Let the movers do the packing for you because they are experts who know how to suit every packing need. And take out liability insurance to cover the move.

Take an inventory of your possessions before the movers come to load your household. You will be asked to sign documents certifying that you received everything in the same condition when you last saw it. That way, when your household possessions arrive at your new home, you will know what condition everything was before the move.

Moving Yourself/Rental Trucks
It’s a good idea to call several rental truck companies for estimates. Most companies will charge a deposit and a fee based on the distance and number of days of the move. On top of those fees, you will be charged a fee per mile traveled and costs for packing materials and accessories. Do not forget comprehensive liability insurance to cover the rental truck.

Moving Costs
The actual transportation of your belongings will make the largest financial dent, but there are usually other expenses as well. Consider the costs of travel, food and lodging for you and your family, selling your home, searching for a new home and any temporary housing as you wait to move into your new home.

Save all receipts of expenditures related to moving and consult with your tax preparer about possible tax deductions.

Postal Services
When you move, the local Post Office can provide you a change-of-address form. The form will require your name, old and new addresses, and the date the mail should start being forwarded. If you do not have a place to live yet, you can arrange for a P.O. box for temporary delivery of your mail. Remember to notify magazine publishers, banks and others of your change of address.

Utilities
When moving into a new home, hooking up electricity, gas and telephone service are a necessity. Thumbing through a phone book to find the right utility takes time. Adding to the confusion, residents have the chance to select the provider from which to order service.

Electricity: Because of deregulation, Southern California Edison Co. no longer owns and manages all functions of providing electricity to Ventura residents. However, Edison is still the only electrical delivery provider, so call Edison at 800/684-8123 to turn power on or off. Call the California Public Utilities Commission at 800/253-0500 for the latest list of electrical providers.

Natural Gas: Southern California Gas Co. serves the southern portion of the county. To request a hookup, call 800/427-2200 (English) or 800/342-4545 (Spanish).

Telephone: GTE serves Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Santa Paula. For service, call 800/483-4000 (residential) and 800/483-5000 (commercial). Two to three days notice is needed for connection; if workers must visit the site for installation, allow up to three weeks. Pacific Bell serves Ventura. For service call 800/310-2355.
Trash: Trash collection varies from community to community. Call your local city for information. In most areas, recycling is part of the trash-collection process. Glass, paper, certain metal and plastics are placed in separate containers. The Ventura County Solid Waste Management Department: 805/654-3935.

Fillmore and Santa Paula: Santa Clara Valley Disposal, 1589 Lirio Ave., Ventura, 805/524-3894

Water: Water service is provided by a variety of water companies, special districts and cities. Residents should call their city for information. Also, see the following list of special water districts.

Automobile Registration/Driver’s License
Individuals relocating from out of state will need to know how to register their vehicle and to get a new driver’s license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. For information visit or call your local DMV office, 805/654-4591.

While sometimes driving tests are waived for out-of-state applicants, the DMV will require you to take a written test. To be prepared for the test, pick up a handbook about California laws from the local DMV office. On the day of your test appointment, you must have your old driver’s license and may be asked to show your birth certificate. After you pass the test to qualify for a California license, you will have to give your old license to the DMV.

As new state residents, you have 20 days from the date of accepting California employment to register your vehicle by filling out an application with a DMV official. This process allows the official to inspect your car to make sure the title document describes your vehicle. Then you must take your car for smog inspection and receive a certificate of smog compliance. Finally, you must show proof-of-purchase of insurance, your last out-of-state registration card and a valid California driver’s license. Your registration, valid for one year from that date, must be renewed within 90 days of expiration.

DMV Locations

• Oxnard 4050 Saviers Road 986-3701
• Santa Paula 250 W. Harvard Blvd. 525-3114
• Ventura 4260 Market St. 654-4591

Banking
To find the right new bank, you should learn about what options will best suit your financial needs. Consider your banking habits. Do you use an ATM or a teller to complete your transactions? Do you pay for utilities, food and gas by check, cash or ATM? Do you have your paychecks deposited directly? All banks charge fees for services. Find out which services the banks in your area offer.

Pets
Your pets must be immunized and licensed with Ventura County Animal Care & Control. Ask your local veterinarian about what vaccinations your pet will need. The Oxnard and Santa Paula police departments are responsible for animal control in their cities. For complete information on laws concerning pets, call the Animal Care & Control Office at 805/654-7857.