MOVING TIPS

SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE:·         Use up things that may be difficult to move, such as frozen food. ·         Get estimates from professional movers or from truck rental companies if you are moving yourself. ·         Once you've selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading and delivery, and the claims procedure. ·         Sort through your possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell and what you wish to donate to charity. ·         Record serial numbers on electronic equipment, take photos (or video) of all your belongings and create an inventory list. ·         Change your utilities, including phone, power and water, from your old address to your new address. ·         Obtain a change of address packet from the post office and send to creditors, magazine subscription offices and catalog vendors. ·         Discuss tax-deductible moving expenses with your accountant and begin keeping accurate records.
 
TWO TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE:·         If you're moving to a new community, contact the Chamber of Commerce and school district and request information about services. ·         Make reservations with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies, if needed. ·         If you are moving yourself, use your inventory list to determine how many boxes you will need. ·         Begin packing nonessential items. ·         Arrange for storage, if needed. ·         If you have items you don't want to pack and move, hold a yard sale. ·         Get car license, registration and insurance in order. ·         Transfer your bank accounts to new branch locations. Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payments from your accounts if changing banks. ·         Make special arrangements to move pets, and consult your veterinarian about ways to make travel comfortable for them. ·         Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. ·         Collect items from safe-deposit box.
ONE WEEK BEFORE:·         Talk to your pharmacist about transferring important medical prescriptions. ·         Arrange for a babysitter on moving day. ·         Return library books and DVDs.
TWO TO THREE DAYS PRIOR:·         Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. ·         Have movers pack your belongings. ·         Label each box with the contents and the room where you want it to be delivered. ·         Arrange to have payment ready for moving company. ·         Set aside legal documents and valuables that you do not want packed. ·         Pack clothing and toiletries, along with extra clothes in case the moving company is delayed. ·         Give your travel itinerary to a close friend or relative so they can reach you as needed.
MOVING DAY:OLD HOME·         Pick up the truck as early as possible if you are moving yourself. ·         Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck. ·         Let the mover know how to reach you. ·         Double-check closets, cupboards, attic, basement and garage for any left behind items. NEW HOME·         Be on hand at the new home to answer questions and give instructions to the mover. ·         Check off boxes and items as they come off the truck. ·         Install new locks. ·         Confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use. ·         Unpack your "first day" box (see below for suggested contents). ·         Unpack children's toys and find a safe place for them to play. ·         Examine your goods for damage
PACKING TIPS
ESSENTIAL PACKING MATERIALS:·         furniture pads ·         handtruck or dolly ·         packing tape ·         bubble wrap ·         newspapers or packing paper ·         scissors ·         utility knife ·         labels ·         felt-tip markers ·         cornstarch packing "peanuts" ·         plenty of boxes
Pack a "first day" box with items you will need right away...  
HANDY ITEMS INCLUDE: ·         scissors ·         utility knife ·         local phone book ·         coffee cups ·         teakettle ·         instant coffee or tea, soft drinks ·         pencil and paper ·         soap ·         bath towels ·         trash bags ·         shelf liner ·         paper plates ·         snacks ·         toilet paper ·         children's toys and books