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2 Months before Move:
Look into getting moving and storage insurance to cover your items during the move. Begin to get estimates from moving companies. Shop around as much as possible to get the best rate. Remember to be as accurate as possible when giving information for your estimate. If you plan to move yourself, now is the time to reserve a rental truck. Again, it pays to shop around. Check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet, especially if you are moving out of state or overseas. If you have small children, be sure to research child care options in your new area. Assess school districts in your new area.
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. Plan to donate or sell. 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. If you're using a mover, get in touch with your chosen moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.
6 Weeks before Move:
Update your car registration and driver's license with the Secretary of State's Office. You may also need to notify your auto insurance. Make item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes. Or, try selling your old and unwanted stuff online. Garage Sales can also be successful tools. Notify your doctor and your dentist of your move and ask for referrals. Be sure your insurance covers the professionals in your new area. Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions or memberships. Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet. Notify your veterinarian of your move and obtain your pet's records. Ask for a referral. Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts. Try to visit the school if possible.
5 Weeks before Move:
Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts.
1 Month before Move:
Fill out an official change of address with the USPS. Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address. Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions. Leave a forwarding address with the next owners or tenants of your home if possible. Buy boxes and packing materials if you are moving yourself.
3 Weeks before Move:
Start packing! Begin with rooms of the house you don't use often and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes. Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily. 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 involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things, and letting them figure out new layouts for their rooms. If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your children are being cared for safely.
2 Weeks before Move:
Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible. 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.
1 Week before Move:
Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up. Service your car, especially if you're driving to your new place. Have a party to use up perishible food items and beverages, and alcohol. Donate food items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank. Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc). Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
Moving Week
Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc. Keep in mind that many businesses do not accept out-of-state checks. Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc.). Keep your pets 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. When you're finished, do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows.
PACK THESE 10 ITEMS LAST:
Extension cords, batteries.
Tools--hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, scotch tape, duct tape and especially, a tape measure.
A bottle opener and glasses. Snack, pizza or fast food coupons.
Address book or PDA.
Cell phone.
Sufficient cash or traveler's checks.
Personal ID such as a driver's license.
Cleaning materials-especially paper towels.
Light bulbs, a small lamp, perhaps a flashlight.
Alarm clock.
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