Following these tips can take confusion out of the journey to your new home - whether it's down the block or across the country!
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SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• List the things you want to move, throw out or give away.  Be strict; the fewer items to move, the easier the job.
• Alert the post office.  Request their special kit designed to insure that your mail won't be interrupted.
• Request medical, dental and academic records.  Make sure you have them all well in advance of the move.
• Choose a moving company.  Ask for references from former customers.
• Talk to friends or relatives who have moved recently - learn from their mistakes.
• Plan the move.  What items should be given special attention?  How long will the move take?  Who can help?
• Try to anticipate problems.  Will the move take place around a holiday?  Could highway construction delay your plans?  Could weather pose a serious threat?

THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Call the power company and the phone company - arrange for any services you'll need at the new house.
• Confirm departure and arrival dates with everyone concerned: mover, realtor, relatives, people you're buying the house from, etc.
• Book motel rooms, rental cars, etc., if necessary
• Start to pack.  Begin with valuable, rarely used items.
• Make sure all your boxes are labelled.
  
• Involve your children in the move.  Bring them in on planning sessions and have them help with packing.
  
• Determine what special items you've added to the house that should be moved: lighting fixtures, security system, etc.
• Do a thorough cleaning of the house.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:

• Transfer bank accounts to your new area.  Notify credit card and insurance companies and complete any forms required so that coverage will continue.
• Confirm dates and details of new phone and electric service.
• Mail change of address cards.
• Return anything you may have borrowed; ask for important items back by a certain date.
• Review arrival date and time with people from whom you are buying your new house.
• Make sure any repairs, changes or additions agreed to for the new house are on schedule.
• Review your progress in packing.  Make a list of items to be packed at the last minute.

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING:

• Discontinue all unnecessary services such as newspaper delivery, laundry, garbage collection, etc.
• Set date for termination of gas, water, electric and fuel delivery.
• Arrange to have the telephone service stopped one day after you move.
• Reconfirm all arrangements at the new location.
• Have gas, water and electric meters read.
• Outline the plan for moving day to family and movers.  Who will be responsible for what?
• Set a schedule and stick to it.
• Make a general inspection of your house to determine if you've forgotten anything.

ONE DAY BEFORE MOVING:

• Defrost refrigerator and dry thoroughly to avoid mildew.