Moving can be one stressful but if you plan ahead you can stay organized and not lose your head. Follow this moving timeline to keep you on track as you move to your new home.
Eight Weeks Out
Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day. Make certain that estimators are aware of everything that must be moved. Don’t forget items such as lawn furniture, curtains, basketball hoops etc. A binding estimate specifies in advance the cost of your move. It includes transportation charges plus any additional services which you might request. Determine what degree of legal protection is needed for the safety if your goods. From acceptance to delivery of your goods, the carrier is responsible for your shipment. Responsibility is not the same as liability.
Gather moving boxes. These can be purchased at moving companies or office supply stores. However there are many places that offer free boxes. Most retailers receive goods once a week from their distributors, and they usually come in boxes. Places like grocery stores, big box retailers, and craigslist are all opportunities for free quality boxes. All you have to do is ask.
Start to use up things with a short shelf life such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
Six weeks Out
Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated? What haven’t you used in the last year?
Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your move: friends professionals, creditors, subscriptions etc.
Moving far away? Contact doctors, dentists, lawyers, schools, and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
Four Weeks Out
Obtain a change of address kit from the post office and begin filling out cards with the effective date of move. Be sure to fill one out for each member of family receiving mail.
Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.
Contact utility companies for service disconnect and reconnect at your old and new address. Remember to keep your utilities current through your moving day.
Contact Insurance companies and arrange coverage for your new home.
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 Out
Collect Important Papers (insurance, will deeds, passports, birth certificates, etc)
Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open one in new locale.
Make a checklist for packing all items. In what order will you pack the bedrooms, living room, bathrooms etc.
One Week Out
Arrange for sufficient help on moving day. Will you be enlisting your friends and family to help?
Have cash on hand for emergencies, tips for drivers, etc.
Determine what personal items you will need immediately at your new residence. Items such as screwdrivers, paper towels, toilet paper, light bulbs, etc should be in place at your new home as soon as you arrive. Plan to pack this box last.
Moving Day
Have a plan of action for moving. Determine what items such as big bulky things will need to be loaded first. This may mean removing cushions, disconnecting cables etc.
Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep these-and all related papers- in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.