2 Months Before

• If you will use a mover, obtain estimates from a few moving companies (be sure to ask for the USDOT (US Department of Transportation) number associated with the company).
• If you will be moving yourself, get costs from a few truck rental companies.
• Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement (check out HGTV's Room Planner). Also, check measurements of your new home to ensure furniture will fit through necessary openings.
• Take inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage and other storage areas).
• Start a file for all of your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)
• Arrange to transfer school records to your child's new school (keep in mind that many school districts are closed during the month of July).
• Select a mover or truck rental company.
• Begin to get your new home ready - contact painters, carpenters, carpet installers, roofer, etc. so that your home is ready when you arrive. It is a good idea to consider changing the locks on all of the doors of your new home.

Six Weeks Before

• Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
• Have antiques, pieces of art and other valuables appraised.
• Clean out all closets and drawers.
• Begin using foods and cleaning supplies (bleaches, aerosols) that cannot be moved.

One Month Before

• Alert the following about your move, either in writing, by phone or online:

- Banks
- Credit-card companies
- Brokerage firms
- Insurance companies
- Utility companies
- Human Resource department at work
- Doctors and other health-care providers, including veterinarian (if you are moving out of the area, obtain copies of medical records or ask that they be forwarded to your new providers - ask for referrals if necessary).

• Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to schedule disconnection for the day after you leave and connect new service the day before you arrive.
• If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.
• If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and begin packing items you won't need until after you arrive at your new home.
• Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
• Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit. You may want to obtain extra insurance for valuable items.
• Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
• Collect your important records if moving over a long distance to ensure they do not get misplaced.

Two Weeks Before

• Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving out of state).
• Have your car serviced, considering the new climate if you're moving to one.
• Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Transfer prescriptions and ensure that you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
• Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
• Complete a ‘Change of address' card at your local post office.
• Pick up any dry cleaning
• Clean out your safety deposit box
• Reconfirm the movers or truck rental reservation.

One Week Before

• Aim to finish packing a couple of days before the moving date. Have your boxes labeled and numbered. Pack and clearly mark an "essentials" box of items you'll need right away.
• Set aside things you'll personally transport to your new home, such as jewelry and important files. Pack suitcases for each member of the family with enough clothes for a few days if you have a long distance move.
• Take animals to the vet for immunizations, if necessary.
• Drain water hoses.

A Few Days Before

• If you are moving your refrigerator, empty, clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before your move.
• Reconfirm the moving-day arrival time and other details with the moving company or truck rental company.
• Prepare detailed written directions to your new home for the movers, including your cell phone number in the event of problems.
• Confirm any travel reservations.
• Set aside anything that will be traveling with you in your car so that it does not get loaded onto the moving truck.

Day of the Move

• If using a moving company, make sure the truck that shows up is from the moving company you hired. It should have the same USDOT number painted on the side that you were given upon obtaining the estimate.
• Plan to have someone at your house to answer any questions the movers may have.
• Before the movers leave, read and sign your bill of lading/inventory list and be sure to keep a copy.

Delivery Day

• Supervise unloading and unpacking (if applicable).