Moving can be stressful period – there are so many things to remember when you transfer from one place to another and it’s almost impossible to remember to do or bring everything. So before you move, make sure to plan carefully and make a checklist. Here’s a sample checklist you can use to plan your move.

One Month Before

Find a moving company
Put all important documents in one place; make sure these go with you
Sort out any special items that may need moving – fragile antiques, pets etc.
Make a list of everyone you may need to notify about changing your address, such as subscriptions, banks, services etc., and even friends and family
Begin packing non-essential items
Contact your financial institutions about any changes you need to make, especially out-of-state moves
Buy all the moving boxes you may need
Talk to your doctor about having your medical records, prescriptions, etc. moved
Check with your home insurers if you can transfer your existing coverage to your new home or if you have to cancel and purchase a new policy
Get a change of address form from the post office and fill it in (post date it for a few days before your move date). Alternately, you can also do it online

Two weeks before

Start packing!
Return items you borrowed from friends, family, the library, video store etc.
If you’re driving long-distance, have your car serviced
Stop buying perishable items, and finish up all the leftover food in your pantry
Mark all the boxes you want to take yourself “DO NOT MOVE” and fill it with personal items
Dispose of anything you may not need

One week before

Call your movers and confirm all the details
Pay any outstanding bills
Check up on your home insurance and other financial matters
Check all the paperwork pertaining to your old and new homes
Make a list of essentials you may need as soon as you get to your new home, such as cooking utensils, coffee, tea, mugs, plates, etc. to take with you

One or two days before

Finish all your packing! Avoid packing on the day itself
Check that all the boxes are marked clearly
Clean up as you go!