8 Weeks Before Moving Day

• If you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies, and choose the one that is best suited to your needs. If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies. Be sure to reserve in advance.
• Complete the necessary forms if your move is due to employer relocation.
• Draw up a floor plan of your new home to help you decide what to take and what to dispose.
• Use up things that can't be moved - such as the food in your freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning supplies.
• Contact the chamber of commerce in your future location, and start gathering information about your new home town.
• Discuss the move with your children. The move will be easier the more informed everyone is.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Go to the post office and obtain a change of address kit, and start filling out the cards. Don't forget about changing the address on magazine subscriptions, catalogs, creditors, etc.
• Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery, and the claims procedure with your mover.
• If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you'll need. (Many truck rental companies will provide this service.)
• Do-it-yourselfers should take stock of non-boxable items. Add 15 percent to their combined cubic feet, (along with total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded,) to figure the size of the truck you'll need.
• Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records. Ask your physicians for colleague recommendations in your new city.
• Notify your local utilities to have your service turned off after your departure. Contact utilities in your new city for connections.
• Contact pharmacies for copies of your prescriptions.
• Inventory all of your possessions now. Determine what can be sold, and what can be donated for a tax deduction to charity.
• Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, or carpets that need it.
• Hold a garage sale. Use the extra cash to splurge a little on your new place.

2-3 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Assemble packing materials and begin any packing you are doing yourself.
• Make arrangement for servicing of your appliances both at your current home and you new home.
• Plan your trip to your new destination. Contact travel club for route maps. Make travel accommodations. Have your car serviced.
• Make any special arrangements to move pets, such as purchasing airline reservations and traveling containers. Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet.
• Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new branch location.
• Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts you are closing.
• Inform your current long distance phone company of your move and make arrangements for new telephone service.
• Dispose of anything that is flammable or could possibly leak.
• If you are driving, have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Make sure tires are in good shape and all fluids are at adequate levels.
• If you're shipping an automobile:
  • Plan to have the gasoline tank less than 1/2 full.
  • Make sure there is sufficient antifreeze in the cooling system
  • Make sure there is also sufficient oil so the engine will not be damaged when started.
• Do some nice thing for you and your family:
  • Visit special people and places that hold fond memories.
  • Have a going away party.
• Cancel delivery services.

The Week Before Moving Day

• Determine what items you're taking with you on the move. Make sure all laundry is complete before the appliance service man is expected. Begin packing.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned, keep in protective cleaner bags.
• Make sure all items that are traveling with you are clearly labeled.
• Drain the fuel from lawn-mowers and other power equipment.
• Use up your frozen food supply . . . or give to a neighbor.
• Pack a box of things you'll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. This might include "non-aerosol" cleaning items, disposable plates and cups, light tools, snacks, bathroom items and trash bags.
• Take your last complete inventory of the items you're having moved.
• If you will need a babysitter, arrange for moving day service.
• Return library books and videotapes.

The Day Before Moving Day

• This is usually the day packing is done. Make sure all packing services have been performed before you sign for them.
• Organize the things you'd like to have kept together in your new home.
• Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van.
• Pack clothing and toiletries to go with you; take a day or two's extra clothes in case of a delay.
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
• Arrange to have cash, a certified check, or money order ready to pay the driver on delivery day.

Moving Day

• Make sure your family gets a good breakfast
• Do-it-yourself movers should pick up the truck early.
• Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
• Let the mover know where you can be reached.
• Make sure your new address and phone number are correct on the bill of lading.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and that no leave-behind appliances are running.
• Leave your new address in the house so your real estate agent or the new owners of your home can forward your mail.
• Now you can concentrate on getting yourself to your new home.