Six weeks prior to moving
day:
List all items which are to be moved and categorize by room. Contact moving companies to obtain estimates
- three
companies should suffice. Plan the date of the move after closing
on your new home. Contact telephone, electric, utility and cable
companies regarding the procedures to return deposits and
disconnect services. Check with any other
companies such as security, lawn service, etc. for final billing.
Contact the Post Office regarding your change of address and the
date of move. Most Post Offices carry the "mover's kit",
provided at no cost from the Post Office, which is used to
notify correspondents and publications
of your change of address. Register children in their new schools by obtaining
records from your current school and completing the necessary
forms. Transfer club memberships
if possible or have fees refunded. Review homeowner's insurance;
notify of cancellation if new insurance is obtained. Clean out
closets, sheds, toys, bookcases, etc. Schedule a garage sale
if possible. Consider donating items to charity. Obtain receipt
for goods for tax purposes. Check with your tax agent to identify
any costs that may be deductible. For further information
regarding tax deductible costs related to your move, visit the Internal Revenue Services web site at http://www.irs.gov.
Two to three weeks prior to moving
day:
Contact telephone, electric, utility, and cable companies to
confirm date to discontinue service. Discontinue other services
such as newspaper delivery, gardeners and security. Be sure
the date of moving into
your new residence coincides with new services such as phone
service, utility services and cable. Verify with moving company
last minute details and packing plan. Obtain copies of all medical
records, prescriptions needed, and referrals at new location
for physicians and dentists, if possible. Keep important
documents, prescription medications and jewelry with you as
they should not be packed. This will ensure, in case of delay,
that these important items are available.
One week prior to moving day:
Use up cleaning supplies, aerosol containers (like hairspray),
bleach, etc. Do not pack or ship flammable items. Food or frozen
items cannot be packed. Use as much as possible, then prepare
to clean out refrigerator. Pack a container to include first
aid kit, some essential toiletries as well as a hammer and
screwdriver. Prepare your children and pets for moving by packing
a special box for their entertainment (This can include snacks
and toys.) Remove fuel from equipment such as lawn mowers, gas
grills, and motorcycles. Prepare for your
first night in the new residence by packing linens and pillows
in dresser drawers.
The day before your move:
Defrost and clean refrigerator and freezer. Mark all boxes with
the contents and designate room location. Have someone
supervise
the packing for accuracy. Fragile items and valuables may be packed prior
to the mover's arrival; decide whether the movers are moving
these items or not. Arrange with the new owners or real estate
person where to leave keys. Leave information with the police
in case of emergency and be certain a trusted friend or relative
has knowledge of your whereabouts. Prepare your checklist of
items so that you may compare with the mover's inventory. Determine
whether or not it is necessary to take photographs.
Day of move: Review the 'Bill of Lading' and mover's inventory for completeness
before signing Keep copies of all transactions for income tax
purposes, including lodging, transportation, meals and gas. Search
the entire house before movers leave. Confirm directions, name
of driver and new numbers of destination. Load up items including
luggage and valuables before movers leave. Plan to arrive at
destination prior to movers. Verify if there are additional
charges applied if the movers arrive first.
Move-in day: Check all appliances for working condition. Call repair
service if needed. Check with the post office for any mail being
held. Check all boxes being unloaded by movers on inventory
list. Make a note of any damage for insurance purposes.
Following these recommended steps will help greatly reduce much of the
stress of moving. |
