Moving Guide

6-8 weeks before your move:

• Decide which items you wish to take to your new residence. Items that you don’t need should either be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale.
• If you plan on packing your own items, start collecting suitable packing supplies. You may want to purchase boxes specially designed for moving household goods to prevent damage to your belongings.
• Think about the layout of your new residence and where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan that will ease the stress of making decisions once the furniture arrives.
• Now is the best time to make your travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.). Try to keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.
• Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or go to www.irs.gov. You can download and print Form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses. vaccination records. Plan on taking all vital documents such as: wills, stock certificates, and other one-of-a kind items
• Insurance, medical and dental records should be placed in a safe, accessible place. Also include prescription, and (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.) separately.

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4-5 weeks before your move:

• If you live in an apartment or condo complex, contact your property or building manager and inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.
• Get a US Postal change of address form and send it in or complete the Post Office's online form.
• Close any local charge accounts.
• Notify insurance companies of your move and transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
• Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected after you've moved.
• If necessary, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and ensure that they remain safe during the loading process.
• While sorting through your belongings, remember to return anything else you have borrowed.
• Remember to collect items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.

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2-3 weeks before your move:

• Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.
• Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.
• Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
• Each year people move without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Empty yours.
• If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
• Some state laws prohibit moving house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.
• Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

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1 week from your move:

• This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Check through this guide to make sure you haven't missed anything.
• Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods or you can print your own. These can include "Do Not Load", "Load First", "Load Last", and "Fragile". Take special care to label your goods appropriately.
• Pack your suitcases and confirm your family's travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of a change of schedule.
• At least one day before moving, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. If necessary prepare your stove to be moved. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.
• Prepare your first night survival kit - This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If you are stopping overnight be sure to pack essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

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Move day:

• Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
• Make sure you are on hand when the movers arrive. It's important to have an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority.
• Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers.
• Once the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
• It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To ensure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.
• Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.

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After your move:

• Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
• Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, the phone company should hook it up the day before "move-in day."
• Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
• To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

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Pets:

• Moving companies will not move living things so if you plan to move with your pets, they are your responsibility. There are numerous ways to help them adapt to their new environment.
• Unless traveling a very long distance, it is recommended that your pets accompany you in your car. It provides more of a sense of security for you and your pet.
• If your pet, especially your cat, isn't used to car travel, take it on short rides around the block beforehand and then gradually increase the distance. This will help condition your cat to your car and to the motion of the car.
• You may want to consult your veterinarian about medication or sedatives to reduce/eliminate motion sickness, agitation and/or crying.
• Make sure your pet has a proper collar with ID and rabies tag. Also store all health documents in one convenient place.
• If you're planning to stop at a hotel/motel along the way, call ahead to find out which ones permit pets. Have leashes on hand to move your pet from the car.
• Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before your drive.
• It is important that you are attentive to your pets' well-being. If they are uncomfortable in any way, make a stop.
• Plan on making frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops.
• Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is against the law.

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Kids:

• Talk about the neighborhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest and the benefits of your new residence.
• Involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas, including color choices, decoration and arrangement of furniture
• Make new friends and become involved and active in your new community immediately. Your children will follow your example during this transition period
• Encourage your children to keep in touch with old friends while making new friends.
• Let your kids tell the neighborhood that you're moving.
• Let them help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
• Help them collect addresses of their friends and neighbors.
• Involve them with a charity donation of toys, clothing, books etc.
• Consider having a "good-bye" party.

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