"Moving Made Easy" – Tips For A Successful Move

Moving Timetables are different for everyone, but by planning carefully it can go much more smoothly. Here you will find some helpful tips that you may not have thought of.

Six Weeks Before Moving Day:
• Put a change of address in at the post office to be effective on the day you move.
   Keep a list of the people you need to notify and check it off as you do. Change
   magazines and other computer-addressed mail now.
• Start a file or binder of vital papers and reminders where you can divide them into
   categories.
• If you have not already, get estimates from moving companies. Remember that
   June through September are busy moving months.

Five Weeks Before Moving Day:
• Select a moving company and decide who will pack. You- or the movers. Movers generally pack the day before the move.
• Start sorting. Decide what to move sell or give away. Take cuttings or give away extra house plants.
• Create a sketch of new home for the movers with furniture placement.
• Video or photo your belongings before packing. Inventory your possessions.
• Start packing things that are seldom used.

Four Weeks Before Moving Day:
Take care of legal contracts like credit cards, bank accounts, charge accounts. Some other things to change:

• Utilities and telephone service including reconnecting in new town
• Memberships to clubs and churches
• Insurance; auto, homeowners and medical
• Employment agreements
• Wills, trusts, safe deposit box
• Leased products and services
• Make sure your employer has your new address. Get letters of reference to
  establish new credit.
• Talk to the vet about moving pets and get records. Check airline restrictions for
   pets.

Three Weeks Before Moving Day:
• Get copies of children's medical/dental records, birth certificates and school
  transcripts. Ask doctors for recommendations in your new area.
• Fill prescriptions and get copies for new physicians.
• Drop off dry cleaning
• Pick up anything being repaired, serviced or on layaway.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day:
• Check address-change list. Everyone notified?
• Make reservations. Early booking can save money, but last minute changes can be costly. Book at the last chance to save.
• Have car serviced for the trip
• Collect children's activities for the trip
• Arrange to have major appliances serviced for the trip if needed
• Plan farewell parties and goodbyes

One Weeks Before Moving Day:
• Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator. Leave open.
• Get traveler's checks. Empty safe deposit box. Consider cashier's check to open new bank account in new town and certified
   check for house closing. Make arrangements to pay movers.
• Pack suitcases with personal belongings to use until moving van arrives.\
• Finish packing kitchen. Pack most needed items together- Coffee pot, canned food, can opener, trash bags, and light bulbs.
   Mark package “Care”. Pack on truck last to be unloaded first.
• Pack the car if driving with picnic items and food to save money along the way.

Moving Day!
• Strip beds
• Load last minute items in car.
• Be available to movers for questions and to supervise. Mark boxes for placement i
   new house.
• Check inventory carefully and make sure movers know how to contact you en
   route. Give them map and directions to new house.
• Check rooms, cupboards, closets, drawers, washer and dryer. Empty garbage.
• Sweep or vacuum
• Leave new address so that new owner can forward mail.
• Say goodbye to the old house and lock up, leaving garage openers and keys in the
   designated place.

Moving In!
• Be at new home a day before the movers to be sure utilities are connected and
  plan for where to put everything.
• When movers arrive open “Care” package to start feeling at home.
• Direct movers as they unload and where to put furniture. Check off inventory list.
• Check exterior of cartons before signing off on the receipt.
• Celebrate and enjoy your new home!