Apart from packing, there are actually many more tasks and errands to be done when the issue of moving arises. To keep things in check and in balance, ensuring you are not missing and forgetting something important, either a thing or an errand, a moving checklist and guide must be in hand. A moving checklist will serve as your reminder and your trustworthy guide.

Moving is truly a hectic time for the entire brood. So as not to lose your possessions, start your checklist with the important items that are too essential to get lost. Things that must not be misplaced or lost must be hand carried. Do not put such things into one of the moving boxes. These items include address books, bank statements, birth certificates, checks, credit cards and their statements, home movies, irreplaceable memorabilia, insurance policies, marriage records, dental and medical records, military records, passports, photos, photo albums, resumes, school records, stock certificates, tax returns, telephone numbers, valuables, vehicle documents, and wills.

Six to Eight Weeks Before

Organization plays a vital role for a smooth and hassle-free move. Now is the best time to start organizing the details. It is the time to ponder and decide what belongings to bring and what to sell, give or donate. You may have a garage sale or donate to charity any items you want to dispose. You may as well start collecting or gathering packing supplies and boxes and start an initial packing, if you are ready to do it. That is, considering you know what to pack ahead and you have with you the befitting resources.

Four to Five Weeks Before

Contact your post office and notify them of your move and change of address. After which, give your new whereabouts to other family members, friends, utility companies like telephone company, trash company, cable company, water company, electric company and your Internet provider. Also inform your insurance companies of your new address, as well as banks and your other financial institutions, creditors, local government agencies, health providers, schools, subscriptions, auto or travel club and church.

Organize your upcoming change by making a list of the items that are not to be transported, as well as items to be moved by your van line agent and to be moved by yourself. Decide whether or not some of your stuffs will be simply thrown away, sold or given to charity and friends. Also come up with a decision on who gets to do some or all of the packing, whether you assigned some friends to do it, you and your family alone or the van line agent. Do not forget to include your kids in all the commotions and activities. Let them have their share of it all to stimulate their excitement and to feel valued and important.

Three Weeks Before

Update your agent of any changes with the date of your move. Or if you need any additional service like packing or unpacking, or piano moving, just inform the van line agent or the moving company handling your move so they can fill you up with the pricing information. Also notify your van line agent if there are some things you add or deduct form the original planned shipment. This is also the time to return library books or any borrowed items. And do not forget to gather your items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.

Two Weeks Before

Make the necessary arrangements of transferring your prescriptions to the drugstore in your new area. Call or visit your old bank to have your accounts transferred. Be sure to clear your safe deposit boxes before you move out. Back up all your files on a disk before you disconnect and disassemble your computer. Clear and clean your home including closets, bathroom, kitchen, attic, and basement.

One Week Before

Mark boxes or items you will attend to yourself for the movers to know. Look around and ascertain you have not overlooked anything. Label your boxes appropriately such as “Load Last,” “Unpack First,” “Fragile,” and “Do Not Load.” Defrost, empty and clean out your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours prior to moving to let the air out. You may use baking soda to get rid of unwanted odors.

Prepare your personal items. Pack your clothes and have your suitcases ready. Confirm whatever travel arrangements you have for you and your whole family. Keep your plans as flexible as possible to give room for unexpected occurrences like schedule changes or delays.

One Day Before

Pack in one box all the things you will need when you arrive at your destination such as disposable spoon, fork, cups and plates, non-aerosol cleaning agents, trash bags, bathroom essentials, tools and snacks. You may hand carry this box or ask the driver to load it in the end so it can be easily unload first.

Moving Out

As moving day approaches, have with you a list of all your necessities like contact numbers. List down the important numbers of banks, doctors, emergency contacts, family members, friends, real estate brokers or landlords, movers, pharmacies, schools, storage facilities, and utilities.

Monitor the entire loading process. If you cannot be there, have someone stand in place for you to give instructions to the movers. See to it that you or somebody accompanies the driver during the inventory of your goods. Take a last minute look around your old place and see if nothing is left behind or overlooked. Do not forget to lock all the doors and windows. Secure your old place and turn off all its switches before leaving it for good.

Moving In

As you arrive in your new home, check if the utilities are already connected. Look around and see if there is anything you want to replace or change. Pay the driver or the movers with traveler's check, cash, money order or certified checks before your goods will be unloaded.