Provided by Allen & Teresa Stowinsky 

TWO MONTHS BEFORE

[ ] Collect cartons, gather moving supplies.

[ ] Select mover and go over all details of the move.

[ ] Begin packing unnecessary items.

[ ] Have a yard sale or donate items to a charity.

[ ] Plan menus to use up food in the cupboards.

[ ] Contact IRS or your accountant regarding tax-deductible expenses.

ONE MONTH BEFORE 

[ ] Begin packing.

[ ] Notify post office of change of address.

[ ] Notify newspaper and utility companies of address changes or disconnections.

[ ] Collect and keep important papers handy (medical, etc.)

[ ] Save moving receipts.

[ ] Make any reservations for lodging.

[ ] List important new phone numbers.

[ ] If employer helps pay moving expenses, confirm what preparations, if any, you will be required to make.

[ ] Hold a garage sale or donate items.

[ ] Finalize arrangements with your moving company, or make reservations if you’re renting a truck.

[ ] Call friends and relatives to let them know when and where you’re moving (and to recruit moving day help!).

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

[ ] Clear up outstanding accounts.

[ ] Transfer checking and savings accounts and contents of safe deposit box.

[ ] Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank account that will be closed.

[ ] Call telephone company for assistance in arranging telephone service for your new home.

[ ] Arrange for pet travel.

[ ] Return/retrieve borrowed items.

[ ] Service your car, especially if traveling a distance.

[ ] Dispose of flammable liquids such as spray paints, aerosols, solvents and thinners, and gas in yard equipment such as lawn mowers.

 [ ] Renew or transfer prescriptions.

WEEK OF MOVE

[ ] Transfer or close bank account.

[ ] Tag furniture to identify its location in the new home.

[ ] Prepare “survival” package so the family can get along if the moving company is late.

[ ] Arrange for new cell phone service.

DAY BEFORE MOVE

[ ] Pick up rental truck.

[ ] Check oil and gas in your car. If shipping a car, empty gas tank to less than 1/4 of a tank by move day, do not completely empty—mover needs to be able to drive the auto on and off the van.

[ ] Get a good night’s rest.

AFTER MOVE

[ ] Mail that has been forwarded from your old address will have a yellow address label on it. Notify the sender of your new address.

[ ] Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for specific registration information. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address.

[ ] If you have moved into a different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver’s license and register your vehicle. Ask whether you will be required to take a test.

[ ] Call the Sanitation Department in your new town to find out which day trash is collected. Ask whether your community has recycling programs.

[ ] Call your Chamber of Commerce for information on newspapers, schools, cultural events and community activities, and nearby libraries and parks.

[ ] Locate the hospital as well as police and fire stations near your home.

[ ] Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may have to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.

[ ] Scout your new neighborhood for shopping areas.

[ ] Seek out new service providers (bank, cleaners, veterinarian.)