Better Move Planner

Pre-planning is the secret of a good move.

A good moving plan involves your setting three important dates ... for packing, loading, and delivery to your new home. These three dates form a solid framework for your plan.

If possible, allow a time-span of 30 days. This will let you schedule your activities wisely.

Choose your moving day carefully.  Avoid peak periods if possible: the first few days of the month, and the last few days of the month.  These are the times when everyone wants to move.   Also keep in mind that it is easier to arrange for appliance and utility services on weekdays.

A good checklist is essential. Start planning early, and you'll be surprised how smoothly things will go.

4-6 Weeks Before Move

		Have an inventory session. Decide what to move, what not to move.
		Make arrangements for trip (hotel/airline reservations, routing, etc.)
		Schedule a moving sale for items you won't move. Donate other items to charitable organizations (get receipt for tax records).
		Arrange for packing. We recommend you have North American do it for you. If you pack yourself, the special cartons you will need are available from North American.
		Gather personal records: medical, dental, school, birth, baptismal, marriage, etc. Arrange to send transcripts of school records in advance to new schools.
		Close local department store and other charge accounts.
		Arrange with employer to forward tax withholding forms.

		Make arrangements to discontinue:
		Newspaper delivery
		Water softener service
		Electricity (check for refund)
		Water service
		Gas service (check for refund) Fuel or oil delivery
		Garbage collection
		Diaper service
		Lawn/pool service
		Make advance arrangements for these services in your new location.

		Mail change of address cards to:
		Post office
		Social Security office Insurance companies
		Credit cards
		Magazines
		Friends and relatives
		Mail order accounts

2-3 Weeks Before Move

		Fill and transfer prescriptions for family and pets. Pack them to travel with you.
		Arrange for shipment of plants and pets. Get immunization records for pets.
		Safely dispose of or give away all flammables (paints, paint removers, etc.) as they will be impossible to move.

1 Week Before Move

		Defrost refrigerator and freezer, plus allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew. Arrange for disposal of frozen foods (sell, give away, or eat). Clean oven.
		Transfer checking and savings accounts.
		Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment.
		Drain garden hoses.
		Pack items to be carried in car. Label "Do Not Move".
		Gather valuables from safe deposit box, drawers, jewelry cases, personal records. Pack safely to take with you.
		Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping. Take down curtain rods, shelves, TV antenna.
		Have car serviced for trip and have proof of insurance in car.

Moving Day

		Remember to pack a box of the basics you'll need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.). Be sure to have it loaded last so that it will be first off at your new home.
		Pack suitcases for trip. Remove all bed linens.
		Be available to check items on inventory sheet.
		Conduct a last minute walk through with your van operator. Make sure windows are closed, closets empty, lights out and doors locked.

Delivery Day

Be available to check off items on the inventory as they are removed from the van.