Six Weeks Before the Move

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

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

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

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

5. Contact your insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage.

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

Four Weeks Before the Move

1. Notify mail, magazine subscriptions, newspaper delivery, etc. of your change in address.

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

3. Contact utility companies for refunds of your deposit and set turn-off dates.

4. Service power mowers, snowmobiles, etc. Drain all gas/oil in motorized vehicles to prevent a fire.

5. Obtain all family records and prescriptions from your family doctors and dentist.

6. Get your children's school records.

7. Move your valuables to a safe deposit box to prevent loss.

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

One Week Before the Move

1. Transfer or close all your checking and savings accounts.

2. Have your automobile(s) serviced.

3. Fill out Post Office change-of-address forms and give to the postmaster.

4. Empty your freezer and plan use of foods.

5. Defrost the freezer and clean refrigerator. Use baking soda to dispel odor.

6. Arrange for sufficient cash or traveler checks to cover moving expenses.

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

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

9. Plan for special needs of children and pets.

10. Arrange to have utilities turned on at your new address.

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

On Moving Day

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

2. Carry jewelry and valuable documents yourself; or use registered mail.

3. Stay with the moving van driver to oversee the inventory.

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

5. Take a final tour of your apartment or home. Double check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.

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

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

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

9. Disconnect all utilities.

10. Lock all the doors and windows.

11. Leave all keys with apartment manager, realtor, or neighbor.

Moving Day Stress-Relief Guide

• Let close friends and relatives know your route, including overnight stops.

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

After You Arrive

• Check on service of utilities at 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 determine the nearest hospital.

• Register to vote.