Preparing For a Move

Organization is your best friend when preparing to move.  We’ve developed the following guidelines to help you proactively take charge of handling the many details that require attention.  

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

• 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 o Start to validate passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation o Apply for visas/ensure visas are renewed/valid o 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.