About two weeks before moving:

• Stop by Penske in advance of your move and reserve your truck and accessories and purchase Penske moving an packing materials.

• Get your car inspected and serviced.

• Contact utilities - water, gas, oil, electricity, phone - about when to disconnect service and when and where to reconnect. (Many people request shutting of service the day after a move, so they have use of the utilities the full day of their move.)

• Collect deposits from utilities.

• Contact your services to discontinue trash collection, newspaper delivery, cable television, insurance, etc.

• Get copies of important papers: medical, dental, eyeglass or contact lens records, prescriptions, pet immunization records, passports, marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security papers, etc.  Keep copies separate from household goods or forward to your new address for security.

• Pick up change of address cards from the post office and notify magazines, charge accounts, etc.  Arrange the date to have your mail forwarded.

One week before:

• Round up people to be part of the moving crew - food  is always a good incentive.

• Reserve a baby-sitter for moving day.

• Pick up traveler's checks.

• Close out bank accounts and safe deposit boxes.

• Begin packing of cartons giving priority to non-essential items.

• Follow Penske's packing tips to help ensure your belongings are properly packed.