Get estimates from moving companies if you will use a mover.

Get costs from at least two truck rental companies if you will move yourself.

Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.

Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).

Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).

Arrange to transfer school records.

Choose a mover (or truck rental company).

Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.

Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community

Make arrangements for storage if necessary.

Ask your doctor or health plan for referrals and obtain all medical records.

Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.

Clean all closets and drawers.

Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Contact all utilities for service disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home. Be sure disconnect is the day after you leave and connection is the day before you arrive.

If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.

If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at the new house.

Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.

Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.

Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.

Make any travel plans necessary for your move.

Check to see if you need any moving permits.

Plan your moving sale.

Dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as inflammable liquids.

Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).

If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.

Make child-care arrangements for moving day.

Hold your moving sale.

Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.

Service your car in preparation for the move.

Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.

Cancel newspaper delivery.

Notify any creditors of your move.

Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.

Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.