Compile packing schedule to simplify moving process

It's no wonder moving is ranked among life's most stressful events. However, with the proper planning and preparation, the next move can be a smooth one.

"Moving doesn't have to be such a chaotic event," said Sara Surface, moving expert at Mayflower Transit. "Doing things in an orderly manner will save time, money and lots of stress."

Develop a calendar that starts six weeks before a move. It will serve as the "countdown" to moving day:

Six weeks before the move

--Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Extra weight costs more money.

--Contact moving companies to get estimates. Note the cost, but also ask them what they'll do to make the move as smooth as possible.

--If you have a lot of things worth selling, organize a garage sale.

--Get an estimate on the cost of letting the mover pack all or some belongings. The time and effort saved may be worth the cost.

While the mover is liable for breakage of any items it packs, you're responsible for damage to items you have boxed.

--If you've decided to let the mover pack, separate what you plan to sell, give away, throw away and keep.

--Start a central file for all of the details on the move. It's a good idea to buy a brightly colored organizer folder with pockets. Keep receipts for moving-related expenses; depending on your reason for moving, you may be entitled to a tax deduction.

--Create a floor plan of your new home, and begin thinking about where you'll want to place furniture. Mark and label specific pieces of furniture on your diagram, and put it in your moving folder.

Five weeks before the move

--Select a mover, and meet to discuss dates and costs.

--Decide whether you want to pack or have a mover do it.

--If you've decided to do the packing yourself, begin gathering boxes. A mover can provide boxes, including special-purpose containers for items such as clothing on hangers and lamp shades.

Four weeks before the move

--Notify the post office, magazines, credit card companies and friends and family of your change of address. The U.S. Postal Service offers a kit to make this process easier.

--Contact utilities to schedule disconnection of services on the day after the move. It'll be nice to have utilities on while still there.

--Call the utilities to arrange for service to start the day before the move so you have service at your new home.

--If you are planning to move major appliances, talk with the mover to schedule disconnection and servicing a few days before the move. Don't forget to arrange for an expert, if necessary, to install fixtures upon their arrival at the new home. Complete any repair work on the old home, and arrange for critical services at the new home.

--If packing yourself, start packing seldom-used articles such as fancy dishes and glasses, specialty cookware, nonessential clothing, curios, art, photos and decorative items.

--As you pack, remember to keep each box light enough to be handled by any family member. Heavy items go in small boxes, light items in larger boxes.

--If you are planning a garage sale, pick a date at least a week before the move and advertise it locally. Think about teaming up with neighbors who want to sell belongings, and plan a neighborhood sale.

Three weeks before the move

--Take inventory of your everyday household goods, such as radios, pots and pans and small appliances. Decide which items you will discard or store.

--Self-packers should start serious packing, label all boxes and pack carefully.

--Box essential items together and write "open first/load last" on these boxes. Include important items such as pots, dishes, silverware, alarm clocks, bedding, pillows, towels and essential items for infants or children.

--Don't forget your driver's license, auto registration and insurance records.

--Contact doctors, dentists and veterinarians for medical records.

--Plan food purchases to have as little as possible in the refrigerator by the time you move. Use all frozen items and buy only what you'll eat the next three weeks, because you can't ship them.

--Arrange to have your new home cleaned, or plan to clean it yourself, as close to move-in as possible. Because the home probably will be unoccupied by now, make sure the cleaning is thorough and covers the nooks and crannies usually blocked by furniture or appliances.

--Contact children's schools and arrange for records to be forwarded to the new schools.

--Make new bank safety deposit box arrangements.

--Hold a garage sale.

Two weeks before the move

--Check with your insurance company to cancel current coverage or transfer coverage to your new home.

--Make arrangements for transporting pets and house plants, because movers can't take them in the van.

--Change bank account information.

--Transfer all current prescriptions.

--Cancel any delivery services.

--Empty secret hiding places to remove valuables and spare house keys.

One week before the move

--Mow the lawn one last time.

--Dispose of toxic or flammable items that can't be moved. Drain fluids from gas-powered tools such as lawn mowers; movers will not take them if full.

--Double-check to ensure arrangements have been made to disconnect and service major appliances being moved.

--Pack a "trip kit" of necessary items that should go in the car and not the moving van: checkbook, cash or travelers checks, medications, essential toiletries, light bulbs, flashlight, toilet paper, pet food, spare glasses or contact lenses, infant or child care items, and a notebook with moving information.

--If you have young children, arrange for a baby sitter to watch them on moving day. Because you'll have your hands full, the extra attention from a sitter will distract the child's attention from the turmoil of a move.

--Pack your own suitcase of clothes for the move.

--Put the "open first/load last" boxes in a separate place so the mover can find them.

--Pay outstanding bills. Be sure to indicate your new address on payment receipts.

--Remove fixtures you are taking with you and replace (if specified in your home-selling contract).

One to two days before the move

--The movers will arrive to start the packing process.

--Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer; clean with a disinfectant and let them air out. Put baking soda or charcoal inside to keep them fresh.

--Arrange for payment to the moving company. This payment must be made when your belongings arrive at your new home before your belongings are unloaded. Find out themoving company's accepted methods of payment, terms, and its policy for inspecting belongings when they arrive to determine if any breakage has occurred.

--Plan to take important papers, jewelry, cherished family photos, mementos and computer files with you.

--Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit. You should never be out of touch for long, should an emergency arise.

--Leave a forwarding address and phone for the old home's buyers.

--If your old house will be sitting vacant, notify police and neighbors.

Moving day

--Remove linens from the beds and pack in an "open first" box.

--When the movers arrive, review details and paperwork. Accompany the van operator to take inventory. Verify delivery plans.

--Give the home a final cleaning, or arrange for someone to perform this service the day after moving out.

Move-in day

--If you arrive before the movers, take some time to tidy up so the movers can unpack items directly onto clean shelves. If you plan to line cupboards with shelving paper, this is a good time to do it.

--Unpack the car.

--Check that utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.

--Confine pets to an out-of-the-way room to keep them from running away or getting unduly agitated by all the activity. Consider boarding them overnight until you're settled.

--Plan to be present when the moving van arrives. Be prepared to pay them before unloading.

--One person should check the inventory sheets as items are unloaded. A second person should direct the movers on where to place items.

--Once all items are unloaded, unpack only what will be needed for the first day or two.