The best way to tackle a moving process is to break it down into weekly “to do” or checklists and most experts agree that a six to eight week plan is the best approach. The following tips and sample checklists are in a “countdown” order, beginning with six to eight weeks from moving day.

Weeks Eight to Six Before Moving Day
Weeks Five to Four Before Moving Day
Weeks Three to Two Before Moving Day
The Final Week Before Moving Day
Moving Day

• Complete the packing process at least two days before the move. This will allow for the purchase of additional packing supplies if they should run out as well as a bit of a break for the owner prior to the day of the move.
• Dispose of all hazardous chemicals this week, using the trip to the garbage facility to eliminate other bulkier items as well.
• Make a trip to the local charitable locations, or arrange for a pick up at the home, many such donations are tax deductible.
• Develop a “moving day” plan for children who must stay out of the harm’s way. Many people arrange for children to spend this period with a friend or babysitter.
• Double check the contents of the “essentials” cases to be sure that all necessary items are temporarily relocated to them.
• This is a good time to launder curtains and bedding before packing them for a move.
• Empty the refrigerator and give it a good cleaning.

Moving Day

• Make a “Master” binder or notebook for all of the developing plans or checklists, this will serve as a major tool for the coming weeks of work and will really help to prevent anything from slipping through the cracks!
• Inventory the entire household, including all of the items that will be moved, and even listing all of those that will be discarded, sold or given away. This inventory will help to accurately figure the number of packing supplies and boxes required to complete the move. This inventory will also come in very handy if a professional moving service is hired.
• It might be a good idea to take pictures of all the items you’re planning to move for insurance purpuse in case of damage.
• Order or obtain all the required moving supplies, including a small amount of supplementary materials, “just in case”.
• Determine whether or not professional moving assistance will be used for the moving or relocating operation. If so, they should be contacted for quotes no later than eight weeks before the move is scheduled.’
• Begin gathering and setting aside all important documents and records. This includes everything from all account statements to prescriptions and even wills. It is frequently difficult to access file cabinets or paperwork in the middle of packing and moving, and so it is necessary to gather everything of importance. Many movers suggest the purchase of a plastic file box to contain and transport critical documents.
• This is also the time to collect health and medical records as well as all necessary school documents which should be kept easily accessible.
• Develop a “change of address” list for all vendors, accounts and others who will need to know of the relocation and the new mailing information.

Weeks Five to Four Before Moving Day
Weeks Three to Two Before Moving Day
The Final Week Before Moving Day
Moving Day

• Choose and hire the professional moving company in order to develop a workable timetable or schedule. Many companies will require several weeks of planning with the owner, and this is the appropriate time to make such arrangements. Remember that “expedited” services will come with significant charges, so be sure to allow enough time to avoid such fees.
• Review a floor plan of the new home to ensure that there is adequate room for all of the furnishings and possessions that are included in the plans for moving day.
• Find a storage facility within a reasonable distance from the new location if one is going to be required. Remember that a professional moving service is glad to stop at a storage facility to deliver or pick up possessions, but this will add to the cost of their service.
• Contact all utility suppliers to alert them to the moving day and arrange for an end of the services supplied to the location. Note: Do not ask for the cut off day to coincide with moving day! Leave the utilities in operation for at least one full day after the move.
• If not using a moving company, now is the time to arrange for all of the rental equipment, including dollies, furniture blankets and vans or trucks.
• If air travel is going to be required this is the absolute latest date to make such arrangements. Additionally, if animals are to be flown or transported this is the time to consult with a veterinarian about any health challenges the animal may face. Alternately, if the relocation involves a lengthy drive it is important to let the animal(s) become familiar with their carrier, and giving a month or more to familiarize them to the crate is a good idea.
• Present all family members with a box or storage tub which they can fill with their “essentials”. Moving day can mean lost toys, electronic items, wallets, keys, etc. An essential box of goods and items will allow family members several weeks to prepare for moving day. The box should also contain several changes of clothing and any medications.
• Begin packing – it is easiest to pack in stages, one room at a time. Many people begin by reviewing all of the possessions in a room, eliminating those things they will not keep and then packing smaller, less frequently used items, before completely packing the contents of the room. Some experts recommend dividing the contents of a room into three possible destinations: “trash”, “charity”, and “move”.
• If the move requires the transportation of a car or vehicles now is the time to make such arrangements with a car transportation service or driving company.
• Identify any tax deductible expenses for the relocation. Usually this is available only to those who are moving in order to engage in a new job or because they have been required to do so for their employer. Now is the time to be sure that all appropriate documents are placed in the critical file box.
• Begin to file all of the change of address cards, and plan to finish them before the end of the week.
• Handle all banking requirements at this time, including opening new accounts and closing those that can be eliminated.

Weeks Three to Two Before Moving Day
The Final Week Before Moving Day
Moving Day

• Make arrangements for a cleaning crew in both the old and new homes, especially if the new location is a great distance from the original area.
• During the next few weeks it is important to find homes for items like houseplants that are remaining behind, and to make any special arrangements for the care of family pets on moving day. Some animals panic with many strangers and noises in the home and it may be a good idea to board them at a kennel or veterinarian’s office during the day or two that moving will take place.
• Stop grocery shopping – Unless the homeowners eat only the freshest foods, it is important to stop filling the pantry from this point on, and to eat as many of the heavy canned goods, or frozen foods as possible. This is particularly true if the move is long-distance, as it will have to be thrown or given away otherwise.
• Tackle the garage, shed, attic and basement during this period, as lugging boxes and large items from such locations on moving day will be exhausting and difficult. Many moving companies will also charge extra fees if their crew must climb stairs, and both the attic and basement will qualify for such charges.
• Prepare the vehicle(s) for travel by having them cleaned and maintenanced. This is a good way to prevent moving day problems if a car fails to start or presents a problem to the moving company. Many car carrying companies require the vehicle to be completely emptied of personal possessions before they can take it to its new location and this is the time to make such preparations.

The Final Week Before Moving Day
Moving Day

Many people make a checklist of the issues and questions they will have for their team of professional movers, or alternately the items that need to be addressed by their friends and family that have volunteered to help.

Finally, make a checklist of the final things to do within the former home, including a last sweep of closets and storage areas, turning off all lights, and locking all doors and windows.

You may be tempted to think that the culmination of all of your months of planning and hard work is the day that you actually move in, but move in day itself can actually be the most difficult day of all. Naturally, you want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch and that all of your belonging arrive in one place in one piece. Read on for tips that will help to ensure your moving day comes off as smoothly as possible.

The day before move-in, make sure that your payment for the movers is ready. It is a good idea to contact the company ahead of time to be sure you know what type of payment the driver will be able to accept. Do not just assume that they will be able to take a check or even cash. If they will only accept a certified check or bank draft, make a note to take care of this before move-in day. It is also a good idea to have a cash tip prepared for the movers as well. While you are certainly not required to tip the movers, it is a good idea.

Moving Day Tips

First, make sure you know what time your movers will be arriving and make plans to arrive at your new place before they do. If you absolutely cannot arrive early, make arrangements with a trusted friend or relative to wait for the movers at your new home.

Prior to the arrival of the movers, be sure there will be sufficient parking space for the moving truck. If you are moving into a building with an elevator, be sure to check with the landlord or supervisor regarding the use of the service elevator.

Check to be certain that your utilities have actually been turned on and are in working order. Even though you may have made arrangements for a specific set-up date, it is still a good idea to verify it.

Be sure to bring your home inventory list with you so that you will be able to check off every single item as it comes off the truck and enters your new home. Your movers should provide this list to you when you move out of your old place. Finding out after the fact that something has been misplaced can not only be frustrating, but time consuming as well.

Avoid the tendency to tell the movers to just put things ‘wherever.’ It will save you a lot of time and trouble, if you direct them where items and boxes should be placed as they are unloading them from the truck. For example, have bedroom boxes placed in the bedroom, kitchen boxes in the kitchen, etc. This can be particularly helpful with large pieces of furniture.

Once the appliances have been moved in, go ahead and check them to be certain they are working. If you notice that an item is not working properly, be sure to make a notation of it so that you can then contact the moving company about it as soon as possible.

Finally, check with the moving company to make certain you know whether you will be charged for any additional fees, such as furniture assembly, use of stairs, etc. This can save you from some undesirable surprises.