Eight (8) Weeks Before You Move

Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what         household goods you want to keep.

Begin an inventory of all household goods.

Seek estimates from several moving companies.

Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your         homeowners, or rental policy to determine whether your     possessions are covered when moving.

Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.

Arrange to transfer children's school records. Choose a mover

 Six Weeks Before You Move

Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.

Fill out post-office change of address cards.

Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, credit card         companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.

Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.

 Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

 Four Weeks Before You Move

 Clean out your closets, attic, and basement. Discard items not longer in use or those things     no longer needed.

 If you have a large number of items to discard, consider having a garage sale or donating     unwanted items to charity. If you make such donations remember to keep your receipts as     these donations are tax deductible.

 Consider carefully if you want to ship your major appliances. You may not want to ship a gas     stove to an all electric home. Check to see if your appliances are appropriate for your new     home before you move.

 Make an itemized list of all household goods you plan to ship.

 Try not to ship canned goods as they are heavy and take up valuable space.

 Frozen foods cannot be shipped safely so use them up before your move.

 Be sure to notify the post office of your change of address as well as publishers (magazines,     newsletters and journals).

 Provide your new address and your date of relocation. Notify all regular services such as     security companies and gardeners of your expected departure date.

 Make arrangements to collect all advanced deposits or security deposits on utilities or rentals.

 Before departure collect all deposits on utilities/rentals.

 Check your homeowners insurance. You may be able to apply any existing balance to your     new residence.

 Be sure to have your insurance company cover your new home immediately.

 Transfer your child's school records to his/her new school.

 Plants cannot be shipped as household goods. You must make other arrangements to move     them or consider getting new plants at your new location.

 If you have pets to move consult with your veterinarian as to the best way to relocate them.

 Check your membership in any clubs or organizations. You may be able to transfer your     membership to a branch at your new location.

 Two Weeks Before You Move

 Notify your utility companies of your move and confirm the exact date to discontinue service.     Contact utility companies at your new location and confirm start date for service to your new     home. Remember any disruption in utility service may lead to additional expenses such as     hotel bills or the cost of dining out.

 Don't forget to clean out school and gym lockers.

 Ask your current doctor for referrals in your new area. Arrange for the transfer of all your     medical records, and make copies of your prescriptions. If a family member requires therapy     arrange for continuation of treatment in your new location.

 Arrange for the transport of your high-value items including the contents of your safe deposit     box. DO NOT ship high-value items with your moving company. You may choose to carry them     with you or ship them by insured/certified mail.

 Review your insurance coverage to insure you are properly covered in your new home.
 
 One Week Before Your Move

 Make sure your lawn mowers, chain saws, and snow blowers are completely drained of gas     and oil. Any gas grills and heaters should be empty as well.

 Keep all receipts of moving expenses for tax purposes.

 Remove drapes and hang on hangers in your closet. On moving day the movers will pack     them in special wardrobe cartons.

 Pack linens in a dresser for easy access on your first night in your new home.

 It's a good idea to pack a box with essentials you will require on your last day in your old home     and on your first day at your new one. This box of essentials should be loaded last so as to     come off the truck first at destination.

 Don't forget to defrost your refrigerator and freezer at least a day before you move.
 
 One Day Before Your Move

 If you have hired a crew to do your packing they will usually arrive a day before the actual     loading of the truck. Make sure you are on hand to supervise the packing of your household     goods.

 Label each carton with the name of the room it belongs in at destination.

 Make sure your fragile items are given special attention and packed appropriately.

 Make sure all keys are available on moving day…mail box, front gate, back gate, parking     access etc.