ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE:

• Mow your lawn for the last time.
  
  
• Dispose of toxic or flammable items that can't be moved. Drain the gas and oil from gas-powered tools such as lawn mowers and snow blowers; movers will not take them if full.
  
  
• Double check to make sure arrangements have been made to disconnect and service your major appliances being moved.
  
  
• Pack your "trip kit" of necessary items that should go in your car and not the moving van: your checkbook, cash or travelers checks, medications, essential toiletries, light bulbs, flashlight, toilet paper, pet food, spare glasses or contact lenses, baby or child care items, toys and car games for children and your notebook with moving information
  
  
• If you have young children, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch them on moving day. Since you'll have your hands full, the extra attention from a sitter will distract the child's attention from the turmoil of a move.
  
  
• Also arrange for a baby-sitter to be available when you arrive at your new home with young children.
  
  
• Pack your own suitcase of clothes for the move.
  
  
• Put your "open first/load last" boxes in a separate place so the mover can identify them.
  
  
• Pay all outstanding bills. Be sure to indicate your new address on payment receipts.
  
  
• Remove any fixtures you are taking with you and replace (if specified in your home- selling contract)
  
  
• Defrost refrigerator/freezer.
  
  
• Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances.
  
  
• Make plans for care of small children on moving day.
  
  
• Transfer or withdraw all funds from local banks.
  
  
• Separate cartons and luggage items you need for personal travel so they don't get packed on the truck.
  
  
• Pack a box of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home and have movers put this box on last (clearly mark box as PACK THIS LAST or UNPACK THIS FIRST) or take it with you.
  
  
• Have appliances disconnected and prepared for move.
  
  
• Set aside one room for packers and movers to work in freely.
  
  
• Arrange to have utilities turned on at new home.
  
  
• Notify friends and neighbors of new address and phone number (if available).
  
  
• Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks.
  
  
• Set aside manuals and instructions for your current home for new owner.
  
  
• Do NOT disconnect your telephone until the day after loading.
  

ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE >