It’s really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation.

o  Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day.

o  Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.

o  Start to use up things you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.

o  Contact the chamber of commerce or visitor’s  and tourism bureaus in your new community for information on your new city.

o  If you’re moving at an employer’s request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.

o  Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax deductible.

o  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?

o  Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities. Request a copy of the phone book from your new locale.

o  Locate all auto licensing and registration documents.

o  If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now.  (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)

o  Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records.  Ask for referrals where possible.

o  Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out cards.

o  Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.

o  Contact the utility and related companies for service disconnect/reconnect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.

o  Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, don’t make plane reservations for the same day that you’re moving out. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.

o  Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.)

o  Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

o  Arrange the transfer of any automatic deposits and/or withdrawals from your old account to your new account.

o  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) for the type of weather conditions you’ll be traveling in.

o  If you’re moving in or out of a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators.

o  Contact your moving counselor to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.

o  Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.

o  Don’t forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, and return library books, video rentals, etc.

o  Take pets to the veterinarian for any needed immunizations. Get copies of pets’ records.

o  Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.)

o  Give away plants not being moved.

o  Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)

o  Defrost your freezer and refrigerator.  Block doors open so they can’t accidentally close on pets or children.

o  Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move.  (Again, your moving counselor can help with arrangement for a third party to provide these services.)

o  Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home.  (i.e. coffee pot, filters, coffee, pen and paper, scissors, flashlight, pain relievers, new phone book, etc.)  Have this box loaded last or carry it with you in the car.

o  Organize and set aside those things that you’re taking with you so that they don’t get loaded on the van in error.

o  Contact your moving counselor to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify him/her of any last minute details.

o  Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman’s questions.

o  Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water)

o  Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them.