8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Update your car registration and driver's license with your state's motor vehicle department. You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
  Make item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes
• Sell your old and unwanted stuff on various internet services or hold a garage sale before you pack
• Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals. Be sure your insurance covers the doctor/dentist in your new area. Get copies of all medical records including children immunizations
• Notify any schools that you or your children attend and ask for copies of school records
• Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet. Buy a carrier on various internet services
• Notify your veterinarian of your move. Obtain any records for your pet, and ask for a referral
• Make sure animals are up to date with vaccinations
• Get quotes and select a moving company.

7 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Make a moving file to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move
• Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage
• Establish a moving company and set a date to move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it

6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Buy boxes and packing materials
• Start packing. Begin with rooms of the house you don't use as much and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for the packed boxes
• Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the move
• Start getting the kids involved by having them pack some of their less used items
• Make arrangements for transporting pets
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Fill out a change of address with the US Postal Service
• Fill out IRS change of Address Form
• Arrange for help on moving day
• Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address
• Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions
• Prepare a mailing list of people who need your change of address
• Cancel local subscriptions (newspapers, community info, milk, etc...)
• Arrange with your doctor to have enough medication for at least 2 weeks after your move, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Make reservations for a room at a local motel for the night before moving day. This is the best way to make sure you can get a good night's rest and a shower while all your things are packed up
• Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts
• Open bank account in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible
• Service your car, especially if you're traveling to your new place by car

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books
• Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc...) and place them in a briefcase, strongbox, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move
• Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up
• Stop buying groceries and try to use up perishable food items, beverages, and alcohol
• Clean garden tools, bicycles, lawn mower, and other tools and machinery

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVE

• Prepare a forwarding address for the next tenants of your home if possible
• Close any local bank accounts
• Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or throw away
• Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.)
• Confirm arrangements with your moving company
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer
• Separate luggage items you need for personal travel
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address

DAY BEFORE MOVE

• Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc... If you are moving out-of-state, keep in mind that many businesses do not take out-of-state checks.

DAY OF MOVE

• Do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with your old property manager if applicable
• If you are self-moving, pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc...)
• Keep your pet confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water. Consider taking a dog or cat to the kennel for the day
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail

AT YOUR NEW HOME

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home