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A Helpful Checklist of Things to Do BEFORE Your Move

The key to a successful move is planning, planning, planning. One could compare moving to planning a wedding. There is lots to do, and breaking them up into little pieces is the best way to make your move a successful one. The following information might help you on your quest for a smooth move.

What you need to do before you move.

WEEKS 12-9:

• If your employer is moving you, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
• Establish tentative dates for your move.
• Purchase a calender and begin laying out your plans.
• Interview and choose a realtor or notify your landlord of intent to vacate.
• When selling your home pay particular attention to the date you must vacate. Also keep in mind moving over a weekend can cost more.
• Begin an inventory of all household goods. Decide what to keep. Remember, if you have not used an item in 3 years you probably never will.
• Have a garage sale or donate unwanted items.
• Begin your mover selection process.
• Make a house hunting trip to your new town. Contact a real estate agent or get an apartment guide if you plan on renting.

WEEKS 8-7:

• Select the professionals at White Moving & Storage, Inc. to handle your relocation.
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify. Update your address book of friends, relative, and other contacts.
• Obtain a change of address kit from the local Post Office.
• Contact the Internal Revenue Service or your accountant for forms and information regarding tax deductible moving expenses.
• Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.

WEEK 6:

• If you have not found a house yet , it is time for a second trip to your new town.
• Select your new home, and arrange financing. Establish a tentative closing date.
• Check school schedules and enrollment requirements.
• Obtain church or synagogue information for your new area.
• Research new area for Doctors, Dentist and other necessary medical professionals.
• Determine requirements for new drivers licenses and transfer of registration/ license plates.
• Contact an insurance agent to arrange for coverage on your new home and contents, and for automobile insurance.
• Select a bank, establish accounts, and obtain safe deposit box.
• Obtain a floor plan of your new home and recruit the entire family to help plan furniture arrangement.
• If you still have not found a new home, secure a Post Office box for mail forwarding.
• Compile a list of utilities and their phone numbers. Determine any requirements to commence service. Try to start service at least the day before actual move in.
  

Week 5:

• Notify schools of when you are moving. Arrange for records to be transferred to new school system.
• Schedule pick up and delivery dates with your mover.

Week 4:

• If you are doing your own packing,get started.
• Send drapes for cleaning and arrange for carpets to be cleaned.
• Make travel plans and motel reservations for your trip.

Week 3:

• Arrange to have gas, electric, telephone, cable TV disconnected in your present home and connected in your new home. Make sure your telephone services are available for move out and move in.

	Disconnect Date	Connect Date
Phone Company
Gas Company
Electric Company
Water Service
Cable TV

• Make arrangements for child and pet care on moving day.
• If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pick up and/or delivery dates.
• Gather all your personal records: Doctors, Dentist, Lawyers, Accountant, Church, Schools
• Take pictures and/or video tape contents in home.

Week 2:

• Dispose of items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids, paint, paint thinner, Aerosols, and ammunition.
• Have your car serviced and ready for the trip.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian for immunization and preparation for the journey. Arrange for transportation, and obtain copies of your pets records and licenses.
• Drain oil and gas from all your power equipment. Remove batteries from all battery operated items.
• Cancel deliveries and services such as newspapers, diaper service, and trash collection.

Week 1:

• Complete a list of high value articles for packers. Make sure coverage selected is adequate for your valuables.
• Prescriptions? Have enough medication to last two weeks in your new home. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy in your new community.
• Make arrangements to pay for your move. All professional movers required a cashiers check on delivery unless prior arrangements for billing your employer have been made.
• Return any borrowed items.

3-4 days before you move:

• Finish last minute packing or prepare for your packers by having items of High Value together, pictures and wall hangings off walls.
• Separate items to go with the family on the trip. Place them in a secured area such as a bath room with a note on the door telling your packing crew not to pack contents in this room.

1-2 days before you move:

• Packing days, leave out only those items you absolutely have to, all other items should be ready to go.
• Clean out refrigerator, wipe down with Clorox, place a sock full of baking soda in bottom. Leave refrigerator door open to allow it to dry out.
• Gather the basic items you need to make the first couple of days in your new home comfortable. Pack these items in separate boxes and label them clearly so you can recognize them as they come off the moving van. Items such as light bulbs, garbage can and bags, extension cords, tool kit, flashlight, dust cloth , cleaning products, scrub brush, pail, disposable plates, cups and utensils, dish soap and sponges, foil or plastic Wrap, can opener, Paper Towels, Coffee pot and so on.
• Confirm arrival time with moving company.
• Plan to be at home and make yourself available to the movers the entire day of packing and moving.

Moving Day:

• Keep important documents and keys handy.
• Be on hand when driver arrives. Stay until the moving crew leaves.
• Accompany your driver through your house as he inventories your goods.
• Confirm your new address, travel plans and contact phone numbers with your driver.
• Before the movers leave, check through the house with your driver to make sure nothing was missed. Remember to check the attic, basement, closets, cupboards and drawers.
• Make sure your have your copies of bill of lading and inventory.
• Consider staying overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave the next morning fresh for your new home.

Upon arrival to your new home:

• Check circuit breakers or fuse box to be sure everything is on.
• Make sure all pilots are working on the stove.
• Install or check the batteries on smoke detectors.
• Make sure the telephones are working.

Delivery day:

• Meet your driver at your new house. Supervise unloading and placement of your goods.
• Check carefully for damaged or missing items. Make sure this information is written on your copy and on the drivers copy of the inventory.

Just a note:

Did you know that cats have been known to survive on moving trucks for weeks? Yes, it is true ! These curious critters have actually taken the inspection of their owners goods too far ! They end up inside mattress, wardrobes or other cartons. Undetected and acting as a stow away they take a free ride to their new home. This can be devastating to other family members. So, please make sure to have your pets accommodations taken care of before moving day. Take them to a neighbors, a kennel, or put them in an empty bath room and put a sign on the door "DO NOT OPEN, PET INSIDE"

Do you have a moving question or concern? Our moving consultants are here to help!

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