Martha Stewart: Making your move, all in good time

MOVING can be chaotic, but that chaos is avoidable. The following schedule outlines the essential tasks.

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. Decide if the movers or you will pack (regardless, you may want to wrap fragile or costly items yourself). Ask if the quote is binding or nonbinding, what charges could arise and what insurance is included. If necessary, contact your insurance company for additional coverage. Request a copy of the signed contract.

* Dedicate a three-ring binder to move-related paperwork: 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 or 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, and make a backup to store with your small valuables.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE:

* Stock up on moving supplies, including boxes, box cutters, tape, wrapping material and labels. Wardrobe boxes, with built-in bars for hangers, can transport clothing as well as light fixtures. Used boxes from bookstores, which are built to carry compact but heavy loads, are excellent for most other items.

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. Try to limit each box's weight to enable easy lifting. Fill large boxes with pillows and other light things, and reserve smaller boxes for your heavier possessions. Always reinforce the bottoms with packing tape. Secure fragile objects with cushioned packaging material and painters' tape, which releases easily. Pack electronics and small appliances in their original packaging or in snugly fitting boxes.

* Color-code each room, and mark boxes and furniture (be mindful of delicate surfaces) with coordinating stickers to ensure the movers will know at a glance where everything should go.

* Have your utilities, including phone and Internet service, disconnected the day after you leave and installed in your new home the day before you arrive.

* Have the locks in your new home changed on moving day.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE:

* 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. Have a cashier's check or a credit card (if accepted) on hand, plus cash for a tip.

* Box your remaining items, setting aside sufficient clothing for the week ahead, as well as a suitcase or two to transport it.

* Pack your day-to-day necessities together, including bedding, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, basic tools, cleaning supplies, medications, a camera (to document anything broken in transit), snacks, a few dishes and utensils and a coffeepot - plus coffee and mugs. Take the box with you in your car.

* Keep jewelry and important paperwork together. Have a friend hold on to them until you get settled.

MOVING DAY:

* Walk through your home before movers arrive to verify that everything is packed and afterward to make sure nothing was left behind. Give your keys to the real-estate agent or landlord.

* Have someone to be at your new home when the movers arrive to oversee them and answer questions. Have them check items off the inventory list as they're unloaded.

* Inspect for damages, photographing relevant objects before signing the release (bill of lading).

* 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. Flatten boxes to recycle, or store them for next time. *

Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. Questions also may be sent by e-mail to: mslletters@martha stewart.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.