A moving checklist can help you organize not only your packing, but also the full relocation process, as long as you have a good detailed checklist, that will pick up all the loose ends. When you are ready to finally relocate, there are so many things to think about doing; let alone actually do them. The task is daunting, and frankly, overwhelming. Afterwards, you may discover that you have forgotten to tie up a few obvious ends that you completely forgot. Even if you did decide to go with a moving company, there are still plenty of things to forget. If you are planning on renting a truck, and moving yourself, there are several more things you have to worry about. A cross state move, or even a cross country move means that you are going to have to be especially careful, because flying or driving back to your old house to close up any unfinished business is going to be very inconvenient, as well as expensive.

Eight Weeks Until Moving Day

If you're planning to hire a moving company, shop around and make a list of estimates.
If you'll be moving yourself, make a list of costs from a few different truck rental companies.
Make a plan of how and where you'll place your furniture at your new home.
Inventory all of your belongings, and gather all the things you won't be taking with you. Start from your storage areas, such as the garage, shed, basement, or attic, and then move on to the other rooms of your home.
Gather all of your moving paperwork and documents into a new file, and keep them there as you get them.
Begin arranging the new school transfers for your children.
Now, based on value and price estimates that you've record, choose your movers or relocation service.
Begin getting your new home ready, if there's painting or any other repairs or work to be done there, get those accomplished so that your home will be ready for you.
If this is the first time you're moving with your children, research a little bit on moving with children; it's a difficult time for children, regardless of age, and you should be prepared for their reaction, as well as keeping them occupied constructively during the process.

Six Weeks Until Moving Day

Get together and fill out all the change of address forms you'll need, including a few extras, just in case.
Get a subscription to the local newspaper in your new town, so that you can learn a little more about where you're going to be living soon.
Begin checking out storage facilities, and making a list of estimates, as well as what kind of insurance each one offers.
Begin collecting all of your medical records for both your family, and any pets, if you're going to need a new family physician or vet when you move.
If you have antiques, art, and valuables, have them appraised in case of possible damage during the move.
Now's the time to clean out the junk drawers, as well as the closets.
Use the cleaning products you won't be moving, as well as all the perishables and pantry food. Don't go grocery shopping unless it's an emergency.

Four Weeks Until Moving Day

Make all the necessary arrangements for your home's utilities. Be sure that you have your utilities disconnected at your current home the day after you leave, and your new home's utilities connected on the day before you'll be arriving. If you made any deposits for the last month, remember to get your refund.
Now it's time to reserve your rental truck, if you're going to be moving yourself.
If you're going to do all your own packing, begin collecting packing supplies such as tape, packing foam, boxes, and so on.
Begin packing all the items that you won't need until after you have arrived at your new home.
If necessary, begin scheduling all the cleaning and repairs you'll need for carpet, drapes, furniture, or appliances.
Moving your pets can be stressful; if you've decided on special transportation for animals, make those arrangements.
Be certain that you check and see if your possessions are covered by insurance during the transit to your new home.
If you aren't moving yourself and driving to the new location, then make any travel arrangements necessary to get to your new home.
If you live in an area where it's required, obtain moving permits.
A moving sale is a great way to get rid of clutter and things you don't want, but would hate to throw away. Ask the local authorities about any possible rules regarding a yard sale.
Begin collecting all important records; if you have a file cabinet, make sure all the files are up to date, and file any documents you might have laying around.

Three Weeks Until Moving Day

If you have any flammable or toxic liquids that need to be removed before you relocate, dispose of them properly.
Make arrangements for your vehicles to be newly registered, if you'll be moving to a different state.
If you're moving into or out of an apartment, let your landlord know that you plan to use the elevator frequently that day.
If you're going to need a baby-sitter, or a day care for moving day, make arrangements now.
Have the moving sale you planned.

Two Weeks Until Moving Day

You're not going to be able to sell everything at your moving sale, so if you still don't want to hold onto anything not sold, make arrangements to get rid of what's left.
Get your car or cars ready for the move as well, make sure they're up to the task, and schedule some routine maintenance, or any necessary repairs.
Return any rented or borrowed items, and be sure to get back anything you've loaned to other people.
Close your newspaper subscriptions.
Call your bank, and credit card companies and let them know you're moving.
If you, or any family members need prescriptions refilled soon, be sure everyone has sufficient medication until you've arranged for a family physician at your new home.
Collect all the necessary contact and home information for the new home owners of your old home, and put it together in a folder for them.

One Week Until Moving Day

Now you can send out all the change-of-address forms you got from the post office, that way everyone knows you've moved, and where to send all your mail.
If you have and laundry or dry cleaning to pick up, get it together.
Put together a travel kit; be considerate of things to occupy yourself and your children, as well as first aid needs, and so on:
-An alarm clock for travel if you don't have something like that in your cell phone.
-Aspirin and Band-Aids.
-Check-book, credit cards, phone book, and ID.
-Flashlight.
-Tools.
-Cups, napkins, plastic utensils, paper plates.
-Games and books for kids.
-Paper and cloth towels.
-A suitcase of clothing, and personal toiletries.

24 Hours Before Moving Day

Transfer your bank accounts, and be sure everything at your new bank is in working order.
Take pets for a check or any follow-up shots that might be necessary.
If you have a safe deposit box, empty it and close it.
Pay any bills you may owe to local businesses.
If you have any yard or other equipment that requires gas, drain it, as well as garden hoses of any residual water.
If you have an indoor garden, or a lot of potted plants that you either cannot or don't want to move for the risk of killing them, make arrangements for a place for them to go.
Any waterbed should be drained, and disassembled.
Call and confirm hotels, or other travel arrangements.
Open the doors of freezers and your refrigerator to allow them to defrost.
Supervise while movers pack your things, or if you're moving yourself, begin packing the rest of your belongings.
Any major appliances, such as refrigerators, washer, dryer, for example, need to be cleaned, disconnected so that they're ready to be loaded into the moving truck.
Anything you plan to move in your vehicle should be set aside so that it's not loaded into the moving truck.
Put together a box of all the items you will need immediately at your new home, and label it "Load Last", that way you can take it directly into your new home.
Get cash, or traveler's checks ready for the travel expenses and for paying the movers.
Call and check to be sure of the time your movers or truck will be arriving.
Disassemble all the beds and large furniture.

On The Big Moving Day!

If you are using movers, make certain that someone is going to be at your old home to answer any questions.
Make notes of all your utility meter readings.
Keep these notes, as well as your lading bill and inventory in your moving file you created earlier, and be sure it's in a safe place.
Make sure you have an space designated for the moving truck.

On The Delivery Day

Make sure you are there to answer any questions.
If you are moving out of the state, be prepared to pay the driver before your belongings are unloaded.
Be there to watch the unloading and unpacking of boxes and furniture.