Moving Guide

8 Weeks Before Moving

• Make a file to keep track of receipts, estimates and other important information that may be tax deductible.
• Check with your accountant to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
• Start research! Your new community should be researched to find out everything you will need to know before moving. The Internet is a great resource for finding online community guides and newspapers.
• Contact local Chamber of Commerce for their new resident packet.
• Make a floor plan of your new home so that you can decide which purpose each room with serve.
• Make a budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates.

7 Weeks Before Moving

• Start compiling medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
• Talk to the schools to have your children’s records transferred to their new daycare and/or school district.
• Make sure you have copies of any legal and financial records you need.
• Arrange transfer of veterinarian records for your pets.
• Contact your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing states. Arrange for insurance for your new home and ask if moving is covered.
• Contact clubs or 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 that 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 junkyard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
• Start pinpointing a "packing date" for your mover.
• Plan for short-term or long-term storage at destination if needed.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• 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 your moving company packing date and drop off date.
• 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 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. Mark several boxes and items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
• Drain all oil and gas from your equipment. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, mowers, etc. need to be empty as well.
• Drain waterbed and water hoses.
• Empty and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
• Fill any medications or prescriptions you have.
• Make arrangements for childcare on moving day.
• Tell friends and family of your new address and phone number.

Day of your Move

• Pack all bed linens.
• Have all keys gathered in one place for transfer.
• Go over the moving process with the crew chief while he does his final inventory.
• Keep your bill of lading in a safe place and easily accessible.
• Confirm the expected arrival time and delivery address with the driver.
• Go on the final walkthrough of every room in your house being carefully check all closets and cabinets.