As seen in the Detroit News on 5/8/2009. We have a simialr timeline on our website.

Moving, and all its attendant chores, may be inevitable. But the accompanying sense of chaos, while common, is avoidable. The following schedule outlines the essential tasks and leaves ample time to tend to the details.

Six weeks before: Ask friends what movers they recommend, and get quotes from three licensed companies. On-site estimates tend to be more accurate, whether pricing is by weight and distance or a flat or hourly rate. Ask if the quote is binding or nonbinding, what charges could arise and what insurance is included. Request a copy of the signed contract.

• Dedicate a three-ring binder to move-related paperwork, such as to-do lists, contracts, receipts, checklists and phone numbers.

Five weeks before: Conduct a room-by-room survey to determine what belongings you plan to keep, sell and donate.

• Have valuable items such as artwork and antiques appraised in case they get damaged. Photograph or videotape them, and upload the images to your computer. Also save them to a compact disc or memory stick.

Four weeks before: Stock up on moving supplies, including boxes, box cutters, tape (packing, masking and blue painters), wrapping material and labels.

Three weeks before: Pack infrequently used items, such as out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, books and special-occasion dishware. Number the boxes, and keep track of the contents on a master inventory list.

• Color-code each room, and mark boxes and furniture with coordinating stickers to ensure the movers will know at a glance where everything should go.

• Request that your utilities, including phone and Internet service, be disconnected the day after you leave and installed in your new home the day before you arrive.

Two weeks before: Before you pack the bulk of your belongings, think about whether you’d like to do so by room or by category (such as sports equipment and formal dinnerware).

• Complete a change-of-address form online ( www.usps.com) or at the post office. Update newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and notify banks and credit card companies.

One week before: Print an information sheet for the movers with the old and new addresses, directions and your cell phone number.

• Box your remaining items, setting aside sufficient clothing and day-to-day necessities for the week ahead.

Moving day: Walk through your home before movers arrive to verify everything is packed and afterward to make sure nothing was left behind.

• Arrange for someone to be at your new home when the movers arrive to oversee them and answer questions.

• Inspect for damages, photographing relevant objects before signing the release.

• Start to settle in. Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors and security systems. Turn on the water heater if necessary. Begin to unpack, discarding anything that no longer serves you.