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THE TIMELINE COUNTDOWN
A Timeline Countdown Will Help You Stay Organized & Stress Free 2 Months Before The Move * Determine which services you may need (packing, extra pick-up like at a storage unit, shuttle, stairs, elevators, unpacking) * Research moving companies and get several moving quotes (which ones will best meet your needs) * If moving yourself, reserve a rental truck * Start using up frozen foods and other perishables. Also cleaning supplies (see the "Do not Pack List") * Start sorting: Throw it out or give it away * Bring items down from attic and choose which ones you will keep (move) * Do above task for storage sheds, too * Plan to have a yard sale and/or donations for churches or charities * Order packing materials: boxes, tape, newsprint, etc 6 Weeks Before The Move: Timeline Countdown * Start packing * Contact your tax preparer to find out which moving expenses are tax deductible * Get a change of address kit from the post office * Make a list and contact everyone who needs to know of your move: friends, relatives, credit card companies, and other creditors (car loan), magazine & other subscriptions, bank, insurance company (home, life, and auto, & renter) * Get school, dentist, x-ray, and doctor records. Also prescription history 1 Month Before The Move: Timeline Countdown * Keep packing (unless of course a moving company is going to come in to do the packing. It will only take them 1 - 2 days, depending on the size of your move) * Make arrangements if you have special needs for moving pets * Have your yard sale * Have all items not sold picked up by Salvation Army, Church, etc * Make reservations for motels along your route (and check if they accept pets) * Make a list of "Bare Necessities" that you will need upon arrival at your new home. Keep reviewing this list and add items as you think of them
* Keep packing (I know you're probably getting tired of hearing that! :-) ) * Get your pets ready. Make appointment with vet and get health certificate, immunization and health records * Notify utility companies: telephone, electric, gas, water, garbage pick-up, internet service, and cable TV. Have utilities turned off the day after your move and have utilities turned on at new house * If you have an elevator in your building, make a reservation for the use of it on moving day. Check if there are elevators at destination, and make reservations there also * Gather together all important items that you will transport yourself: Will, insurance, stocks, photos, videos, irreplaceable mementos, deeds, jewelry, etc * Get your car or truck serviced * Close your safety deposit box * Pick up dry cleaning * Make appointment for a cleaning service to come in after the house is empty, if this is something you wish to do * Contact your moving coordinator (or salesperson at the moving company) with any questions or concerns you may have 2 - 3 Days Before The Move: Timeline Countdown * Finish packing * Give away any plants you are not taking with you * Drain gas & oil from lawnmower, chain saw, tiller, etc * Pack your Bare Necessities Box. It will be loaded last & unloaded first. (I will get you started with a checklist) * Gather and put aside all items going with you so they don't get loaded into truck by mistake. This could be called the SAFE ZONE * Collect items for pets and put in the "safe zone" * Collect items for the kids (or have them do it) and put in the "safe zone". Maybe some books, games, toys, or other favorite things * Defrost freezer and put a box of baking soda in it to absorb odors * Contact your moving company to confirm time of arrival and get any final questions answered The Day Before Your Move: Timeline Countdown
* Disassemble any furniture items to save time on load day. Take off mirrors from dressers. Take apart bed frames. You can pack the box-spring, (there are boxes or plastic covers for these) but leave the mattress on the floor to sleep on. Separate china hutches. Take apart shelving units. (these are all things to do if you are moving yourself. It is not necessary to do these things if a moving company is handling the move) * Go over all your checklists * Fuel up the car or truck * Now, RELAX (I know you're thinking "Yeah, right!") But seriously, just kick back and unwind. You have everything under control and you're done ahead of time. Whew!
Moving Day: Timeline Countdown * Make arrangements for the children and pets to be somewhere else on moving day. That way they will not get injured and will not be underfoot where a mover may get injured. * Load all the items you are taking with you into the car(s) or truck * Make sure the driver has all contact information for you and you for him * After everything is out of the house, do a walk through. Check EVERYWHERE: Closets, cabinets, basements, attics, storage sheds, under the stairs, & on the backs of doors (bath robe, mirrors) * Make sure you have copies of ALL the paperwork * Review the
FINAL MOVING CHECKLIST
Hooray !! The hardest part is done! Let's get on with our adventure and let's JUST GET MOVING !! Back to Home Page from Timeline Countdown
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