Moving Timeline

If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
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.
Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new hometown to familiarize yourself with local government, social news and activities in your new community
Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents.
If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)
Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.

Obtain a change of address form from the post office and begin filling out cards.
Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.
Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at 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 home.
If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from your local mover. Pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.
Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.

Make travel arrangements/reservations for your moving trip. Schedule plane reservations after you're move-out date. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations can arise.
Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).
Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new hometown.

Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) to meet the weather conditions you'll be traveling in.
If you're moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators.
Contact your moving counselor to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.

Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.
Take pets to the veterinarian if immunizations are needed. Get copies of pets' veterinary records.
Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
Give away plants not being moved.
Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)

frost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.
Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. (Again, your moving counselor can help with arrangements for a third party to provide these services.)
Pack a box of necessary personal items for immediate use at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you.
Organize and set aside those things that you're taking with you so they're not loaded on the van in error.
Contact your moving counselor to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify him/her of any last minute details.

Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions.
Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
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.

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Moving Timeline

(800) 209-9204