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.
• Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates.
• Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides. Also check out "Places Rated Almanac" by Rand McNally at your local Library
• If you will be needing temporary housing, or interim lodging or furnished apartment with a kitchen begin your search at this time.  Not all extended stay facilities offer the same amenities and the prices vary considerably.
• If using a moving company, contact several companies for quotes on the prices.

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.
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. 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 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.
• Plan to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.
• Refine your search for your temporary housing or extended stay hotel if needed.

5 Weeks Before Moving

• Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
• If using a trailer, start pinpointing a "drop date" for your trailer. This will be the day you receive your trailer and have it left for loading.
• Plan ahead for parking. Remember you'll be either have a large trailer and will need space for up to 2 business days or someplace for the moving truck to be parked while the company moves your belongings. Contact your property manager or local authorities to ensure you will be complying with any rules or restrictions.
• Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• If using a trailer, reserve your trailer. This can be done as late as one week before your move, but can go more smoothly with an earlier notice. If you will need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.
• File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
• Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
• Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.
• Make your reservation for your temporary housing, motel alternative, extended stay hotel or corporate housing.

3 Weeks Before Moving

• Make sure all library books have been returned and that all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up.
• 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.
• Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember plants can be difficult to move.
• Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
• Have your automobile(s) serviced.

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.
• If using a trailer confirm parking for it.

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.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
• If using a trailer, one or two business days before your move, contact your trailer company to confirm a time to receive your trailer if it is being delivering it.
• Confirm your reservation for your temporary housing, motel alternative, extended stay hotel or corporate housing, giving the facility your date and  time of arrival.

Moving Out

• If using a trailer, inspect it for cleanliness and leaks before signing for delivery.
• You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded in your trailer. Be familiar with your shipper's policy or personally supervise hired labor.
• Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.
• Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.
• Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
• Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and "whereabouts" in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

Moving In

• If using a moving company, you are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected.
• Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
• Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
• Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
• After your goods are unloaded, return your trailer if you used one. Be sure to remove all debris, leaving only what came in it in the trailer.

After the Move

• Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. 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.

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