Use
this handy checklist to get organized long before your move.
At
Least One Month Before The Move
Clean
out your closets, attic, basement, cupboards, toy chests and
bookshelves. Discard anything you don't want or need.
Consider
having a tag or garage sale.
Donate
unwanted items to charitable organizations (i.e., hospitals,
nursing homes, day care centers, libraries and thrift shops).
Obtain receipts for tax purposes.
Evaluate
whether to ship your appliances. Consider age, size and color.
If your stove, refrigerator, washer or dryer won't match or
fit in your new home, consider selling them. For example, don't
move a gas stove or dryer into an all-electric house. Also,
consider selling chandeliers and ceiling fans with your home
unless you have a special or sentimental reason for taking them
along.
Make
a complete inventory of items to be moved.
Decide
if you will move all your plants or just your favorites.
Use
up your frozen foods. They CANNOT be safely shipped. It is also
advisable to reduce your supply of canned goods.
Notify
the security company, lawn or snow-removal services or any other
regular services of your vacating date.
Notify
your post office, publications, and correspondents of change
of address and date of move.
Check
your savings and checking accounts. Plan for transfer of deposits
so you won't lose interest. Your bank can be used as a credit
reference.
Arrange
to collect any advance deposits or security deposits on utilities
or rentals.
Check
your homeowners insurance. Any prepaid balance may be applied
to your new residence. Be sure to coordinate with your insurance
carrier so your new residence is covered immediately.
Check
on club membership fees. The money may be refunded or, if allowed,
you might consider transferring/selling the membership to a
friend.
Check
with your veterinarian regarding any travel preparation needed
for your pets. Check your employer's policy on pet transportation
coverage.
Register
children for school; transfer all necessary school records.
Plan
shipment date to occur after closing on your new home.
At
Least Two Weeks Before The Move
Contact
telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm specific
date on which to discontinue services.
Advise
utility companies in your new location when to start new services.
(Waiting for service to begin can often result in costly hotel
and meal expenses.)
Check
new driver's license and auto registration requirements.
Advise
dairy, laundry, newspaper carrier and trash hauler to discontinue
services.
Be
sure to have your children clean out school or gymnasium lockers.
Ask
your present physician(s) and dentist for referrals in the new
location. Transfer medical records and get copies of prescriptions.
If members of the family have any ongoing medical or dental
treatment programs, arrange for the payments to be pro rated
with the professional in your new area.
Transfer
insurance records. Verify that all your policies provide adequate
coverage for your new location.
Arrange
for the transfer of valuables. Check contents of your safe-deposit
box. DO NOT SHIP any valuables (such as jewelry, insurance policies,
legal documents, currency, stamp and coin collections) with
the moving company. Either carry them with you or send by insured
or certified mail.
DO
NOT SHIP combustible and flammable items. These include oil-base
paints, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches and ammunition.
All aerosol cans (including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants,
household cleaners, insecticides, tarnish removers and car cleaners)
should be eliminated from the shipment. Use up or discard these
items.
One
Week Before The Move
Keep
a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses for income-tax
purposes. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, etc.
Drain
gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, etc.
Gas grills and kerosene heaters must be empty. Cars and motorcycles
should have only 1/4 tank of gas.
Check
to make sure you didn't leave anything at the dry cleaners.
Put
linens and pillows in the dresser drawers to have handy for
making up your beds the first night in your new home.
Place
draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet. The movers
will place them in wardrobe cartons.
Prepare
a "ready box" for last-on and first-off the van. This
might include essentials from your kitchen and bathroom. You
may wish to include a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and nails.
Prepare
a "ready box" with all necessary medications and first
aid supplies.
Prepare
your children for the move and trip by providing them with
a "ready box" with their own special treasures.
Include toys and games and snacks for your trip.
Defrost
and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours in
advance of the move.
Keep
your telephone connected through your moving day.
Day
Before The Move
The
packing crew usually arrives the day before the van is loaded.
Be sure someone is on site to supervise the packing.
Pack
any valuables you intend to take with you.
Make
sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each carton
with the contents and location in the new home.
Gather
keys to the house and arrange to leave them with the new owners,
your real estate agent, landlord or a trusted neighbor.
Notify
a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of emergency.
Day
Of Move-Out
Check
the mover's inventory to be sure that you agree with the mover's
judgment on the condition of your household goods. Take photographs
if there is a dispute.
Make
sure you get a copy of the inventory.
Load
items you are taking with you on the trip, including luggage.
Search
every room before the van leaves.
Check
the Bill of Lading for completeness before you sign it. Retain
a copy for your records.
Record
the van driver's name and give him contact numbers at the destination.
Confirm directions to the new residence with your driver.
Turn
off the water heater.
Day
Of Move-In
Get
to your new home before the movers. There could be a waiting
charge if you are late.
Contact
utility companies to verify start dates.
Check
appliances, furnace, and hot-water heater. Contact a repair
service if something is not working.
Check
the condition of each carton and household item as it is unloaded.
List all missing or damaged items on the inventory form.
Since
you will probably do some unpacking after the movers leave,
make a note on the inventory form "subject to inspection
for loss or concealed damage".
Ask
mail carrier if he or she is holding any mail for your arrival.
After
You're Settled
Obtain
necessary licenses: driver's, dog, etc.
Register
car at new address (usually there is a penalty if you wait too
long).
Contact
newspapers, dairy, etc., for home delivery.
