Once you decide you are moving

	Work on deciding what you don't want to take with you. Start selling, donating or trashing this stuff.
	If you are going to be selling your house, buy some boxes and pack little used things to reduce clutter (your realtor should advise you on this).
	Make a list of valuable items and their value. You can give a copy of this list to your mover.
	Decide on whether you will move yourself or have a mover move you (see Choosing a Mover).
	Find out where to dispose of hazardous chemicals (paint, gas, etc).
	Prepare yourself emotionally (moving can be a frazzle!). Discuss moving with your family. [back to top]

	Get quotes from movers and pick one, if a mover is going to move you.
	Get quotes from truck rental companies and reserve a truck (and blankets), if you are going to move yourself. If you are only moving a few miles, consider renting a mid sized truck rather than a large truck (large trucks are harder to get) and making two or three trips rather than one.
	Get copies of your medical/dental records or find out how to get them transferred to your new doctor/dentist (veterinary records also if necessary).
	Get copies of your kids school records or find out how to get them transferred to their new school(s). [back to top]

	Start packing. Begin with seldom used items.
	Begin to consume the contents of your freezer and refrigerator. Buy new perishable food sparingly.
	Use up any flammables that you can. Set aside any that you can't use.
	Return any borrowed items and collect all items that you may have loaned out.
	Notify any utility companies as to the date you want the utility out of your name or disconnected. Check with them to see if you have any deposits, also. Make sure the phone will be disconnected the day after you move (you might need it on moving day).
	Contact utility companies at your new location so that services can be started.
	Put in a change of address card with the post office.
	Notify magazines to which you subscribe of your change of address (sometimes magazines and newspapers are not forwarded by the post office).
	Check to make sure your new location will be ready for you.
	If selling your house, make sure everything is on track.
	If moving yourself, arrange for some people to help you (usually friends). [back to top]

	Keep packing!!
	Get rid of all flammables.
	If a mover is moving you, arrange to have cash, certified check or a money order ready to give the driver when your stuff is unloaded at your new location.
	Gather important medicines and papers that you want to take with you (outside of the moving truck).
	Pack suitcases with the clothes and toiletries that you will need while your stuff is being transported. These will go with you in your car or on the plane.
	Pack a few boxes with some 'basics' such as plates, silverware, etc. These will be specially marked so that you can find them easily at your new location and opened first.
	Disconnect your refrigerator to give it time to defrost. [back to top]

	Pack up the rest of your stuff (except your beds and anything you might need that day)
	Prepare the refrigerator and any other appliances.
	Plan on what you will eat in the evening and the next morning (pizza in the evening and doughnuts in the morning seem to be the favorites).
	Make sure there is no scheduling problems with your mover or the rental truck.
	If moving yourself, confirm any helpers. [back to top]

	Strip the beds and do the final packing (there should not be much).
	If a mover is moving you: Make sure your are on hand when the movers arrive. Walk around with the lead mover as he does an inventory. Keep your signed bill of lading and inventory with you. Make sure the driver has the correct address and a way to contact you. Confirm the delivery date with the driver. Relax, they are doing all of the work.
	If you are moving yourself: Pick up your rental truck. Pick up rental blankets from Box Stop if you didn't rent them with the truck. Load the truck. Don't do anything that will hurt yourself or your helpers. Take time to eat and drink. It will be a long day.
	Make a final walk through of your place prior to the trucks departure to make sure everything got loaded.
	Do a final cleaning (vacuum, sweep, etc.) on your old place. [back to top]

	Unpack your 'basic' boxes first.
	Set up beds
	Unpack items as needed over the next week or two.
	Scout your new neighborhood for: Post Office Fire/Police Shopping areas Banks
	Contact any services that you have not signed up for yet (cable, garbage, newspaper, etc).
	Notify DMV of your new address or get new registration/licenses if the move was to another state. [back to top]