Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in larger boxes.

Designate one drawer of a dresser for your sheets and towels so they'll be easily available the first night in your new home.

Place a sock or nylon stocking in your refrigerator with a cup of baking soda, charcoal or fresh coffee to keep the interior smelling fresh.

Pack your current phone book as you may need to call residents or businesses in your former hometown.

Records and plates should be packed on end vertically, rather than stacked.

Make sure medicine and other toiletries have lids on securely prior to packing.

Remove bulbs from lamps before packing.

Clearly label each carton with room name and contents.

Ask a friend to keep your children and pets when packing and on moving day.

If packing yourself, pack several cartons each day rather than packing all at once.

Pack on a room-by-room basis.  Don't mix items from different rooms in one box.

Allow children to pack their favorite toys.  This gives them a stronger sense of belonging.

Be cautious with boxes from grocery or liquor stores.  They may not be clean and may not have the strength to withstand the weight of the items you are packing.

Hazardous materials that may not be moved may include:

	Paint
	Varnish
	Gasoline
	Kerosene
	Oil
	Bottled Gas
	Aerosol Cans
	Nail polish and remover
	Ammunition
	Explosives

Pack a "Survival" kit which you carry in your car, or have first off the moving truck:

	Basic tools - Hammer, screw driver, knife, tape, etc.
	Bathroom products - soap, toilet paper, towels, etc.
	Kitchen items - Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, etc.
	Cleaning products - Cleansers, brooms, dustpan, sponges, etc.

Load your plants in the moving truck last, and unload them first.  Check with the US Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants.

Meet as a family, discuss the move and plan to make everyone part of the move.

Ask your agent, friends, neighbors and relatives for recommendations of moving companies.

Plan a house-hunting trip to your new location.

Notify your real estate specialist of the dates you'll be in the new location to house-hunt.

Start your mortgage pre-approval NEXT!

Make a house-hunting trip to your new location and bring maps, notebooks etc....

Decide what to move and what not to move. Consider a garage sale!

Get estimates from several moving companies.

Subscribe  to the local newspaper in your new location (to be mailed to you).

Get information on schools and businesses in your new location.

Take pictures of your new home.

Start collecting boxes and packing materials.

If moving at your company's request, find out what they will pay for.

Request records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental x-rays and vaccinations

Obtain your children's school records to make for an easier transfer to the new school(s).

Draw a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed.  This will eliminate confusion for you and your movers.

Pay existing bills and close out local charge accounts.

Record expenses incurred during your house-hunting trips and continue throughout the move.

Read information given to you by moving companies and ask questions on any parts you do not understand.

Start packing anything you won't need for at least six more weeks.

Start using up foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Begin notifying credit card and other companies of your change of address.

Check homeowners insurance for coverage while moving.  Transfer fire, theft and personal property insurance to your new home.

Transfer personal insurance records.

Give notice of resignation to any clubs, organizations or volunteer activities which you belong to.

Give day care center proper notice of withdrawal.

Arrange for transport of pets and/or automobiles, if needed.

Take one night off to relax!!!!!

Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take.

Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale or call a charity for pick-up.

Clean out club lockers, pick up dry cleaning.

Complete travel arrangements for trip to your new location.

Have vet prepare pet health certificates.

Arrange, if possible, to have utility service established in new city.

Arrange for disconnection or changeover of utilities in the house you are selling.

If driving, have your car serviced for the trip to your new location.

Clean out cupboards and plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need.

Make sure you have an adequate supply of medications and they are with you for the trip.

Transfer prescriptions and medical records.

Take time off with the family!

Reconfirm travel reservations.

Make an inventory list of all items going with you in the car.

Confirm arrangements and dates for:

	Auto Transportation
	Pet Transportation
	Hotel Reservations
	Temporary housing arrangements

Inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address.  If your phone service doesn't start immediately, arrange for a temporary voice mail box - some long distance providers will off this service.

Drain gas from lawnmower, snow blower, etc...

Drain water hoses.

Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.

Check contents of drawers for liquids or breakables.

Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner.

Put together your "survival kit" for the move.

Check and close your safety deposit box.

Pack everything you'll need for several days after you arrive at your new destination.

Close bank accounts.

Make sure certain boxes are marked for "Load Last, Unload First".

Purchase traveler's checks for the trip, if long distance.

Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home.

Unplug TV's 24 hours before move so they are at room temperature on the moving day.

Disconnect computer and secure.

Have a first-aid kit available, just in case.

Contact the moving company's agent and inform them where and how you can be reached.

Make certain the house is ready for occupancy when the van arrives.

Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly.

Let family members or friends know you are arrived safely.

If not yet done, get in touch with the utility companies and make arrangements for service.

Be on hand to accept delivery of your furnishings.  Appoint one person to supervise the move.

Check your household goods as they are unloaded.  If there is any change in condition, not changes and/or missing items on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet.  Personally report any loss/damage to the mover's agent immediately.

Be prepared to direct where each piece of furniture is to be placed.

Allow the children to help.  Let them feel needed.  Assign them light, but important, duties such as unpacking and arranging their own toys and possessions.

Make the beds so you can get a good night's rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow.

Make your first room to unpack the kitchen.  At least you'll be able to make a cup of coffee and have a snack!

Take a break every couple of hours.

Hook up your TV and VCR and watch a familiar "feel good" movie the first evening.

Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on "moving-in" day.

Take a few minutes to relax.