Countdown to move

Eight weeks before you move:

* Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
* Begin an inventory of all household goods.
* Solicit estimates from several moving companies.
* Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowners policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
* Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
* Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
* Choose a mover.

Six weeks before you move

* Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.
* Fill out post-office change of address cards.
* Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, creditcard companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
* Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
* Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

Four weeks before you move

* For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, etc. Start packing!
* If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
* Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
* Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.
* Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
* Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations.

Three weeks before you move

* Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
* Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
* Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
* Arrange for child care on moving day.
* If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.

Two weeks before you move

* Arrange to move pets.
* Check with mover about moving house plants. (Some movers will not move plants.)
* Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
* If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.
* One week before you move
* Transfer all bank accounts.
* Cancel newspaper delivery.
* Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new destination.
* Buy traveler's checks.
* Make arrangements to pay for your move.
* Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.

Two days before you move

* Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).
* Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
* Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents,money and valuable small items.

Moving day

* Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.
* Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
* Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.
* Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
* Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
* Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
* Give the driver directions to your new home.
* Notify the driver and the van line where you can be reached during the move.

Delivery day

* Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
* You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
* Supervise unloading and unpacking.
* Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
* Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.