To best fit your needs as you move, be sure to follow this timetable to help you prepare for a safe, pleasant event.

8 Weeks Remaining 7 Weeks Remaining 6 Weeks Remaining 5 Weeks Remaining 4 Weeks Remaining

3 Weeks Remaining 2 Weeks Remaining 1 Weeks Remaining Moving Day!

8 Weeks prior to moving

• Be sure to call several movers for estimates. On site estimates are always more accurate and are free.
• Ask mover for a reference list of customers they have moved.
• Calculate possible expenses you will incur when moving to determine if you will need financial assistance. (e.g. pet care, hotel costs, home deposit)
• Once you've chosen your mover, discuss costs, packing, timing, and insurance with them.
• Create a "move file" to store all important information and collect receipts for moving-related expenses.
• Ask the Internal Revenue Service for information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you'll need to keep.

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• Prepare an inventory of everything you own. This inventory can be broken into three separate categories: items to be handled by the mover, items to be handled by yourself, and items to leave behind or sell at a garage sale.
• Stock certificates, wills and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos, home videos) are difficult or impossible to replace. You should plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
• A couple of ways to rid yourself of items no longer needed would be to host a garage sale or make donations to your favorite charity.
• Make arrangments to dispose of items not sold or donated.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
• Organize dental and medical records. Be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
• Check with DMV and inquire about changes that you may occur in your auto licensing or insurance requirements that may change in your new community.
• Notify your children's school(s) and make arrangement for records to be forwarded to the new school district.

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• Contact any clubs or organizations you are associated with for information in transferring, selling or ending your memberships.
• Start becoming acclimated to your new community. Familiarize yourself with location of hospitals, police and fire departments, and your new shopping districts. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau to request information on schools, parks and recreation, community calendars and maps.

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• Begin including your children in the process at this time try to make it exciting and fun by having your kids do some of their own packing and labeling.
• If you plan to do any part of the packing, start collecting suitable containers and packing materials, most movers can sell you packing materials.
• If no longer required, cancel local deliveries.
• If you have pets, call your new township to determine if there are any specific requirements for pet ownership. Obtain veterinarian records.
• Register your children in their new schools.

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• If you live in an apartment complex be sure to contact building management to inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.
• Contact the moving company to schedule your move date. It is easier to change your move date than to reschedule at the last minute.
• Fill out a US Postal Service change of address form.
• Close any local charge accounts.
• Make airline and hotel reservations if applicaple.
• Notify your insurance company of your move. Transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
• Contact utilitiy companies for disconnection and transfer of services Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.

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• Arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day, if necessary. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
• During the packing process be sure to return any library books and anything.

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• Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.
• Start packing items you don't use often. Make final packing decisions.
• Start to clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
• Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
• Visit you bank and clear out you safety deposit boxes.
• Carry your valuables with you. If you've hidden any valuables around the house in that special hiding place, be sure to collect them before leaving.
• Some state laws prohibit the moving of house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity or transporting them yourself.
• Try to plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
• If you are traveling by car have your automobile serviced.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of flammable items such as cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your power tools and lawn mower to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions if necessary.

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• Now is the time to tie up loose ends. Review this guide to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.
• By now your moving company should have provided you with all packing materials except wardrobes. Be sure to take extra time to label your goods appropriately.
• If you are moving a long distance, be sure to pack any suitcases you plan on using and confirm your families travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected change of schedule.
• Make sure your moving agent and driver know the address and phone number where you can be reached if your are not going directly into your new home.
• Allow a minimum of one day prior to moving, be sure to empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer.
• Prepare a "Moving survival kit" for moving day. This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids. If your are stopping overnight be sure to pack items such as toothbrushes and other daily essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transitaton.

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• Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a carton that is marked "Load Last".
• Be sure to have an adult on site to supervise the move if you cannot be available. Let the mover know who you have given this authority. Remember – this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to additional charges.
• Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number, and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit. Be sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
• Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions, like what to load first and last be sure it is explained to your mover. It is very important that your communication with the move is very clear. If you decide to have your mover handle your valuables or other fragile goods, tell the mover in advance.
• When the moving team arrives, take time to review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory if you are moving a long distance.
• It is not the mover responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until the doors on the truck are closed.
• You will probably arrive at the destination before the mover, be patient. They might have encountered traffic or some other type of delay.

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