4 Week Moving Guide

Four weeks to go:

• Call moving companies for a free estimate. The cost will vary depending on distance, weight, and optional services.
• Look through your house to determine items to be discarded or donated to charity. Have a garage sale!
• Inform schools of transfer. Plan for enrollment/registration in new schools if necessary.
• Most homeowner's policies do not provide adequate coverage for moving. Check with your agent and consider purchasing additional coverage from the moving company.
• Collect boxes with covers if you plan to pack your belongings. You can purchase packing materials through moving companies or contact local grocery stores for extra boxes. Be sure to stock up on packing tape!
• Begin consuming perishable and frozen food items to minimize waste.

Three weeks to go:

• Begin packing!
• Notify the post office of your new address and send change of address cards to friends, family, subscriptions, and any billing companies.
• Make necessary travel arrangements including interim housing and car rental. Be sure to record confirmation numbers.
• Collect medical records and prescriptions from physicians. Ask for recommendations for doctors in your new area.
• Place legal, medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.

Two weeks to go:

• Arrange to disconnect utilities/services in your current residence and coordinate installation of utilities/services in your new home.
• Close/transfer bank accounts and open accounts in your new city.
• Take pets to the vet for immunizations. Ask for advice on moving animals.
• Draw a map of your new home and where the furniture will be arranged.
• Return library books and any borrowed items.
• Be sure to cancel newspaper subscriptions and/or any special services you have (i.e., landscaping/lawn service, snow plow, etc.)

One week to go:

• Prepare a car for the trip. Check the oil, tires, brakes, etc.
• Drain water from hoses.
• Drain gasoline and oil from any lawn or power equipment.
• Remember to pick up items sent to the cleaners or for repairs.