MEETING WITH YOUR MOVER

Walkthrough - Insure that the mover sees everything you intend to move in order to receive an accurate estimate of cost and to prevent items from being left behind. Garages, attics, basements and storage buildings are often overlooked.  Don’t forget yard art and furniture and playsets if they are being moved.

Access - Discuss the access at the destination.  Make your mover aware of any obstacles such as narrow winding roads, low hanging limbs or utility wires, steep driveways or stairs.  If possible, identify a staging area for items being removed from the truck in case of inclement weather or awkward access.

Insurance - Discuss your insurance requirements with your mover. Your mover will provide a specified amount per container.  You may elect to purchase additional insurance for greater protection.

Disassembly/Reassembly – Discuss with your mover which items you would like them to disassemble/disconnect and reassemble/reconnect and which items you will be responsible for. Click here for suggested items to discuss with your mover.

MONEY SAVERS

Self Pack - You can reduce the expense of your move by packing some or all household goods yourself. Discuss this option with your mover. Click here for packing tips.

Disassembly/Reassembly – You may reduce the expense of your move by taking care of some assembly and disassembly of items being moved. Click here for a list of items to discuss with your mover.

Self Transport  - Some items are awkward for your mover to pack and/or load.  If it is convenient, you may want to consider moving these items in your private vehicle.  Your mover can help you identify these items and make suggestions for proper care.  Click here for a list of suggestions.

IF YOU DON'T USE IT, LOSE IT!

Try not to move items you do not wish to keep.  Now is a good time to discard, donate or sell unwanted and/or unneeded items. You may want to consider a moving sale.  Click here for Moving Sale Tips.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Federal transportation laws prohibit movers from transporting certain items over the road.  These include items such as flammables, chemicals, ammunition and other hazardous items. Click here for a list. Make arrangements to properly dispose of these items prior to the move. Other items such as any open bottle of liquid or other food stuffs, candles or other heat sensitive materials, are not recommended for transport to avoid risk of damage to other items.

YOUR NEW HOME

Floor plan - Drawing a floor plan of your new home can help you plan what items you wish to take and where they will be placed when they arrive.  (Some furniture company web sites even have graph paper and templates of typical furniture items you can use to plan ahead.)

Utilities - Contact utilities such as water, gas, electric, telephone and television to insure a smooth transfer.

Appliances - If necessary, make arrangements with plumbers and/or electricians to have the appropriate connections for appliances installed at your new home.

YOUR NEW COMMUNITY

Information Please - Obtain a copy of the yellow pages for your new town well in advance of your move.  The local Chamber of Commerce can also most likely provide you with a “newcomer’s welcome packet” which will provide you with a listing of businesses in your new location which you may need to contact.

Storage - If you require storage at the new location, research now and make arrangements to secure this storage to insure it is in the most convenient location for you.

Medical Care – It is good to inform yourself of the location of the hospital nearest your home in advance of your move. You may even wish to select medical providers in advance of your move in the unfortunate event of illness or injury. Don’t forget veterinary care for your pets.

Bank – Establishing banking relationships in advance of your move will facilitate dealing with expenses that arise during the relocation process.

PACK IT UP!

You can reduce the expense of your move by packing some or all household goods yourself.

Click here for Packing Tips.

FINAL PREPARATIONS

Medical Records - Make sure you have up to date medical and dental records on all family members.

Prescriptions - Refill any prescriptions that you may be running low on.

Children - Make plans for your child(ren) for moving day for their safety and comfort.

Pets - Make plans for your pets. Make sure all shots are up to date. Secure appropriate health papers such as veterinary records, rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate if required. Consider how you will secure your pets on moving day. Click here for tips on moving with your pets.

School records - Arrange for school records to be transferred to new schools in your area.

Change of address - Make sure you fill out a US Postal Service change of address form for all members of the family who receive mail at your current address. Don't forget to notify companies with whom you have magazine or newsletter subscriptions. www.usps.com

Subscriptions - Discontinue your newspaper delivery or any other regular deliveries to your home.

Vehicles - Check any vehicles you will be using during the move to insure they are in good repair for your trip.

Documents and Valuables - Retrieve papers and other valuables from your safety deposit box. Mark the box containing these items not to be loaded by the movers. These items should remain in your possession during the move along with prescription medicines, fine jewelry, collectibles or other small valuables. Click here for a list of items that should remain in your possession.

Meals - Avoid buying more refrigerated groceries than you will consume up to moving day.  Try to plan meals to consume items already in the refrigerator and freezer.  Make plans for disposal of food you will not consume.  Plan simple meals ahead for the last few days prior to your move to reduce the added stress of preparation and clean up.

ON MOVING DAY

Set aside all items you will be keeping with you and identify those to the mover to prevent them being loaded.

If possible, make arrangements for child care while the loading process takes place for the safety and comfort of your child(ren).

Secure pets for their safety and security. Click here for suggestions about moving with pets.

Be available while loading is taking place to make sure all items to be transported are loaded and to answer any unforeseen questions that may come up.

Provide the mover with telephone numbers where you can be reached as well as the destination address and directions.

UPON ARRIVAL AT YOUR NEW HOME

Set aside a small area of the house to try to keep clutter free to be a place where you can eat and relax immediately after arrival. 

Secure the items you transported in a safe place where they will not be lost among incoming furniture and boxes.

If possible, make arrangements for child care while the loading process takes place for the safety and comfort of your child(ren).

Secure pets for their safety and security. Click here for suggestions about moving with pets.

Be available to help movers identify where items are to be placed.