8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Make a copy of the floor plan of your new home and begin drawing where your furniture could be placed.
• If you are new to town, contact the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and request information on Jacksonville and its many amenities and features.
• Collect Estimates from at least three professional movers.

6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Make a list of all your furniture and inventory all your possessions and valuables. This will also help as you prepare your paperwork for your Homeowners Insurance.
• Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity. Contact local charities and arrange for pick up of items to donate.
• Complete US Postal change of address forms.
• Start making a list of all friends, family and businesses that you receive mail from and begin sending out change of address cards. Don’t forget to put the date the change address will begin.
• Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting, veterinarian records.
• Make arrangements for record transfers between schools on both ends of the move.
• Ask tax advisor to review your potential moving-related tax deductions and potential tax liability.
• Itemize moving-related costs with mover, including packing, loading, special charges, insurance, etc.

4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Repair, send out for re-upholstery, or clean furniture, drapes, carpeting as necessary.
• Advertise a garage/yard/tag sale to dispose of unneeded furniture, accessories, clothes, etc.
• If a professional mover is packing your belongings, schedule the packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before the move.
• If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials, and tape now. Some professional moving companies will provide boxes for a minimal charge upon request or you can purchase boxes at your local hardware store. Pick up bubble wrap for breakable items.
• Arrange for short-term or long-term storage, if needed.
• Make travel arrangements for pets, including necessary medical records, immunizations, etc. Keep in mind that pets will need extra care and attention your moving day as doors will be open and you will be in and out of your house. This could possibly be the perfect day for your pet to be groomed at a local pet store.

3 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Assemble all your packing supplies (tapes, boxes, etc.). You might want to purchase a bit extra so you won’t run out in the middle of packing. Pick up several rolls of tapes and extra scissors so you can have packing supplies in multiple areas.
• Make a list of items that you don’t use on a daily basis and begin packing those items early. Begin transferring items that can be moved into storage early so they will be out of your way come moving day.
• Contact utilities on both ends of the move, order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.
• Confirm final travel arrangements for family and pets.

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

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

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Gather important papers, records, valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box. Be sure to place them in a marked box or in a waterproof bag for protection in case of accidents or rain.
• Double check that all your friends and neighbors have your new address (and phone number if possible).
• Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day. If children are helping in the move, be sure to have snacks/drinks prepared for easy access, as well as any needed medications.
• Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks.
• Prepare a list of phone numbers that might need to be accessed during the moving day (mover, builder, doctors, friends, etc.) in case an emergency arises.
• Fill your vehicle(s) with gas.

2 Days Before Your Move:

• Charge your cell phone(s).
• Pick up cash for your trip and a certified check for the mover’s invoice.
• 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 the mover’s invoice.
• Pack items you need to take with you including valuables, financial records, personal papers, etc.
• Pack signed bill of shipments and inventory where they can be easily located at your destination.
• Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST BOX UNPACKED containing tools, etc.
• Give the mover a telephone number and address where you can be reached in your new town.

Moving Day:

• Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away or cooler store all food in both units.
• Have all walkways to rooms clear and ready for movers.
• Be careful to not pick up items that are too heavy.
• Lift from your knees, not the back.
• When in doubt ask for help with any items.
• Don’t overpack vehicles and obstruct driving views.
• Be careful, don’t become overtired (take breaks/eat snacks/drink plenty of water)
• Good luck on your move and congratulations on your new SEDA home!

The above list includes recommendations and needs to be personalized for each individual or family.