Moving Tips
- Get rid of anything you aren't bringing with you.
- Find out where to dispose of household chemicals like old paint.
- Make a list of everything you're bringing to your new home.
- Find out the replacement value of all belongings, for insurance purposes.
- Fill out a change of address form. Notify friends, family and others of your new address.
- Get copies of your medical and dental records, if necessary.
- Get copies of veterinary records, if necessary.
- If you're moving out of state, find out about auto licensing and insurance.
- If you're moving in-state, find out where and how to change your address on your driver's license.
- Notify your kids' schools and have their records transferred to their new schools.
- Return any cable equipment.
- Make hotel and airline reservations if you need them.
8 to 14 days before you move:
- Return library books or any other borrowed items.
- Collect all the items you may have loaned out.
- Make arrangements to disconnect gas, electric and other utilities.
- Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new place.
- Arrange to have major appliances prepped for the move.
2 to 7 days before you move:
- Get rid of all flammables.
- Figure out what you're bringing with you in the car or plane.
- Arrange for removal of "installed items" you're bringing with you, like a TV antenna or shelves.
- Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries you'll need the first day in your new home.
- Pack a special box with other essentials you'll need for the first few days. (Make sure to mark this box "Do Not Move")
The day before Moving Day:
- Take down curtains and curtain rods.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry.
- Clean and air your stove.
- Plan your breakfast. Paper plates service is fine. Eating something on the road is better.
- Pack your personal belongings/except your alarm clock.
- Go to sleep early/you'll be glad of it tomorrow.
Moving Day:
- Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
- Strip the beds but leave them intact. We will dismantle them.
- Make sure you're at home when the movers arrive, so you can sign an inventory.
- Walk around with the crew chief while he does the inventory.
- Make sure everything's been readied for the move.
- Keep your signed bill of lading and inventory in an easily accessible place.
- Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone number.
- Confirm the expected delivery time with the driver.
- Before you leave, do a final walkthrough of every room. Check all closets and cabinets.
1 to 7 days before the move:
- Transfer all bank accounts to their new locations. Empty any safety deposit boxes and keep valuable items on hand and packed in a special place to take with you.
- Return any movies, library books, loaned items, and anything else that you won't be packing away.
- Return or remove any installable equipment, such as cable boxes, satellite receivers, dishes, etc. Get your prescriptions filled to last throughout the move, and contact your old and new pharmacies to have your prescriptions transferred.
- Pretend you are taking a trip for a few days; pack a suitcase with clothes, toiletries, and anything else you might need for this trip. Pack a special box with other items you might need for a few days. Chances are you will not be fully moved in the first few days at your new home and you'll be thankful later when you have a ready supply of clothes and toiletries without the need to unpack.
- Plan how to get to your new place. Write down directions and a map if necessary to give to your movers, friends, and family.
- Defrost and clean your freezer. Use up any items left in your refrigerator and freezer. Have a dinner party or barbecue with friends and cook up any leftover perishable food. It's better to enjoy it than let it go to waste.
- You should have all your packing done by now. Pack your bare necessities the last few days before moving, but be sure everything is done before the movers arrive.
DO NOT MOVE: Hazardous materials including anything flammables or corrosives, like paint, cleaning products, antifreeze and oil, and of course, gasoline. Also, if you have got a gas grill with a tank, be sure the tank is completely empty before either you or the mover takes it.