Complete Task List

 8 Weeks Pre-Move

Figure out Move Method
Time to think about how you're going to move. Are you doing it yourself? Or hiring a professional? Familiarize yourself with options and your budget. Use our free budget guidelines to help you in determining your move style.

 7 Weeks Pre-Move

Packing Materials
Start organizing your possessions. Throw out all frayed towels and sheets that have gone gray. Rule of thumb: If Mom would faint at the condition of your bed and bath linens - feed them to the incinerator (or better yet, use them to wrap delicate items on your move day).

Pet Records
If your pet's annual exam is less than two months away, take him or her to the vet for one last exam. Be sure to get referrals for vets in your new town. You'll also want to get a copy of your pet's medical records.

Travel Arrangements
If you are traveling a long distance during your move, make airline, car and hotel reservations. Pay close attention to flight schedules because you want to arrive at least six hours before your movers arrive.

Research Storage Facilities -FREE on Monstermoving
Too much stuff for your new place? Consider a storage facility. Start your research by comparing pricing and security levels. If you need frequent access to your possessions, be sure the facility can accommodate you.

 6 Weeks Pre-Move

Food and Cleaning Supplies
Finish up or pack the remaining food in the pantry and freezer. Use cleaning supplies you have on hand and avoid shopping for household items.

Health Insurance
Call your health insurance provider to ensure that you'll still have medical coverage in your new town. If you have coverage, transfer the policy to your new address.

Notify Doctor and Dentist
Contact your doctor and dentist and inform them of your move. If you haven't selected a new doctor in your new town, request referrals from your current doctor. Once you have made your selection, arrange to have your medical records transferred. Note that most physicians require you to submit a signed letter before receiving records

Tax-deductible Moving Expenses
Did you know that moving expenses are often tax deductible? You may be eligible to deduct transportation, travel, and lodging expenses for job-related moves. Begin to keep records of all move-related expenses and documents

Time to Appraise Valuables
It's time to have your valuables appraised if you plan on insuring them before your move.

Update all Memberships
Are you a member of a community organization or club? Now is the time to formally resign or transfer your membership. You may also want to nominate a replacement if you hold a position on the board.

Assess the Accessibility of Your Home
If you live in a remote location, on a hill, or have a steep driveway that may not accommodate a large moving truck, be sure to discuss this with the moving company when requesting a personalized price quote. Additional charges may apply if a smaller "shuttle" truck is needed to complete the delivery of your goods

Research how to Ship Your Car
If you are shipping your car to your final move destination, begin researching shipping companies and getting price estimates. Reservations can take some time, so make sure to plan early and make a reservation.

Traveling Overseas
If you are traveling overseas, check local quarantine laws. You'll want to be prepared in advance of your move.

 5 Weeks Pre-Move

Get Homeowners Insurance
When you purchased your new home, you most likely bought homeowners insurance as well. This doesn't mean that you're stuck with the same insurance provider for years. Be price conscious and shop around for the best rates.

Plan Side Trips
If you're driving to your new home and have some extra time, make a mini-vacation out of your trip. Plan to visit historical sites and national parks along the route.

Propane Tank
Moving companies typically won't move propane tanks, gasoline, paint, thinners, aerosol cans and the like, so plan ahead and ask. If your mover refuses, make arrangements to transport it yourself or dispose of it properly.

Tag Sale or Donate Possessions
Start cleaning out your closets and bookcases. Donate or sell any clothing you have not worn in over two years. Sort through books and donate them to your local library or school, or sell to a used-book store. If you have a lot of good stuff and could use some extra cash, get planning on a tag sale.

Yard Sale
What a better way to get rid of old and tired possessions than a yard sale! Hold one in your neighborhood or exercise your technical know-how and hold a yard sale online

Take Advantage of your Empty Home
Obtain a copy of your new floor plan, or create your own. Then start to plan where your furniture and possessions will live. Measure the rooms, doorways, and stairways to avoid surprises. And seize the opportunity to clean all the walls, floors, windows, cabinets and closets, while your home is still empty

Get Renters Insurance
Moving is a good time to consider renters insurance, so contact your insurance provider and request a price quote for your new home. In order to find a good rate, it's a wise idea to solicit quotes from several providers.

New Blinds and Decorating
Think about decorating your new place. Will you need blinds? Also, if possible, take measurements of all the rooms in your new home and decide where you will place furniture. Remember, new furniture can take over six weeks for delivery, so place your order well in advance.

Order New Mailing Labels
Order mailing address labels and stationery for your new home. You might want to consider ordering new bank checks as well.

Packing Supplies
Consider purchasing packing materials. You may protect some of your possessions using crumpled paper; blankets; pillows; even clothing. Sturdy boxes; packing tape; bubble wrap; and packing peanuts can be purchased from moving companies and truck-rental firms.

Update Car Insurance
Now is the perfect time to research auto insurance quotes, so contact your current auto insurance provider and request a quote for your new town. Once you're satisfied with a new quote, take the time to transfer your existing policy to your new address.

Get a new Bank Account
Time to open a Bank Account in your new community. Manage your moving expenses easier by banking online. Some online checking accounts even offer 'cash-back' on purchases. Note: Do not close your existing bank account until all outstanding checks have cleared.

 4 Weeks Pre-Move

Arrange for a Tune-Up
If you're driving a long distance to your new home, give your car a tune-up beforehand. If you've been putting off a new tire purchase, now is the time to do it!

Check on Car Registration
If you are moving out-of-state, contact your current Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request license and title registration information for your new state. You can sometimes find this information through your favorite search engine.

Pack Seasonals and Unnecessary Items
Pack all items that you will not need during the month prior to your move. This includes winter/summer clothing, sports equipment, books and linens.

Car Stuff
If you have a vehicle that is under warranty, call your current dealership and request an address change. While you're on the phone, ask for a recommendation for a reputable dealership in your new town.

Furniture Damage
Jot down any existing damage on your belongings and furniture. You'll want to be aware of this damage in case you try to make a claim with your movers. And if your furniture is damaged, schedule a visit from a home services professional for free.

Pest-Proof your New Home
Make sure your new home is pest-free before you move in! Ask the current residents if they've experienced pest problems, or talk with your soon-to-be neighbors about unwelcome intruders. You can also arrange for a visit by a local exterminator or find pest-control products at your local hardware store.

Arrange for Moving Help
Friends can sometimes be scarce on moving day, so if they've mysteriously gone AWOL, you should consider hiring a professional or calling the local college for help.

 3 Weeks Pre-Move

Make sure you're set with Prescriptions
Call your pharmacist and get a recommendation for a pharmacy in your new town. Transfer your prescriptions to the new pharmacy. If you are at all worried about having access to required medication after your move, ask your doctor for an extra prescription.

Pay unpaid Tickets and Taxes
Call your local/state government to clear-up any unpaid taxes or parking tickets. Unpaid fees will undoubtedly find their way to your new house (and may even delay license renewal).

Pet Safety
Look into purchasing a travel kennel or "seat belt" for your pet's journey to his new home.

Social Security
Currently receiving Social Security Benefits? Change your address with the Social Security Administration (800) 325-0778. Be sure to have your Social Security Number handy when you call.

Furniture Damage
Jot down any existing damage on your belongings and furniture. You'll want to be aware of this damage in case you try to make a claim with your movers.

Pet Grooming
If you use a professional pet groomer, take your pet for a visit one last time before moving. While you're there, be sure to request referrals for groomers in your new town.

Time for a New Mattress?
It's time to start thinking about your mattress. How old is it? Lumpy? And if you've had it for some time, there's a chance that you could be sleeping with some uninvited micro-organisms.

 2 Weeks Pre-Move

You Can Take it With You
A good rule of thumb: You can take appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and microwaves with you. Custom-made appliances or cabinetry should be left behind.

Secure a Parking Spot for the Moving Truck
Plan for the arrival of your movers by ensuring that they have a convenient place to park their truck. Mark off a parking area with cones or chairs to reserve the space. If you live in a metropolitan area, consider obtaining a city parking permit to make sure the space remains available for the movers

Drain Gas; Oil Etc.
Remember to drain gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery.

Inspect New Home
Before moving day, try to visit your new home with your new landlord. You'll want to check for damages left by the previous tenants. You'll also want to arrange a time to pick up keys and have the home cleaned.

List Light Fixtures to go with You
Can you take your favorite light fixtures with you? No - and the chimney has to remain behind as well. But although light fixtures are expected to remain where they are, certain precious possessions such as your chandelier shouldn't stay unless the new owners requested the item as part of the sale.

Maps Online
Need some maps of your new community? Need to know the quickest route to your new home? Check out some of the many free map sites on the Internet. These sites are helpful and usually free.

Packing Boxes
When packing for the big day, don't forget to clearly label each box with the room in which they belong. This will help the move quicker and settling in that much easier.

Pets Leash
Be prepared for your dog's first walk in his new town. Find out about the leash laws in your new neighborhood

Quick List of Contractors
Keep the Karma going: As a gesture to the people moving into your current home, leave names and numbers of all contractors, electricians, carpenters and plumbers who did work on your home in the past. The new owners will cherish the recommendations.

Return Borrowed Items
Return all library books, videos and any other borrowed or rented items.

Throw out Wastes
Dispose your household hazardous waste (cleaning fluids, lighter fluid, aerosols) before you move. Contact your Town Hall or Public Works department for the nearest location of hazardous waste disposal. You can also call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Warranties
Help out the people moving into your current home by leaving them a stack of warranties, instruction manuals, and receipts for appliances and electrical devices remaining in the home after you move.

 1 Week Pre-Move

Dry Cleaners
Nobody wants to find out that their favorite shirt is back at the old dry cleaners, so remember to pick up all of your clothes before you move..

Make sure to Inspect New Home
Before closing day, try to do a walk-through of your new home with your Real Estate Agent. You'll want to check for damages left by the previous owners. And you'll also want to make sure that the home is clean and empty

Make Sure to ask for Appliance Manuals
Don't forget to ask the previous tenant for any warranties and instruction manuals for appliances that will remain in your new home.

Newspaper Subscription
Don't forget to subscribe to the local newspaper(s) in your new community.

Pet Preparation
Pay close attention to your pet's behavior during the weeks before and after your move. You'll want to surround him or her with familiar objects to help ease the stress of settling into new surroundings. If your pet will be traveling to your destination in a commercial aircraft, obtain a certificate of health from your veterinarian (often, these must be dated within 10 days of flight) and check with the airline regarding any other pet travel policies and procedures.

Pet Travel
If your pet is traveling by plane, arrive at the airport at least two hours early. Your pet will need to be placed in a proper travel crate. If your pet is small, consider having him or her travel in coach with you. If this works, have some fun with the flight attendant and request that your pet's meal be served in first-class. Also, at check-in, be prepared to show the airline attendant a veterinarian-issued certificate of health.

Trash Removal
Make arrangements for final trash and recycling pickup. If you're leaving before the next pick-up date, ask neighbors if you can leave trash with them. You might also be able to drop off trash at the local dump.

Write out Map and Directions
Make sure your movers know where they are going. Prepare written directions and a highlighted map. Exchange cell phone numbers so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed

Notify Friends
Be creative when notifying friends and family of your move.

Pack Kitchenware
Get a good start by packing up all of your possessions that won't be needed during the week of your move. This includes clothing, books, kitchenware and that favorite old t-shirt you've been saving "in case we decide to paint the living room."

 Week of Move

Don't forget to mow lawn
As an added gesture to the new tenants, mow your lawn before you leave. The new owners will be grateful.

Inspect Old Home With Landlord
Do a final inspection with your current landlord before you move out. Be sure to discuss any damages that may be deducted from your security deposit. If there is a dispute, remember that it's better to negotiate in person rather than over the phone.

Check Under - and Above the Rug
Review your new floor plan prior to moving in, because you may need a carpet cleaning. Two understandably overlooked areas can be floor and carpet sections once hidden by couches, beds etc., so be sure to assess your cleaning needs prior to your furniture delivery. And after your carpets and flooring are clean, tape your room titles to door frames to assist the movers with "what goes where."

Make Sure to Clean Appliances
Before filling your new fridge with fresh food, be sure to empty, defrost and clean it.

Make Sure to Clean the House
Even if you're not personally a germophobe, take note of the Golden Rule of Moving: Leave your old home as clean as you would like to find your new one.

Mover Snacks
The process of moving makes most mortals sweat profusely, so have plenty of snacks and refreshments available for everyone involved in your move. Even if you're paying for hired help, treat them as you would a helpful friend because the odds are good that they haven't dreamed about this day for as long as you have - and probably not at all.

Pack Moving Day Items
Prepare a special box marked "Move Day." In it, have the following: a telephone, light bulbs, tool kit, scissors, flashlight, large trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, aspirin and fresh bed linens.

Packing Materials Onhand
Be sure to have tape, twine, padding and spare boxes available on moving day. It's also advisable to have a basic tool kit handy to disassemble bulky items.

Pet Litter
If you have a cat, choose a permanent place for her litter box and put it there the day you move into your new place. This will help instill good habits.

Pet Protection
Confine your pets to a separate room on move day. This avoids attempted run-aways (and limits the potential cleanup to just one room).

Plan how to pay for Move
Movers typically don't accept personal checks. Have cash, credit cards, or a bank check on hand for payment. If you're satisfied with the way the movers handled your possessions, it's customary to tip them $20 each, more or less depending on the difficulty of the move.

Truck Borrowing
If you are borrowing a truck from a family member or friend, be sure to reimburse them for gas. Use $0.30 a mile as your standard

Bill of Laden and Inventory Sheet
Don't let your movers leave until you've compared your goods to the driver's Inventory Sheet. If an item is missing or has been damaged while in transit, make a note on both the Bill of Laden and Inventory Sheet BEFORE you sign them.

Pet Food
If traveling a long distance with your pet, be sure to pack plenty of extra food. The specialty travel food and water bowls work really well.

 1 Week Post-Move

Check on Return of Security Deposit
Have you received your security deposit back from your landlord yet? If not, it might be smart to make a call to your landlord to ensure its arrival at your new address.

Window Fixtures
One of the quickest ways to spruce up a new home is with window fixtures. Swing by your favorite decorating store and pick up some blinds and/or curtains.

Call Landlord about Fireplace Usage
Before using your fireplace, speak with your landlord to ensure that fire's are allowed in your building. A working fireplace doesn't always mean that you're allowed to use it. Consider cleaning it before use.

Check on/Buy Smoke Alarm; Fire Extinguisher etc.
Locate the police station; fire station and nearest hospital. Install a new smoke alarm; fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide monitor. You should also map out a safe escape route in case of fire.

Paint Closets
A fun first project for your new home is painting your closets. Give each closet a fresh coat of paint before settling in for good. Another quick-fix project is painting or wallpapering the bathroom.

Explore Your New Neighborhood
It's never too early to start exploring the new neighborhood. Assuming your car survived the move, invite the family for a tour of local landmarks. As you drive around town, jot down the location of parks, schools, museums and libraries. And shake off that post-move stress by locating the nearest convenience and hardware stores, video dealer, pharmacy and supermarket.

 2 Weeks Post-Move

New Keys and Home Security
You should have received all sets of keys to your new home. If you have any doubts, change the lock on the outside door. You can also install a second lock, such as a dead-bolt, if it makes you feel more secure.

Recycling
Make an effort to recycle in your new home! Call the local sanitation department for information about recycling in your community.

Tax Forms
Don't delay next year's tax forms. Call the Internal Revenue Service to change your address (800)829-3676. Ask for form 8822. You can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov.

Check on New Fireplace Cleaning
Before using your fireplace, call a professional to do a thorough cleaning of the chimney. This is money well spent.

Fencing
If your new yard does not have fencing, consider purchasing temporary fencing for your pet. Unless it's a fish, he or she will probably want to venture outside once you've arrived!

Update Driver's License
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and UPDATE your driver's license/ID. Many cities require proof of residence, so make sure that you have appropriate documents available

Pet License
If you moved to a different town or state, call your new vet or the city about receiving a pet license.

Voter Registration
Visit or call your local town hall about changing your voter registration.