As you count down to the day of your move, use our checklist to keep track of progress:

Two Months
Six Weeks
One Month
Three Weeks
One Week
A Few Days
Moving Day
At Your New Home
Packing Tips For Your Move

Two months before

• Make an inventory of your possessions.
• Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, closets and other storage areas.
• Decide which items you want to keep and which you'd like to donate or sell.
• Get estimates from three moving companies.
• Call your insurance agent to find out if your move is covered.
• Try to use things that you won't be taking with you like cleaning supplies and frozen foods.
• Create a file for all moving papers and receipts.
• Find out if any part of your move is tax-deductible.
• Arrange to have children's school records transferred.
• Important Items To Collect For Your Move
  • Boxes
  • Plastic bags
  • Newspapers
  • Packing tape
  • Markers
  • Bubble wrap
  • Tissue paper

Six Weeks Before

• Get information on health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location.
  
• Complete a change of address card at the post office for the following:
  
  • Banks
    
  • Charge cards
    
  • Doctors and dentists/HMO
    
  • Friends and relatives
    
  • IRS/Social Security Administration
    
  • Insurance broker, lawyer, CPA and stockbroker
    
  • Religious organizations
    
  • Magazines
    
  • Schools
    
• Hold a garage sale or donate items to charities.
  
• Choose a mover -- Don't forget to ask them about insurance coverage.

One Month Before

• Begin packing.
• Contact gas, electric, water, telephone, cable TV, trash collection and other services for disconnect and connect at your new addresses. Also, ask for final billings.
• Notify your gardener and any others who work regularly on your home.
• Gather car licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation.
• Request refunds on unused renter's or homeowner's insurance and any prepaid services.
• Notify landlord and request security deposit refund.
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair and cleaning if necessary.
  
• Arrange to close current bank accounts and open them in new locations (if applicable).

Three Weeks Before

• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address.


• Make your travel plans (if applicable).
• Arrange for childcare on moving day.

Two Weeks Before

• Review arrangements with the moving company.
• Arrange special transport for pets, plants, jewelry and other delicate items.
• Service your car if you're planning a long trip.


• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Get a copy of pet records from veterinarian.

One Week Before

• Pick up dry cleaning, return library books and rented videos, etc. Settle all outstanding bills with local retailers.
• If you're on prescription medication, be sure to have two weeks' worth.
  
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
  
• Prepare detailed directions to both old and new homes for your moving company. Include an itinerary with emergency numbers.

A Few Days Before

• Finish packing.
  
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
  
• Disconnect all major appliances.
  
• Contact your moving company for any updates.
  
• Pack first night items. These include: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.
• Pack your Mover's Survival Kit:
  Scissors, utility knife, masking and/or duct tape, coffee, coffee maker and paper cups, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pen and notepad, local phone books, trash bags, shelf liner, and aspirin or ibuprofen.

Moving Day

• Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Record all utility meter readings.
• Stay until your movers are finished.
• Complete information on the bill and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.
  
• Keep your copies of the bill and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
  
• Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
  Give movers the directions to your new home and an emergency number (like a cell phone number) where they can reach you.

At Your New Home

• Be at your new home to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions.
• Unpack first night items.
  
• Account for your items with your inventory sheet.
  
• Check for damaged or missing items.
  
• Pay for movers.
  
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
  
• Go to the post office and collect held mail.
  
• Breathe deep. You're home at last!

Packing Tips For Your Move

1. Label your boxes as you pack them including where they should go in your new home.
   
2. Pack heavy items in small boxes.
   
3. Wrap breakables in newspaper, bubble wrap, clothes or towels.
4. Leave lamps, china, and artwork and other breakables for professional movers to pack.
   
5. Don't overstuff boxes, leave some extra room at the top.
   
6. Never pack jewelry, important papers or medicine.
   
7. Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances. Don't tape furniture doors and drawers - tape damages them.