Moving has always been stressful. You’d be a fool not to follow these steps:

6-8 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVING DAY

• Request the relocation package from the chamber of commerce of your new town
• Set a date for the move
• Fill out the change-of-address card with post office
• Arrange for children school transfers
• Ask for doctor and/or dental referrals; arrange for transfer of your medical and dental records
• Get estimates for your movers or a rental truck
• Schedule your movers or the rental truck
• Determine the furniture layout for your new home
• Make an inventory of your household items

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

• Use up or dispose of unneeded food, cleaning supplies, and any other household items that you won’t want to take with you
• Have a garage sale or donate any items you will no longer be needing
• Arrange for a house cleaning or any painting in the old or new home as well as a carpet cleanings
• Arrange for the move of pets and plants
• Arrange for utilities services (cancel the old; start the new):
• Electricity • Gas • Water and Sewer • Telephone/Internet • Garbage • Cable
• Arrange for the transfer of your homeowner’s insurance
• Get all your packing materials: boxes, packing paper, tape, and markers
• Begin packing; mark all your boxes with the contents and add a room location

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Make your family travel arrangements as needed
• Service your car before move if you will be driving to your new home
• Set aside any critical documents and items to keep with you
• Transfer any prescriptions
• Notify the following of your change of address:
• Family and friends • Subscriptions • Bank account • Creditors • Insurance
• Continuing packing; be sure to mark the contents of every box

WEEK BEFORE MOVE

• Close any unneeded accounts or stop any services
• Defrost the freezer, including emptying the ice maker and the ice cube trays
• Clean your refrigerator, stove, and the oven
• Disconnect and drain your appliances
• Drain fuel from any power equipment
• Confirm your travel arrangements
• Confirm the arrival time of movers or the pick-up time of a rental truck
• Clean the house
• Finish packing

MOVING DAY

• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and with you all day
• Double-check that all cupboards, closets, the dishwasher and other appliances are empty
• Pack a box that has everything necessary for first day in new home
• Give the movers instructions for what is being moved and the location of items in new home

WITHIN FIRST WEEK OF MOVE

• Check with the local post office for any mail that is being held; ask for your delivery to start
• Open a new bank account if you haven’t already WITHIN FIRST MONTH
• Check state requirements of driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Enjoy new home!

Follow these tips and your stress levels will drop considerably during the move.