence:

• Have beverages and snacks on hand all day
• Make sure fragile items are handled carefully
• Check for any damaged or missing items

One to two weeks after your move:

• Put valuables in safe deposit box at new financial institution
• Have pets licensed
• Change your voter registration, if required
• Contact new medical professionals to ensure documents were delivered
• Verify that new schools received records
• Update driver’s license and car license plates
• Make additional sets of keys and change locks, if necessary