At Least Three To Five Weeks Before Your Move Date:

• Hold a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity. Get rid of all the unused items you have accumulated! Sell your items to make a small profit or donate to be philanthropic.
• Make your own list of everything you are bringing to your new home. Even though your moving company may create a list for you, it is always a good idea to compile one of your own for organizational purposes.
• Find out the replacement value of all belongings, for insurance purposes.
• Begin packing! It is never too early to start gathering packing materials together and boxing and wrapping items.
• Fill out a change of address form at your local post office and DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
• Inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your move.
• Have your children's school records transferred to their new schools.
• Get copies of your medical and dental records, if necessary.
• Obtain copies of veterinary records, if necessary.
• Arrange for removal of "installed items" you are bringing with you.
• If you live in an apartment building, give a notice of your move to the management of the building.
• Find out if certain appliances or electronics need to be serviced before they leave the point of origin.
• Speak with your bank representative about the transfer of your funds.

Two Weeks Before Your Move:

• Cancel any delivery subscriptions (magazines, etc.) or have deliveries transferred to your new address.
• Make arrangements to disconnect gas, electric, and any other utilities and find out how to connect utilities at your new place.
• Find out where to dispose of household chemicals like old paint.
• Get rid of all flammables.
• Schedule appointments with the phone and cable company in order to have these utilities in place in your new home when you arrive.

A Few Days Before Your Move:

• Make arrangements for somebody to watch your children and/or pets. It will be easy for you and the moving crew to get everything organized in your new home.
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries you'll need the first day in your new home.
• Pack a special box with other essentials you'll need for the first few days. (Make sure to mark this box "Do Not Move)."
• Carry expensive or irreplaceable items such as jewelry, heirlooms, or personal records (birth certificates marriage license, passports) with you.
• Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry.
• Clean and air your stove.

The Day of the Move:

• Make sure you are at home when the movers arrive, so you can sign an inventory.
• Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
• Walk around with the foreman while he does the inventory.
• Keep your signed bill of lading and inventory in an easily accessible place.
• Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone number.
• Confirm the expected delivery time with the driver.
• Before you leave, do a final walk through of every room. Check all closets and cabinets for items that you might leave behind.