Before you get to sit back and relax in your new home, there’s a lot of work to do. The key to a successful and worry-free move is organization.

We’ve developed a few checklists and timelines to help make your move a little smoother. Feel free to print them out and use them as your guide.

Important Items To Collect For Your Move

• Boxes (computer and grocery stores are a good source)
• Plastic bags
• Newspapers
• Packing tape
• Scissors or utility knife
• Markers
• Bubble wrap
• Tissue paper

Packing Tips For Your Move

• Label your boxes as you pack them. Include where they should go in your new home.
• Pack heavy items in small boxes.
• Wrap breakables in newspaper, bubble wrap, clothes or towels.
• Leave lamps, china, and artwork and other breakables for professional movers to pack.
• Don't overstuff boxes. Leave some extra room at the top.
• Never pack jewelry, important papers or medicine.
• Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances.
• Don’t tape furniture doors and drawers because tape can damage them.

Two Months Before

• Make a list or an inventory of all your possessions.
• Remove everything stored in your attic, basement, closets and other areas.
• Decide which items you want to keep. Donate, sell or throw away the rest.
• Use things that you won’t be taking with you like cleaning supplies and frozen foods.
• Contact at least three moving companies for estimates. Remember to ask about insurance coverage.
• Call your insurance agent to find out if your move is covered.
• Find out if any part of your move is tax-deductible.
• Keep all moving papers and receipts in a file.
• If you have children, arrange to have their school records transferred.

Six Weeks Before

• Get information on health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location.
• Complete a change of address card at the post office for the following:

• Banks
• Charge cards
• Doctors and dentists
• Friends and relatives
• IRS/Social Security Administration
• Insurance broker, lawyer, CPA and stockbroker
• Religious organizations
• Magazines
• Schools

• Hold a garage sale or donate items to charities.

• Choose a mover.

One Month Before

• Begin packing.
• Contact gas, electric, water, telephone, cable, trash collection and other services for disconnect and connect at your new addresses. Also, ask for final billings.
• Gather car licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation.
• Request refunds on unused renter or homeowner’s insurance.
• Notify landlord and request a security deposit refund.
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
• Arrange to close current bank accounts and open them in new locations.

Three Weeks Before

• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
• Arrange for childcare on moving day.

Two Weeks Before

• Review arrangements with the moving company.
• Arrange special transport for pets, plants, jewelry and other delicate items.
• Service your car if you’re planning a long trip.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Contact your veterinarian to get a copy of your pet records.

One Week Before

• Pick up your dry cleaning.
• Return library books and rented videos, etc.
• Be sure to have two weeks’ worth any prescription medication that you or family members are taking.
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
• Prepare detailed directions to both old and new homes for your moving company. Include an itinerary with emergency numbers.

A few days before

• Finish packing.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers.

• Disconnect all major appliances.
• Contact your moving company for any updates.
• Pack first night items. These include: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight.
• Pack a Mover’s Survival Kit. Your kits should include: scissors, utility knife, masking and/or duct tape, coffee, coffee maker and paper cups, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pen and notepad, local phone books, trash bags, shelf liner, and a pain reliever.

Moving Day

• Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Record all utility meter readings.
• Stay until your movers are finished.
• Complete information on the bill of lading and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.
• Keep your copies of the bill of lading and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
• Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
• Give movers the directions to your new home and an emergency number (like a cell phone number) where they can reach you.

At Your New Home

• Be at your new home to welcome the movers.
• Unpack first night items and mover’s survival kit.
• Account for items on your inventory sheet.
• Check for damaged or missing items.
• Pay for movers.
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
• Go to the post office and collect held mail.

Breathe deep. You’re home at last!