The biggest mistake most people make is failing to plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute, especially during movers' busy summer season, limits your options and can result in disappointment when it comes to securing the services of the mover you want at the date of your choosing.
We suggest you begin making arrangements at least six to eight weeks before the moving date.Eight Weeks before your Move
- Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
- Begin an inventory of all household goods.
- Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowner's policy to determine whether your possessions are cove when moving.
- Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
- Arrange to transfer child's school records.
- Book the order for service with your moving consultant.
- 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
Start packing!
- If our moving team is doing the packing, arrange for it with your moving consultant.
- Send furniture, drapes, and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
- Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.
- Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
- Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations.
- 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 childcare on moving day.
- If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
Two Weeks before you Move
- Arrange to move pets.
- Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
- If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.
- Transfer all bank accounts.
- Cancel newspaper delivery.
- Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new destination.
- Buy traveler's checks.
- Make arrangements to pay for your move with a postal money order or cash.
- Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
Two Days before you Move
- Start packing your goods (unless our moving team is doing it for you).
- Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
- Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
- Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to your moving team and stay until they are finished.
- Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
- Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.
- Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
- Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid.
- 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.
- Notify the driver and your moving consultant where you can be reached during the move.
Delivery Day
- Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
- You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
- Supervise unloading and unpacking.
