TWO MONTHS before the move

GET ESTIMATES from two moving companies if using a mover or two truck rental companies if moving yourself.

CREATE FILE that contains all of your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)

ARRANGE to transfer school records and order new school uniform if necessary.

CONTACT CONTRACTORS to get your new home ready before you arrive. Painters, carpenters, etc.

CONTACT LANDLORD if renting to confirm moving date.

CHECK WITH INSURANCE to confirm if policy will cover possessions during the move.

FOUR-SIX WEEKS before the move

FILL OUT and turn in the change of address cards from the post office

CONTACT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS to obtain and transfer medical records to new providers

USE foods and cleaning supplies that won’t be moved. Especially Frozen foods and flammable products.

COLLECT PACKING MATERIALS such as boxes, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, etc.

PURGE unused items to make the move easier.

PACK items that won’t be used until after the move.

ONE-THREE WEEKS before the move

SCHEDULE utilities. Disconnect your current home the day after you leave, and connect the day before you arrive at your new home.

COLLECT any important records: personal and family records (medical/dental, veterinary, birth certificates, legal/financial documents and passports.

PREPARE auto registration transfer (only if moving to a new state)

PACK items in color coded boxes so they are easy to relocate into the correct room on moving day.

ONE DAY before the move

DISCONNECT and prepare major appliances for the move and disassemble furniture such as beds and large furniture if you are moving yourself.

CONFIRM arrival time of moving truck.

PACK items in “load last” box that includes everything you will need when you get to the new house.

SET ASIDE items that will travel with you in your car so they don’t get loaded on the truck.

PACK a night bag for the family so you have toothbrush, pajamas and towels when you arrive.

CREATE mini-toolkit including a sharp knife for opening boxes upon arrival.

CHARGE cell phone so you are available for any questions.

MOVING DAY

PHOTOGRAPH all utility meter readings at the old house to have on record.

GIVE mover emergency contact numbers.

HAVE someone at the house to answer questions from the mover.

CAREFULLY READ the Bill of Lading paperwork before signing (if using a mover). Keep the paperwork in an easy to locate place.

DELIVERY DAY

COLOR CODE rooms to match your boxes for easy unpacking.

PHOTOGRAPH all utility meter readings at the new house to have on record.

CHECK belongings carefully (if using a mover) to note any damaged items.