Create a room where you can begin to store and organize packing supplies and other items that will assist you in your move. Group boxes by size so you will not have to fumble through heavy piles when packing your things.
Now is the time to make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it be renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry.
Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
Return anything you have borrowed from nearby friends or relatives and make sure to ask for your things back.
Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.
Compile a list of phone numbers and addresses so that once you have moved in to your new home you will be able to easily access this information without the hassle of searching through the phone directory.
Create a designated folder for moving related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
Notify schools in the old and new location and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
Collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date. Keep these in a safe place
Contemplate holding a garage sale at least two weeks prior to your move; this will help you save space while earning some extra cash on the side.
4-5 Weeks Before Your Move
Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at the postal service website.
Give a change of address to the following:
Banks
Schools
Friends & family
Insurance company
Doctors & specialists
Cellular phone company
Credit card companies
Subscriptions (Magazine, newspaper, etc.)
Check with you mover to confirm that all the details of the move are set. If you are packing on your own, make the proper arrangements and get the right supplies.
Make the arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet, electric and any other services you currently use.
Investigate the popular banks in the area you will be living in so that you can close and open new bank accounts as needed.
Check what the requirements are to receive a new driver’s license and complete auto registration at your new motor vehicle location.
3 Weeks Before Your Move
If you are traveling by car, check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape for the trip.
Investigate your secret hiding spots to search for any forgotten items. Collect valuable items such as jewelry or heirlooms and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings so that you do not leave them behind.
Return any borrowed items, such as library books, and collect any clothing that you may have taken to be dry cleaned.
Begin cleaning the various rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics to prepare for the new residents and to make sure you did not leave anything unpacked.
Locate pharmacies in your new town that you can transfer prescriptions over to.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Organize a garage sale to earn some cash on the side from your unwanted belongings. You should also consider donating old clothing to a local charity or shelter—if you do, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.
Resume packing any items you have not had a chance to pack yet. Your final week at home has the potential to be very stressful and you should prevent pushing things off until the last minute.
Think about quick and easy meals you can prepare for your family while utilizing the remaining food in your refrigerator so that it does not go to waste.
Make sure all scheduled deliveries (newspaper, milk, etc.) have been canceled or redirected to your new home.
Empty all lockers at school, work or at your gym.
1 Week Before Your Move
Before you move, mow your lawn one last time. Especially if your home will not be unoccupied after your departure.
Mark any unmarked boxes as "Fragile," "Do not load," or "Load last" if you have not yet done so.
If you are not going directly to your new home, ensure that your movers have an address or phone number to contact you at in the event that something goes wrong.
Empty, clean and defrost your refrigerator/freezer during this final week and use baking soda to rid it of any foul odors.
Put together a moving day survival kit with items you will need for the trip and immediately when you arrive at your new home. These items include toilet paper, snacks, bottled water, dishes, toiletries, towels, etc.
Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.
Move-in Day!
Prepare to pay your movers. Inquire about the proper payment method and make sure you have it available on move-in day. This will generally be Cash on Delivery (COD).
When the movers arrive, be available to assist them with any question they have. If this is not a possibility, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. Leave them detailed notes about anything you want them to remember. This individual may be required to sign documents obligating you to charges, so give them a number they can reach you at and notify the moving company of your replacement.
