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Up to 2 Months Before Your Move:

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Start a file of moving paperwork and expenses. These could be used for tax credits and claims. Talk to your accountant or financial adviser for more details.

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Make a home inventory in order to get a feel for the size and amount of goods you have. Start with your storage (Attic & Garage) and work your way through the rest of the house. As you are putting together your inventory list you can start logging which items you will keep, donate, or discard.

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Get antiques or valuables appraised, and for the items you don’t intend to keep maybe consider having a garage sale or passing items along to friends or a charity!

Order moving materials such boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other supplies. Once you receive these supplies, start to pack items such as seasonal clothing, sports gear, and other items not in immediate use.

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Arrange the transfer of medical, dental, legal records. Don’t forget to transfer childrens’ school records and pets’ veterinary records!

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Double Check your Documents: Be sure all personal, family, and financial records are accounted for: Birth certificates, passports, social security cards, and if applicable don’t forget about the contents in your safety deposit box.

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Between 1 and 2 Months Before Your Move:

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– Schedule a date for disconnection of all utility services, and schedule getting the utilities activated at your new location. Utilities to consider could include phone service, electric, gas, water, cable, satellite, internet, trash collection, and more.

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– Notify the post office of the move using the Change of Address form. This form and more information can be found here: https://www.usa.gov/post-office. You may also need to consider updating your information with your other various government agencies such as the IRS, your city/county Tax Assessor, DMV, the Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration, and others. Stay on top and ahead of the game!

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About 2-4 Weeks Before Your Move:

Make storage arrangements. Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved (i.e. plants, paints, cleaners, propane, flammables). Continue packing, discarding, and donating!

Call ahead and confirm parking for the moving trailer, and if applicable set reservations for elevators and obtain permits for loading. This should be done for both the location you are moving to and moving from.

Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family. If you are driving long distance to your new location, consider getting your vehicle inspected and serviced.

Consider notifying or reconfirming your move with your professional service providers such as:

• Medical care providers of any sort (Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacy, and others)

• Insurance Providers (Healthcare, Auto, and others)

• Bank/Credit Union/Finance Companies

• Credit Card Provider

• Accountant and/or Financial Planner

• Auto Finance Company

• Attorney

Consider notifying your more personal care providers, updating subscriptions, or transferring club memberships. What to consider:

• Fitness Club

• Monthly Subscriptions (Book of the Month, Magazines/Newspapers, etc.)

• Home Service Providers (Lawn Care, Exterminator, Snow Removal etc.)

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Between 1-2 Weeks Before Your Move:

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Prepare for moving insurance.  Accidents can happen and you should protect your valuables!

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Contact your bank or credit card company if you are planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card.

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Call us if you update your inventory list! Confirm your contact information so we can reach you on the day of the move!

Continue packing, discarding, and donating! Ideally this should be near completion during this phase. In the next section pertaining to the “week of the move” we lay out the specific items we recommend travelling with in your “travel kit”.

If you have house plants, you will need to plan their handling accordingly as we cannot safely move them. Plants require extra care because they may rely on an abundance of water and light, both of which are not always found in a moving truck or storage facility. You should also check state guidelines and regulations regarding your house plants as they may vary depending on your location. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine Program (USDA APHIS PPQ) and the plant health agencies in each of the 50 states are the regulating agencies which can be researched for further information.

Take pets to the veterinarian.  Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations.

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The Week of the Move:

Drain gas and oil out of lawnmower and any other gas operated equipment 72 hours prior to pick-up. Ensure the equipment is clean and free of debris, and only clean the equipment when they are not currently running.

Defrost your refrigerator at least 24-48 hours before the move. Clean and air out the interior as much as possible. You will want a clean and dry refrigerator/freezer in order to prevent any mold build up from occurring during storage and transportation. Draining and drying out steps should also be completed for any other applicable appliances/furniture such as hoses, water beds, or washing machines.

Disconnect all electronic appliances 24 hours prior to loading to ensure that they are at room temperature come moving day. This includes home computers, stereos, and audio/video equipment, etc.

Disconnect and prepare any remaining major appliances you intend to move.

Reconfirm all your travel arrangements are still in place. Remember, you will need to be present when we arrive so ensure travel arrangements for the attending party are set for after the window of time designated for loading the truck/trailer.

Finalize packing, discarding, or donating of any items! We recommend keeping some of the packed belongings with you and consider it your travel kit. This should remain with your party in case of unexpected emergency situations or delays.

For this travel kit we recommend you consider keeping the following:

• Prescriptions and medical equipment.

• Check book, credit cards, cash, traveler’s checks, etc.

• Passports, birth certificates, ID, keys, and other various items that can be difficult to replace.

• Documents pertaining to your move: inventory lists, measurements, lease agreements, etc.

• Items belonging to your babies, toddlers, or children such as diapers, stroller, car seat, medications, clothing, books, or toys.

• Pack a suitcase in case there are unexpected delays with your belongings.

• Communication devices such as cell phones or laptops. Also, any batteries or chargers for the devices.

• Anything else you may consider difficult to replace or a  travel necessity.

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Day Before the Move:

If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is properly organized and ready for loading before the crew arrives. This will make the process much more efficient and more enjoyable for both parties.

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If we are handling the packing be sure to clearly indicate any extra-fragile items that would garner special attention from the movers. When the crew is doing the packing be ready to specify which items you will want loaded into the truck, and which items will be traveling with you.

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 Day of the Move:

Be prepared to pay the remainder of your balance, if applicable.

Keep record of the inventory and document condition of goods before any loading has occurred. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After taking a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory.

Approve, sign, and date the Bill of Lading, Declared Valuation Statement, and other various forms of paperwork. These documents serve different purposes such as stating the terms and conditions pertaining to the handling and care of your goods, will assist with claims if needed, will work as your receipt, and may serve other various purposes.

Ensure our Truck Operator has the exact destination address.  Be sure to let them know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.

Check and double check all the rooms to ensure nothing is left behind. Make note of all utility meter readings, keep records of the condition the home was left, and pat yourself on the back because you should be just about wrapped up!