Start planning your move early; you will be surprised at just how smoothly things will go.   If possible allow a time-span of 30 days to prepare.  Also, try to avoid peak moving periods like the first and last few days of each month. These are the times when everyone wants to move. 4 - 6 weeks before your move                                                                      Take Inventory - Decide what to move and what not to move.   Prepare - Make arrangements for your trip (hotel/airline reservations, routing etc.)   Trim Down - Arrange a moving sale for the items you won't move.  Donate other items to charitable organizations (be sure get receipt for tax record).   Pack it Up - Arrange for packing. Find a great moving company that can handle all of the packing for you, or if you decide to move yourself, you can find all the supplies you will need at a local moving company.   Gather Personal Records: Keep medical, dental, school, birth, marriage etc. in a safe and convenient place.  Remember to send transcripts of school records in advance to new schools.   Close - Be sure to close  local department store and other charge accounts that you will no longer be using   Discontinue -  Prepare  to discontinue: Newspaper Electricity    check for refund Water service Telephone service    the day after your goods are loaded Gas service    check for refund Garbage collection Cable or Satellite Service Pool/Lawn services Make - advance arrangements for these services in your new hometown.   Notify - the following of your change in address: Post Office, Health Care Providers, insurance companies, credit cards, magazines, friends, relatives, mail order accounts.   2 - 3 weeks before your move                                                                        Fill and transfer - prescriptions for family and pets.  Remember to pack them to travel with you.   Pets and Plants - Arrange for shipment of  your pets and plants.  Get immunization records for pets.   Safely dispose of, or give away, all flammable goods such as paints.  These items can not be moved.   1 week before your move                                                                                Appliances - Defrost refridgerator and freezer, and allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew.  Clean oven.   Transfer - bank accounts   Drain -  fuel and oil from lawnmowers, and other power equipment and water from garden hoses   "Do Not Move" - Pack items to be carried in car. Label "Do Not Move".   Protect Your Valuables - Gather all valuables from safe deposit boxes, drawers, jewelry cases, personal records etc.  Pack these items safely to bring with you.   Dry Cleaning - Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping.   Take it Down - Remove any curtain rods, shelving, and TV antennas that will not stay in home.   Service - Have car serviced  for your trip. (Remember to have your proof of insurance in your car!)   Moving day                                                                                                    Basics - Remember to pack a box of the basics you will need on moving-in day (tools, paper, cleaners etc.).Lload this box last so that it will be first off at your new home.   Pack - suitcases for trip   Remove - all bed linens   Walk - through -Conduct last minute walk-through of you house.  Make sure the windows are closed, the closets empty, the lights out, and the doors are locked.   Your Ready to Go!