Moving Checklist

SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• List the things you want to move, throw out or give
  away. Be strict: the fewer items to move, the easier
  the job.
  
• Alert the Post Office. Request their special kit designed
  to insure that your mail won't be interrupted.
  
• Request medical, dental and academic records, should
  you be moving out of the area. Make sure that you
  have them all well in advance of the move.
  
• Choose a moving company. Ask for references from
  former clients.
  
• Plan the move. What items should be given special
  attention? How long will the move take? Who can help?
  
• Try to anticipate problems, Will the move take place
  around a holiday? Could weather pose a serious
  problem.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Call the power company and phone company  arrange
  for services you'll need at the new house.
  
• Confirm departure and arrival dates with everyone
  concerned, mover, realtor, relatives, people you are
  buying the home from etc.
  
• Book motel rooms, rental cars etc. if necessary.
  
• Start to pack, begin with valuable , rarely used items.
  
• Make sure all boxes are labeled.
  
• Involve your children in the move, bring them in on
  planning sessions and have them help with packing.
  
•  Do a thorough cleaning of the house.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Transfer bank accounts to your new area if necessary,
  Notify credit card and insurance companies and
  complete any forms required, so special coverage will
  continue.
  
•  Confirm dates and details of new phone and
  electrical/gas services.
  
• Mail change of address cards
  
• Return anything you may have borrowed, and ask for
  important items you may have loaned back by a certain
  date.
  
• Review arrival date and time with people from whom
  you are buying your new house.
  
• Make sure any repairs, changes or additions agreed to
  for the new house are on schedule.
  
• Review your progress in packing. Make a list of items to
  be packed at the last minute.

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING:

• Discontinue all unnecessary services such as water or
  newspaper delivery, garbage collection.
  
• Set date for termination of gas, water, and electric.
  
• Arrange to have the telephone service stopped one day
  after you move.
  
•  Reconfirm all arrangement with new location.
  
• Have gas, water and electric meters read.
  
• Outline the plan for moving day to family and movers. 
  Who will be responsible for what?
  
• Set a schedule and stick to it.
  
• Make a general inspection of your house to determine if
  you've forgotten anything.

ONE DAY BEFORE MOVING:

•  Defrost refrigerator and dry thoroughly to avoid mildew
  
• Pack and label remain items in the house that you have
  been using daily.
  
• If you have animals, farm them out for the move so
  they are not under foot.