Serving many clients over the years; I've compiled a comprehensive list for a stress-free move to the new home. Please feel free to print out and have the list handy.

6 to 8 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• If you are using movers, get a few estimates from moving companies you can find here.
• If you are moving by yourself, get a few estimates from at least two truck rental companies.
• Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
• Arrange to transfer school records and check enrollment in schools.
• Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter.
• Start with basement, garage, attic, and other storage areas.
• Start a file for all of your moving paperwork – estimates, receipts, bills and so forth.
• Chose the truck rental company: Budget, UHaul, Penske, etc
• Get your new home ready: Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, etc.
• Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.
• Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
• Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
• Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
• Clean all closets and drawers, vacuum the floors.
• Start using foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Schedule to disconnect all utility services at your old home and connection at the new home.
• Set to disconnect the day after you leave and to connect the day before you arrive.
• If you have “last month” deposits with services remember to request your refund.
• If you are moving by yourself, reserve a rental truck: Budget, UHaul, Penske, etc.
• Obtain packing materials and start packing items not needed right away at a new home.
• Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
• Check your insurance policy to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
• Collect your important records: Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
• If moving to another state: Prepare auto registration for transfer.
• If you are moving in/out of an apartment or condo, arrange for the use of the elevator.
• Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
• Hold your moving sale – make space for new furniture and things.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day:

• Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
• Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
• Cancel newspaper delivery and any reoccurring subscriptions.
• Notify employer, banks and all creditors of your move.
• Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
• Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
• Change your address: One week before your move
• Send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
• Pick up laundry – laundry tickets are easy to misplace.
• Ask for your laundry things by name and not just by the receipts you have.
• Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID's, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids.
• Pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items, to have handy at the new house.

1 Day Before Moving Day:

• Set aside anything that will travel in your car, so it will not be loaded on the truck.
• Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house.
• Clearly mark this box “Load Last.”
• Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
• Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
• If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day:

• If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
• Note all utility meter readings.
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing.
• Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day:

• Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
• Supervise unloading and unpacking.
• Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or credit card unless other arrangements have been made in advance.