Moving Information
Counting
Down
It's really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran
movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist
is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. It's also
a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread
some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children
You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off.
Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure
that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning,
and that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your
anxiety.
Eight
Weeks Before
- Contact
your mover to make arrangements for moving day.
- Remove
items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
- Start
to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and
cleaning supplies.
- Contact
the Chamber of Commerce or visitors and tourism bureaus in
your new community for information on your new city.
Six
Weeks Before
- If you're
moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and
responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
- Contact
your accountant for information on what moving expenses may
be tax-deductible.
- Begin
to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold
or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you
used within the last year?
- Make
a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends,
professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
- Obtain
a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community
to familiarize yourself with local government, community,
and social news and activities.
- Locate
all auto licensing and registration documents.
- If some
of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements
now. (Your moving consultant should be able to help.)
- Contact
schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain
copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
Four
Weeks Before
- Obtain
a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling
out the cards.
- Arrange
special transport for your pets and plants.
- Contact
utility and related companies for service disconnect/connect
at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone
and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving
day.
- Contact
insurance companies (auto, homeowner's or renters, medical,
and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
- If you're
packing yourself, purchase packing boxes. Pack items that
you won't be needing in the next month.
- Plan
a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate
them to charity.
Three
Weeks Before
- Make
travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip.
However, don't make plane reservations for the same day that
you're moving out. House closings are often delayed. and other
unexpected situations often arise.
- Collect
important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).
- Arrange
to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in
your new locale.
Two
Weeks Before
- Have
your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure
that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary
antifreeze/coolant, for example) for the type of weather conditions
you'll be traveling in.
- If you're
moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the
building management to schedule use of the elevators.
- Contact
your moving consultant to review and confirm all arrangements
for your move.
One
Week Before
-
Settle
any outstanding bills with local merchants.
-
Don't
forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box,
pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented
videotapes, etc.
-
Take
pets to the veterinarian for any needed immunizations. Get
copies of pets' records.
-
Drain
gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers,
etc.)
-
Give
away plants not being moved.
-
Prepare
specific directions to your new home for your moving company.
(Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)
Two
to Three Days Before
- Defrost
your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't
accidentally close on pets or children.
- Have
your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move.
(Again, your moving consultant can help with arrangements
for a third party to provide these services.)
- Pack
a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at
your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with
you in your car.
- Organize
and set aside those things that you're taking with you so
that they don't get loaded on the van in error.
- Contact
your moving consultant to confirm arrival time of the moving
van, as well as to notify him/her of any last-minute details.
Moving
Day
- Your
van operator and crew arrive at the agreed upon time. Make
sure that someone is at home for any enquiries the van operator
may have with respect to your shipment.
- Record
all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
- Read
your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign
them. Keep these - and all related papers - in a safe location
until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have
been settled.
If you require additional moving information, please do not
hestitate to contact me.
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