Relocation Checklist and Timetable Moving can be a hassle, especially if you're not organized. Argonaut Relocation Services has developed this detailed checklist of items that you should consider as you prepare for your move. 6 to 8 weeks before moving * Meet with your Argonaut counselor. * Initiate search for real estate agent in new location. * Subscribe to newspaper in new city. * Talk with home purchase company. * Put house on market or notify landlord. * Initiate spouse/partner employment search is applicable. * Contact mover. * Determine what can be discarded. * Consider having a garage sale. * Decide whether you or mover will pack. * Begin collecting packing materials if you will do your own packing. * Show mover everything that is to be moved. * Determine if your insurance covers effects during move. * Explain reasons for the move to children. 4 to 6 weeks before moving * Prepare household inventory. * Arrange transfer of school, medical, dental and prescription records. * Arrange to transfer contents of safe deposit box. * Transfer, sell or resign membership in clubs and associations. * Begin using up food, supplies. * Send change of address notices to: * Utilities: electric, gas, water, telephone, fuel, sewer district, trash, cable. * Professional: doctor, dentist, accountant, lawyer, broker. * Insurance: life, home owners, health, other. * Publications: newspapers, magazines, newsletters, professional, fraternal. * Government: Post Office, Veterans Administration, Draft Board, IRS, Social Security Administration, state and local tax authorities, Motor Vehicle Bureau. * Businesses: department stores, banks, finance companies, credit card companies, car dealer, service station, lawn service, water softener service, diaper service. * Miscellaneous: clubs and organizations, church, book, record and video clubs, schools and organizations, friends, relatives, business associates, tenants. 2 to 3 weeks before moving * Confirm arrangements with mover. * Obtain written appraisal of antique items. * Prepare autos for driving or shipping. * Take family for last visit to favorite places. * Have a "going away" party for the children. * Make travel plans and reservations. * Dispose of flammables, aerosols, toxics, ammunition and anything that could leak. * Drain fuel from mower and other equipment. * Have dealer purge and seal propane tanks. * Have draperies and rugs cleaned. Leave wrapped. * Avoid waxing or oiling wooden furniture. * Set appointment to have appliances prepared for shipment. * Set date for having utilities disconnected after you are out of the house. * Houseplants cannot be shipped by moving van. Plan to sell, donate or transport in your car. * Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations. See that rabies and new ID tags are securely attached. Get pet records. * Arrange for transportation/boarding pets. * Collect all items being cleaned, stored, repaired, loaned or on lay-away. * Empty lockers at clubs, bowling alley, gym. * Return library books and anything borrowed. 3 days before moving * Pack suitcases. * Depending on the length of the trip, consider packing a picnic lunch. * Arrange for a baby sitter for moving day or have older children briefed to assist. * Remove spillables and breakables from drawers. * Empty refrigerator and freezer and allow to dry. Empty defrost pan. * Empty steam iron. * Launder soiled clothing prior to arrival of service technician. * Pack telephone directory. * Pack an "instant-aid box" with things you'll need immediately on arrival. Package each group in a clearly-labeled bag. Take in car or load in van last. These items might include: * Cleaning: sponge, paper towels, dish towels, dishcloth, scouring pads, cleaner. * Kitchen: paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic cutlery, plastic pitcher, saucepan, serving spoons, aluminum foil. * Snacks: easy-open cans of pudding, dry soup mix, sandwich spreads, instant drinks. * Bath: towels, face cloths, facial tissue, soap, hand lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste. * Miscellaneous: light bulbs, hammer, screw driver, pliers, assorted nails, screws, shelf paper, trash bags, phone. * Children: coloring books, crayons, favorite toys, books, puzzles. 1 day before moving * Moving companies typically pack the day before the move. Plan to be home for them and the appliance service technician. * Point out extra-fragile items to packers. * Mark any items you do not want packed. * Have dishes washed. Leave in cabinets. * Leave mirrors and pictures on walls. * Detach items such as can openers and drapery rods if they are to go. * Remove bedding. Leave beds assembled. Drain and disassemble water beds. * Unplug TV sets to cool. * Group items you want packed together. * If you do your own packing, make sure everything is ready. * Mark cartons you want off-loaded first. * Do not place items inside car or trunk if car is shipped on the van or by a car carrier. * Check closets, cabinets, attic, basement, garage and storage building. * Take pets to transportation agency or kennel. If they will travel with you, remember food, water and dishes. * If you are unable to be present on moving day, advise mover the name of the person to whom you are delegating responsibility. * Consider spending the last night in a hotel or with friends. Moving day * Leave at least one phone connected until movers leave. * Accompany van operators through house as items are inspected, tagged and inventoried. * It is your responsibility to make sure all goods are loaded before signing inventory and other documents. * Be sure van operator has exact address and is informed about any elevators, parking restrictions, long carries, etc. * If applicable, provide phone number of apartment or condo manager. * Advise van operator if you want to know the exact cost of the move before goods leave town or arrive at destination. * Make sure you have the destination agent's name, address and phone number. * Be specific about where and how you can be reached pending arrival of your goods. * Leave a note with your new address in a conspicuous place so new occupants can forward mail. * Final check: * Water shut off? * Furnace shut off? * Light switches turned off? * Utility disconnections arranged? * Windows shut and locked? * Old house keys surrendered? * Have you left anything? At destination * Contact destination agent to arrange delivery and, if desired, to have appliances installed. If you can't be present, give the name of the person to whom you are delegating responsibility for receiving and signing for goods. * Make sure utilities are on and house is ready for occupancy. * Van operator will contact you or your destination agent 24 hours prior to expected arrival. * If you will be paying for the move and not using a pre-authorized credit card, payment is required upon delivery by cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. * Inspect goods as they are unloaded. Note any damage or missing items on the van operator's copy of inventory sheet. * Personally report any loss or damage to agent and file claim. * Movers will place all articles as you direct and will assemble beds, but they can't install appliances or fixtures. * Let children help. * Consider eating out the first night. * Allow TVs and other electronics to adjust to room temperature before being used. * Make beds early and get a good night's sleep. * Final check * Get held mail and start mail delivery. * Go to the motor vehicle bureau for new auto registration and drivers licenses. * Make sure medical and dental records have been transferred. * Have insurance policies transferred or replaced. * Register children in their new school(s). * Change your voter registration at the city hall or courthouse. * Open new bank accounts. * Make sure wills and trusts are in compliance with the laws of your new state. * Save moving documents for tax purposes.