If possible, arrange to have utilities connected before your arrival.

Make family travel plans

• Reserve air or rail transportation and hotel accommodations as needed.
• Have your car prepared for the trip-tires, brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed.

Other moving preparations

• Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner.
• Drain oil and fuel from your power mower and other machinery.
• Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, syrup or any other substance that may leak.
• Carefully tape-seal and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquids or semi-liquids you do not wish to discard.
• Have rugs cleaned that are to be moved. Leave them rolled and wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
• If draperies are to be moved, have them cleaned and ready for alterations that might be needed in your new home.
• Collect items that are being cleaned stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, watches).
• Empty your locker at any club you are a member of.
• Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors.
• Collect things you may have loaned. Decide what to do with your houseplants.
• Set a date with a reliable service person to prepare your appliances for shipment, preferably the day before the move.
• Depending on the appliance, post service may be needed for refrigerator, freezer,
• range, washer, dryer and others. For more information, request a free booklet, generally provided by most moving companies.
• Pianos and organs need to be prepared for moving by a specialized technician.
• Take pets to the veterinarian. Make sure identification tags are securely attached to the pet's collar.

Make arrangements to have utilities disconnected on moving day:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water
• Fuel
• Cable TV

Plan to keep your telephone in service through moving day in case last minute calls are necessary.

Three Days before Moving Day

Instant Aid Box

Pack a box for instant needs on arrival. Mark the box "To be loaded last and Unloaded first." Package each group of items separately in labeled paper bags. Here are some suggestions.

Cleaning

• Powdered detergent
• Sponge
• Paper towels
• Dishtowels
• Dishcloth
• Kitchen cleanser
• Window cleaner
• Scouring pads

Kitchen

• Paper plates, cups and napkins
• Plastic knives, forks and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Serving spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Snacks
• Easy-to-open cans of pudding
• Dry soup mix
• Sandwich spreads
• Jars of cheese
• Package of crackers
• Boxes of dry cereals
• Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
• Instant creamer, sugar, salt

Bathroom

• Towels and face cloths
• Toilet tissue
• Facial tissue
• Soap, hand lotion, deodorant
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Miscellaneous

• Reading materials
• Puzzles

Last-Minute Packing

• Cellular telephone
• Light bulbs
• Flashlight
• Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, assorted nails and screws
• Shelf paper
• Trash bags and ties

Children

• Coloring books and crayons
• A favorite toy or two

Last Minute Preparations

• Complete a "Take-with-Me Inventory" checklist.
• Check contents of drawers. Remove all things that can spill or break. Soft goods such as blankets, pillows, blouses, shirts and lingerie may be left in drawers.
• If clothing is to be moved in wardrobe cartons, pin the items to hangers to keep them from slipping off.
• Remove items left in the attic or other storage areas.
• Empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before moving. Be careful not to overlook the defrost water pan. Failure to have the appliances completely dry can lead to mildew and unpleasant odor.
• Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron.
• Launder all soiled clothing prior to the day the appliance service technician is expected.
• Take the telephone directory with you for contacting former doctors, dentists, suppliers, etc., and for preparing holiday card lists.
• Pack suitcases for the trip to the new home. Put in extra clothing for emergencies.
• Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling. Take along snacks such as fruit and cookies for the children. Include towels for a quick cleanup.
• Arrange for a baby-sitter for moving day, or have older children look after the younger ones.