A MOVING CHECKLIST

Whether you are moving down the street or relocating across the country, the basics of what needs to be done remain largely the same. The following week-by-week breakdown outlines what needs to be done -- and when -- next time you switch digs:

Eight weeks before the move

If hiring a moving van and driver, get written estimates from at least three companies. Contact the Department of Transportation (202-366- 4000 or check out the website) for detailed info on rights, responsibilities, and legal jargon. No denying that it's as boring as the Statistics class you took in college, but it's also need-to-know info!

For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help. Read: bribe your friends to slug boxes for you in exchange for you buying them pizza afterwards.

Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing states. Ask if you'll be covered through your current policy during the move.

If necessary, book flights, car rentals and hotels for the journey to your new city. If you plan to drive to your new home, gather maps and directions.

Create a "move file." Many moving receipts are tax deductible, so hang on to your receipts. Request Publication 521 from the Internal Revenue Service to find out which moving expenses you can deduct (1-800-829-3676 or www.irs.gov/formspubs to download).

Six weeks before the move

Complete a Change of Address Form with the US Post Office. If your new address has yet to be determined, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.

Also remember to change your address with:

• Banks and credit card companies -- tragically, changing zip codes doesn't change the balance owing on your VISA.
• Internal Revenue Service -- taxes are an inevitable part of life. Notify the IRS using Form 8822.
• Past employer -- they will need to know where to send your W2 form.
• Magazines and newspapers -- moving is stressful enough. You certainly don't want to miss a month of "Cosmo" or "Maxim."
• Friends and family -- how else will Great Aunt Mimi know where to mail this Christmas' batch of fruit cake?
• Transfer memberships in gyms and clubs. Can't remember the last time you laced up your sneakers for a workout? If you're moving out of the city, check to see if you're eligible for a refund.

Obtain medical, dental, legal, financial, and optometrist records. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions. Don't forget about Fido's records from the vet.

Five weeks before the move

Take inventory of your belongings, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, photograph or videotape your stuff (just keep the videotape tasteful and straightforward -- you can save your Martin Scorsese-aspirations for another film project). Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.

Make a list of things that are valuable and/or sentimental. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.

Not taking that fur-trimmed lamp shade with you? Start planning a yard sale or donating items to charity (bonus points if you remember to get a donor receipt for income tax purposes).

Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. If it'll be a hassle, consider retiring your dream of a green thumb and giving your plants away.

Start using up food items so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil. Challenge yourself to create new meals based on whatever you have on hand.

Four weeks before the move

If packing yourself, start collecting packing supplies (newspaper, bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, marker) and boxes. Big boxes and small boxes. Tall boxes and short boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. Trust me, you will need far more than you think that you will.

Start packing! Pack seldom used items (i.e. photo albums, knick-knacks, out-of season clothing). Start setting aside items that will be traveling with you (i.e. important documents, valuables, prescriptions) or that should be unloaded first (i.e. toilet paper, cleaning supplies, alarm clock) once you arrive at your new digs. Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box -- just because your new job offers extended health benefits doesn't mean you want to wind up at the chiropractor.

If you are moving into or out of an apartment, book the elevator for move day

Schedule disconnection of utility services (i.e. electric, water, gas, phone, cable, Internet) at your old home for the day after you leave, and schedule connection for the day before you arrive.

Three weeks before the move

Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.

Make sure library books have been returned and dry cleaning items have been picked up. Does your neighbor still have your Velvet Revolver CD? Now's the time to ask for it back.

Advertise and host your garage sale. Again, bribing some friends with the offer of free pizza usually works if you need a few sets of hands to help out.

Two weeks before the move

Back up important computer files, and add the disk to the box of stuff that you will be carrying with you.

If moving a significant distance, confirm your flights and travel arrangements. Like you learned back in the Boy / Girl Scouts, it's best to always be prepared.

If driving your car, have your automobile serviced.

One week before the move

Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons (i.e. BBQ propane tanks, lawn mower gas, paint). Items considered flammable will not be loaded by the moving crew.

Give a friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

A few days before the move

Check your moving company's payment policies. Make sure you have money on hand to pay the moving company, and enough cash for your travels (read: coffee, diet coke, food, gas, etc).

Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.

Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.

1 day before the move

Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator.

Grab some muffins and fruit for breakfast on move day. While you're out, pick up some soda and juice for the movers. Whether they are hired hands or your friends, they will appreciate the gesture.

Take down curtains and blinds -- yep, the folks in the apartment building across from you will be getting quite the view of you for one night.

On moving day

If you live in a congested area, recruit some friends to park their vehicles one after another in a space close to your home until the truck arrives. The closer the truck can get, the better your chances are of not incurring an additional charge.

Make the job safe and easy for your movers: remove floor mats, clear potted plants from the porch, and disconnect the spring on the screen door so that it stays open during the loading process.

Once the mover arrives, point out the boxes you would like to have unloaded first.

Make sure moving van driver has the correct address, phone number and directions. Jot down any information the driver can provide (i.e. cell phone or pager number).

Take one last sweep of the house before the driver leaves for any hiding places that may have been forgotten (crawl space? shelf of the closet? on top of the fridge?).