2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Get the necessary moving supplies and start packing the items that are rarely used.
• Call the local utility companies and schedule the transfer of utilities or disconnection dates.
• Fill out a change of address form and give friends and family the new address as well as: schools, banks, doctors/dentists, phone company, loans, churches, credit cards, insurance, social security, attorney, accountant, etc.
• Prepare important documents such as birth certificates, financial documents, etc. and keep them in a safe place.
• Schedule your new phone service at the new home.
• Confirm arrangements for your children and/or pets for moving day.
• Clean out the refrigerator and use all perishable items that cannot be moved.
• Transfer or discontinue the newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
• Create driving directions for the moving company.
• If you have a safe deposit box remember to remove all items and cancel the box.
• All oil and gas should be removed from equipment or tools such as lawn mowers.
• If you are traveling a long distance get the vehicle you will be driving serviced.
• Confirm the move time with the moving company or rental truck.
• Determine how the apartment or home you are leaving will be cleaned for the new occupant and make the arrangements.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Clean out all of the typical storage areas, garage, storage shed, basement and attic.
• Create a file for all moving documentation to keep in one location.
• Make arrangements to have your children’s school records sent to the new school.
• Contact your insurance company to notify them of the move.
• If you are currently renting verify with the landlord when he/she needs notice of your move to make sure you have enough time to give notice.
• Start comparison shopping for a moving company or moving truck. Check their pricing as well as availability for the date you are planning the move.
• Start organizing and removing all items you do not intend to keep or use. You can organize a garage sale, donate items to charity, give items to friends or throw things away.
• Get copies of all records you will need from you attorney, doctor, school, veterinarian, etc.
• Cancel any clubs or memberships you will no loner need at the new home that cannot be transferred.

Moving from one home to anther requires planning, work, and knowledge. Moving your food items to your new home requires these things, as well as a little sacrifice sometimes.

If moving long distance, a lot of your refrigerated or frozen items may not survive the trip, so don’t plan on bringing them. If you can’t take them with you, consider donating them to a local soup kitchen, which will put it to a good use.

Of the food items you do bring along with you on your move, ensure that all containers are securely closed. Use tape to secure those shifty containers.

Most moving companies will not move your perishable food items for you, due both to accountability and a law against it in most places. For this reason, your food items will have to be moved with you in your car or truck.