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How to Plan Your Move

Plan Ahead

Summer time is the busiest time of the year for movers. In addition, the beginning and end of each month are traditionally busier than mid-month, regardless of the season. If you are planning to move during one of the times, plan well in advance so your mover's schedule will fit yours.

Now it is time to contact the movers on your list. Inform them of your destination and the timing of your move. Ask movers to provide you with a written estimate, and have them explain the services listed in the estimate in detail. Carefully compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs and budget.

Check out our moving planner, Countdown to Moving Day, to be sure you don't forget anything.

Packing

Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with the mover a day or two before the moving van is loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to start. While packing yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept liability for damage to items packed by owners.

Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these services for you.

There are several options for insuring your goods. All household goods shipments move under limited liability. However, you may purchase additional liability coverage from your mover.

Planning Your Moving Day

Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days during which your goods can be loaded and a second series of dates during which your goods can be delivered to your new home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule. Remember that summer months are the busiest, and some movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April.

Moving Day

COUNTDOWN TO MOVING DAY

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 children'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.

HAPPY MOVING!