There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a
comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.
 8 Weeks Before Moving
- Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other
important information.
- Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
- Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for
finding online community guides and newspapers.
- Contact your new Chamber of Commerce for their new resident packet.
- Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which function each
room with serve.
- Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates from moving companies.
7 Weeks Before Moving
- Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions
and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider
in your new city.
- Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district
and/or daycare.
- Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.
- Arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred.
- Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for
changing states. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new
home.
- Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how you can
end, sell or transfer your membership.
6 Weeks Before Moving
- Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping
these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
- Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses who need to be notified of
your move.
- Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what
to get rid of. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.
- Think about subscribing to the newspaper in your new hometown to start learning
about events and the local culture.
- Start to use things that can't be moved, such
as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.
5 Weeks Before Moving
- Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
- Start packing items you don't use often. Also start disposing of the items
you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be
sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
- Plan for short-term or long-term storage at destination if needed.
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Reserve your moving company and finalize any
storage companies, special packers and movers for the big day.
- File a change of address. If you are unsure of your new address will be, ask
the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
- Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection
of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect
the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services,
such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
- Make travel arrangements for your pets, do not forget to include necessary
medical and immunization records.
- Advertise and host your garage sale.
- Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.
 3 Weeks Before Moving
- Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items
out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.
- Contact your utility companies on both ends of the move to order dates for
termination or turn-on.
- Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember plants cannot
be loaded with your other household goods.
- Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
- Have your automobile(s) serviced.
- Prepare auto registration to be transferred.
- If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator
on your move day.
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear
out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road"
expenses.
- Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
- Confirm parking for your trailer.
- Notify any creditors of your move.
- Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator and
avoid using appliances that will already be packed.
- Assemble a folder of important information about the house for the new owner
of your home.
1 Week Before Moving
- Finish packing and prepare an "essentials"
box. Designate several boxes and items as "last
load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
- Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene
heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
- Drain water hoses and waterbed.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving
day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
- One or two business days before your move, contact your moving company to
confirm a date and time for the moving truck will be at your home.
- Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of
weeks.
- Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
- Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.
The day before Moving Day
- Take down curtains and curtain rods.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours
to air dry.
- Clean and air your stove.
- Pack your personal belongings except your alarm clock.
 Moving Day
- Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
- Make sure you're at home when the movers arrive, so you can sign an inventory.
- Walk around with the crew chief while he does the inventory.
- Make sure everything is ready for the move.
- Keep your signed bill of lading and inventory in an easily accessible place.
- Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone number.
- Confirm the expected delivery time with the driver.
- Before you leave, do a final walk through of every room.
- Check all closets and cabinets.
After the Move
- Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in
a safe place. Be sure to include your Bill of Lading and delivery receipt. You'll
be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.
- Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.
- Register to vote.
- Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
- Enjoy your new home.
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