Moving can turn our lives a little sideways, particularly when we’re crossing state lines and time zones. In instances where we’ll likely be away from the majority of our stuff for hours, days or even weeks, it’s critical to have important documents on hand in the event they’ll be needed along the way. And of course, knowing precisely where our records and identification are in times of transition can give us peace of mind even when everything else is on the move. (Just for kicks: do you know where your passport is?)

At Moveline, we’ve seen more than our fair share of moves, and we’ve got plenty of tips for avoiding small mishaps — not to mention keeping small mishaps from becoming big ones.

Here’s a list of documents to keep with you and yours during a move… just in case:

• Driver’s licenses, ATM cards and credit cards
• Passports and visas
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates
• Medical records pertaining to any conditions that could pose a risk during the move
• Kids’ doctors’ numbers written or printed on paper and easily accessible (in a purse or wallet)
• Most recent vet checkup report for pets traveling with you, including all updated vaccination documents
• Vehicle registration records and auto insurance cards
• Lease copies/mortgage documents from both your old and new homes, neatly ordered and accessible
• A list of important phone numbers written down in case, heaven forbid, phones lose juice or go missing
• Business cards, if you make a habit of handing them out regularly
• Checkbooks, if you still use them

As with anything in life, little emergencies can happen at any time, but during a move, since our belongings can be rendered inaccessible for long periods of time, a little planning and preparation can go a long way toward mitigating stress and frustration if things don’t run as smoothly as we’d like. Take a moment a few days (or weeks) before a move to set these documents aside and alleviate headaches before they start.

Wherever your move might take you in the US, let Moveline help. We offer free services to make your move as painless as possible, from simplifying the inventory process to obtaining fair, accurate quotes from reputable movers on your behalf. Let one of our Move Captains oversee the process from start to finish, helping you ease your way from your old home to your new one. Start planning a move on our homepage today.