6-8
Weeks before moving
·
Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time
to start getting the details of your move.
·
This is the time to decide what items you wish to transport to
your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you don’t need you should
either donate them to a charity or consider having a garage sale. Contact a
local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before moving date for the
garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally. Team up with your neighbors who
want to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a large neighborhood "sale".
·
Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan
to do your own packing or partial packing. You can purchase all these materials
from your agent or a moving supply company. All boxes that you purchase from us
or a moving supply company are specially designed for the moving industry to
prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting boxes from other sources may
create some difficulties when packed in the van. These boxes may be unusual
sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent damages to items packed
inside.
·
Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where
you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home that will
prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new
home.
·
Get familiar with your new community. Request information on
schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of
Commerce.
·
All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for
your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan flexible as
possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.
·
Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated
moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of
Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or click here on IRS.
You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms;
e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
·
Finalize all real estate and rental needs.
·
Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire
and auto insurance.
·
All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and
accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and
eyeglass specifications.
·
Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock
certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos
etc.).
4-5
Weeks before moving
·
Contact the Post Office for the Change of Address form to tell of
your move. give your new address to:
·
Friends and family
·
Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions
·
Credit card companies
·
Doctors, dentists and other service providers
·
Any clubs or associations memberships.
·
Local government agencies, Federal agencies and IRS.
·
Magazine and newspaper subscription.
·
It is the time to take a look at what you own, and decide what
must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines,
broken items, old toys can be left behind. Remember-adding more weight to your
shipment costs more money.
·
Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you
will not transport, what items your van line agent will move and what items you
will move yourself.
·
Make a decision if the items not going that will be sold at a
garage sale, picked by a charity or trash it.
·
Make a decision on who will do most of the packing or all the
packing. It is a good idea that you let the van line agent do most of the
packing. The van line agents know the best methods for keeping items safe;
that's what they do for a living.
·
Get your kids involved with the moving process. Let your kids do
some packing and let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and
exciting for them to move.
3
Weeks before moving
·
Notify your agent if there are any changes in the dates of your
move. If you will need any additional accessorial service such as piano moving,
packing and unpacking, storage you should inform the van line agent for pricing
information. Also inform the van line agent if you add or subtract items from
your planned shipment.
·
Decide how much packing your will handle yourself. You should
inform your agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.
·
Whether you move your car with the us or a car carrier, you should
make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.
·
Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are
moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of
houseplants.
·
Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to
your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies
inoculations. Some states will require these documents.
·
You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have
any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
·
Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all
items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.).
2
Weeks before moving
·
Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Call
your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts. Clear all your safety
deposits boxes.
·
Disassemble and disconnect your computer system before your move.
Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files
disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your
software.
·
Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including
closets, basement and attics and the items that you will take.
·
Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be
shipped.
·
Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic,
non-flammable in plastic bags.
·
Drain your lawn mower, snow blower, power tools of all the oil and
gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
·
Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service
provider.
·
If you need to store anything call your van line agent about
storage options available.
·
Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone services of your move.
Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your
scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new address and connect them
on your moving in day.
·
Have your automobile serviced if your travel is by car.
1
Week before moving
·
Make sure to mark which items you'll take yourself, so the movers
won't take them or have any questions.
·
Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house.
·
Mark your boxes to be shipped with "Fragile", "Do Not Load", "Load
Last" stickers.
·
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your
stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking
soda to get rid of any odors.
·
Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack
your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to
keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delay or schedule
change.
·
Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number your new
home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be
reached until you will get to your new home.
·
Arrange for payment to your van line agent. Contact your van line
agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted.
·
Inquire with your moving company or van line agents about
protecting your goods.
1 Day before moving day
·
Pack a box
of things you'll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. (This might
include non-aerosol cleaning supplies, disposable plates and cups, light tools,
snacks, bathroom items and trash bags.)
·
Take this
box with you or have the driver load it last and unload first. This is usually
the day packing is done.
·
Make sure
all packing services have been performed before you sign for them.
·
Defrost,
thoroughly clean and dry refrigerator.
Moving out day
·
Be on hand
when the driver arrives and throughout the loading process. (If you won't be
there, make sure someone will be there to direct the movers. Make sure the
driver has in writing the name and phone number of that person.)
·
Accompany
the driver during inventory. Check on the condition of your goods as they are
loaded.
·
Make a final
tour of your home. See that nothing is overlooked.
·
Sign the
bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.
·
Lock all
windows and doors, and turn off all switches.
Moving in day
·
Arrive at
your home a day ahead of time, if possible, to make sure utilities are connected
and to plan placement of major items in your home.
·
Be on hand
to pay the driver with cash, traveler's check, certified check or money order
prior to your goods being unloaded.
