Moving Tips

EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household goods you want to keep.
• Try to research and finalize a mover
• Agree an insurance value and terms with your mover
• Review and sign the acceptance note
• Begin an inventory of all household goods.
• Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowners, or rental policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
• Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
• Take decisions on things that need to be moved, including the things stored away in basement, loft and garage.
• Dispose things you do not see fit to transport
• Look for public storage places should you be undecided about certain items
• Make proper provision for pets
• Take a decision on whether or not you are taking your car

SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Start to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address
• Notify banks, savings accounts, schools and institutions, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, loyalty cards, hire purchase and rental companies
• If traveling internationally
  • Start to validate passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation
  • Apply for visas/ensure visas are renewed/valid
  • Check voltage/wattage requirements to ensure that electrical goods will work in your new home
• Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.
• Fill out post-office change of address cards.
• Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
• Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
• Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Talk to your mover to start making packing preparations
• If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done at least two prior to loadings.
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
• Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your final destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
• Make travel reservations, i.e., hotels/motels.
• Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date
• Start packing your clothes, and selecting appropriate travel clothes depending on destination
• Start to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture
• Make arrangements of connection of services at your new home, i.e., cable, DSL, security etc.
• Return library books.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Arrange to move pets.
• Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
• Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
• Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for child care on moving day.
• If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
• Check with mover about moving house plants. (Some movers will not move plants.)
• Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
• If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your final destination.
• Ensure all cartons are packed, sealed and clearly labeled ready for collection.
• Check your/families medication for travel period and at least two to four weeks at new destination.
• Defrost the refrigerator/freezer
• Clean garden tools, movers, bicycles, and any other gardening/household equipment
• Identify items you need for personal travel
• Make arrangements to pay for your move.
• Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
• Pack valuable items such as jewelry, vital documents, money, passport and other important documents safely.
• Collect any dry cleaning or laundry
• Ensure fuel is drained from fuel driven appliances such as lawn movers, etc.

MOVING DAY

• Go over inventory of your household goods with movers.
• Ensure bill of lading is carefully read and completed. Keep copies for yourself.
• Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
• Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
• Give the driver directions to your new home with your contact information in case of emergencies.
• Make sure all gas cylinders have been emptied, your local garage may assist. Please do not do this task yourself.

DELIVERY DAY

• Ensure that you pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. As this is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
• Supervise unloading and unpacking to ensure fragile goods are handled carefully.
• Look for any damages that could have occurred while transporting.
• Do a quick inventory check for missing items.