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6 Weeks Before You Move
4 Weeks Before You Move
3 Weeks Before You Move
2 Weeks Before You Move
1 Week Before You Move
Days Before You Move
Moving Day

6 Weeks Before You Move

• If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours. 
• Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information 
  on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible. 
• Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can 
  be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year? 
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc. 
• Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new hometown to familiarize yourself with local government, social news and activities in your new community
• Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents. 
• If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)
• Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.  (return)

4 Weeks Before You Move

• Obtain a change of address form from the post office and begin filling out cards. 
• Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants. 
• Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day. 
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's or renter's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home. 
• If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from your local mover. Pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.
• Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.  (return)

3 Weeks Before You Move

• Make travel arrangements/reservations for your moving trip. Schedule plane reservations after you're move-out date. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations can arise.
• Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.). 
• Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new hometown.  (return)

2 Weeks Before You Move

• Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make 
  sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) to meet the weather conditions you'll be traveling in.
• If you're moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators. 
• Contact your moving counselor to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.  (return)

1 Week Before You Move

• Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
• Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.
• Take pets to the veterinarian if immunizations are needed. Get copies of pets' veterinary records.
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
• Give away plants not being moved.
• Prepare specific directions to your new home for your
  moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)  (return)

Days Before You Move

• Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children. 
• Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. (Again, your moving counselor can help with arrangements for a third party to provide these services.) 
• Pack a box of necessary personal items for immediate use at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you. 
• Organize and set aside those things that you're taking with you so they're not loaded on the van in error. 
• Contact your moving counselor to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify him/her of any last minute details.  (return)

Moving Day

• Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions. 
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water). 
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these—and all related papers—in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.  (return)