A Packing Guide for Your Important Paperwork
No matter how organized your moving plans are going, chances are, something is going to get lost in the shuffle. The act of uprooting everything you own will always cause some degree of chaos, at least temporarily. Misplacing some items may not be such a big deal, but when it comes to your important documents, you can’t afford for any of those to get lost.
In the weeks leading up to your move you should start preparing for the big day. Sort through your belongings to pick out things you may not want anymore, but also put to the side your valuables and documents. With all of these invaluable possessions organized into one place, you can better sort through it all to decide the best way to get it to your new home safely.
If you have any special collections or antiques that will be moving with you, these should also be separated from your other belongings. Bring these types of valuables to the attention of your movers so that they can use their expertise in determining the best way to get them to your new home without any risk of loss or damage.
Organizing Your Documents
While the movers are going to take care of the valuables you have put to the side, you still have the responsibility of organizing your important documents. Start by arranging them into the following categories:
- Identifying Documents – Your state ID or driver’s license is likely in your wallet, but you do have other identification paperwork for the entire family that you don’t want to lose. These include passports, birth certificates, social security cards and student or work id’s. Don’t forget to include your marriage license or any divorce paperwork if applicable.
- Professional Degrees – Your diplomas, certificates and school records will be very important to have, especially if you will be looking for a new job once settled in Miami.
- Your Moving Documents – All paperwork related to the move should be kept together. This should include your home inventory, moving contract, and any checklists that you are working off of as the day gets closer.
- Property Paperwork – This will differ depending on your circumstance, but if you are buying a new home, then all of the mortgage paperwork, the deed, and insurance policies should be together. Renters should have their copy of the lease and any insurance they might have purchased for their possessions. Included with your property paperwork is the title for any vehicles you own, registration cards and any receipts related to your car and its ownership.
- Finances – Banking account information, your tax forms, credit card bills and other monthly bills can be put into a separate pile. Keep the last three month’s worth of utility bills in case there is any discrepancy in the future.
- All Medical Records – Medical and dental information for your entire family will be needed after you move. Don’t forget veterinarian records if there is a four legged friend in your family.
- Children’s School Records – Even if you are just making a local move to the other side of the city, it is good to have your children’s school records, transcripts and past report cards handy.
- Warranty Information – Television sets, cell phones, computers and other expensive electronics often come with some type of warranty. Have these all together in one place with the appropriate sales receipt attached in case something ever does get broken.
- Your Phone Numbers – We have all learned to depend on our smartphones to store our contacts, yet don’t consider the consequences of losing them if the phone is lost. Have a list of your most important numbers on a separate piece of paper, just in case.
An important security measure to take note of – It is probable that you are going to throw some papers away as your sort through them before moving. Any that contain identifying information should be shred in order to avoid an incident of identity theft. Nothing with your full name, social security or banking account numbers should be randomly tossed in the garbage bin.
The Best Way to Move All These Papers
Use separate binders for each category of documents to safely store your paperwork before moving. With the exception of your moving documents and important phone numbers, these binders can all be packed in a box that travels with you. Keep the moving company information and telephone list readily available, just in case an emergency arises.
The binders containing your other important paperwork can be transported inside of a special carrying case. These are found in office supply stores and are designed to hold hanging files and binders safely. This makes it easy to transport all of the paperwork in an organized manner, right inside the trunk of your car.
Having all of your paperwork organized before moving will ensure that nothing is accidentally thrown away or misplaced in the mayhem of moving. It may not seem that important now, but it will be when you suddenly need to show your child’s vaccination records for a new school, but have no idea in which moving box you left it.
