Two Months Before:

• Decide whether you can carry out the move all by yourself or you would like to hire a moving company instead. At least collect three moving quotes.
• Create a separate file for keeping all your moving papers and receipts safely.
• Make an itemized list of all the belongings required to move, get rid of all unwanted items. To make the trash removal simpler, you may take help from Possessions Matters software.

Six Weeks Before:

• Get rid of possessions that are hardly used and those which you consider is not worth carrying. So you can arrange for a moving sale or donate them to charities.
• Make arrangements after selecting the moving company and clear every doubt about the insurance coverage.
• Update the change of address information in all the required places or discontinue the services if required like post-office, electricity, internet etc.
• Get all copies of dental and medical records. Find good medical professionals and hospitals in the new location, you might get referrals from your current provider. Get a print of a medical ID card for every person that is moving.
• Collect all the necessary school records, pet records, legal and any other financial documents. Keep all the documents handy and safely.

Four Weeks Before:

• If you have decided to move all by yourself, then make arrangements for the required packing materials
• Start packing with the rarely used items and do not forget to label them
• Get hold of your insurance agent to check, what and how much of the move is covered.
• Make the necessary travel plans in advance.
• Have a word with the insurance company to arrange for coverage in your new location.
• If you are moving outside the state, then make sure you contact your insurances, agent and ask him to transfer your insurances, policies to another suitable insurance agent in the other state near your new home. You may take help from  State Farm agent.
• Create a list of items required in your new home.
• Inform your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Specialized transportation service should be arranged for your pets and plants. Note: There are certain species of plants that are state or country specific. Take the help of professional to avoid smuggling plants, unknowingly.
• Make an appoint to get a complete maintenance check-up for your car.

One Week Before:

• Discontinue all required services like cable, newspaper, trash collection and also notify them about the change of address with a request of new connection at the new address.
• If you have planned to move with the moving company then get all arrangement updates and detail instructions along with an emergency contact number. Provide necessary instructions and updates, along with your emergency contact number.
• Cancel or transfer memberships.
• Fill all prescriptions that might be required in the next few weeks.

Two or Three Days Before:

• Defrost refrigerators and freezers
• Disconnect the cables of all major appliances.
• Pack an overnight kit- sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and a flashlight.
• Pack a survival kit- scissors, utility knife, water, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencil and paper, tape, trash bags, aspirin, bandages, antiseptic and gauze.
• Take out or drain oil and/or gas from mowers and heaters etc.

Moving Day:

• Stay beside the movers to provide necessary information/instructions.
• Leave after the movers complete their work and do a final check to see if you have forgot or left behind any thing.
• Complete the bill of lading after reading the documents and inventory sheets before signing. Keep the receipts and paper separately and carefully until everything is paid-off and the move is complete.

At Final Destination:

• Check the list of items while unloading and also the content of the box. Check if any of your possessions are missing or damaged.
• Instruct the movers to keep the boxes in the specific place.
• Pay whatever is owned to the mover only after the completion of the move.
• Unpack the overnight essentials and survival kits.