Moving Tips That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier: Four to Six Weeks before the Move

So you found a new place! It’s all wonderful and exciting until you start to think about how much stuff you have.

• Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage and basement. It is a good idea to discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year or two, chances are you do not really need it. Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted items to friends and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of your donation.
• Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be a nice addition to your tight relocation budget.
• Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if your refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.
• Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay behind.
• Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged foods with you.
• Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or snow removal companies of your moving date.
• Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and provide them with your new address.
• Check your homeowner's insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact an insurance company at your destination.
• Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you might consider transferring the membership to a friend.
• Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's travel needs and make the necessary preparations
• Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.
• Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer all necessary school records.
• Check your checking and savings accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits so you will not lose interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
• Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new home