Contact moving companies or truck rental companies for estimates. Inquire about moving insurance, if necessary. 

If moving yourself, get estimates from at least two to three truck rental companies. 

Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement. 

Remove clutter from your basement, attic, garage, shed, and other storage areas. 

Create a “Moving File” for all of your moving paperwork. Plan to keep all estimates, receipts, etc. (Consult your Accountant as to which moving expenses are tax deductible.)  

Make arrangements to transfer school records, if necessary. 

Make arrangements to transfer doctor records, if necessary. 

Arrange for household repairs, if necessary (carpeting, roofing, painting, etc.). 

Pick up Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office.
Be sure to notify Family, Friends, Banks, Insurance Companies, Credit Card Companies, Cellular Phone Companies, Magazines, Newspapers, Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists, Employers and Past Employers (within the last year). 

Subscribe to the newspaper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community. 

Make storage arrangements, if necessary. 

Get appraisals for high-value items in case of claims (i.e. antiques, jewelry). 

Concentrate on consuming food and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved. 

Plan a moving sale. 

Secure reservations for movers or secure reservations for a moving truck(s) rental. 

If packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you will not need until after you arrive at your new home. 

Contact your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit. 

If needed, secure any travel plans needed for the move. 

Contact the city to see if moving permits are required. 

Arrange to disconnect utilities at old location. Have the disconnect date set up be the Day After you move out. Be sure to have deposits refunded and provide forwarding address to utility companies.
(Electric, Gas, Cable/Satellite Dish Services, Telephone, Water, Security System, Internet Companies/DSL/Cable Connection Companies) 

Arrange to connect above utilities at your new home. Have the connection date be the Day Before your official move-in date. 

Arrange to have your old home cleaned. 

Contact your insurance company about coverage for your new home and canceling your old policy. 

If moving to another state, prepare auto registration for transfer. 

Service your car in preparation for the move, as needed. 

Remember to return borrowed library books or retrieve loaned items from friends and neighbors. 

Cancel/forward newspaper delivery. 

Transfer prescriptions, if necessary, and inventory supply of medications to insure an adequate amount is on hand. 

Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner (i.e. security system codes and paperwork, warranty information, extra keys, lock combinations, etc.) 

Make sure all pets are immunized and ready for move or boarding. 

Dispose of flammable items like lawn mower gas and paint aerosol cans. 

Make travel/moving sitter arrangements for your children. 

Make travel/moving sitter arrangements for your pets and plants. 

If necessary, transfer your bank accounts. 

Close/transfer your safety deposit box. 

Settle last minute local bills. 

Drain power equipment of oil and gas. 

Drain water hoses. 

Drain waterbeds. 

Confirm travel arrangements, if needed. 

Defrost, clean and air-out your refrigerators and freezers. 

Have movers pack your belongings, unless you are moving yourself. 

Prepare and disconnect major appliances for the move. 

Prepare non-packable items for the move. 

Set aside those items that are not supposed to be packed up or moved by the movers. 

Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new home. Clearly mark this box “Open First-Load Last”. 

Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the move and to pay the movers. 

Confirm arrival time of moving truck, if applicable. 

If moving yourself, dismantle beds, other large items and/or furniture. 

Pack your former town's phone book for future reference, if applicable. 

Strip your beds, as needed. 

Make sure movers have your new address and know exactly how to get there. 

Make sure there is someone at the old and new home to instruct movers and answer questions. 

Make a note of all utility meter readings. 

Inventory all possessions being moved with movers and confirm delivery dates. 

Remember to check all rooms one more time before leaving. Do not forget about closets, cupboards, basements, and garages. 

Lock all doors and windows of old home. 

Read you bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in your Moving Folder. 

Be available to the movers to answer any questions. 

Check all belongings carefully and note on the inventory any damaged items. Remember to file a claim for all damaged goods. 

Supervise all unloading and packing. 

Be prepared to pay the movers with cash, certified check or traveler’s checks unless advance arrangements have been made. 

JIT Packing 

PaperMart 

U-Line 

United States Postal Service Movers Guide and Kits