MOVING GUIDES AND TIPS

EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.

Begin an inventory of all household goods.

Solicit estimates from several moving companies.

Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowners policy to determine whether your possessions are cove when moving.

Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.

Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.

Choose a mover.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.

Fill out post-office change of address cards.

Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.

Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.

Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, etc.

Start packing!!

If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.

Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.

Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.

Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.

Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.

Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.

Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.

Arrange for child care on moving day.

If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

Arrange to move pets.

Check with mover about moving house plants. (Some movers will not move plants.)

Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.

If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE

Transfer all bank accounts.

Cancel newspaper delivery.

Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new destination.

Buy traveler's checks.

Make arrangements to pay for your move.

Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.

TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE

Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).

Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.

Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.

MOVING DAY

Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.

Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.

Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.

Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.

Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.

Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.

Give the driver directions to your new home.

Notify the driver and the van line where you can be reached during the move.

DELIVERY DAY

Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.

You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.

Supervise unloading and unpacking.

Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.

Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.