There’s a lot of work that goes into coordinating an organized move, and it’s smart to get a head start on planning long before the moving truck arrives at your door. Here’s our step-by-step guide to streamline your move to Atlanta:

Two Months Before

• Research your options for moving or truck rental companies. Get on-site, written estimates and references from multiple companies — for moving and storage, if necessary.
• Take inventory of everything in your home, room by room. Decide what you’d like to get rid of and determine what’s worth keeping, and make a list of all of the items you plan to take with you.
• Start a binder of all paperwork, estimates and receipts related to your move. These costs can later be taken as tax credits and deductions.
• Ensure necessary records – from your child’s school, your pet’s veterinarian and family medical, dental and legal documents – are all obtained and organized.

Six Weeks Before

• Schedule a moving date or reserve a truck if you’re moving yourself.
• Complete a change of address with your local post office, or do it online at usps.gov.
• Start packing seasonal clothing and any other items not in immediate use.
• Use up or give away food and supplies that can’t be moved, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
• Host a garage or moving sale for the items you decide not to keep, and give away leftovers to charitable organizations.

Four Weeks Before

• Send your new address to friends and family members.
• Notify important parties of your move and provide your new address to your bank, your employer’s HR department, magazines and subscription services, credit card, insurance and utility companies.
• Schedule disconnection of services at your current home and reconnection at your new house, including phone, cable and internet.
• Contact insurance companies to obtain moving coverage and to transfer policies to your new home.
• Research new medical professionals for you and your family, including family doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

2-3 Weeks Before

• Don’t leave it in the landfill. Research how you can recycle old electronics, plastics, metals and anything else you won’t be bringing with you that won’t naturally decompose.
• Transfer your automobile registration and drivers’ license if you’re moving out of state.
• Create a folder of important information about your house for the next homeowner. Be sure to include your new address so that future residents can forward any mail.

1 Week Before

• Confirm dates and time of packing and moving if you’re using a mover. If you’re moving yourself, confirm moving truck arrangements.
• Confirm travel arrangements and pack a travel kit for you and your family members with whatever you need, including cash, credit cards, travel documents, medications, etc. Don’t forget activities and toys for the kids!

1 Day Before

• Finalize all packing. Double-check that all closets, garage, attic and basement are cleared.
• Complete a house check. Defrost the freezer, drain the water hose, disconnect and prepare any major appliances you’re planning to move.
• Pack a “First Open/Load Last” box. Include items you’ll need on the first day in your new home.
• Confirm hotel or temporary accommodation, if needed.
• Arrange for childcare and pet services on moving day, if needed.

Moving Day

• Verify the moving truck that shows up is the one you hired. The USDOT number on the side of the truck should match the number on the estimate/confirmation paperwork. Scams can happen!
• Sign the bill of lading/inventory list before the movers leave, making sure to check boxes and note any missing items or damage. Keep a copy in a safe place.
• Be on hand for movers to answer questions and show where furniture and boxes should go.
• Be prepared to pay the mover and have cash on hand to tip workers.