Planning and Organization

	If your employer is moving you, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
	Establish tentative dates for your move.
	Layout your planning calendar schedules.
	Put your home on the market, or notify your landlord of intent to vacate.
	Begin your mover selection process.
	Make a house hunting trip to your new town.   Contact a real estate agent or get an apartment guide if you're renting.

	Select Bisson to handle your relocation.
	Make a list of everyone you need to notify. Update your address book of friends, relatives, and other contacts, including phone numbers.
	Obtain a change of address kit from the Post Office, and begin filling out the notification cards.
	Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move. Plan a date for a garage sale.
	Contact the Internal Revenue Service or your accountant for forms and information regarding tax deductible moving expenses.

	Time for another house hunting trip. You will have a lot of research to do at this time, if you haven't already.
	Select your new home, and arrange financing. Establish tentative closing dates.
	Check school schedules and enrollment requirements.
	Obtain church or synagogue information for your new area.
	Determine requirements for new drivers' licenses and transfer of registration/license plates.
	Contact insurance agent to arrange for coverage on your new home and contents, and automobile insurance.
	Look for job opportunities for your spouse and children, if they plan to work.
	Sketch out a floor plan of your new home and get room measurements. Determine how your present furniture, appliances, and decor will fit, and make a list of things you will need to buy.
	If you still have not found a new home, secure a Post Office box for mail forwarding.
	Compile a list of utilities and their phone numbers. Determine any requirements to commence service (such as deposits or prepayments).

When you get back home

Notify schools of when you are moving. Arrange for records to be transferred to the new school system.

Schedule pick-up and delivery dates with mover. If you need storage, make arrangements with the moving company now.

Continue sorting belongings that you will dispose of, items you are taking with you, and everything else that goes with the mover.

If you have high value or unusual items that you expect to ship, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts.

Make your travel arrangements. Remember that most airfares are most economical when booked at least 15 days in advance.

	Time to hold your garage sale, and/or give to charity items that you no longer need.
	Verify your time schedule with your real estate agents or landlords. If problems exist, arrange for interim housing.
	Reconfirm dates for packing, pick-up and delivery with your mover.
	Send out change of address cards to the Post Office, friends, relatives, and magazines.

Gather all your personal records

Notify utilities at your old home of your disconnect dates and forwarding address, and contact those in your new town to begin service:

Take care of financial arrangements:
Notify your credit card companies of the change of address.  Apply for new bank cards and local store charge accounts if necessary.

Transfer bank accounts.

Contents of safe deposit box.

Notify your broker or investment counselor.

Settle any outstanding bills.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for immunization and preparations for the journey. Arrange for transportation, and obtain copies of your pet's records and licenses.

If you are moving out of or into an apartment or high rise building contact the property manager and reserve the elevator for moving day.

Drain oil and gas from all your power equipment.

Cancel deliveries and services such as newspaper, diaper service, and trash collection.

Consider a sitter for kids and pets for moving day.

3-4 Days before moving out:

Defrost your freezer; give or throw away any perishable food you won't eat in the next two days.

If you are driving, take your car in to be serviced.

1-2 Days before moving out:

Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you.

Use only those household items you absolutely have to, like towels, sheets, pans, a coffee pot, and a few tools. Everything else should be ready to go.

Have Bisson pack everything that you are not taking yourself.

Moving Day: relax and observe the Bisson professionals at work.

Before the movers leave, check through the house with your driver to make sure nothing was missed. Remember to check the attic, basement, closets, cupboards and drawers.

Consider staying overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave the next morning fresh for you new home.

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