One Month Before the Move
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Make arrangements to hire a mover or rent a truck.
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Make babysitting and/or pet care arrangements for moving day.
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File a change of address form at the post office.
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Change your address on all newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
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Arrange for the transfer of all medical, dental, and school records.
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Transfer medical, property, fire, and auto insurance.
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Organize all move-related documents in one place, such as a folder or binder.
Two Weeks Before the Move
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Cancel or transfer all utilities (water, gas, electric, telephone, lV/cable/satellite/lntemet service).
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Check with your provider about cell phone service in your new location.
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Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new location.
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Transfer bank accounts.
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Collect or purchase all packing supplies: boxes, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, labels, markers, box cutters or scissors and packing tape.
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Pack up items in garage, attic and storage areas.
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Confirm arrangements with movers or truck rental place.
One Week Before the Move
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Begin packing boxes, labeling each as you fill it.
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Empty, defrost, and clean refrigerator, freezer, and stove.
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Return all rented movies, library books, video games, etc.
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Pick up anything outstanding such as dry cleaning, prescriptions, etc.
The Day Before the Move
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Do a final check of closets, cabinets and drawers.
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Make sure you have enough cash on hand for the move.
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Take out all trash.
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Fully charge all cell phones.
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Touch base with movers or truck rental place for a final confirmation of arrangments.
The Day of the Move
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Exchange contact information with the movers in case you need to get in touch with them while in route. Include your old/new address, cell phone number, and directions to the new location.
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Keep jewelry and other valuables with you, in a box that you move yourself.
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Prepare a box of supplies that you will need right away on move-in day, such as cleaning supplies, snacks & beverages, toilet, bath and bedding items, trash bags, disposable dishes, pet food, cell phone chargers, prescriptions, eyeglasses, changes of clothing, etc.
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Do a final check before locking the doors. Confirm that you have turned off the furnace/air conditioner, lawn sprinklers, and light switches. Have you turned over or left the keys and garage door openers?