START EARLY 

The key survival tactic to moving is getting an early start, especially if you are relocating. When you have a relocation deadline, everything has a domino effect. If you don't allow some leeway, you can end up behind schedule even before packing a single box. There is a lot to be done, and to make sure you have enough time for the important things - like saying good-bye to friends and family - a professional moving company has developed this organizational list so you will be relaxed and ready to go.

6 TO 8 WEEKS

• Contact a moving company and tell them the dates you plan to be moving. Set up a date for an agent to come over and survey your goods. Unless you are given a binding estimate, the cost can vary, depending on the actual weight of items and any extra services.
• Decide if you are going to pack yourself or have the movers do it.
• Arrange for a house-hunting trip in your new city. Get in touch with a real estate agent or subscribe to the Sunday edition of the newspaper for several weeks.
• Establish credit in your new city. Arrange for a transfer of funds and the content of your safety deposit box.
• Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft, and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at your new home.
• Gather information on prescriptions. Get current phone numbers and addresses of your doctor and dentist.
• Transfer, sell, or resign from clubs and associations. Arrange to transfer school records and secure transcripts from the local school district.
• Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself.

4 TO 6 WEEKS

• Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms, and others who need to be notified of your move. Make plans to cancel all utilities.
• Pick up all dry cleaning and anything left at the tailor or cobbler. Set a date to cancel the newspaper.
• Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted clothes or furniture.
• Begin to use up large supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what you will need to use before moving.
• Alert the post office that you will be moving. If you don't yet know your permanent address, the post office can hold your mail for you. Send out change-of-address cards. First-class mail is forwarded free of charge for one year, and newspapers and magazines are forward for 60 days.

2 TO 3 WEEKS

• Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
• Take your car in to have it checked for the upcoming road trip.
• Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations.
• Collect all items that were being repaired, cleaned, or stored.
• Return library books and anything else you may have borrowed

3 DAYS BEFORE

• Pack suitcases for the trip to your new house. Put in extra clothes for emergencies.
• Pack an "Instant Aid" box containing things you will need upon arrival: sponges, paper towels, powdered detergent, paper plates, toothpaste, light bulbs, hammer, trash bags, hand soap, and toilet paper.
• Empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before the movers arrive.
• Take the telephone directory with you. It will be useful in case you need to contact former doctors or business contacts.

1 DAY BEFORE

• Unplug all TV sets 24 hours in advance so they will be at room temperature the day of the move. Moving a set in which heat is retained could cause internal damage.

MOVING DAY

• Point out to packers any extra fragile items needing special attention. Mark any items you do no want moved.
• Be on hand when the movers arrive. It is important that someone be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be there.
• It is your responsibility to see that all your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed.
• Approve and sign the bill of lading. This states the terms and conditions of the move and is your receipt for the shipment.
• Be sure the van driver has the exact address of your destination
• Keep your telephone connected during moving day. Leave a note of your new address in the house so the new occupants can forward any mail.

AT DESTINATION

• Be present to accept the delivery. If you can't be there personally, appoint someone to accept the delivery.
• Check your goods as they are unloaded. If anything is missing, note it on the inventory sheet. By signing the sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
• Keep all your documents relating to the move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.
• Check with the post office for any mail being held, and begin delivery.
• Take a few minutes to relax. You have earned it!