Research your new city through its Chamber of Commerce and through online websites. Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day. Make certain that estimators are aware of everything that must be moved. Don’t “forget” the lawn furniture, etc. The charge for interstate moves will be based on actual weight and distance; not on estimates, unless you have requested and received a binding estimate.

 
A binding estimate specifies in advance the cost of your move. It includes all transportation charges plus any additional services, which you might request. It does not include items that are later added to the shipment or any additional services that may become necessary after the computation has been prepared.

 
Determine what degree of legal protection is needed for the safety of your goods. From acceptance to delivery of your goods, the carrier is responsible for your shipment. Responsibility is not the same as liability, however.

 
Start to use up things you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.

 
Six Weeks Ahead

Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible.

Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven’t you used within the last year?

Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.

If some of you goods are to be stores, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)

Contact doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.

Four Weeks Ahead

Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out cards with the effective date of the move. Fill out a change for each family member receiving mail.

Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants. Take pets to the veterinarian for required health certificates and rabies shots.

Notify the principal of your children’s school about your intended move and arrange for transfer of school records and credentials.

Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, water, telephone, newspaper, cable TV and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect and your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.

Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s or renter’s, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new location.

Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity. If donating, get receipts for possible tax deductions.

Three Weeks Ahead

Make travel arrangements and reservation for your moving trip.

Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, passport, stock, birth records, etc.).

Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

One Week Ahead

Have your car serviced and checked for problems.

Transfer your fire insurance on household goods or other insurance on personal possessions, so that they will be covered at your new home and in route.

Arrange for sufficient cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections. The moving company requires cash or certified check. They will not unpack the van without it.

Don’t forget to withdraw the contents of your safe deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.

Two to Three Days Ahead

Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can’t accidentally close on children or pets.

Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move.

Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you in your car.

Organize and set aside those things that you’re talking with you so that they don’t get loaded on the van in error.

Pack your current phone books (to keep in touch).

Moving Day

Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman’s questions. Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these – and all related papers – in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.

Leave keys (and electronic garage door openers) with your Realtor.