o Obtain 2 or 3 estimates for your move and compare the services offered. Make sure you determine what liability the mover will assume in the event of loss or damage. You may find it necessary to make special insurance arrangements. 

o Select moving company based on factors like cost and insurance coverage.

o Confirm dates with movers for packing and loading.

o Determine what items are to be discarded and hold garage sale or give away

o If doing some of your own packing, arrange to purchase cartons from Movers

o Advise post office of new address and effective date

o Send change of address to: Telephone Company

o Change your insurance policies on property, auto and medical

o Contact your creditors & your bank and arrange transfer of your accounts; order checks with new address; clean out your safety deposit box.
 
o Vehicle registration

o Hydro, gas or oil

o Drivers license bureau

o Make arrangements to change/discontinue cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers, cable TV, clubs, newspapers, book and record clubs

o Organize all important documents in a fire-safe box (To Be Carried With You!).  Some things you want to include are jewelry, valuable papers, currency, school records, home purchase/sale papers, will and/or trust, marriage/divorce papers, pet documents, financial records, stock certificates, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports.

o Retrieve and return all borrowed items from neighbors & friends; return library books

o Give day care center proper notice of withdrawal

o Contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records.

o Obtain veterinarian records for pets

o Arrange to have utilities connected at destination

o Arrange for telephone disconnection on day after the move

o Arrange for telephone connection at destination

o Make a "Survival Box" for the move.  This should include paper, pens, stamps, envelopes, cellophane & heavy duty tape, scissors, tape measure, paper cups, Ziplock bags, paper plates & towels, plastic utensils, facial & toilet tissue, instant coffee or tea, cream/sugar, soap, moist towelettes, aspirin, band-aids, can opener, bottled water, travel alarm, flashlight, small tools kit, trash bags, snacks or drinks, children's games, address book, spare car keys, phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination.

o Upon arrival, Give the kids a job to do - let them start on their rooms.  Usually, the kitchen and the kids rooms are the best to set up first, as it helps them feel at home.