Advance planning is critical to orchestrate any successful move and the timetable below will walk you through all the necessary steps.

Six Weeks Prior to Move 

• Review your relocation allowance from your employer. Verify the expenses they will cover and which are your responsibility.
• Hire a mover and get 3 quotes from licensed companies.

Five Weeks Prior to Move

• Conduct a room-by-room survey to determine what to keep, sell or donate.
• Photograph or videotape valuable items and save for insurance purposes.
• Plan a yard sale, call your local charity or make other arrangements to dispose of items you will not be shipping.
• Start a file to keep all your moving documents in one location.  Tip: An accordion file works well because it’s contained, light weight and has lots of pockets for various information.

Four Weeks Prior to Move

• Gather moving materials.  Boxes, tape, tape dispensers, box cutters, etc.
• Call your local garage to schedule an appointment for routine maintenance. Check with your mover about car moving specifics if you are planning on shipping your car.
• Take pets to the veterinarian for shots and inoculations. ID and rabies tags should be securely attached to your pet’s collar.  Make arrangements at the kennel, if necessary to board your pet.
• Make a list of everyone to notify regarding your move such as: family, friends, insurance company, utility companies, doctors, accountant, bank, lien holders, credit card accounts, service providers, etc.
• Book your flights if you are flying to your new destination.
• Make arrangements for hotel or temporary living accommodations, rental car, etc.
• Cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions and club memberships.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce at your destination city for a welcome package.  Get acquainted with your new city!

Three Weeks Prior to Move

• Clean out your closets, garage, tool shed, attic, etc.
• Start packing infrequently used items. You can number boxes and keep a master inventory.
• Complete change of addresses forms and return to the post office or complete forms online. Forms are available at US Post Office website.
• Obtain necessary medical and dental records, school records, legal and financial documents and backup copies of computer files.
• Notify utility services. Request that utilities, phone and Internet be shut off the day after you the move and installed in the new home the day before before arrival.
• Hire a cleaning company to clean both the old and new spaces.
• Plan meals to use up perishable and frozen items.

Two Weeks Prior to Move

• Transfer prescriptions and ask for medical referrals. Be sure to have and adequate supply of medicine on hand.
• Check with insurance company to transfer coverage to your new home.
• If driving, have your car cleaned and serviced for the trip.  Prepare to have auto registration transferred.
• Call locksmith and arrange to have locks changed in new home.

One Week Prior to Move

• Reconfirm your travel and hotel accommodations at your new destination.
• Arrange child care services and pet care for pack date/s if necessary.
• Arrange parking permits and reserve elevator if necessary.
• Dispose of house plants – give them to friends and family or donate to a hospital or nursing home.
• Arrange for trash to be picked up after you leave.
• Dispose of flammable and explosive items. Typical items classified as dangerous goods that can not be transported are: bleach products, paint, gas cylinders, cleaning fluids, aerosols, gas and kerosene.
• Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery.  Drain all water hoses.
• Provide information sheet to movers with old and new addresses, directions and cell phone numbers.
• Create a last out and first in box of necessities. Bedding, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, basic tools, cleaning supplies, medications, snacks and a camera to document anything that was broken during the move.

One Day Prior to Move

• Finish packing any personal items you wish to take with you and set aside suitcases and sufficient clothing for at least 1 week.
• Disconnect TV, stereo and computer components. Pack all connection cords in clearly marked carton.
• Assemble all airline tickets, currency, credit cards, jewelry, medical records, school records, personal information, documents pertaining to your new home, cell phones and laptop computers. Be sure to keep separate so the packers do not pack in your shipment.
• Defrost and clean freezer and refrigerator. Discard any remaining food items.

Moving Day

• Plan your day so that you will be at your residence while the movers are there. Be available to direct the crew and answer any questions. Point out any items that require special handling or that you will want unloaded first at destination.
• Perform a “walk through” with the crew leader to make sure all items have been packed that are intended to be moved. Check the attic, basement, shed, closets, garage, drawers and cupboards.
• Give keys to real estate agent.
• Meet movers at the new home. Check items off inventory list as they are unloaded.
• Inspect for damages. Photograph relevant items before signing the release/bill of lading.
• Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors and security systems. Turn on water heater.
• Unpack.

Darla Pompilio

Your Tasks – Our Time, Inc