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It's really never too soon to
begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a
comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a
smooth relocation. It's also a great way to involve the entire family in
the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person,
including your children You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are
checked off. Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help
ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning, and
that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your anxiety.
Eight Weeks Before
- Contact
your mover to make arrangements for moving day.
- Remove
items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
- Start
to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning
supplies.
- Contact
the Chamber of Commerce or visitors and tourism bureaus in your new
community for information on your new city.
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Six Weeks
Before
- If
you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and
responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
- Contact
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 community to
familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news
and activities.
- Locate
all auto licensing and registration documents.
- If
some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements
now. (Your moving consultant should be able to help.)
- Contact
schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies
of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
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Four Weeks Before
- Obtain
a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out the
cards.
- Arrange
special transport for your pets and plants.
- Contact
utility and related companies 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 renters, medical, and life)
to arrange for coverage in your new home.
- If
you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes. 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.
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