A move generally takes 8 to 10 weeks in all, and with so many details to keep in mind -- packing, cleaning, setting up utilities -- it can be an overwhelming experience. But thorough planning is the key to an easy move.

The following week-by-week checklist, found on a new Web site from The Home Depot, www.homedepotmoving.com, will guide movers through the entire process, helping them stay organized and on schedule for a successful moving day.

Week #8

• Call for estimates from three professional movers.
• Draw a floor plan of your new home.
• Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new town for its residential information packet.

Week #6

• Inventory all possessions now. Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity.
• Complete U.S. Postal change of address forms, and mail to media, stores and organizations.
• Obtain copies of all of your medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.
• Make arrangements for record transfers between schools on both ends of the move.
• Ask a tax advisor to review your potential moving-related tax deductions and potential tax liability.
• Itemize moving-related costs with your mover, including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.

Week #4

• Repair, send out for re-upholstery, or clean furniture, drapes and carpeting as necessary.
• Advertise a garage/yard/tag sale to dispose of unneeded furniture, accessories and clothes.
• If a professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before the move.
• If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.
• Arrange for short-term storage if you will need it.
• Make travel arrangements for pets, including necessary medical records and immunizations.

Week #3

• Assemble a sufficient supply of packing materials and equipment.
• Pack items you won’t use immediately or that will go into storage.
• Contact utilities on both ends of the move, and order termination or turn-on for your occupancy date.
• Confirm final travel arrangements for family and pets.

Week #2

• Prepare auto(s) for the trip to your new home. Check tires and have car(s) serviced before the move.
• Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
• Confirm new bank accounts by phone and fax.
• Schedule an appliance service firm for moving day to prepare major appliances for the move.

Week #1

• Gather important papers, records and valuables for protected shipment to your new home or safe deposit.
• Notify friends and neighbors of new address (and phone number if possible).
• Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day.
• Fill any necessary prescriptions and medications needed for the next two weeks.
• Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away all food in both units.
  Plan simple meals for moving day (or take out food) to avoid using the refrigerator.
• Pick up cash for your trip and a certified check for mover’s invoice.
• Pack items you need to take with you including valuables, financial records and personal papers.
• Pack signed bill of lading and inventory where they can easily be located at your destination.
• Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST BOX UNPACKED containing items you’ll need right away, like tools and window shades.
• Give the mover a telephone number and address where you can be reached in your new town.

Courtesy of ARA Content.