Start planning a few months prior to your move

Make a list of items being moved

Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value.

Sell the items you don’t want or donate to a charitable organization (keep receipts, tax deductible)

Contact a Moving company and arrange for packing

Materials need for packing:

Labels (name, move or do not move, room, fragile, etc.)

Packing Materials for your glassware and dishes for added safety

Boxes for lamp shades, mirror, pictures or wardrobes

Tape

Pay off local accounts (oil, gas, store, etc.)

Leave a forwarding address with your employer for any paperwork, tax receipts, etc.

Arrange to disconnect utilities (check for any refund (deposits, overpayment in budget plans)

Telephone

Gas

Electricity (check for refund)

Oil

Newspaper

Sewer

Water

Garbage

Diaper service

Lawn

Pool

Other

Make Trip Arrangements

Hotel/Motel

Airplane Tickets

Car/Truck Rental (keep receipts, tax deductible)

Two to three weeks before your move

Use up perishable food

Arrange for transport of plants, pets and perishables

Dispose of flammable materials and chemicals (never flush or throw in garbage)

Return all items borrowed, collect all items lent

Obtain your Family legal, medical, dental and birth records

Obtain your family school, church, veterinarian records

Get copies of, fill and pack prescriptions and medications that your family may need

Request your current bank to arrange credit references for new accounts

Request travelers’ checks, cash or certified check for moving expenses

Empty and close safety deposit boxes

Transfer account with your stock broker

Have your car serviced for the trip

Clean rugs and drapes

Make sure services will be turned on at your new home (Telephone, Gas, Electricity, Oil, Water)

Mail change of address cards (Family & Friends, Post Office, Insurance Companies, Attorney, Employer, Creditors, Social Security Office, Banks/Loan Companies, Charge Accounts, Magazines, Book Clubs, Mail Order Accounts, etc.)

The week before you move

Defrost and clean refrigerator and freezer, put a box of baking soda to prevent mildew; clean stove

Close or transfer bank account

Gather personal valuables and paperwork from safe deposit box and pack; mark to be carried with you

Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers, snow-blowers, trimmers, etc.

Drain and pack garden hoses

Send clothing, curtains, rugs to the cleaners and leave in cleaners wrapping

Take down curtain rods, movable shelves, TV antenna and other miscellaneous items

Pack suitcases for your trip

Pack a box of essential items that you may need on moving day (tools, paper products, cleaners, etc.)

Moving Day

Be sure to load items in order so that it will be first off at your new home

Take a last minute walk through (check closets, garage basement and attic) so movers have everything

Make sure windows and doors are locked, faucets aren’t dripping, lights are off, the phone is hung up

Leave your new address with your Real Estate agent.  Also, the keys if home is not sold yet.