Create a residential or business inventory. You can be more efficient by using online tools or phone apps that are free or low cost with excellent user reviews.

Create a moving file – an accordian type file is excellent for this purpose as it can be used to create subcategories that are relevant for your move – include moving paperwork both bids and estimates. Include any expenses you incur which may be tax deductible.

Use your camera or phone to take pictures of items you are donating, take pictures of groups of items with estimated values for tax purposes.

Make contact with schools to transfer school records or obtain copies for your records.

Visit the pet’s vet – make a last visit and get copies of veterinary records. Place in your moving file.

Make appointments to see your own regular Doctors and Dentists and obtain copies of records you need. Make sure you sign any paperwork they require in order to send medical records to another location.

Check with your banking institution to check if they have a branch in your new area. If they do not, be sure to set up and use any online tools they offer in the time between now and when you move.

Gather all important personal documentation and arrange to get replacements if they cannot be found. This is especially important if you are relocating internationally.

Choose a moving company that fits your needs and budget. Make sure you check references, this is time well invested in your relocation and can be critical in making a good solid decision vs a poor choice for a moving company.

Interview realtors if you are selling your property and sign contracts. Keep these contracts in your moving file.

Start to pack any items that you are not using as soon as you know you will be moving.

Begin donating any clutter that is not going to move with you.

Schedule the moving company or moving trucks if you are a DIY mover. Double check these arrangements a few days later.

If you are a DIY mover – check the availability of friends you can rely on, or hire a moving team to help you.

Allocate two to three hours per day, most days, for moving related activities.

Fill out any documents that you need to relocate – new address cards, change of address, obtain a PO Box.

File change of address with government agencies – IRS, social security etc.

Order moving materials – this is important! Also ensure that your moving materials are high quality and in large scale quantities if you are moving a full residence or business. Get packing quality tape, a variety of box sizes including wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, foam wrap, non ink newsprint etc.

Obtain valuations for high value items or antiques or sentimental items that will be moved. Place the valuation documents in your moving file.

Start to pack all items that you are not currently using, including seasonal items, any items in the attic or basement. This will save you money if you are doing a partial service move. Any items you pack yourselves will reduce the cost of any packing services that you are paying for.

Make any travel arrangements for children, pets, yourselves.

Have a garage or moving sale.

Create several ads that will advertise your moving sale.

Check with your HOA if there are any local requirements for moving sales that you must meet.

Prepare any specialty items for moving – such as pianos, autos, antiques etc.

Create change of address notifications for banks, financial institutions, magazines, employers, associations or clubs.

Make contact with your insurance companies, auto, home etc. Obtain flood insurance if you are moving into a flood prone zone. This often requires a period of ownership before benefits begin.

Obtain insurance coverage for your move – read all paperwork before you sign. Transfer any homeowner or rental policy to your new home.

Contact any security service provider and find out what you need to do in order to have uninterrupted access.

Contact all service providers for your current home to schedule disconnection of utility services at your old home.

Contact utility providers for your new home and set up new connection dates, give yourself a leeway of two days, so hot water heaters can heat water in advance for showers etc.

Reserve any elevators for your move if you are moving into a residential building – appartment or condo or moving a business into a high rise location.

Check if you need a moving permit.

Make arrangements to have your home or business cleaned and repaired if necessary. This is especially important if you have paid a deposit during a rental period. Generally its cheaper for you to find and arrange your own cleaning and repairs than to lose any deposits you have paid.

Have another moving sale – you will always find more stuff that you do not need or use. Remember it will cost you to move your stuff!

Donate to any charities that you support – again use your camera or phone to detail your donations for IRS purposes.

Properly dispose of items that are not able to be moved – this includes, paints, propane tanks, flammables, candles (these melt and destroy goods during temperature variations).

Recycle what you can.

Check your moving dates, scheduled times and services for moving day.

Make arrangements for any children or pets on moving day.

Begin making a file for your new homeowner – this includes things like warranties for appliances, HOA documentation, information regarding trash days, etc.

Begin using all food items that cannot be moved or give them to friends and family.

Notify all financial institutions and creditors of your move and new contact information. This will help protect your credit score in the event mail is not forwarded in a timely manner.

Submit your new address information and dates to the local postal service, or you can do this online.

Cancel newspapers and redirect magazines.

Have your vehicle serviced before your move. This is important not only if you are driving your auto to your new location but also if you are having your auto transported. Of major importance – your battery must remain charged or it will cost you extra to remove it from the auto carrier truck, over and above the agreed price.

Return any loaned items to the library, friends etc.

Have some one help you pick up drycleaning, laundry and items from your home that you have had cleaned.

Be certain you have enough medication on hand to see your through your move. Contact both your pharmacy and Drs office well in advance of moving day.

Change all financial transactions to your new banking branch or institution. Allow several weeks to pass before closing out any old accounts. Keep excellent financial records during your move so you are certain that all checks or bill payments are covered in your accounts.

Drain all power equipment such as lawnmowers that are to be moved to a new location. This includes all water hoses.

Find new homes for plants and pets that are not moving with you.

Create a travel kit for easy access during your move.

Keep charger and cell phones together. Know their whereabouts at all times.

Make a private list of all accounts, passwords and computer information.

Locate and identify with labels all cords that are required for your computer equipment.

Transfer all your computer needs onto a laptop if you require access during your move.

Pack any personal bedding you will require before your belongings arrive.

Create a kit with flashlights, basic tools, ID and a spare credit card and put them in a place that will remain unchanged for the duration of your move.

Pack any medications that are necessary for your personal wellbeing.

Pack for safekeeping any official documentation such as passports, birth certificates and ID documentation.

Settle all your local bills and make sure they have your contact information.

Pack transitional objects, books and toys/games for children – even older children will experience some anxiety with the move.

If you are moving with a baby, pack and plan for additional emergencies such as illness.

If you are using a moving company, step aside and let them pack your belongings. They are experts at doing this

If you are a DIY mover dismantle large scale furniture and complete your actual packing of boxes.

Defrost and empty any appliances.

Mark one box with the label LAST LOAD plus a destination place like (KITCHEN), place items in this box that you will need immediately upon arrival – some bath towels, toilet paper, new soap, some shampoo and conditioner, a comb, brush and hair products or hair ties. Be sure to also include very basic cookware, S&P, a can opener, a wine opener, some form of box opener, some mugs, your favorite coffee/tea, a box of cereal, cookies, plastic glassware, plastic plates/bowls, plastic knives and forks. Put some thought into this box, you will be glad you did. You can also hide some toys, books or games in this box that are new to your children (tho’ check out your local second chance store for gently used items), its also a great place to hide a little cash to purchase basic supplies at your new location in the event you misplace your wallet or purse in your new home the day of arrival.

Confirm all arrangements for your move – call the moving company to ensure they will arrive as planned. Note who you speak and confirm your arrangements with for each company you are working with.

Make a copy of all ph contacts and email addresses you will need over the next few days. Place a second copy in the LOAD LAST box.

Call and confirm any hotel and flight bookings you have in place for your move.

Print out several copies of your new destination address, contact numbers and maps/directions.

Fill up any vehicle that will be driven to the new destination.

Purchase some new light bulbs and bathroom supplies.

Leave a copy of your contact information with your old neighbors.

Drop any children or pets at a pre arranged location with friends or family.

Inventory all items that are packed and loaded. Note any damage on the inventory forms.

Check utility meters and record the meter readings.

Expect a bill of lading and inventory and know you will be expected to sign those documents.

Be kind – leave your new homeowners some bathroom supplies, the light bulbs in your home along with a list of any domestic nuances they can expect and information about the neighborhood and some cleaning supplies – they cannot be transported safely.

Make sure you eat and that your helpers also eat and stay hydrated.

Plan on doing a full clean of your home when it is empty. Be sure to clean out cupboards and where any food has been stored – no one likes surprise science experiments.

Have your travel kit on hand so you can use it if you need too. Include spare batteries for childrens toys and flashlights or tools.

Put out your trash curbside.

Be on time and prepared to pay your moving company.

You should come prepared with a certified check for the moving company or truck, in the amount you have agreed upon. Even with damage, you must still in good faith pay the bill and then initiate any claims you have.

Be available to answer all and any quesitons – there will be plenty.

Provide supervision of the unloading and reinventory of your possessions. Note all damage as you see your possessions and damaged boxes.

Provide movers with guidance as to where to place furniture and boxes.

Have a cash tip on hand for your unloading crew.

Plan on having your new home or business re keyed and with new security codes.

Install new batteries in any smoke detectors in the home or business.

Locate your LOAD LAST box and your travel kit with all your must have’s inside.

Survey your goods and photograph to document any damage you find.

Start a newspaper subscription – this will help you integrate and learn about your new community.

Register to vote.

RE register your autos, trailers etc.

Renew your drivers license in your new state.

If you have moved overseas, ask for guidance on obtaining your new drivers license.

Make contact with organizations you enjoy