Moving can be very exciting, but it can also be very stressful as there are so many things to remember to do! Don’t despair; whether you are doing it on your own, asking friends for some help, or hiring professionals, here is a quick guide to help you get through it.

Start early; if you don’t already have a moving company in mind, do some research or ask for recommendations. Movers can come in and do an estimate before you commit to their services.

TIP: weekends and holiday weekends tend to be the busiest, so if you are able to move during the week, you may even get a discounted rate!

1 Month Before

• Eliminate items you no longer use/want – have a garage sale or make donations to local charitable organizations. Why pay to move it when you don’t need or want it?
• Start getting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc… anything you will need to pack up, and make notes of what may need special attention.
• Obtain change of address cards to contact any of your regular mail senders.
• Obtain medical and dental records as well as children’s immunizations if moving out of the area
• Arrange for your children’s school records to be transferred to their new school.
• Make travel plans and reservations.
• Use up food supplies.
• Dispose of hazardous goods.

2 – 4 Weeks Before

• Start packing and begin with items in your home you do NOT use on a regular basis.
• Be sure to clearly label or number your boxes to make unpacking and finding items easier.
• As you pack, make notes of items of significant value (LCD/plasma TVs, stereos, computers, etc.) as you may need to declare items of value if they are lost or damaged during the move.
• Look to change some important information online.
• Go to your local post office to fill out a change of address form with your new address.
• Don’t forget to contact the following places to notify change of address: banks, cable/phone providers, insurance companies, utility companies, credit card companies, doctor/dentist/vet offices, investment companies, etc.

1 Week Before

• Confirm your reservations with your movers or truck company if you haven’t already done so.
• If required, cancel or transfer your newspaper delivery service.
• Finish all of your packing.
• Have your car serviced if driving a long distance.
• Close charge accounts.
• Arrange shipment of pets if necessary.
• Arrange utility service disconnects (disconnect after moving day and connect prior to or on delivery day).

A Few Days Before

• Reconfirm arrival time of your movers and make sure they know exactly where they are going and have your mobile number just in case.
• Start dismantling furniture if you are moving yourself.
• Pack a travel bag with items you may need on moving day such as toothbrushes, clothes, medications, toiletries, etc.
• Set aside items to take in the car, including jewelry and passports.

Moving Day

• Make a note of all utility meter readings (both at the old home and the new home).
• Be there when the truck is being loaded and unloaded just in case your movers have questions.
• Before the movers leave, check your belongings and make a note on their paperwork and yours if there are any damaged items.