8 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
  • Use things you don’t want to move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
  • Secure a floor plan of your new residence and determine furniture placement.
  • Start a possessions inventory.
  • Solicit estimates from three moving companies.
  • Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered.
  • Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.
  • Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.

6 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Contact the IRS and/or your CPA for tax-deductible information.
  • Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?
  • Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
  • Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable).
  • Locate high-quality healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.
  • Complete a change of address via post office cards or an online service for the following:
    • Banks
    • Charge cards
    • Religious organizations
    • Doctor/dentist
    • Relatives and friends
    • Income Tax Bureau/Social Security Administration/Union
    • Insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/stockbroker
    • Magazines
    • Post Office
    • Schools
  • Clean your closets.
  • Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
  • Choose a mover.
  • Contact your mover to make arrangements and inquire about insurance coverage.
  • If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair/cleaning as needed.
  • Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, wills, deeds, stock, and other financial documentation, etc.
  • Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection companies for service disconnection/connection at your old and new addresses. Also ask for final readings.
  • Request refunds on unused homeowner’s insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service.
  • Notify your gardener, snow removal service, and pool service (if applicable).
  • Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

3 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Make your travel plans
  • Arrange to close current bank accounts and open new accounts in locale (if necessary).
  • Notify your state’s motor vehicle bureau of your new address.
  • Arrange for childcare on moving day.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

  • Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
  • Service your car for the trip.
  • Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.