- A move generally takes 8 to 10 weeks in all, and with so
many details to keep in mind -- packing, cleaning, setting
up utilities -- it can be an overwhelming experience. But
thorough planning is the key to an easy move. The following
week-by-week checklist, found on a new Web site from The
Home Depot, www.homedepotmoving.com, will guide movers
through the entire process, helping them stay organized and
on schedule for a successful moving day.
Week #8
* Call for estimates from three professional movers.
* Draw a floor plan of your new home.
* Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new town for its
residential information packet.
Week #6
* Inventory all possessions now. Decide what to move,
sell, replace or donate to charity.
* Complete U.S. Postal change of address forms, and mail
to media, stores and organizations.
* Obtain copies of all of your medical, dental, legal,
accounting and veterinarian records.
* Make arrangements for record transfers between schools
on both ends of the move.
* Ask a tax advisor to review your potential
moving-related tax deductions and potential tax liability.
* Itemize moving-related costs with your mover, including
packing, loading, special charges and insurance.
Week #4
* Repair, send out for re-upholstery, or clean furniture,
drapes and carpeting as necessary.
* Advertise a garage/yard/tag sale to dispose of unneeded
furniture, accessories and clothes.
* If a professional mover is packing your goods, schedule
packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before the move.
* If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing
materials and tape.
* Arrange for short-term storage if you will need it.
* Make travel arrangements for pets, including necessary
medical records and immunizations.
Week #3
* Assemble a sufficient supply of packing materials and
equipment.
* Pack items you won’t use immediately or that will go
into storage.
* Contact utilities on both ends of the move, and order
termination or turn-on for your occupancy date.
* Confirm final travel arrangements for family and pets.
Week #2
* Prepare auto(s) for the trip to your new home. Check
tires and have car(s) serviced before the move.
* Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
* Confirm new bank accounts by phone and fax.
* Schedule an appliance service firm for moving day to
prepare major appliances for the move.
Week #1
* Gather important papers, records and valuables for
protected shipment to your new home or safe deposit.
* Notify friends and neighbors of new address (and phone
number if possible).
* Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving
day.
* Fill any necessary prescriptions and medications needed
for the next two weeks.
* Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away all food in
both units.
* Plan simple meals for moving day (or take out food) to
avoid using the refrigerator.
* Pick up cash for your trip and a certified check for
mover’s invoice.
* Pack items you need to take with you including
valuables, financial records and personal papers.
* Pack signed bill of lading and inventory where they can
easily be located at your destination.
* Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST BOX UNPACKED
containing items you’ll need right away, like tools and
window shades.
* Give the mover a telephone number and address where you
can be reached in your new town.
Courtesy of ARA Content
