6-8
Weeks before move
4-5 Weeks before move
3 Weeks before move
2 Weeks before move
1 Week before move
Moving Day!
After Moving
6-8
Weeks before move
• Organization
is the key for a smooth move and this is
the time to start working on the details
of your move.
• Check with the movers to ensure
your move is scheduled.
• This is the time to decide what
items you wish to transport to your new
home and what you may want to dispose of.
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 any van
line agent or a moving supply company. All
boxes that you purchase from a van line
agent 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 unusually sized and 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 and this will help reduce the stress
of making decisions when your furniture
arrives at your new home.
• Get familiar with your new community.
Request information from the local Chamber
of Commerce on schools, community programs,
parks and recreation facilities.
• All travel arrangements (hotel,
flights, car rental, etc.) for your family
should be made at this time. Try to keep
your plan as 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 visiting the IRS website
at www.irs.gov
website. 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 and
vaccination records.
• Plan on taking all important documents,
such as wills, stock certificates, and other
one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection,
photos etc.) with you. Place the items in
one easily identifiable and easy to locate
folder.
• Return all the things you have
borrowed.
• Notify schools in
the old and new location and arrange for
the transfer of school records and begin
the process of registering in new schools.
4-5
Weeks before move
• Contact or visit your
local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address
form. You can also obtain this form online
at the postal service website by visiting
www.usps.com
You can make copies of this change of address
form or make up your own change of address
notice to give to the following people and
businesses.
Friends and family
Banks
Insurance companies
Credit card companies
Doctors, dentists and any other service
providers
Clubs or Associations
Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions
• This is a good 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 and
old toys can be left behind. Remember, adding
more weight to your shipment will cost you
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 on who will do
most of or all of 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 and secure as this is what they do
for a living.
• If you do most of the packing or
all the packing please refer to our packing
guide. Ask the van line agent you use for
further details about handling unusual and
delicate items and begin preparing those
items that are not frequently used.
• Get your kids involved in the moving
process. Allow your kids to do some supervised
packing let them suggest a layout for their
new room. Make it fun and exciting for them
to move.
• Contact utility providers (e.g.
telephone, gas, electric, cable TV and trash
collection) at new and old locations with
your moving date to make arrangements for
connection and disconnection.
• Complete banking arrangements in
old and new location and transfer any funds
to your new bank if necessary.
•
Check requirements for new drivers license
and auto registration in your destination
state.
3
Weeks before move
• Notify
your van line 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 the van line
agent of any items that you decided for
him/her to pack.
• Whether you move
your car with the van line agent 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.).
• If you are moving
to a building with an elevator make sure
the elevator will be available on your intended
day and time of arrival at your destination.
2
Weeks before move
• Transfer all
prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city.
Clear all your safety deposits boxes.
• Disconnect and disassemble your
computer system before your move. Back up
all your computer files on a disk. Consider
taking all back up files and disks with
you in the car or whatever mode of transportation
you will be using to get to your new home.
Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures
can damage your software.
• Make final packing decisions. Clean
and clear your home including closets, basement
and attic.
• Dispose of items that represent
a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.
Please refer to the “items not to
pack” section for more information
on what you cannot or should not ship.
• Tape and seal all cleaning fluids
that are non-toxic and non-flammable in
plastic bags.
• Drain your lawn mower, snow blower
and 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 use outside storage
call your van line agent about storage options
available.
• Have your automobile serviced if
you plan to travel by car.
• Cancel newspapers and other regular
deliveries
•
Clean out gym and school lockers
1
Week before move
• Make sure to separate
out which items you'll take with you and which
items the movers will take. Items you may
wish to take with you could be jewelry and
important documentation.
• Make sure you haven't overlooked
anything in the house including minor repairs
• Mark the boxes to be shipped with
the words, "Fragile", "Do
Not Load" and "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. You can also leave a container of
baking soda in the refrigerator.
• Mow your lawn one last time before
you move.
• 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 delays
or schedule changes.
• Make sure your agent knows the
address and phone number of 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 the van
line agent. Contact your van line agent
to inquire about methods of payment accepted.
Generally this will be cash on delivery
(COD).
• Verify with your van line agent
the insurance you have chosen. Refer to
our “Insurance and Liability”
guide for more information.
• Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry.
• Settle any outstanding bills with
local merchants.
• Return videos and library books.
• Prepare your “first night
back” and “ready box”.
Your first night box should contain the
clothing and toiletries you will need for
the first night in your new home. See “first
night bag guide”.
• Disconnect and clean any appliances
that will be moving with you and those that
will remain.
• Gather keys, alarm codes, garage
door openers and be prepared to hand over
to the new owner or real estate agent.
• If your old home
will be unoccupied for a period of time
after you move, notify the police.
Moving
Day!
Move
out day and Move in day
• "Work"
with the movers and be on hand when the
movers arrive. If you are not able to be
present while the movers are there, designate
a friend or family member to help out and
make decisions in your absence. Let the
van line agent know to whom you have given
the authority. Be sure that your chosen
representative knows exactly what to do
and which valuation liability program and
amount you have selected. This person may
be asked to sign documents obligating you
to charges.
• Hand over keys,
alarm codes and garage door remote controls
to the new owner or real estate agent.
• Provide the new
phone number and all other phone numbers
where you can be reached while shipment
is in transit. Make sure to take along the
destination agent's name, address and telephone
number.
• Provide the driver
with clear directions to your new home
• Review all paper
work and details when the van operator arrives.
Accompany the driver as he or she inspects
each piece of furniture with tags of identifying
number. These numbers along with a detailed
description of your goods at the time of
loading will appear on the inventory.
• Stay home until
the last item is packed. Make a final inspection
before the van operator leaves. Check the
mover’s inventory and make sure you
agree with any notations about the condition
of your furnishings. Take pictures if necessary.
It is your responsibility to see all of
your goods are loaded. Leave your phone
connected throughout moving day. After the
movers leave, pack your phone in one of
your suitcases for easy access when you
arrive to your new home.
• Clean your house
as much as you can before the moving van
arrives. Search every room, closet and around
the house before the moving van arrives.
• The driver will
contact you or the destination agent at
least 24 hours prior to expected arrival
time. This allows enough time to locate
you and begin preparation for unloading.
It is your responsibility to contact the
destination agent if you cannot be reached.
• Review your floor
plan so you can tell the movers where to
place your furniture and appliances. Make
yourself available for the movers for instructions
on where to place your furniture while unloading.
Stay there in case there are any questions.
• If you cannot be
at your home while the van is being unloaded
be sure to authorize a representative to
accept delivery and pay the charges for
you. Inform the destination agent of your
representative’s name. Your representative
will be asked to note any change in the
condition of your goods noted on the inventory
at the time of loading, and to note any
missing items at the time of delivery.
• By signing the inventory
sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt
of all items listed. Document any loss or
damage on the inventory sheet and report
this to the van line agent at destination,
immediately. Make sure you have your reference
number when calling the van line agent for
questions or concerns. You will also be
asked to sign the bill of lading and pack/unpack
certificate.
• Get a baby sitter
for your kids during the loading and unloading
process.
• Put your pets in
a room where they will not be in the way
of the loading and unloading process.
• If you wish to have
your goods unpacked you need to order this
service in advance. Limited unpacking and
removal of cartons may be requested on move
in day.
• Do not use your
stereos, computers, televisions, other electronic
devices and appliances for 24 hours after
delivery to prevent possible damage. Allow
them to adjust to room temperature.
• Payment is required
upon delivery in cash, traveler’s
checks, money order or cashier’s check.
Personal checks are not accepted. Unless
other arrangements were made in advance
you are required by federal regulation to
pay upon delivery for interstate moves.
•
Verify that all utilities have been disconnected
in your old home and connected in your new
home. Have your phone connected a day before
move-in day.
After
Moving
Settling
In
•
Locate your local post office, police station,
fire station and hospitals as well as gas
stations near your home.
•
Become familiar with your neighborhood shopping
areas. You may need house wares, tools or
other items for your new home unexpectedly.
•
Call the department of sanitation in your
new home to find out which day the trash
is collected and what type of recycling
programs are available in your community.
•
Get new service providers such as a bank,
pharmacist, cleaner, cable television etc
if you have not already done so.
•
Contact your local DMV if you have moved
to a different state to exchange your driver’s
license and register your vehicle.
•
Provide your new doctor and dentist with
your medical history.
•
Transfer insurance policies to your new
agent. You may also wish to make a detailed
list of your belongings, their value, and
you coverage.
•
Get information on schools, libraries, community
activities and emergency calling service
fro your local Chamber of Commerce.
•
Obtain local library cards.
•
Register to vote in your new city.
•
Decide which documents must be kept and
determine for how long. File and keep them
in a safe place.