• Create a "move information" file. Using a brightly colored organizer folder with interior pockets makes it easy to store important information and collect receipts for moving-related expenses.
• Visit IRS website at www.irs.gov and view Publication 521 to learn more about tax deductible moving expenses.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, and auto insurance.
• When organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
• Contact any clubs or associations for associations for information on transferring, selling or ending your memberships.
• Wills, stock certificates and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos, home videos) are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.

4-5 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day"

• Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Books you've read and will never read again? The pan with the broken handle or the children's long-neglected games? Remember - extra weight costs more money.
• Sit down and start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to leave behind, items for Mayflower to move, and items you'll move by yourself.
• For each item you aren't going to take with you, decide whether you'll sell it, give it away to charity, or otherwise dispose of it before your move.
• Start including your children in the move planning. Make it exciting and fun by having your kids do some of their own packing, and let them suggest layouts for their new room.

3 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day"

• Make sure to notify your Mayflower agent if you add items to, or subtract items from, your planned household goods shipment or if there are any changes in the dates of your move.
• If you have young children, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch them on moving day. Since you'll be concentrating your efforts on the move, a sitter can keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
• Whether we move your car on a Mayflower Transit van or a car carrier, there's no simpler, safer way to have your car transported to your new home.

2 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day"

• Make final packing decisions.
• Clean and clear your home including closets, basements and attics.
• Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
• If you plan to pay by credit card, you must arrange it with your agent because authorization is requred prior to loading.

1 Week Before "Move-Out Day"

• This is your week to make sure you have taken care of everything.
• Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.
• Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home the day before or the day of your scheduled move-in.
• Take the "Do Not Load" stickers from the back of the Move Planner and place them on all the things you want to take with you. Then, since the last items loaded are the first ones unloaded, put the "Load Last" stickers on things that you will need to use as soon as you get to your new home. The "Fragile" stickers should be placed on items that need special care.
• Pack your suitcases and confirm your personal travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.) for your family. Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected schedule change or delay.

"Move-Out Day"

• Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
• Be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do, and which valuation program and amount you have selected. Remember - this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
• Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. 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. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
• When the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
• It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed.

"Move-In Day"

• The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
• Be sure you're there when the movers arrive. Plan to stay around while they unload in case they have any questions. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your chosen representative's name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any items missing at the time of delivery.
• Have payment on hand for your moving charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash, traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted.
• Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, you should have the phone company hook it up the day before "Move-In Day."
• Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.