4 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

1. WHILE WALKING THROUGH YOUR HOME, DECIDE WHICH ITEMS TO DISCARD OR DONATE TO CHARITY.

2. CALL DOCTORS AND DENTISTS TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE MOVE, THEY MAY RECOMMEND A COLLEAGUE CLOSER TO YOUR NEW HOME.

3. IF CHANGING SCHOOLS, ARRANGE TRANSFER OF SCHOOL RECORDS.

4. INSURANCE POLICIES, CHECK TO BE SURE MOVING IS COVERED.  HAVE  POLICY SET UP FOR NEW HOME.

5. TRANSFER PERSONAL INSURANCE RECORDS.

6. IF UNSURE OF ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVE, CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL TO BE SURE OF POLICY TO DECREASE CONFUSION ON MOVING DAY.

3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

1. BE WISE WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING.  PLAN TO USE UP AS MUCH FOOD AS POSSIBLE BEFRORE THE MOVE.

2. ARE YOU BRINGING THE APPLIANCES?  ARRANGE FOR DISCONECTION AND RECONNECTION OF ANY NATURAL GAS APPLIANCES.  BE SURE TO HAVE A STURDY MOVING DOLLY TO PREVENT INJURY.

3. IF USING A MOVER CHECK THEIR POLICY ON MOVING FLAMMABLES.  MOVERS DO NOT TAKE AEROSOLS, FLAMMABLES OR AMMUNITION.  USE THEM UP OR GIVE THEM AWAY BEFORE THE MOVE.  NOTE: PROPANE TANKS MUST BE EMPTIED.

4. NOTIFY THE POST OFFICE; FILL OUT CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORMS.  REMEMBER:  A CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EACH PERSON WHO RECIEVES MAIL AT YOUR ADDRESS.

5. MAKE YOUR MOVING VAN RESERVATIONS OR ANY OTHER RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE MOVE.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

1. CHOSE WHICH ITEMS CAN BE PACKED IMMEDIATELY AND WHICH YOU WILL NEED FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS.  GO THROUGH LINEN CLOSETS, KITCHEN CABINETS, BEDROOM CLOSETS, DRESSERS, NIC NACS, CHILDRENS TOYS, MOVIES.  PACK UP SHED OR GARAGE CONTENTS.

2. RETURN ALL LIBRARY BOOKS AND BORROWED ITEMS.  COLLECT ALL ITEMS YOU HAVE LENT OUT. 

3. ADVISE YOUR BANK OF THE MOVE AND TRANSFER ACCOUNTS TO A CLOSER BRANCH IF NECESSARY.

4. ARRANGE UTILITY AND CABLE OR SATELLITE DISCONNECTION AT PRESENT RESIDENCE AND TRANSFER TO NEW RESIDENCE.

5. ARRANGE FLOOR PLAN OF NEW RESIDENCE TO MAKE MOVING IN LESS CAOTIC.  THIS IS BEST DONE FOR THOSE WHO ARE USING A MOVING SERVICE OR ARE HAVING FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP YOU MOVE IN.  THERE IS LESS CONFUSION WHEN EVERYONE KNOWS WHICH ROOM EACH ITEM GOES TO.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE

1. COFIRM MOVING RESERVATIONS.

2. ARRANGE TO HAVE CASH ON HAND TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE MOVING EXPENCES.

3. SET ASIDE; MAPS, GAMES, SNACKS, FLASHLIGHTS, AND OTHER ITEMS ESSENTIAL FOR THE MOVE TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR.  GATHER MEDICINES AND IMPORTANT PAPER FOR THE DAY OF THE MOVE.

4. TRANSFER PHONE SERVICE BEFORE THE MOVE TO PREVENT ANY UNWANTED DELAY.

5. DRAIN WATER FROM GARDEN HOSES AND GAS FROM LAWN MOWERS.  DEFROST AND CLEAN FREEZER.  THIS CAN TAKE A WHILE SO USE THE FREEZER IN YOU FRIDGE FOR THE NEXT WEEK.

6. PACK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, LABELLING AS YOU GO.

7. IF A MOVER IS PACKING CERTAIN THINGS, LEAVE THEM AS THEY ARE.

1 DAY BEFORE THE MOVE

1. CLEANING SUPPLIES, TOILETRIES AND COFFEE POTS SHOULD BE PACKED TOGETHER AND LOADED LAST OR IN YOUR CAR.  THIS WAY IT IS THE FIRST THING THAT IS UNPACKED.

2. DEFROST, CLEAN AND DRY REFRIDGERATOR.

MOVING DAY

1. BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.  THIS GOES FOR THOSE WHO ARE USING A MOVING COMPANY AND MOVING THEMSELVES.

2. CHECK EACH ROOM AND STORAGE SPACE FOR ANYTHING YOU COULD HAVE MISSED.

3. ENSURE ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE LOCKED, KEYS ARE TRANSFERED AND LIGHTS ARE OUT.

4. ENSURE YOU HAVE ARRANGED A TIME TO MEET YOUR LAWYER TO OBTAIN THE KEY TO YOUR NEW HOME.

5. TIDY YOUR WAY OUT OF THE HOUSE.  DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE AND DIRTY FLOORS FOR THE NEW OWNER.