To effectively organize your move, print this page out and keep it handy. As you complete the items on the list, you can check them off. When the list is complete, you're ready to move!

1. Make the decision on exactly what is to be moved and what is to be given away or sold.
2. Gather all of your belongings to be moved and have them consolidated at one location (or two if necessary); then ensure that all items you've decided to give away are gone.
3. Decide if storage will be necessary at destination and pick the location.
4. Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
5. Obtain a subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, social news and activities.
6. Obtain records from schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, veterinarians, accountants, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
7. Send change of address cards through your postal service.
8. Contact utility and related companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. Remember to have utilities turned off at your current home the day after moving day and turned on at your new home the day before move in day to ensure service throughout moving day.
9. Change insurance coverage for your automobile, homeowner's or renter's, medical, and life.
10. Collect important papers to take with you, such as insurance documents, revenue department records, automobile registration, deeds, stock certificates, wills, etc.
11. Close your accounts in your local bank.
12. Open a bank account in your new locale.
13. Service your vehicles.
14. Defrost your freezer and refrigerator.
15. Prepare an "Unload Me First" carton with essentials you'll need immediately at your new home. Include a baggy filled with hardware from disassembled items, such as dresser mirrors and beds. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you in your car.
16. Call your move coordinator to confirm details of your move.