Countdown to a hassle-free move

It's never too soon to start planning. Start doing small stuff a couple of months before you move. If you continue to do a little bit every week, you'll be surprised at how smoothly everything will go when moving day arrives.

Eight weeks before

·               Contact your mover to make arrangements.

·               Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.

·               Start to use up frozen foods and cleaning supplies.

·               If you're moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce or tourism bureau in your new community for area info.

Six weeks before

·               If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.

·               Contact your accountant to find out if any moving expenses are tax deductible.

·               Start an inventory of your stuff. What haven't you used in the last year? What can be sold or donated?

·               Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, magazine subscriptions, etc.

·               Make arrangements for storage, if you're planning to store anything.

·               Ask schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants for copies of your personal records. Get referrals.

Four weeks before

·               Get a change of address kit from the post office.

·               Contact utility and related companies for service disconnect/connect at both your old and new addresses.

·               Contact your insurance company to arrange for coverage in your new home.

·               Buy packing boxes and pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.

·               Have a garage sale or donate unneeded items to charity.

Three weeks before

·               Make travel arrangements and reservations.

·               Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).

·               Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new city.

Two weeks before

·               Have your car checked and serviced for the trip.

·               If you're moving out of or into an apartment or condo, contact building management to book an elevator.

·               Contact your moving consultant to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.

One week before

·               Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.

·               Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up dry cleaning, return library books and movie rentals, etc.

·               Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.)

Two to three days before

·               Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.

·               Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move.

·               Pack a box of personal items that you'll need right away at your new home. Load it last or put it in your car.

·               Call to confirm the arrival time of the moving van.

Moving day

·               Make sure that someone is at home for any inquiries the van operator may have with respect to your shipment.

·               Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).

·               Read your inventory and bill of lading carefully before you sign them. Keep these in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.