If you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that is best suited to your needs (Get References!) If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies and be sure to reserve in advance.
Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture will be staying and what will be left behind.
Use up things that can not be moved, such as food in the freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning supplies.
Contact the chamber of commerce in your future location and start gathering information about your new home town (including cable or satellite t.v. providers, electric company, gas company, etc.).
6 Weeks Before The Move
Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery and the claims procedure with your mover.
Inventory all of your possessions now; determine what can be sold and what can be donated for a tax deduction charity.
Get copies of your records from Doctors, dentists, Lawyers, Accountants, etc. Make arrangements to transfer your children’s school records.
Go to the post office and obtain a change of address kit (or go online with the USPS) and start filling out the cards. Don’t forget about changing the address for magazines, newspaper, credit card company(s), catalogs, creditors, etc.
Find out from your accountant or the IRS about tax-deductible moving expenses and make sure your records remain accurate.
4Weeks Before The Move
If you have contracted to have the mover do all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading time.
If you need to store some goods, make these arrangements ahead of time.
Clean or repair any furniture, curtains or carpets that require it.
Hold a garage sale to remove any un-needed things and use money$$$ to splurge on the new place!
If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you’ll need (many moving companies or rental places will provide this service).
If you’re Doing-it-yourself, take stock of non-boxable items. Add 15% to their combined cubic feet (along with total cubic feet of boxed items) to ensure rental of the proper size truck.
3 Weeks Before The Move
ASSEMBLE THE PACKING MATERIALS
FURNITURE PADS – CRUMPLED NEWS PAPERS – SCISSORS – DOLLY – HAND TRUCK – PACKING TAPE – UTILITY KNIFE – LARGE SELF-STICK LABLES – BUBBLE WRAP – STYROFOAM PEANUTS (consider environment) – MANY BOXES – FELT TIP MARKERS – NYLON STRING OR ROPE
BEGIN PACKING ITEMS THAT YOU WONT NEED AND DON’T PACK TOO MUCH IN EACH BOX.
GET LICENSE, INSURANCE & REGISTRATION IF NEEDED FOR RENTAL TRUCK COMPANY.
ARRANGE TO CANCEL UTILITIES FOR SPECIFIC DATE AND START DATE FOR YOUR NEW HOME
MAKE TRAVEL AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS IF NEEDED.
2 Weeks Before The Move
Arrange to transfer all of your bank account details (mailing etc.) to the new address.
Make any special arrangements to move pets, such as purchasing air line reservations and traveling containers. Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet.
Contact city/town hall of your new town to address dog or cat licenses (as needed).
Inform your long distance carrier and/or cable provider of your move.
Make arrangements for your new telephone service and advise your cell provider of your move.
Have your car checked and serviced prior to your trip (including tires, oil change, brakes and all fluids).
If you are changing banks, make sure that all direct deposits or automatic payments are updated to the new bank.
Cancel any delivery services and move to the new location.
1 Week Before The Move
Transfer all medical prescriptions to a local pharmacy near you new home.
If you will need Baby sitting, please advise whoever you are working with in advance of the move.
2 or 3 Days Before The Move
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer
Have the Movers pack your shipment
Arrange to have cash, s certified check or money order ready to pay the driver on delivery date.
Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not in the van/truck.
pack clothing and toiletries you will need to go with you, not in the van/truck.
Pack you first-day handy items in a box (see Delivery Day below).
0 Days Before The Move
If you’re packing the truck yourself, pick up the truck early!
Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck
Let the movers know where you can be reached.
Before you sign it, read the bill of lading (truck contents). Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid and any claims are settled.
Inspect basement, attic & garage.
Lock up all doors, windows, etc.
Be on hand to answer any questions and give any directions to the mover.
DELIVERY DAY!!!!
ASSEMBLE FIRST-DAY HANDY ITEMS
SCISSORS, UTILITY KNIFE, COFFEE CUPS, COFFEE/TEA MAKER, PAPER PLATES, PAPER TOWELS, TOILET PAPER, INSTANT COFFEE (MAYBE), SOAP, PENCILS AND PAPER, LOCAL PHONE BOOK (may need pizza), MASKING TAPE, BATH TOWELS, TRASH BAGS, TOILETRIES, SHELF LINERS.
Check new home to ensure that utilities are hooked up and running.
Contact Cable/Satellite providers to address installation dates.
Unpack kids toys (if needed)
Pay the Movers after inspecting goods and verifying all is received according to Bill of Lading...
