TIME FOR THE BIG MOVE.

Moving can be exciting, overwhelming, chaotic and exhaustive. This is definitely one time when you need a good long-range plan.

GETTING STARTED

Make a few decisions about how to approach moving based on how far you are going and who will be assisting you with the move. What will work to get you moved and how much time do you have to pack up? Professional movers, family and friends, who will be helping you pack and load the truck? Get a couple of estimates from moving companies and truck rental companies.

About now is when you start realizing you have accumulated stuff you may no longer want or use. It is a good idea to plan a yard or garage sale, donate to you local thrift shops, give charities any items they could use, and throw out the junk.

Gather up boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper, packing tape, markers, index cards (to list the contents of each box) and any other packing materials you intend to use. Old sheets, towels and blankets can make good padding for some items.

Think about the floor plan of your new house and make a chart so that with a little luck on moving day items will go to the right room.

Pack the non-essential items you are going to move one room at a time if possible. Make a content list and put the destination room on each box before it gets sealed up.

Be careful not to pack up the last minute items you are going to need. Certain items will be the last things you pack and the first boxes you will need to unpack. The essentials include things like a toothbrush, toilet paper, towels, change of clothes, a few kitchen items, and a few toys if you have kids, plus the basics for your pets (dish, toy and food).

As you pack there will be items you don't want others to move due to the risk of theft or breakage. If you are moving a short distant then move the art work, glass and marble furniture tops, collectables, your good dishes, and some of your electronics yourself. For long distant moves take your jewelry, important documents and as many valuables as possible with you personally.

Find out if the movers you use are insured. The mover's liability coverage for lost and damaged items may not equal their replacement cost and you may want to purchase moving insurance. Photos and appraisals of valuables are always a good practice.

PHONE CALLS AND PAPERWORK

A good place to start is to arrange with all the applicable utility companies for transfer of service if moving locally, give them a disconnect date at your current home and arrange for utility service at your new location. Contact the proper companies to take care of electricity, gas, water, phones, cable, garbage service and yard waste. If you are moving away and have refundable deposits make sure to give the utility companies your new address.

Cancel or change any home services like newspaper delivery you may have.

CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS

Notify the post office of your move and fill out a change of address card. Ask the people moving in behind you to forward any mail that slips through to your old address. Send your new address to companies where you have charge accounts, subscriptions, mail order clubs, alumni organizations or school groups, associations you belong to and any past employer that needs to send you tax records. After you finish the business end of changing your address don't forget to let your friends and relatives know the new address.

TRANSFER RECORDS

If you are moving to a different area then you need to arrange for the transfer or obtain any medical and school records. You may also want to ask around for professional referrals for new doctors and dentist. If you have prescriptions on file at a drug store have those transferred as well. When getting medical records don't forget about your pets, you need their records also.

STRAY ITEMS

Run around town and pick up any dry cleaning, photos being developed, anything at a repair shop. Pick up or return anything that is borrowed.

If you have a safe deposit box then add the bank to your list.

CRITICAL

Make sure your insurance and bank accounts follow you or make arrangements for new ones.