Move Planner - Planning Guide 12 weeks to 1 week before your Move

Moving Planner Check list

12 weeks before moving

• Research and obtain 3 quotes from moving companies and secure a reputable mover

6 Weeks before moving

• Contact IRS or your accountant for tax information on moving.  
• If renting, notify your landlord you’re moving.  
• Start to inventory and evaluate your possessions            
• Contact schools, doctors, etc. to obtain copies of personal records.         
• Use up things you can’t move, like food and cleaning supplies.
• Purchase packing supplies

• Tissue paper
• Packing paper (plain newsprint)
• 2" packing tape
• Masking tape
• A utility knife
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Professional quality boxes (check with your mover, some companies provide free boxes with your move)

5 Weeks before moving

• Make a list of everyone you need to notify that you’re moving
• • Insurance companies (Life, House, Health,  Auto)
  • Local credit bureau and creditors (stores,  credit cards, etc.)
  • Financial institutions where you have savings, loans, checking accounts or stock.
  • Magazines (The postal service provides  free change of address cards/e-mail service to send to  publishers.
  • Church (Obtain necessary records.)
  • Cell phone company

   
• Get a change of address kit from the post office or go online to USPS for the online version
• Start packing non-essentials

4 Weeks before moving

• Make travel plans for your moving trip.                
• Contact school system at destination for enrollment information.                            
• Establish bank accounts at destination.
• Consider any changes you want to make at your new home, i.e. painting rooms, replacing carpets, refinishing hardwood floors.
• Create a furniture plan for your new home - on paper lay out where you want your furniture to go.  Anything you don't want in your new home, arrange for storage or donate to local charity.

3 Weeks before moving

• List and notify utilities of disconnect dates.  Record disconnect and reconnect dates somewhere save.  Record who you spoke with, when you spoke with them, and the number in case you have to change it. 
  

  
  

  • Gas/Fuel Oil
  • Telephone
  • Newspaper
  • Water Delivery Services
  • Garbage (if private service)
  • Laundry Services
  • Cable TV/Telephone

    
• Arrange start up of utilities at new home.            
• Apply for insurance for your new home.              
• Verify scheduled services with your mover.       
• Have car serviced for the trip.   
• Discard household items you are not taking. (Have a garage sale or call a local non-profit for pick-up of unwanted items)
• Begin packing each room, leaving the essentials for last.  Remember to label the boxes by room.

2 Weeks before moving

• Settle any outstanding bills.       
• Return any borrowed items and library books.  
• Take pets to the vet for checkup.            
• Drain oil and gas from power equipment.                            
• If elevator in building, contact management to schedule use.

1 week before moving

• Arrange for sitter for children and pets on moving day. 
• If not taking plants, give away plants to a friend .             
• Obtain travelers checks for trip expenses.                           
• Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. 
• Block doors for safety.  
• Return any cable boxes to the Cable Company
• Pack a separate "move kit" for the car.  Suggested items you’ll take in the car
• • Map of trip (AAA provides trip maps or program GPS with address
  • First Aid Kit
  • Medicines
  • Snacks                      
  • Cooler with refreshments
  • Credit cards
  • Can Openers     
  • Cash or Travelers Checks for trip
  • Emergency Road Equipment (Tools, flares,  flashlight)
  • Change of Clothes

Note: When traveling with Children remember to pack some toys, travel games, and favorite stuffed animals or blankets for trip.