Papers that should never ride in the truck
A short list of what to carry, copy and update.
On moving day the folder with the documents should travel with a person, not in a truck. Gather these before the packing begins and put them in one bag or box that stays in your own car.
Carry yourself
- Photo identification and Social Security and Medicare cards, or copies if the originals live in a safe place.
- Insurance cards and the current list of medications, doses and doctors.
- Advance directives, medical power of attorney and any financial power of attorney that has been signed.
- Deed, lease or residency agreement for both the old and the new home.
- Recent bank, retirement and pension statements; a list of account contacts.
- Passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate if the move is long distance.
- Keys, garage and gate codes and the contact details for the new building’s manager.
Make copies
Scan or photograph each document and store the copy somewhere separate. Give at least one trusted person a copy of the medical directives and a list of where the originals are.
Change of address
- File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service, and with each agency or company that sends mail you cannot miss: pension, Social Security, banks, insurers, pharmacies.
- Update your address with the Colorado DMV if your driver license or identification card shows the old one.
- Tell your doctors and pharmacy the day you move.
A word on scams. Moves attract unsolicited calls. A real mover never needs a Social Security number or a payment in gift cards. If someone presses you to decide today, hang up and call someone you trust.
Document for the mover
Ask the mover for the written estimate, the contract and its Colorado PUC permit number in one email, and keep it with the other papers. Check the permit on {ext("https://puc.colorado.gov/","puc.colorado.gov")} before you pay a deposit.