6-8 Weeks Before Moving:
· Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start getting the details of your move.
· This is the time to decide what items you wish to transport to your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you don’t need you should either donate them to a charity or consider having a garage sale. Contact a local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before moving date for the garage sale.
· Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing. You can purchase all these materials from a moving supply company. All boxes that you purchase should be specially designed for the moving industry to prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting boxes from other sources may create some difficulties when packed in the van. These boxes may be unusual sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent damages to items packed inside.
· Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.
· Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local authorities.
· Finalize all real estate and rental needs.
· Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
· All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.
· Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewellery, coin collection, photos etc.).

4-5 Weeks before moving
· Contact the Post Office for the Change of Address form to tell of your move. Give your new address to:
Friends and Family
Post Office
Utility Companies Telephone Company
Water Company
Electricity Company
Internet Provider
Insurance Companies
Banks and Financial Institutions Checking
Loans
Creditors
Local Government agencies
Health Providers Doctors /GPs
Dentist
Veterinarian
Pharmacy
Schools
Subscriptions Magazines
Church
· It is the time to take a look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines, broken items, old toys can be left behind.
· Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will not transport, what items your van line agent will move and what items you will move yourself.

· Make a decision if the items not going that will be dumped or picked by a charity.
· Make a decision on who will do most of the packing or all the packing. It is a good idea that you let the movers do most of the packing. They know the best methods for keeping items safe.

3 Weeks before moving
· Notify your mover if there are any changes in the dates of your move. If you will need any additional accessorial service such as piano moving, packing and unpacking, storage you should inform the mover for pricing information. Also inform the mover if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.
· Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations.
· You will need to carry all valuable jewelery with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

2 Weeks before moving
· Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new area. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts.
· Disassemble and disconnect your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.
· Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attics and the items that you will take.
· Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.
· Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic, non-flammable in plastic bags.
· Drain your lawn mower, power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
· Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.
· If you need to store anything call your van line agent about storage options available.
· Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone services of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new address and connect them on your moving in day.

1 Week before moving

· Make sure to mark which items you'll take yourself, so the movers won't take them.
· Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house.
· Mark your boxes to be shipped with "Fragile", "Do Not Load", "Load Last" stickers.
· Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odours.
· Make sure your mover knows the address and phone number your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.
· Arrange for payment to your mover. Contact your removals company to inquire about methods of payment accepted.

1 Day before moving day
· Pack a box of things you'll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. (This might include non-aerosol cleaning supplies, disposable plates and cups, light tools, snacks, bathroom items and trash bags.)
· Take this box with you or have the driver load it last and unload first. This is usually the day packing is done.
· Make sure all packing services have been performed before you sign for them.
· Defrost, thoroughly clean and dry refrigerator.

Moving out day
· Be on hand when the driver arrives and throughout the loading process. (If you won't be there, make sure someone will be there to direct the movers. Make sure the driver has in writing the name and phone number of that person.)
· Accompany the driver during inventory. Check on the condition of your goods as they are loaded.
· Make a final tour of your home. See that nothing is overlooked.
· Sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.
· Lock all windows and doors, and turn off all switches.
Moving in day
· Arrive at your home a day ahead of time, if possible, to make sure utilities are connected and to plan placement of major items in your home.
· Be on hand to pay the driver with cash, certified check or money order prior to your goods being unloaded.