Getting ready to move is a big job...and it takes time. There are so many things to remember - large and small - and not everything can be done all at once or at the last minute.

Here are the main things you need to do...and when you should do them. Of course, there's no such thing as being "perfectly" prepared to move. But the closer you stick to this timeline, the easier your move should be.

EIGHT WEEKS TO GO:

• Start the process of selecting a mover.
  
  
• Call the Better Business Bureau to check on your mover's record.
  
  
• If you are being relocated by your company, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
  
  
• Begin to inventory your belongings and decide which items to get rid of, which to take, where to put them in your new place, and which items (if any) need to go into storage, short or long-term.

FOUR WEEKS TO GO:

Mail change of address cards to:

• Post office
• Social security
• Insurance companies
• Credit card companies
• Credit bureau and/or other creditors
• Employer (to forward W2s)
• Car registration
• Broker
• Mail order accounts
• Department of motor vehicles
• Magazines
• Friends and relatives
  
  
• Arrange to clean furniture, drapes, etc. if necessary.
  
  
• Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.)
  
  
• Arrange to transfer children's school records.
  
  
• Check homeowners insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance.
  
  
• If you live in a home, start to pack.

THREE WEEKS TO GO:

Make arrangements to discontinue current service/schedule start-up of new service for:

• Telephone service
• Telephone listings
• Cable TV
• DSL/Cable/Phone line for internet access
• Electricity (check for refund)
• Gas (check for refund)
• Fuel oil
• House cleaners
• Babysitters
• Diaper service
• Water
• Water softener
• Parking
• Other: ________________________
  
  
• Have appliances serviced for shipment.
  
  
• Plan to use up most food items before the move.
  
  
• If you live in a large apartment, start to pack.

TWO WEEKS TO GO:

• Arrange to transfer local bank accounts.
  
  
• Ask doctor and dentist for medical records if you're moving out of area. They may also be able to recommend a colleague near your new home.
  
  
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
  
  
• Return borrowed items. Collect items you've loaned, had in lay-away, cold storage, etc.
  
  
• Refill all prescriptions.
  
  
• Make arrangements to move pets. Confirm that mover will move houseplants; if not, make arrangements.
  
  
• Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take.
  
  
• If you live in a small apartment, start to pack.

ONE WEEK TO GO:

Pack in separate boxes items necessary for first days in new home: Label "LOAD LAST."

• Medicine
• Comfortable clothes
• Linens and towels
• Toothbrushes and toiletries
• Paper goods
• Disposable plates and silverware
• Foil and waxpaper
• Plastic containers
• Microwave
• Vacuum cleaner
• Garbage bags
• Tool kit
• Step ladder
• Extension cord
• Light bulbs
• Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.)
  
  
• If mover is packing all or part of your goods, call to schedule/confirm.

TWO DAYS TO GO:

• Have mover come in to pack.
  
  
• Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved.
  
  
• Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings.