Moving Day Countdown: 1 Week Before

1 Week Before Move-Out Day: Pack It Up, Clear It Out, Tape It Shut

Only 1 week left. You're on the home stretch! You can do it!

This is your week to tie up loose ends. If you have any reason to question your scheduling with your moving agent, this is a good time to check back with them to make sure you haven't overlooked anything and that your schedules still match.

Check the following:

• Make sure your utilities are set
  Unless the day of your move has changed you should have already contacted your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) companies to discuss disconnect and re/connect dates. If there is a change in move date that will matter make sure to contact these companies again. Some utility companies will need to be called the day before or the day of your scheduled move-in to be connected.
• Remember the three-label system
  Use three signs or stickers:
  1) Do Not Load: For boxes and items you do not want loaded on the moving van, be sure to place this label on all the things you want to take with you.
  2) Last Load: Place these stickers or signs on things that you will need to use as soon as you get to your new home since the last items loaded are the first ones unloaded.
  3) Fragile: Fragile labels should be placed on all items that need to be handled with special care.
• Confirm travel plans
  If travel is involved, pack your suitcases and confirm your personal travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.) for your family. Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected schedule change or delay. When traveling is necessary, prepare a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit should contain the basic hygiene items, clothes and things you'll need while your belongings are in transit.
• Give out contact info
  Make sure your moving agent, real estate agent and/or others know the address and phone number where you can be reached until you get into your new home.
• Ready the appliances for the new owners
  Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer, and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
• Check and double check
  Check your Master File to make sure you have attended to each item.

All of the organization and preparation you have diligently done in the past six weeks will have paid off for this past week and for moving day.

Kim Wolinski, also known as "Dr. DeClutter," is a professional organizer, a keynote speaker, and has created organizing books, workbooks, and other tools, including her content-packed video" Burn Your House Down: And other organizing tips and tools from Dr. DeClutter. Meet her online at www.DrDeClutter.com.