Moving is never an easy task. But, with a little planning, you can make the move a lot less stressful. One of the best ways to do that is to stay organized and use checklists like this one:

One month before moving
• Schedule the mover
• Arrange for transportation of vehicles and pets
• Submit change of address forms to the U.S. Postal Service
• Contact new schools and arrange for transfer of records
• Notify your doctors and get referrals for new doctors
• Give the landlord notice in writing, if necessary
• Compile a list of important new phone numbers
• Get recommendations for banks, lawyers, accounts and religious institutions in your new area
• Lighten your load: donate unwanted items to charity or hold a garage sale
• Begin packing items not often used

Two weeks before moving
• Arrange for changeover/disconnection of utilities
• Coordinate with newspaper companies to cancel old deliveries and start up a new subscription
• Measure your new home, and start to determine where you’ll place furniture
• Fill and transfer prescriptions
• Find out about your new state’s driver and auto licensing procedures, if applicable
• Inquire about changing your voter registration
• Keep packing!

One week before moving
• Keep packing!
• Inform friends and relatives of your new address and phone number
• Get cleaning supplies ready
• Confirm arrangements with moving and storage companies, as well as auto and pet transportation companies
• Transfer bank accounts
• Pack items to be carried in the car (don’t forget toys and games for the kids)
• Pack yard and shed items…don’t forget to drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and power equipment and dispose of all other flammable items
• Drain water from garden hoses

One day before moving
• Clean refrigerator and defrost the freezer
• Set aside fragile items and valuables for special handling
• Pack a box of basics for the next 24 hours (medicine, toiletry items, all-purpose household cleaners, food and water, etc.)
• Finish packing Moving day
• Take movers for a last-minute walk through and identify items that require special handling
• Double-check to make sure windows are closed, closets are empty, lights are out, and doors are locked
• Leave keys and garage door openers for new owners or tenants
• Supervise placement of boxes and furniture at your new home
• Make sure utilities and phones are working at your new home
• Let family and friends know you’ve arrived safely
• Begin unpacking necessities