Notify Your Employer of the Big Day

Let your employer know that you'll be out of the office on moving day. Make a note on your calendar to set out-of-office voicemail and an email message auto response the night before.

Address Any Bank Changes

If it's necessary to close or transfer your bank accounts, go online or to a local branch to be advised of the proper steps. For any automatic payments deducted from your checking account (gym, newspaper subscription, insurance, mortgage, etc.) verify the process and timing for switching the payments to your new account. Also be sure to empty the contents of any safe deposit boxes.

Confirm with Your Movers

Reconfirm the date, start time, type of truck and packing services. Also verify what forms of payment are acceptable on moving day. In some cases a certified check is required. You can have it prepared now and tuck it into your moving notebook for safekeeping.

Call Your Utility Companies

Call your current utility providers and arrange to have service stopped the day after you move. This includes:

• Gas
• Electric
• Water
• Sewer
• Trash
• Telephone
• Cable or satellite
• Internet

If you're using any of these same providers at your new home, arrange to have services activated on your moving day. Now is a good time to contact any new providers to arrange new services.

Caring for Your Pets

Make sure your pets' shots are up to date and get a current health certificate from your vet. Arrange to have all veterinary records forwarded to your new address or to your new vet if you've already chosen one. If your pets are micro-chipped, notify the registry of your change of address.

Remember, this is a big move for your pets too and they may need time to adjust. Have a new toy or treats on hand for the day you move and you'll help to make the transition easier.

Clean Up and Get Organized

Enlist everyone in your home to join in the process of cleaning up and packing. Here are some suggestions:

• Make individuals responsible for packing up a particular room
• Have both kids and adults find clothes that don't fit any longer and can be donated
• Gather older toys that can be given to a local church or organization
• Identify and sort library books and DVD rentals so they can be returned
• Give food and refrigerator items to neighbors so they don't go to waste
• Pack valuables and other small items separately so they're easy to find

The more you prepare for the big day, the more confident you'll feel, and the more you'll enjoy moving into your brand new home.

Save Your Data

You should back-up the information on your computers regularly. It's especially important before a move. In the rare case that something is damaged, you don't want to risk losing valuable information that can be difficult to replace. If you don't back-up already, there are plenty of choices for safe and effective archiving available. Connect a portable hard drive to your computer for copying information or choose a trusted online provider who can back-up data over the Internet.

Handling Tools and Appliances

If you have a number of lawn tools and household appliances, it's best to drain any fluids from them before a move. Leaks from these items could cause damage to anything that's packed with them. Here are examples of items that require special attention:

• Lawnmower or tractor
• Snow blower
• Leaf blower
• Weed trimmer
• Steam iron
• Coffee makers
• Bottled water systems

Refill Prescriptions

Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next month. If you use a national pharmacy chain, ask to have your prescriptions transferred to a location near your new home. Notify mail-order pharmacies of your change of address.

Clearly mark your medications and make them easy to find when you arrive. While it's easy to visit a drug store, the less running around you have to do right after your move the better.

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Have Cash on Hand

Visit the ATM and withdraw a sufficient amount of cash to last you for the next few days. This is especially important if you are changing your banking institution, but it's also convenient for any other situations that may arise.

Get Ready for the Movers

Many moving companies will do the boxing and packing for you. However, if you've packed some items yourself, make sure they are clearly marked and packed well to avoid any damages.

Also plan to provide water and soft drinks, or coffee if it's a chilly moving day, to the moving crew. If the move is an all-day event, you may want to order pizza or sandwiches for lunch. Although tipping is not required, it's a common practice. Customary tips are $20-$25 per mover. It's best to give the entire tip to the supervisor and ask that it be distributed to the crew.

Communicate with the Police Department

It's good to let the local police department or any neighborhood watch members know that you're moving. Give them the exact day and time that they can expect to see movers at your current home. Also be sure to let them know exactly how long your home will be empty. When contacting the police department, use the local number and not 911.

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Verify the Moving Company

Make sure that the moving company that arrives is the one that you hired. The USDOT number on their paperwork and painted on their truck should match the number on the estimate you were given.

Confirm Inventory of Your Household Items

Walk around with the movers as your home inventory is taken. Make sure every box and stand-alone item is accounted for. Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy until the move is complete and you’ve checked that everything was delivered.

Take a Final Tour

Make sure you've shut off the water, furnace, air conditioner, thermostat, lights and any appliances that you are leaving behind. Check for any remaining items, then double check that you've locked all of the windows and doors. Now it's off to your new Standard Pacific home.

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