Moving timeline: Six weeks before the move.

Make an inventory of all the items you want to move.

Organize a garage sale or call your favorite charity to clean out items you do not want to move.

Get estimates from several moving companies and select your mover. Make sure you find out the expected form of payment from the mover.

Start packing NOW. Start with items that are stored in your attic or basement, that aren't used often.

Contact your insurance agent to transfer or cancel your coverage.

Check with your employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay for.



Moving timeline: Four weeks before the move.

Notify mail, magazines subscriptions, newspaper delivery, etc. of your change of address.

Get records of your pet's medical history and immunizations from the veterinarian.

Contact utility companies for refunds of your deposit and set turn-off dates.
Service power vehicles, snowmobiles, etc. Drain all gas/oil in motorized vehicles to prevent a fire.

Obtain all family records and prescriptions from your doctors, dentist, or other health professionals.

Get your children's school records.

Move your valuables to a safe deposit box to prevent loss during the move.

Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (some moving companies will not move plants).


Moving timeline: One week before the move.

Transfer or close all your checking and savings accounts.

Have your automobile(s) serviced.

Fill out Post Office change of address forms and give to the postmaster. Visit the Post Office's websites for more information, www.usps.gov and www.usps.gov/moversnet.

Empty your freezer and plan use of foods.

Defrost the freezer and clean refrigerator. Use baking soda to dispel any odors.

Arrange for sufficient cash or travelers' checks to cover moving expenses.

Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal / family travel.

Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely.

Plan for special needs of children and pets.

Arrange to have utilities turned on at your new address.

Remove valuables from the safe deposit box before moving day so they aren't left behind.



Moving timeline: Moving Day!

Get plenty of rest the day before the move.

Have food and beverages available at both ends of the move. You'll need it.

Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Don't leave until the movers have gone.

Carry jewelry and valuable documents yourself, or use registered mail.

Stay with the moving van driver to oversee the inventory.

When the movers arrive, show them which items you want loaded last, first, etc. or which items you don't want loader at all.

Be sure to tell packers and /or drivers about fragile or precious items.

Take a final tour of your apt. or home. Double check every single closet, drawer, and shelf to be sure that they are empty.

Approve and sign the Bill of Lading. If possible, accompany the driver to the weigh station.

Double check with the driver to make certain the moving company records show the correct delivery address and date of delivery. Give your driver phone numbers both here and in the new community to contact you in case of a problem.

Get complete routing information from the driver and phone numbers where you can call the driver or the company while en route.

Disconnect all utilities.

Lock all the doors and windows.

Leave the keys with apt. manager, homeowner, realtor, or neighbor.

Let close friends and relatives know you route, including any potential overnight stops.

Carry cashier checks or travelers' checks for quick available funds.



Moving timeline: After you arrive.

Check on service of utilities at your new address.

Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace.

Have new address recorded on driver's license or obtain a new one.

Register your car within 5 days after arrival in new state, to avoid penalty.

Register children in school.

Obtain phone numbers for emergencies, such as fire/police, and the nearest hospital.

Register to vote.



Packing Tips.

Get many small boxes instead of a few large boxes. A large box filled with your possessions will be much heavier to move and carry than a small light box.

When packing place large heavier items in the box first, then put light items on top.

Label contents on the outside of each box and indicate where it will go in your new home. This will save you time when looking for something at your new home.

Write FRAGILE in large, legible letters on any boxes that contain breakable or valuable items.

Pack all breakables and liquids separately.

Seal all medicines and other containers to prevent leaking and/or move them to leak-proof bags or containers.

To conserve space, fill drawers with light items such as shirts, underwear, blankets, pillowcases, etc.

Transport you plants, and pets personally, if possible. Make sure pets are kept in a well-ventilated cage.

Hard-to-replace or extremely valuable items such as jewelry, documents, or artwork should also remain under your supervision.


Moving with Children.

Parents, take heart. Your children may not be as excited about you upcoming move at first, but they generally adjust quicker that us. A child's reaction (depending on his or her own age level) may range from great happiness and anticipation to fear, sadness, or even denial. If you try to empathize with your child's feelings rather than change them--you life will be a lot easier.

Encourage your children to collect mementos of your former place of residence. Make sure you include an address/ autograph book if you child is old enough to use one. Scrapbooks and photo albums also serve as special reminders of "the old house".

Prepare you children for your new home and area by doing some of the following:

Use a map to draw a line of travel from your old home to the new one.

Plan some day trips and/or places to visit in your new area.

Reassure you child that you may visit their new school with them and help them get settled.


Most of all, keep a positive attitude (and a smile ready). A sense of humor and feelings of positive expectation on your part can turn any move into an exciting adventure for your children.