• Put a change of address in at the post office to be effective on the day you move. Keep a list of the people you need to notify and check it off as you do. Change magazines and other computer-addressed mail now.

• Start a file or binder of vital papers and reminders where you can divide them into categories.

• If you have not already, get estimates from moving companies. Remember that June through September are busy moving months.




• Select a moving company and decide who will pack. You- or the movers. Movers generally pack the day before the move.

• Start sorting. Decide what to move sell or give away. Take cuttings or give away extra house plants.

• Create a sketch of new home for the movers with furniture placement.

• Video or photo your belongings before packing. Inventory your possessions.

• Start packing things that are seldom used.

Take care of legal contracts like credit cards, bank accounts, charge accounts. Some other things to change:

• Utilities and telephone service including reconnecting in new town

• Memberships to clubs and churches

• Insurance; auto, homeowners and medical

• Employment agreements

• Wills, trusts, safe deposit box

• Leased products and services

• Make sure your employer has your new address. Get letters of reference to establish new credit.

• Talk to the vet about moving pets and get records. Check airline restrictions for pets.

• Get copies of children's medical/dental records, birth certificates and school transcripts. Ask doctors for recommendations in your new area.

• Fill prescriptions and get copies for new physicians.

• Drop off dry cleaning

• Pick up anything being repaired, serviced or on layaway.

• Check address-change list. Everyone notified?

• Make reservations. Early booking can save money, but last minute changes can be costly. Book at the last chance to save.

• Have car serviced for the trip

• Collect children's activities for the trip

• Arrange to have major appliances serviced for the trip if needed

• Plan farewell parties and goodbyes

• Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator. Leave open.

• Get traveler's checks. Empty safe deposit box. Consider cashier's check to open new bank account in new town and certified check for house closing. Make arrangements to pay movers.

• Pack suitcases with personal belongings to use until moving van arrives.

• Finish packing kitchen. Pack most needed items together- Coffee pot, canned food, can opener, trash bags, and light bulbs. Mark package “Care”. Pack on truck last to be unloaded first.

• Pack the car if driving with picnic items and food to save money along the way.

• Strip beds

• Load last minute items in car.

• Be available to movers for questions and to supervise. Mark boxes for placement in new house.

• Check inventory carefully and make sure movers know how to contact you en-route. Give them map and directions to new house.

• Check rooms, cupboards, closets, drawers, washer and dryer. Empty garbage.

• Sweep or vacuum

• Leave new address so that new owner can forward mail.

• Say goodbye to the old house and lock up, leaving garage openers and keys in the designated place.

• Be at new home a day before the movers to be sure utilities are connected and plan for where to put everything.

• When movers arrive open “Care” package to start feeling at home.

• Direct movers as they unload and where to put furniture. Check off inventory list.

• Check exterior of cartons before signing off on the receipt.

• Celebrate and enjoy your new home!