The week just prior to the move will be the time for “tying up all loose ends”. Notifications of changes of address should have already been sent or made to the appropriate agencies, and the week before can be used to follow up on these. This will ensure that mail continues to be received in a timely manner.

It should be determined that banks and other financial agencies have been made aware of address changes. This will eliminate any problems, and will aid in maintaining security of records.

Arrangements for the commencement of utility and other services at the new residence should be made during this final week. In this way, it will be guaranteed that the house will indeed be ready for occupancy upon moving in. Likewise, it may be wise to contact utility companies, to ensure that they are aware of discontinuance of services to the old house.

Packing should be completed to the fullest extent possible. It will still be necessary to retain some items, as life must continue in the old residence right up until the day of departure.

However, as each day passes, more and more things, such as clothing and shoes can be finally packed.

Appliances should be inspected and cleaned during the final week. Attention should be given to any perishable food that is still in the home. If there is a chance that the food cannot be moved without thawing or reaching a dangerous temperature level, it should be consumed, given away, or thrown away.

Those rooms that are being used the least can be cleaned during the last week. This will eliminate having to do them on the final day, when it will be necessary to clean those rooms that were still being utilized until the final day.

The month prior to the move is when arrangements should be made for the packing, storage, and moving of belongings. If a professional moving service will be used, the company should be chosen and the time slot reserved.

Doing this in advance will allow time for more thorough research and investigation into the services provided, as well as the expense that will be incurred. This can eliminate any problems that might otherwise occur from having to make a quick decision under a time constraint.

If the home has been “de-cluttered”, that is, all unneeded items or items that will not be moved for one reason or another have been disposed of, the moving company will be better equipped to offer a more correct estimate. This can result in a reduction of moving and packing costs.

If packing is to be done by those other than family members, the month before the move should be devoted to researching and investigating companies which offer this service, and reserving the time with the company chosen. This will allow for “comparison shopping”, so that the best services for the most value can be obtained. Arrangements can also be made, if necessary, for any additional insuring of valuables or belongings.

If it is determined that a cleaning service might be needed, the month before the move will be ample time to investigate and hire the company that best suits the purposes for which they are being engaged. Once packing has been accomplished, the company will be better able to accomplish a more thorough cleaning.

Utility and other companies which provide electrical, water, gas, and other services to the home should be contacted during the final month. Arrangements can be made at that time for the discontinuation of these services.

Deciding what needs to be kept and what can be or will be disposed of before packing for a move is essential. This process will reduce the amount of packing and unpacking that must be done.

Careful consideration into what will be moved and what can be disposed of will also reduce moving costs, especially if a professional moving company is being retained. If the process of elimination can be achieved before the moving company representative comes to determine the amount of property to be moved and, subsequently, how much it will cost, this is all the better. One cannot be charged for items that will not be moved.

It is sometimes difficult to decide what must be disposed of; however, the benefit of efficient elimination is seen in the additional space that is gained. There is always room for items that hold sentimental value, as long as good judgement is exercised in determining whether or not something is considered in that category. A family heirloom—definitely; a ten-year-old magazine article—no.

The period before a move is a good time to determine which paper items truly need to be retained, and which ones can be disposed of. Of course, any important documentation should be kept. Ideally, it should have already been separated and securely stored. If there is any doubt as to whether or not a document, especially if it appears to have legal or official status, should be kept, it is probably wise to retain the document.

If time permits, one may wish to dispose of unwanted or unneeded property through a yard or garage sale, or by online auction. This will not only serve to dispose of the items, but will generate additional revenue. Donations to charity are still a very good choice.