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Moving Checklist

Two months prior to Moving Day
	If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.
	If you will move yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.
	Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
	Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
	Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).
	Arrange to transfer school records.
	Choose a mover (or truck rental company).
	Get your new home ready - Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is ready when you arrive. Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.
	Visit Smoothmoves.com for tips on moving with children.

Six weeks prior to Moving Day
	Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
	Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
	Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
	Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
	Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
	Clean all closets and drawers.
	Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Four weeks prior to Moving Day
	Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the telephone company, request your refund.
	If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.
	If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at your new house.
	Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
	Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
	Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
	Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
	Check to see if you need any moving permits.
	Plan your moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about restrictions.
	Collect your important records -- Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.

Three weeks prior to Moving Day
	Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
	Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
	If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
	Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
	Hold your moving sale.

Two weeks prior to Moving Day
	Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
	Service your car in preparation for the move. If you're moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check your antifreeze.
	Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
	Cancel newspaper delivery.
	Notify any creditors of your move.
	Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
	Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
	Change your address - One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
	Pick up laundry -- Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receipts you have.
	Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.

One day prior to Moving Day
	Transfer your bank accounts.
	Take animals to vet for immunization, if necessary.
	Close and empty your safe-deposit box.
	Settle any bills with local businesses.
	Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
	Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.
	Confirm any travel reservations.
	Drain your waterbed.
	Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.
	Let movers pack your belongings (unless it's a do-it-yourself move).
	Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
	Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
	Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."
	Obtain cash or traveler's checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
	Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
	If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day
	If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
	Note all utility meter readings.
	Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day
	Again, be on hand to answer any questions.
	Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
	On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
	Supervise unloading and unpacking.
	Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler's checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Packing Tips

Recommended Supplies
	various size boxes	cardboard
	plastic sheets/tarp	blankets
	padding/bubble wrap	newspaper/wrapping paper
	box/shipping tape	scissors/pocket knife
	small tool kit	gloves
	sandwich bags (to hold appliance/furniture hardware)

General Packing
Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection for your belongings and will make loading your trailer much easier. Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult.

Packing and padding your items are keys to having a successful move. Don't skimp on packing supplies. They are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings.

Start packing several weeks before your move date, taking it one room at a time. Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books and knick knacks. Pack each room in separate boxes and label each box with its contents.

Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape. Fill each box to its capacity, using paper or fillers to eliminate empty spaces. The top and sides of each box shouldn't bulge, nor should they cave in when closed.

Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Keep the weight of each box down to a manageable level.

Leave lightweight linens and clothing in their drawers. Pack extra linens, pillows and stuffed animals in large garbage bags and tape closed. Plan to use these bags as cushions or fillers in your trailer.

Disassemble any items you can. Be aware of items with sharp corners or projections and keep them from puncturing or scratching other objects.

Pack your valuables and essentials separately and plan on keeping these items with you.

Furniture
	Wrap with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. Do not use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces.
	Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture.
	Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches.
	Place sofa cushions and pillows in bags to use as pads or fillers in the trailer.
	Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit.
	If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it.

Electronics
	Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic items. You might even consider double boxing. Follow manufacturer's instructions for moving when available.
	Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires. Color code or label wiring for easier reinstallation. Tape electrical cords to back of appliance to prevent plug damage and wrap each piece with bubble wrap.
	CDs and software do not survive high temperatures. If you are shipping your goods during the warmer seasons, consider keeping these items with you.

Major Appliances
	Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date. Consider using empty space in your appliances to move lightweight or crushable items.
	Remove broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs.
	Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the tub and sidewall.
	Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.

Dishes and Glassware
	Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes.
	Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes.
	For greater protection, consider purchasing "dish packs" sold by packaging stores.
	Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper.

Lamps and Decor
	Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled "fragile".
	Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges.
	For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape.

Lawn and Garage Items
	Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment.
	Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid and immobilize moving parts.
	Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.
	Poisonous, flammable and corrosive items usually cannot be shipped.