Planning well ahead of your move is essential for a smooth and hassle-free move. We have put together a list of items, in chronological order, which may help you in efficiently planning and organizing your move.

2 Weeks before Moving Day

• Notify schools and arrange for transfer of school records and transcripts.
• Contact the IRS or your accountant regarding forms and information about tax-deductible moving expenses.
• Cancel deliveries (newspaper, diapers, laundry, etc.).
• Cancel or transfer membership in religious, civic and athletic organizations.
• Finalize arrangements with moving company. If your moving company is packing your belongings, arrange for packing to be done 1-2 days before the actual moving day.
• Arrange for child care on moving day.
• Dispose of items that you do not want to bring with you or your moving company cannot transport (flammables).
  • Hold a garage sale or sell online.
  • Donate to charity (tax-deductible) or give away to friends and relatives.
  • Bulky items pick up or drop off – check with your local garbage disposal company.
• Drop off recycle household chemicals, oil, batteries, etc – check with your local garbage disposal company.
• If you are moving out of a high-rise building, contact the property manager and reserve the elevator for moving day. Secure parking for the moving truck.
• Arrange for removal of “installed items” you are bringing with you, like a TV antenna or shelves.
• Change of address
  • Fill out change of address forms with the US postal service, Social Security Administration, IRS and DMV
  • Friends and relatives
  • Subscriptions
  • Charge and credit card accounts
  • Frequent flyer programs
  • Brokers and mutual funds
  • Insurance agent/companies
  • Medical insurance
  • Catalogues you want to keep receiving
  • Charities
  • Memberships in professional and religious organizations or gym

4 Days before Moving Day

• Stop watering your plants to avoid spillage during the move.
• Confirm date and time of your move with moving company.
• Return any cable equipment.
• Cancel utilities (gas, electric, cable, phone, water, garbage; transfer services, if possible, or arrange new services).

1 Day before Moving Day

• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry.
• Clean and air your stove.
• Have moving company pack your belongings (or finish packing if you do your own packing).
• Plan your breakfast. Paper plates are fine. Eating something on the road is better.
• Pack your personal belongings except your alarm clock.
• Go to bed early to be ready for an early start on moving day.
• Pack a special box with other essentials you will need for the first few days (Make sure to mark this box "DO NOT MOVE").

Moving day

• Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
• Walk around with the crew chief.
• Keep your signed bill of lading in an easily accessible place.
• Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone and cellular numbers.
• Before the moving crew leaves from your old location, take a final look through your old location to make certain nothing has been left behind. Check all closets and cabinets.

Things To Do after Moving In

• Open bank accounts.
• Open safe deposit box account.
• Begin deliveries (newspaper, diapers, laundry).
• Register to vote.
• Change driver’s license.
• Change auto registration.
• Install new batteries in existing smoke detectors (and install any additional needed smoke detectors) and buy fire extinguisher.
• Hold a housewarming party for the folks who helped you find your home and your moving helpers.