A Move Made Simple

The following is a standardized timeline of how your move should progress:

8 weeks before moving

• Create a floor plan for your new residence.
• Before your moving estimate, decide which items you'll pack, and which you'd like the movers to pack.
• Get moving estimates and decide on moving company.
• Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
• Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Contact the chamber of commerce or visitor's and tourism bureaus in your new community for information on your new city.
• If not already done, create a work list of repairs needed to sell the existing home.
• Hire contractors and schedule work for after the move.

6 weeks before moving

• Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible.
• Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year?
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
• Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities.
• Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents.
• If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now.
• Contact financial advisors, lawyers and accountants to obtain copies of personal records. Request referrals for your new location.