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Moving to a new home is an exciting experience and most of us can't wait to set up our new house. Moving has never ranked as one of my most favorite projects so to assist you in not forgetting those little items here is a check list to help you along. Before leaving your present address don't forget the following:

Plan your move carefully. Have a floor plan of you new of your new home to decide what to move and were it will be placed. Consider a garage sale to eliminate those " priceless collectibles" that you really won't use.

Next discuss your move with several moving companies since estimates will vary. There are several commercial sites on the Internet that can help you start the planning. However, just like any other purchase always shop around and ask for references.

Arrange for you final bill with the gas, electric, cable, phone, and newspaper companies. Don't forget all those other services as: lawn service, trash pick-up water softener, and postal service.

Notify your children's school about the move and ask for their files and a status report if you are in the middle of a school year.

If you moving with your appliances have them serviced and if you have a service plan see if it will be in effect at the location that you are moving to.

Ask for your families medical records, dental x-rays, immunization records, medical and eyeglass prescriptions.

Check with your bank to establish service in the new location and if they do not service that area ask for a credit reference letter and have your new bank call your old bank.

Along with that make sure you notify any companies that you have installment payments with to your new location. Some companies require permission to move installment payments, especially if they are out of state.

Speak with your attorney to see if your will and other legal documents will transfer if you are moving out of state.

Plan to get some insurance estimates on household and personal possessions during the move.

Pick-up a moving package from the US Postal Service that will have forwarding cards for family, friends, businesses and magazines.

Notify any employer of your address change so you receive you W-2 forms on time at tax time.

Contract the major credit agencies for transfer of credit files. Several agencies offer on line credit reports and you might want to check them out. EQUIFAX is an example; you can try them at http://www.equifax.com.

for more information. There are numerous Internet companies that can supply you with on line credit reports however; you should shop around since some charge more than others.

Check with your insurance company to make sure that your antiques and valuables are properly covered and that your appraisals are current.

Design a plan for your trip and make sure that you have lodging reservations in place and be sure to arrange a sufficient amount of cash or traveler checks for the trip and moving services.

Just like on a vacation, pack an arrival kit with necessities just in case you mover is delayed.

Before you move ask your Realtor to give you a floor plan of your new home so you will be ready when the movers arrive.

Don't forget to have your vehicles serviced and properly checked before the trip.

Make arrangements with your savings institution to transfer your checking and savings to your new bank if you must change institutions. Note, just because your bank has a location in your new hometown many of these banks have restrictions if you are moving into a different state.

Don't forget to leave all alarm codes and keys for your old home with your Realtor.

Keep good records of all of your moving expenses for tax purposes.

Travel safe and good luck. -Don