|
4 Weeks before Moving
Contact building management to inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done. Remember to keep this in mind when planning to move, especially if you are doing your own packing. If you cannot finish packing or your move in the day and time allotted to you, can accumulate unforeseen costs.
Contact your moving company to schedule your move date. It is always easier to change your move date than to reschedule at the last minute.
Close any local charge accounts.
Make airline and hotel reservations (if necessary).
Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.
3 Weeks before Moving
If necessary arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
While you are sorting through your belongings, remember to return library books and anything else you have borrowed. Also remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, watches, etc.).
2 Weeks Before Moving
Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.
Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.
Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
Clean out school or gymnasium lockers.
Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
Each year many people move without clearing their safety deposit boxes. Don't be one of them.
You should carry valuables with you. If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. Some state laws prohibit the moving of house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.
Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
Dispose of flammable items such as cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
1 Week Before Moving
This is your week to tie up loose ends. Check back through this guide to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.
Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods.
These can include "Do Not Load", "Load First", "Load Last", and "Fragile". Take special care to label your goods appropriately.
Put linens and pillows in the dresser drawers for making your beds the first night in your new home.
Pack your suitcases and confirm your families travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected change of schedule.
Make sure your moving agent knows the address and phone number where you can be reached if your are not going directly into your new home.
At least one day before moving, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
Prepare a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If your are stopping overnight be sure to pack items such as toothbrushes and other essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.
The packing crew usually arrives the day before the van is loaded. Be sure someone is on site to supervise the packing.
Notify police if your home will be unoccupied after you leave.
Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of an emergency.
"Moving Day"
Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
Make sure to be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do. Remember - this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number, and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions, like what to load first and last make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers. If you choose to have your mover handle your valuables or other fragile goods, tell the mover in advance.
When the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory. Make sure you get a copy of the inventory.
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.
Check the Bill of Lading for completeness before you sign it. Retain a copy for your records.
If you get to the destination before the mover, be patient. They might have encountered traffic or some other type of delay.
Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.
Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat at 55 degrees.
|
|
