Planning your Move ~ Counting Down

Be prepared! A timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. Try to involve the whole family in the move and spread the responsibilities around. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off. As the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure that things get done.

Eight Weeks Before

• Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day.
• Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
• Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new community for information.

Six Weeks Before

• If this is a job transfer, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
• Ask your accountant what moving expenses may be tax-deductible 
• Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year?
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
• Get a subscription to the local paper in your new community.
• Locate all auto licensing and registration documents.
• If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements.
• Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records.

Four Weeks Before

• Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out the cards.

• Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
• Contact utility and related companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. Keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.
• Contact insurance companies (auto, property, medical, life) to arrange for coverage in your new home. 
• Buy packing boxes and paper. Pack items that you will not be needing in the next month.
• Plan a garage sale.

Three Weeks Before

• Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. Don't make plane reservations for moving day. Property closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.

• Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).

• Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

Two Weeks Before

• Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) for the type of weather conditions you will be traveling in.
• If your move involves a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule their use.
• Contact your movers to review and confirm all arrangements.

One Week Before

• Settle any outstanding bills with local stores/suppliers.
• Empty your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books/videotapes, etc.
• Take pets to the vet for any shots. Get copies of pets' records. 
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.) 
• Give away plants not being moved. 
• Give your moving company directions to your new home. (Include your itinerary, cell numbers, etc.)

Two to Three Days Before

• Defrost fridge/freezer. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.
• Disconnect major appliances.  
• Pack a box of personal items that you will need immediately at your new home. Keep this box handy. 
• Set aside those things that you are taking with you so that they don't get loaded on the van in error. 
• Confirm arrival time of the moving van, and clarify any last-minute details.

Moving Day

• Your movers arrive at the agreed upon time. Make sure someone is home to confirm details. 
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water). 
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these - and all related papers  in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.