6-8 Weeks Before Your Move

By Relocation.com Staff

• This is the time to start strategically planning your move, step-by-step, to alleviate the stress of last minute packing.
• Create a room where you can begin to store and organize packing supplies and other items that will assist you in your move. Group boxes by size so you will not have to fumble through heavy piles when packing your things.
• Now is the time to make travel arrangements for you and your family. Whether it be renting a car, scheduling a flight or reserving a hotel room, book it at a time that will give you flexibility in case anything goes awry.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
• Return anything you have borrowed from nearby friends or relatives and make sure to ask for your things back.
• Compile a list of phone numbers and addresses so that once you have moved in to your new home you will be able to easily access this information without the hassle of searching through the phone directory.
• Create a designated folder for moving related expenses where you can file all receipts. This will come in handy as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
• Notify schools in the old and new location and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
• Collect all medical, dental and school records to ensure you do not forget to obtain them at a later date. Keep these in a safe place
• Contemplate holding a garage sale at least two weeks prior to your move; this will help you save space while earning some extra cash on the side.