Once you've closed on your new home, there's only one thing left to do—move! Use this Move Planner Checklist to help make your move smooth and organized.

8 Weeks Before Moving

• Double-check with your movers to verify that your move is scheduled.
• Start sorting and discarding.
• Decide which furnishings to take, discard or donate.
• Notify schools in old and new locations; arrange for transfer of records and begin process of registering in new schools.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• Complete banking arrangements in new location and arrange for transfer or closing of old accounts.
• Inventory possessions and make final decisions about what goes and what doesn't.
• Send change-of-address forms to organizations, account holders, friends and relatives, and publications (these usually need the full 6 weeks).
• If moving into a building with an elevator, make sure the elevator can be used and will be available for use by the movers on your intended day and time of arrival.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• If you're packing yourself, obtain moving boxes, tape and packing materials.
• Contact utilities (telephone, electricity, gas, water, cable TV and trash collection) at new and old locations with your moving date; make sure all utilities will be on in your new location on moving day.
• Gather auto licensing, registration and insurance documents; if moving to a different state, be prepared to obtain the necessary new documents and license plates once you arrive.
• Talk with insurance agent regarding changes in policies and set up appropriate (and immediate) coverage for new location.
• Arrange to donate goods you're not taking, or hold a garage or tag sale (remember, the buyer of your current home could be your best customer!). If donating, obtain receipts for tax purposes.
• Determine if club membership fees can be refunded, or if you can sell the memberships to others.
• Check requirements for new driver's license and auto registration.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Arrange for transportation of valuable items; plan to take jewelry, important documents and other small valuables with you rather than ship them.
• Prepare cars for travel to the new home; check tires and have service done if necessary.
• Cancel newspaper and other regular deliveries.
• Clean out school or gym lockers.

1 Week Before Moving

• Pick up all laundry and dry cleaning.
• Settle outstanding bills with local merchants.
• Return library books, videotapes, etc.
• Empty your safe deposit box and gather all valuables and important papers for safe transport to your new location.
• Drain fuel and oil from power equipment (lawn mower, snow blower, etc.) and from gas grills and kerosene heaters.
• Give away any houseplants that are not coming with you.
• Fill prescriptions, making sure you have at least two weeks' supply.
• Prepare a "ready box" with all move-day essentials for kitchen and bathroom, basic tools, medications and a first-aid kit.
• Set aside toys and games for kids to travel with, and prepare a box of snacks.
• Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for the first night in your new home.
• Keep a detailed record and receipts of moving expenses (and reimbursements) for income tax purposes (transportation, lodging, meals, etc.).
• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps.

The Day Before Moving

• Make sure a family member is available to supervise the move.
• Pack valuables and last-minute items.
• Empty, defrost and clean the refrigerator; block doors open so children or pets can't get trapped inside.
• Disconnect and clean any other appliances that will be coming with you.
• Provide an itinerary to a close friend or relative, including your new phone number if available.
• Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door remote controls, etc., and have them ready to turn over to the new owner, real estate agent or trusted neighbor.
• Notify police if your old home will be unoccupied after you move out.

Moving Out

• Record utility readings (oil, gas, electric) to compare to final bills.
• Check mover's inventory and make sure you agree with any notations about the condition of your furnishings; be prepared to take photos in case of a dispute.
• Check mover's Bill of Lading for completeness before signing; obtain a copy for your records.
• Record the van driver's name and provide driving directions and contact numbers for the new location.
• Keep travel luggage and valuables separate from the items being taken by the movers.
• Search every room, closet and around the outside of the house before the moving van leaves.
• Leave home in broom-clean condition.
• Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to new owner, real estate agent or neighbor.

Moving In

• Arrange to arrive before the movers to avoid any waiting charges.
• Contact local utility companies and establish service if necessary.
• Check appliances, furnace and water heater; arrange for service if anything is not working properly.
• Check everything carefully for loss or damage; list anything lost or damaged in the move on the inventory form (since you'll do some unpacking after the movers leave, make a note on the inventory "subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage").
• Locate the "ready box" for those items you'll need right away.
• Schedule empty box pickup with your mover.