This article details the best of the moving checklists online or in print:

== 4 Weeks Prior to Move: Organizing ==

    * Set the date.
    * Arrange for utility transfers. This includes:
      __ Cable/satellite television
      __ Cell phone service
      __ Electricity
      __ Gas
      __ Internet/broadband
      __ Local phone service
      __ Long distance phone service
      __ Propane
      __ Recycling pick-up
      __ Sewer
      __ Security system
      __ Trash pick-up
      __ Water

      NOTE: It’s a good idea to schedule utility “turn on dates” at least one day prior to the move date and “turn off dates” at least one day after the move to allow for emergencies or issues that may arise.

    * File change of address.
    * Make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay movers in full.
    * Start a “change of address log” of all the people you need to notify. Be sure to include:
      __ Accountant/tax preparer
      __ Alumni associations
      __ Attorneys
      __ Babysitter/ child care provider
      __ Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, home equity, IRA’s, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account)
      __ Broker
      __ Business cards (order new ones)
      __ Cell phone provider
      __ Child care/ daycare
      __ Chiropractor
      __ Courts, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes
      __ Credit bureaus
      __ Credit card issuers
      __ Dentist
      __ Department of Motor Vehicles
      __ Diaper service
      __ Doctor
      __ Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
      __ Family members
      __ Health clubs
      __ House cleaning service
      __ House of worship
      __ Insurance providers (auto, health, life, other vehicles)
      __ IRS (form 8822)
      __ Lawn care
      __ Luggage tags (replace existing ones)
      __ Magazine subscriptions
      __ New business cards
      __ New employer
      __ Newspaper subscriptions
      __ Old employer
      __ Orthodontist
      __ Parent-teacher association
      __ Passport
      __ Pet sitter/ dog walker/ pet day care
      __ Pharmacy (BONUS: get year-to-date expense summary for taxes)
      __ Physical therapist
      __ Physician (BONUS: get referral for new location)
      __ Post office
      __ Professional organizations
      __ Retirement plan holders
      __ Return address labels (order new ones)
      __ Schools (BONUS: get copies of transcripts)
      __ Snow removal service
      __ Social Security Administration
      __ Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing)
      __ Swimming pool memberships
      __ Veterinarian BONUS get vet records and recommendations
      __ Water delivery service

      == 4 Weeks Prior to Move: Resources and Packing ==

    * Hire movers or reserve the truck.
    * Recruit family and friends to help on the move.
    * Get the essential moving supplies.

      At minimum, you will need:

      __ Markers to label boxes (preferably wide tip, dark color)
      __ Moving boxes
      __ Newsprint, packing peanuts or other cushioning material
      __ Packing tape
      __ Scissors or utility knife

    * Make a moving organizer.
      You can make a moving organizer for all your important notes, receipts, and important information by getting:

      __ Binder, 3-ring, at least ½” wide
      __ Pocket dividers to separate sections and hold important receipts
      __ Paper for keeping all your notes (3-holed graph paper is ideal for this).

    * Start packing!
    * Start separating cherished items from the non-essential.

      == 2 Weeks Prior To Moving ==

    * Make arrangements to return items.
      Here are some critical items to return prior to moving:

      __ Cable/ satellite receiver boxes, remote controls, dishes
      __ Cable/DSL modems
      __ Carpet shampooer
      __ Clothing (borrowed)
      __ DVD and video game rentals
      __ Library books (neighborhood and school)
      __ Tools (borrowed or rented)
      __ Trash cans/ recycle bins
      __ Unwanted purchases

    * Make arrangements to retrieve items.
      Be sure to retrieve any of the following items:

      __ Clothing at dry cleaners, tailors or in storage
      __ Clothing lent to friends
      __ Items at repair shops
      __ Tools lent to neighbors or friends

    * Open bank accounts near your new address.
    * Create one “Open Me First” box for each room.
      You’ll need to access certain packed items almost immediately after you arrive, and they need to be packed together in special boxes (one per room) and marked with either bright red markers or special stickers so you can spot them easily. The specific rooms are:

      Kitchen:

      __ aluminum foil
      __ break-proof or disposable flatware, cups, and plates
      __ coffee maker (don’t forget the filters!)
      __ dish detergent
      __ frying pan and spatula
      __ pet food and bowels
      __ scissors
      __ tea kettle

      Main Bathroom:

      __ bath mat
      __ bath towels
      __ first-aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
      __ hair dryer
      __ shampoo
      __ shower curtain and rings
      __ soap
      __ toothbrushes and toothpaste

      Tool room or drawer:

      __ batteries
      __ duct tape
      __ flashlight
      __ flat-head screwdriver
      __ hammer
      __ level
      __ Phillips-head screwdriver
      __ picture hangers
      __ tape measure
      __ utility knife

    * Finish off packing for “non-living” rooms.
    * Start eating up perishable food from freezer and refrigerator.
    * Consider holding a “Packing Party.”
    * Hold a yard sale.

      == 1 Week Prior to Moving Day ==

    * Confirm start time, current home address and future home address with movers.
    * Recruit friends for “moving day madness.”
    * Make arrangements for child and/or pet sitting.

      == 1 Day Prior to Moving Day ==

    * Make sure everyone’s cell phone is fully charged.
      Have everyone pack one or two suitcases or a knapsack (no more).
      Even if you’re only moving across the street, having a suitcase with the following, taken with you instead of on the moving truck if possible, will make things easier once you move in:

      __ Eyeglasses
      __ Favorite toy for the kids
      __ Prescriptions
      __ Something to read
      __ Three days’ worth of changes of clothes
      __ Toothbrush and toothpaste (if not in “Open Me First” box)

      == Moving Day ==

    * Start early.
    * Take all garbage out of the house.
    * Make sure drivers have your cell phone number and you have theirs, along with their names.
    * Be available for movers’ questions.
    * Perform final checks before leaving current home.

Here are some final items to verify before shutting the door for the last time:

    * Air conditioning, fans, and heat turned off?
    * Water shut off, including to hoses?
    * Light switches turned off?
    * Keys and garage door openers for current home turned in or left on the kitchen counter?
    * Anything left in refrigerator, freezer, stove, drawer under stove, in closets, in bathroom, under porch, in garage, in attic, in crawlway?
    * Did you pack your hoses and sprinklers?   T. Scott Clendaniel