Preparing For The Move
There's so much to do before you move that the list seems almost endless.
However, here is a list of items that can be completed well in advance
of your moving date.
6 weeks before moving:
Fill out
a change of address order form for the post office.
Prepare an
inventory of everything you own. Divide this inventory into three
separate categories: items to be handled by the mover, items to
be handled by you, and items to be left behind.
Pack stock
certificates, wills, and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos,
and home videos) that will be difficult or impossible to replace.
Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
Get rid of
what you don't need either through a garage sale, give to friends
or charity, or haul off to the dump.
Contact your
insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto, and medical
insurance.
Organize
dental and medical records. Include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications,
and vaccination records.
Inquire about
changes that you may incur in your auto licensing and insurance
when moving.
Notify your
childrens' school(s). Make arrangement for records to be forwarded
to the new school district.
Contact any
clubs or organizations you are associated with for information
on transferring, selling, or ending your memberships.
Get acclimated
to your new community. Drive around and learn where the important
destinations are, e.g. shopping districts, hospitals, police and
fire departments.
Contact the
Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau to request information
on schools, parks and recreation, community calendars, and maps.
If you plan
to do any part of the packing, start collecting suitable containers
and packing materials.
Cancel local
deliveries.
If you have
pets, call your new town to determine if there are any specific
requirements for pet ownership. In addition, obtain and transfer
veterinarian records.
Register
your children in their new schools.
Fill out
an IRS change of address form.
Make arrangements
with your moving company, or reserve a rental truck.
Make travel
arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies,
and hotels.
Transfer
memberships in churches, clubs, and civic organizations.
Obtain medical
and dental records, x-rays, and prescription histories. Ask your
doctor and dentist for referrals, and transfer prescriptions.
Set up a checking account in your new city.
Check into
the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based
businesses, professional tests, business licenses, and any special
laws that might be applicable to you.
Take inventory
of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need
to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or
video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic
equipment.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Switch
utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water,
newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies
of your move.
Arrange for
help on moving day.
Confirm travel
reservations.
Reserve elevator
if moving from an apartment.
Have appliances
serviced for moving.
Clean rugs
and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
Plan ahead
for special needs of infants.
Close bank
accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing,
be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments
that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables
from your safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents
before mailing, or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with
your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your
homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
Defrost freezer
and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close
friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be
reached if needed.
On Moving Day
Double
check closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to be sure
they are empty.
Pack important
documents, currency, and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
Strip your
beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a 'Load Last' box.
Make sure
to be on hand when the movers arrive.
Confirm the
delivery date and time at your new address. Write directions to
your new home for the driver. Provide the new phone number, and
include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit (cell
phone).
Make sure
to take along the driver's name, address, and telephone number.
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.
Review all
details and paperwork with driver. 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
all of your goods are loaded.
Perform a final inspection of the premises.
After Arriving At New Home
Renew your
driver's license, auto registration, and tags.
Shop around
for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
Revise your
will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher
legal fees.
Have all
utilities turned on. (Phone, gas, electricity, Internet, water,
cable TV, etc.)
Locate the
hospitals, police stations, veterinarian, and fire stations near
your home.
Be at the
premises when the movers arrive. Remain on the premises while
your belongings are being unloaded. If you cannot be there personally,
be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept
delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent
of your chosen representative's name.
Have payment
on hand for your moving charges. Unless other billing arrangements
were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash,
traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check. Most of the
time, personal checks are not accepted.
Confine your
pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running
away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
Review your
floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture,
appliances, beds, and boxes. Be available to direct them as they
unload.
To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other
electronic equipment, and major appliances should not be used for
24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.
If you follow these ideas, tips, and suggestions, you should be
able to accomplish your move with a minimal amount of disruption
and heartache. |