Six Weeks Before Moving

• Make an inventory of everything to be moved.
• Collect everything not to be moved for a garage sale or charitable donation.
• Contact the charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records.
• Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW, unless you have packing services.
• Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. Do not cancel your home insurance policy until after the home is closed.
• If your employer is involved in your move, check with them to find out what moving expenses they will pay. We will need our information to be on their approved relocation list. Typically, they will need to us a form. We will work directly with them on your relocation.

Four Weeks Before Moving

• Notify all magazines of change of address.
• You can fill out a change of address form on line at http://www.usps.com/
• Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations.
• Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, set turn-off date, again, schedule this for a few days after the closing…just in case!
• Set up utility turn-on date. We will provide you with all the contact numbers. Typically, the companies will require a minimum of 48 hours for scheduling you. Call accordingly.
• Dry clean clothes to be moved, pack in protective wrappers.
• Make a list with stragglers! Collect everything you have loaned out and return everything you have borrowed.
• Service power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van.
• Check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions.
• Get children's school records.
• Check freezer and plan to use of food over next 2-3 weeks.
• Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move.
• Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter). Plants also can be sold at a garage sale or given as thank you gifts.
• Schedule a check up for your pet just to make sure they are in good health and have what they need when you arrive…also, check for hotels that allow pets, and any traveling issues that you need to take care of for your pets…carriers, etc.

One Week Before

• Transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier's check or money order to pay moving company on arrival to new community.
• Have automobile serviced for trip.
• Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day.
• Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn).
• Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.
• Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel.
• Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely.
• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, snow removal, etc.
• Review the entire list to make certain that you haven't overlooked anything. Check and double-check everything you have done before it's too late.

Moving Day:

• Check all rooms and each closet and cabinet. Lock all doors and windows. Advise your Realtor and neighbors that the house is empty. Make sure to get a contact number for the driver of your moving truck, and that they have a phone number for you. Confirm the directions to the new home.
• and Then... UN-Pack...and that's a whole other story!