Before you start looking for a place to live you should do the following.

Order your credit report, you new roommate will appreciate seeing it (and may demand seeing it) prior to moving in together.

If you are thinking about obtaining a new credit card do it prior to moving. Credit card companies prefer people with a stable address. You may find it more difficult to obtain a new credit card if you have just moved.

Refer to The Roommate Checklist and The Background Screening Checklist.

4 to 5 weeks prior to moving do the following.

Fill out "change of address forms" with the US Post Office and magazine subscriptions.

Consult with your bank if you plan to change banks after moving.

Decide which items you will move and which items you will ship (books are often times cheaper to ship via. book rate than to move).

If you are renting a truck or hiring movers do your research now. Availability is often tight at the end of the month when moving is frequent.

2 to 3 weeks prior to moving do the following.

Contact your utility companies (electric, gas, phone, and cable).

Get appropriate directions to your new location.

If you plan to have friends and family help in your move, request their help now.

1 week prior to moving do the following.

Arrange for your new roommate to leave you a key.

Verify rental truck or moving company schedule.