The key to a smooth move is organization. Below is a checklist of helpful hints and useful suggestions to assist you in your move.

Four to Six Weeks Before Moving Day

• Start a file for all your paperwork.
• Contact the IRS for forms and regulations regarding tax-deductible moving expenses.
• Complete repairs to your property as agreed upon in your lease or contract.
• Take an inventory of your current house and determined what you will be taking , selling and throwing away.
• Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement to make sure everything you are moving fits.
• Get estimates from a few moving companies or truck rental companies. Make a decision and reserve the services for your moving day
• Check the registration procedures for enrolling children in school. Obtain copies of children's transcripts. Ask teachers for a statement describing the student's achievement level and written descriptions of any unusual courses taken.
• Contact people and companies who should be notified of your move.
  

Two to Three Weeks Prior to Moving

• Plan and hold your moving sale.
• Arrange to donate anything not sold at your moving sale.
• Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids and other combustible materials.
• Return any borrowed items such as library books and retrieve any loaned items.
• Begin to pack your belongings. See our Professional Packing Tips for more details.
• Make special arrangements for transporting pets.
• Update your pet tags and licenses with new address information.

One Week Prior to Moving

• Discontinue delivery services, such as the newspaper.
• Clean out your safety deposit box and place all valuables like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, and documents together. Either carry them with you or send them ahead by registered, insured mail.
• Prepare a travel kit including items like a flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
  Reconfirm your moving and delivery dates with your mover or truck rental company.

Two Days Prior to Moving

• Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers.
• Arrange for traveler's checks for trip expenses and payment to the mover upon delivery.
• "Broom Clean" your property.
• Conclude any financial matters relating to the lease or sale of your home.

Moving Day

• Be sure someone is available to answer questions.
• Note all utility meter readings.
• If using a mover, Know Your Rights to make certain that you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability. You will need to sign it upon completion of loading.
• Supervise the movers to make sure your instructions are understood.
• Double check your residence for forgotten items before leaving.
• For emergency reasons, alert a close friend or relative of the route and schedule you will travel.
• Leave forwarding address, appliance manuals, keys and garage door transmitters for new owners.

Delivery Day

• Again, be on hand to answer any questions.
• Note all utility meter readings.
• Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
• On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
• Supervise unloading and unpacking.
• Change the locks on all the doors in your new property.