Preparing for a Move Tips and Guide

8 Weeks before Moving

1. Call several movers for estimates. Remember, on site moving estimates are always more accurate.
2. Be sure to get references from all prospective movers.
3. Calculate possible expenses you will incur when moving to determine if you will need financial assistance. (e.g. pet care, hotel costs, home deposit)
4. Once you've chosen your mover, discuss costs, packing, timing, and insurance.
5. Create a "move file" to store important information and collect receipts for moving-related expenses.
6. Ask the Internal Revenue Service for information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you'll need to keep.

7 Weeks before Moving

1. Prepare an inventory of everything you own. Divide this inventory into three separate categories: items to be handled by the mover, items to be handled by yourself, and items to be left behind.
2. Stock certificates, wills and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos and home videos) are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
3. Two good ways to rid yourself of items no longer needed: (1) host a garage sale or (2) donate to charities. These two techniques can help you to raise a little cash or serve as a tax deduction.
4. Arrange for disposal of items not sold or donated.
5. Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
6. Organize dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
7. Inquire about changes that you may occur in your auto licensing and insurance when moving.
8. Notify your children's school(s). Make arrangement for records to be forwarded to the new school district.

6 Weeks before Moving

1. Contact any clubs or organizations you are associated with for information on transferring, selling, or ending your memberships.
2. Start becoming acclimated to your new community. Familiarize yourself with your new shopping districts, location of hospitals, police and fire departments. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau to request information on schools, parks and recreation, community calendars and maps.

5 Weeks before Moving

1. Start including your children in the process. Make it exciting and fun by having your kids do some of their own packing and labeling.
2. If you plan to do any part of the packing, start collecting suitable containers and packing materials.
3. If no longer required, cancel local deliveries.
4. If you have pets, call your new township to determine if there are any specific requirements for pet ownership. In addition, obtain and transfer veterinarian records.
5. Register your children in their new schools.

4 Weeks before Moving

1. Contact building management to inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done. Remember to keep this in mind when planning to move, especially if you are doing your own packing. If you cannot finish packing or your move in the day and time allotted to you, can accumulate unforeseen costs.
2. Contact your moving company to schedule your move date. It is always easier to change your move date than to reschedule at the last minute.
3. Fill out a US Postal change of address form.
4. Close any local charge accounts.
5. Make airline and hotel reservations (if necessary).
6. Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
7. Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.

3 Weeks before Moving

1. If necessary arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
2. While you are sorting through your belongings, remember to return library books and anything else you have borrowed. Also remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, furs, watches, etc.).

2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.
2. Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.
3. Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
4. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
5. Each year many people move without clearing their safety deposit boxes. Don't be one of them.
6. You should carry valuables with you. If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. Some state laws prohibit the moving of house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.
7. Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
8. Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
9. Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
10. Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
11. Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

1 Week Before Moving

1. This is your week to tie up loose ends. Check back through this guide to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.
2. Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods. These can include "Do Not Load", "Load First", "Load Last", and "Fragile". Take special care to label your goods appropriately.
3. Pack your suitcases and confirm your families travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected change of schedule.
4. Make sure your moving agent knows the address and phone number where you can be reached if your are not going directly into your new home.
5. At least one day before moving, empty defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. If necessary prepare your stove to be moved. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
6. Prepare a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If your are stopping overnight be sure to pack items such as toothbrushes and other essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

"Moving Day"

1. Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
2. Make sure to be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do. Remember - this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
3. Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number, and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
4. Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions, like what to load first and last make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers. If you choose to have your mover handle your valuables or other fragile goods, tell the mover in advance.
5. When the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
6. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.
7. If you get to the destination before the mover, be patient. They might have encountered traffic or some other type of delay.
8. Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.

"Move-In Day"

1. The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
2. Be sure you're there when the movers arrive. Plan to stay around while they unload in case they have any questions. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your chosen representative's name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any items missing at the time of delivery.
3. Have payment on hand for your moving charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash, traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check. Most of the time Personal checks are not accepted.
4. Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
5. Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, you should have the Phone Company hook it up the day before "Move-In Day."
6. Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
7. It's a good idea to review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Plan to be available to direct them as they unload. To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

A More Complete Listing of Things to Do Before A Move

• Glossary of Moving Terms
• How to Choose a Good Moving Company
• How To Get A Good Moving Quote
• Frequently Asked Questions About Moving
• Moving Company Estimate Types
• What To Discuss with Your Moving Estimator
• Why Your Final Price May Vary
• Moving Services Guides
• Moving Tips
• Moving Company Inventory Sheets
• Insurance For Moving
• First Night Moving Supplies
• Options to Consider Before  A Move
• Paperwork Involved in Your Move
• Prepare For A Move
• How to Prepare Your Home For A Move
• Property Inspections Before a Move
• Property Preparations Before a Move

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