8 WEEKS Create a file for all moving estimates and receipts Research your new community, either on the internet or with your new Chamber of Commerce Review your walkthrough and closing dates for your new home Start getting estimates from movers and other moving expenses, and create a budget for moving.   Some Areas to Check Into Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacies and Veterinarians Hospitals, fire stations and police stations Schools and day care facilities Banks Housecleaning, snow removal and lawn care services Shopping Internet service providers Health Clubs Religious Centers Storage Facilities   7 WEEKS Gather medical and dental records (do not forget any prescription and vaccination records!) and ask your current doctors for referrals in the area to which you will be moving Contact your child’s or children’s school(s) and have the records transferred Call your insurance agent to confirm or create new policies Create a list of everything you own and divide into the categories: Items to be moved by movers, Items to be moved yourself, Items to be stored or shipped (if necessary) and Items to be left behind.   6 WEEKS Make a list of valuables that are impossible or difficult to replace (For Example: Jewelry, Stock Certificates, Deeds, Wills…) Create an inventory of all the items that will be left behind and make a plan for where they will go. Perhaps plan a garage/yard sale or take the items to a charity. Try to empty your freezer of all frozen food that will not be traveling with you and be careful in any new frozen food purchases you make.   5 WEEKS Create a master inventory of all the items you plan to move and divide by room. Once you have it divided by room assign each room a color that way when you start packing you can simply mark the boxes with a permanent colored marker or use plastic tubs of that color to keep things organized. It is also handy to number each box as you pack that way on your master inventory list you simply put the number of the box next to the item and it is much easier to find things as you settle in your new home. Register your child/children in their new school If you have pets, transfer the records Call the utility companies for disconnect service, have service transferred, or call new utility company for connection service (cable, electric, gas, water). Find or buy boxes if you are moving yourself Cancel deliveries (newspapers etc…) if they are no longer needed File a change of address with the post office, as well as credit card companies, magazines to which you subscribe, friends and family.   4 WEEKS Complete any necessary repair work for your old home Schedule a moving date with the moving company Get the fax number of Human Resources department from your current employer Relocation papers showing start date, pay and company buyout, if any If you are packing yourself, start packing up the items that are rarely used, such as artwork, or Christmas/fancy dishes etc… If you currently reside in an apartment, contact the building management about moving day restrictions   3 WEEKS Decide whether you are keeping or giving away plants Have your car serviced if you will be driving it a great distance for your move Return any library books, pick up items at repair shops or the dry cleaners If you have a layout of your new home, consider the furniture layout and come up with a few ideas where you will want to place the furniture, this will make it easier on moving day. Continue packing up the house   2 WEEKS Confirm travel arrangements Drain gas in your lawn mower and power tools Transfer or close bank and credit union accounts, and pick up traveler’s checks Clear out any safety deposit boxes, and check secret hiding spots for valuables or cash Call your local newspaper, cable company or Internet service provider for subscriptions and to set up services. Clear out and clean your home. Make sure to clean and clan out attics, basements and closets. Pay any outstanding bills that you are able to Continue packing and try to keep the boxes organized by room and/or area   1 WEEK Empty and defrost fridge at least 24 to 36 hours before you move Finish packing, making sure to leave some items as last load, because you will need these first when you arrive at your new home. (For example: bed sheets, vacuum, some cleaning products etc…) It is important that if your home will be vacant you tell the police and neighbors Pack all important papers in a separate location for easy access (i.e. unpaid bills, contracts etc…) Label all goods with labels provided by your moving company or with labels that you buy   Make sure to set aside and pack these essentials for the road: Cash and/or Checkbook and/or Traveler’s Checks Toiletries and/or Medications Toilet Paper Light Bulbs Pet Food Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses Necessary Moving Information Toys and games to entertain the children in the car   MOVING DAY Provide movers with specific instructions and directions to your new home Leave your new address for the future residents so that they can forward any stray mail Separate last load items, such as your vacuum, cleaning supplies, paper towels and bed sheets (1st things you will want when you unload) Check the entire home one last time Chances are that you will arrive before the movers so take the moment to look over things and make sure the utilities and phone have been connected. Have payment ready for the movers   AFTER THE MOVE Obtain a new drivers license and plates if necessary Register to vote Keep all records and documents in one place for tax purposes