Use this comprehensive moving checklist from Graebel, the moving and relocation experts, as your key to planning a stress-free move.

Eight weeks before your move

• Obtain a floorplan of your new residence and decide what you will keep from your old home.
• Contact your insurance agent to determine if your possessions are covered during the move.
• Establish a file for paperwork and receipts pertaining to your relocation.

Six weeks before your move

• Search for healthcare professionals in your new location.
• File an official change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service online.
• At an offsite location, secure family videos, photos, and other valuable items that cannot be replaced.
• Send your new address to anyone who might need it ? insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
• Clean house. Dispose of anything you won't be taking with you.
• Have antiques appraised for valuation purposes.
• Hold a garage sale, or donate unwanted items to charity (obtain a signed receipt for tax purposes).

Four weeks before your move

• Schedule your free, no obligation in-home moving estimate survey. This will ensure a moving truck is available on move day.

Three weeks before your move

• Arrange for utilities (e.g., gas, electric, phone, water, etc.) to be disconnected at your old home and connected at your new home.
• Prepare car registrations and insurance records for transfer.
• Notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
• Arrange for childcare on move day.
• If necessary, reserve any apartment elevators that will be needed on move day.

Two weeks before your move

• Inspect your belongings for the gypsy moth and complete a Gypsy Moth Inspection Report (if it applies to your area).
• Arrange for the transfer of jewelry and valuable documents (remember that moving companies cannot transport these).
• Obtain all medical and dental records for your family and pets.
• Arrange for the transfer of your children's school records to their new school.
• Make travel plans and reservations.
• Use up existing food supplies.
• Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.

One week before your move

• Have your car serviced ? if it is going to be transported by the moving company, reduce the gas level to one-fourth of a tank prior to move day.
• Confirm your delivery address, en route phone number, and expected time of arrival at destination with your moving company.
• Close local charge accounts, transfer bank accounts, and release safe deposit boxes.
• Arrange for shipment of pets, if they are not traveling with you.
• Set aside items to take with you ? mark them "Do not move."
• Take down curtains, rods, shelves, etc.
• Consider packing special travel games.
• Discontinue home-delivery services (e.g., milk, newspapers, etc.)
• Confirm travel plans.
• Make sure you have a two-week supply of medication, and forward prescriptions to a pharmacy at your new destination.

Pack day ? one day before your move

• Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer.
• Be present to answer the packing crew's questions.
• Designate those items you would like included in the exclusive Graebel Welcome Home ?? service.
• Finish any packing you're personally doing.
• Remove valuables (e.g., jewelry, important documents, money, etc.) from your home.
• Note that your driver will contact you to re-confirm moving truck arrival time.

Move day

• Go over the "Countdown to Move Day" again.
• Be present to answer the moving crew's questions.
• Note that your driver is authorized to open, inspect, and re-pack (if necessary) any containers packed by you that don't seem safe for transport. This may result in additional cost.
• Check the inventory list to be sure everything you want in the moving truck is included and check notations about pre-existing damage or issues related to your goods.
• Exchange destination phone numbers with your driver.
• Check the driver's bill of lading for correct information.
  • Transit protection
  • Delivery address and/or notification phone number
  • Probable deliver date or date spread
• Notify your driver and coordinator as to how you can be reached during the move.

Before you leave

• Check your entire home ? inside and outside ? before the driver leaves. Don't forget the attic, backyard, basement, closets, cupboards, garage, etc.
• Pack a snack in case stopping during your trip isn't convenient.
• Phone ahead for hotel reservations.
• Drive safely ? and have a good trip.

Before delivery day

• Your driver will contact you to re-confirm moving truck arrival times at your new city.
• Make sure utility services have been connected at your new home.
• Check over your new home and decide on furniture placement. You may want to tape sheets to the wall with furniture locations.

Delivery day

• Be available to answer questions and give directions to the moving crew.
• Supervise unloading, furniture placement, and if applicable, unpacking.
• Check off each item on the inventory list as it is brought in by the crew.
• Check the condition of each item and note any missing or damaged items directly on the inventory list.
• Keep a copy of the signed inventory list with your check-offs.
• If you need to file a claim, contact your coordinator or the claims department as soon as possible. If the number provided is not toll-free, call collect. Repairs and/or replacements will be handled quickly, in accordance with the coverage selected.

First week after moving

• Locate police and fire stations, as well as hospitals and gas stations near your home.
• Find shopping areas ? you may need furniture, tools, or housewares unexpectedly.
• Call the Department of Sanitation in your new town to find out which day the trash is collected and whether your community has recycling programs.
• Find your new bank, cleaners, veterinarian, etc.
• Register to vote.
• Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver's license, if you've moved to a different state.
• Contact the chamber of commerce for community information.
• Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history.
• Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community.
• Watch for the effects of moving on family members and pets, so you can give comfort.