The secret to a good move is to start early. It’s never too soon to begin packing. Or planning – not just for your “moving day,” but for the busy weeks immediately before and after. Here’s a basic checklist to use in the final weeks.

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Determine the right size rental truck for your move and reserve your truck.
• Identify supplies and accessories you’ll need: boxes, tape, padding, hand trucks, etc.
• Check with your insurance company to make sure you have proper coverage. Add a rider to your policy if necessary.
• Calculate a budget for the move and create a receipt file for moving expenses (keep for when you file your taxes next year).
• Order mailing and return address labels with your new address.
• Start saving your mail and compiling a list of places to send change-of-address notices: credit card companies, utilities, professional organizations, schools and alumni associations, churches, etc.
• Complete and send change-of-address cards to the magazines you subscribe to.

FIVE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Identify things you really don't have to take with you. Arrange to donate them to local charities, or pick a date for a garage sale.
• If you will no longer be using their services, start checking with doctors, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists and veterinarians to determine whether to pick up your records or have them forwarded to professionals convenient to your new address. If appropriate, ask for new provider referrals.
• Create a plan to use up food, cleaning supplies and other consumables.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Contact utilities (electric, gas, water, phone, garbage) to set up final meter readings and billing. If you have deposits that will be refunded, make sure they have your new address to send them to.
• Contact utilities at your new address to arrange the start of new service. If you're moving in on a weekend, make sure service will start on the Friday before.
• Contact schools at your new location and register your children.
• Reserve storage space if necessary.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Find a bank close to your new home and order checks for your new or transferred account.
• Request additional refills of vital medications.
• Pick up school records, or find out how to have them forwarded to your new location.
• Start recruiting people to help you on moving day.
• Arrange child care for moving day.
• Pick up packing supplies.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• File a change-of-address notice with the Post Office and send change-of-address cards.
• Have your cars inspected and serviced. If you're moving a significant distance, make sure the tires have adequate tread and are suitable for conditions at your new location.
• If they're not traveling with you immediately, make arrangements to board your pets.
• Consider reserving a hotel room for the night of the move. (It might be a welcome alternative to a marathon unpacking session when everyone's tired.)

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Return items you've borrowed from neighbors and make sure you have everything back from them.
• Add all addresses into your GPS system so you have your routes mapped and ready to drive to your new home.
• Transfer or close bank accounts.
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy convenient to your new home.
• Empty your safe deposit box - put the contents in a well-labeled envelope to make it easier to find them when you contract for a new box.
• Subscribe to local newspapers and community newsletters at your new address.
• Pack travel bags and confirm travel arrangements.

ONE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Pick up your rental truck and make sure all drivers are included on your Rental Agreement and familiar with the vehicle's features.
• Clean your old residence.

MOVING DAY

• Have beverages and snacks on hand for your moving crew.
• Pick an accessible spot to stash last-minute supplies: tools, packing tape, labels and markers, rope, spare boxes, extra padding, and phone chargers.
• Load your truck, starting with heavy and bulky items.

POST-MOVE

• Check for any damaged or missing items.
• Make additional sets of keys - change locks if appropriate.
• Change vehicle registrations to reflect new address.
• Change voter registrations, if necessary.
• License pets.
• Contact new medical professionals and schools to make sure forwarded records have arrived.
• Put valuables in safe deposit box at new bank.