Moving can be stressful. The best way to not get overwhelmed is to have an organized plan and a step-by-step timeline. A little preparation will help make the move go a lot smoother.

Here is a checklist to help keep you on track:

60 Days Before You Move

• Sort and Purge-Go through every room, decide what needs to come with you and what can go. Make piles of things to throw away and things to donate.
• Plan a Yard Sale-Start planning a yard sale to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move. Some extra money for the move will also come in handy.
• Hire a Mover-Contact at least three moving companies. On-site estimates are better than over the phone or internet estimates. Get each estimate in writing, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.
• Create a Moving Binder-Store all of your move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts) in a binder. You may also want to inventory all of your items with photos or lists.

Six Weeks Before Your Move

• Get Packing Supplies-Determine how many packing supplies you’ll need and designate a room where you can begin to store and organize.
• Take Measurements-If possible get room dimensions of your new home. Make sure large pieces of furniture will fit.  Don’t forget to take measurements for appliances too.

30 Days Before Your Move

• Confirm with Mover-Check with your mover the details of your move.
• Start Packing-Begin packing out-of-season clothes and unnecessary items.
• Label-Make sure to label boxes with what rooms the boxes will go in at your new home.
• Start/Stop Utilities-Make arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet and utilities.
• Change your Address- Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at http://www.usps.com.
• Make Notifications- Change your address to the following: registry of motor vehicles, banks, schools, friends & family, insurance companies, doctors and specialists, cell phone providers, credit card companies and magazine and newspapers.
• Contact Service Providers—Notify landscapers, cleaning services that you are moving, and look for new ones in your new hometown.

Two Weeks Before Your Move

• Call Locksmith- Have your new home’s locks changed on moving day or before.
• Arrange Services- Have a cleaning company prepare the new home before you arrive and tidy the old home after you leave. Arrange for carpet cleaning too.
• Pack the bulk of your items.
• Start Cleaning-Begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics.

One Week Before Your Move

• Pack Suitcases- Finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.
• Gather Keys- Organize all keys, alarm codes and garage door openers so that you can be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.

A Few Days Before Your Move

• Defrost the Freezer- Empty, clean and defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.
• Make Payment Plans- You will need to make sure you have made arrangements to pay the mover and have a tip (usually 10%-15%).

Moving Day

• List Contact Info- Write out a list for your movers of things they’ll need: phone numbers, exact moving address and maps.
• Take Inventory- Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
• Walk-Through- Do a walk-through of your new home with your real estate agent.
• Layout New Home- Tape names to doors to assist movers in placing furniture and boxes.
• Have Director- Arrange for someone to direct the movers at your new home.