Making The Move...

8 Weeks Before The Move:

• Call for estimates from at least 3 professional movers.
• Draw a floor plan of your new home to help you decide which furniture stays and which goes.
• Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new town for their "residential information packet."
  
• Save moving receipts ' many expenses are tax deductible.

6 Weeks Before The Move:

• Inventory all your possessions and decide what to move, sell, replace or donate.
• Complete U.S. Postal change of address.
• Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinary records.
• Make arrangements for record transfers between schools.
• Ask your tax advisor to review your potential moving-related tax deductions and potential tax liability.
• Itemize moving-related costs with mover including packing, loading, insurance and special charges.

• Repair or clean any furniture, drapes or carpeting as necessary.
• If a professional mover is packing for you, schedule packing day 1 or 2 days before the move.
• If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials, tape, etc.
• Arrange for short or long term storage if needed.
• Make travel arrangements for pets.

• Assemble sufficient supply of packing materials and equipment.
• Pack items you won't use immediately or ones that will go into storage.
• Contact utilities on both ends of the move, order termination or turn-on for arrival date.
• Make travel and/or hotel reservations if necessary.

• Prepare auto(s) for trip to new home ' have auto(s) serviced.
• Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
• Confirm new bank accounts.
• Make arrangements for new telephone service.
• Schedule an appliance service for moving day to prepare major appliances for the move.

• Gather important papers, records, valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
• Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day.
• Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next 2 weeks.

• Pack signed bill of lading and inventory where they can be easily reached.
• Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST UNPACKED containing tools, shades, etc.
• Give mover the telephone number and address where you can be reached.