Countdown to Moving Day

Its really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. Its also a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off. Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning and that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your anxiety.

Eight weeks before you move:

Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day.

Remove items from your attic, storage shed, etc.

Start to set up things you can't move, such as frozen food and cleaning supplies.

Contact the chamber of commerce or visitors and tourism bureaus in your new community for information on your new city.

Six weeks before:

If you're moving at an employers request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.

Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on 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.

Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, community and social news and activities.

Locate all auto licensing and registration documents.

If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)

Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.

Four weeks before:

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

Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.

Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.

Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners or renters, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from your local mover. Pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.

Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.

Three weeks before:

Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, don't make plane reservations for the same day that you're moving out. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.