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A checklist of things to do before you move
American Moving and Storage Association

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Eight weeks before you move:

• Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
• Begin an inventory of all household goods.
• Solicit estimates from several moving companies.
• Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowners policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
• Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
• Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
• Choose a mover.

Six weeks before you move

• Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.
• Fill out post-office change of address cards.
• Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, creditcard companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
• Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
• Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

Four weeks before you move

• For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, etc. Start packing!
• If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
• Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.
• Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
• Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations.

Three weeks before you move

• Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
• Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
• Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for child care on moving day.
• If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.