Six Weeks Before Moving

• Make an inventory of everything to be moved. Photos are a good idea

• Collect everything not to be moved for garage sale or charity

• Contact charity for date and time of pickup - save receipts for tax records

• Contact a quality self storage project near your destination to reserve a unit

• Put together a moving kit with makers, labels, change of address forms, etc.

• Get cartons and packing material to start packing now 

• Contract with a local mover to load your heaviest items 

• Be sure to identify each box. Specially label those are going to your storage unit 

• Contact insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage

Four Weeks Before Moving

• Notify all magazines and credit card companies of change of address 

• Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations 

• Contact utility companies for refunds of deposits, set turn off dates 

• Dry clean clothes to be moved, pack in protective wrappers 

• Collect everything you have loaned out, return everything you have borrowed 

• Service power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc., that are to be moved - drain all gas and oil to prevent fire in moving van 

• Check with doctors and dentist for all family record and prescriptions 

• Get children's school records 

• Check freezer and plan use of food over next two to three weeks 

• Remove all jewellery and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move 

• Give away or arrange for transportation of houseplants (most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter) - Plants can also be sold at garage sales, or are perfect gifts for neighbours

One Week Before Moving

• Transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier's check or money order to pay moving company upon arrival at new residence 

• Have automobile serviced if driving long distance 

• Fill out Post Office change of address forms, give to postmaster 

• Check and make inventory of all furniture and other large items. Specially label items going to your storage unit 

• Dispose of all combustible and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn - Don't pack them) 

• Pack a separate carton of cleaning utensils and tools (screwdriver, hammer, etc.). Make this a part of your moving kit. 

• Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal family travel 

• Mark all boxes that you pack with the room they will be going to at your new residence 

• Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely 

• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, etc. 

• Review the entire list to make certain that you haven't overlooked anything 

• Check and double check everything you have done before it's to late

Moving Day

• Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you - Don't leave until after everything's loaded 

• Hire a baby-sitter or send the children to a friend's house for the day 

• Verify your inventory while loading is underway 

• Tell everyone about fragile or precious items 

• Make a final check of the entire house, basement, closets, shelves, attic, garage and other rooms 

• Keep your inventory records with you to help with unpacking and to clearly identify what's still in storage