1. In Search of a New Residence in the
Subscribe to the area's local newspaper in advance of your move. It usually contains
a large real estate section, which can be very helpful in giving you some idea
of the type of housing available in the
When looking for a new home, take along a tape measure and a list of the exact
dimensions of each of your major appliances and other large pieces of
furniture. Measure the areas provided for them to be sure your appliances and
furniture will fit. Establish credit in the
2. Preplanning Your Move
Plan the move as early as possible. If you are able to move at any time of the
year, don't wait until summer, the peak-moving season. Consider also that the
first and last few days of the month are extra busy. If you plan to sell your
house, get it on the market as soon as possible. If renting, give your landlord
timely notice of your moving date.
Keep a record of all expenses related to the move, some of which may be tax
deductible. Fill out the Personal Household Inventory for each room. This is
important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for the shipment,
and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible,
the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach any invoices or
records of purchase to the completed inventory. Prepare a separate high-value
inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary"
value. The following list includes items that might fall into this category:
* Antiques
* Art Collections
* Cameras
* China Collections
* Computer Equipment
*
* Figurines
* Firearms
* Jewelry
* Manuscripts
* Oriental Rugs
* Silver
* Stones Or Gems
* Tapestries
* TVs Or Stereos
3. Estimate of Moving Costs
Unless you have been given a binding estimate where a firm cost is established
in advance, the exact cost of a move cannot be determined until after the
shipment has been loaded on the van and weighed. The weight on which charges
are based is calculated by weighing the van before and after loading. The total
cost of the move will include transportation charges, any charges for declared
valuation, plus charges for any extra services performed at your request. All
of these charges are based on tariff rate schedules. Owner's Responsibility: It
is the owner's responsibility to see that your mechanical, electrical equipment
and appliances are properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the
moving van. For safe moving, have these items prepared by a licensed or
properly trained technician. This service may be performed by a technician of
your choice or by qualified personnel of the moving company. If the owner has
failed to have an item serviced, the van operator may load and haul it, but
will mark the inventory sheet, "Not Serviced-Loaded at Owner's Risk."
*Six to Eight Weeks before Moving Day: Have the moving company conduct a
household goods survey in order to furnish you with a written estimate, although
the final cost will depend on the actual weight of your household goods after
they are loaded on the van.
* Before the moving company arrives, inspect the property. Include the garage,patio and any storage shed.
Decide what to move and what to discard.
Remember the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of replacing
it.
* Decide whether you want to do any of the packing, or have it all done by the
moving company's experienced personnel.
Show the moving company everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that
are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges. Any items that are
later added to the shipment will add to the cost estimate.
4. Transfer of Personal Records
* Arrange for closing or transfer of charge accounts.
* Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered.
*Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage
at the new home.
* Obtain transcripts of the children's school records and credentials from
school authorities.
* Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical
prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and so on.
* Ask your doctor and dentist to recommend colleagues in the
* Obtain letters of introduction from your church, organization, club, and
business associates.
* Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations. Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business.
A lender's permission may be required to move personal property in which the
lender has an interest.
5. Four to Six Weeks before Moving Day
Planning Your Packing: If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting
suitable containers. You can purchase specialized containers from most moving
companies, such as:
* Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools).
* Wardrobe containers
* Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys).
* Medium-sized cartons for bulkier but not so heavy items (towels, linens, and
small appliances)
Collect other packing materials:
* White paper
* Tissue paper
* Paper towels
* Non printed paper (Usually can purchase this from your local newspaper at a
very reasonable price)
* Newspapers
* Tape or Strong twine for sealing containers
* Scissors or Sharp knife (keep out of children's reach)
* Felt marker to mark containers
* Notebook & Pencil for listing contents
* Labels or Stickers (Available from moving company)
Set goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is completed by moving day.
You may want to pack one room per week.
Attach a list of contents to each carton. Separate and mark goods that will go
into storage. Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items. If
you donate clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, get
receipts showing their approximate value for tax deductions?
Remember that the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of
replacing it. Begin to use up large supplies of canned goods and frozen foods.
Buy only what will be used before moving.
6. Places To Notify of Impending Address Change:
A. Utilities
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Telephone
* Fuel
* Trash removal
B. Professional Services:
* Doctor
* Dentist
* Accountant
* Lawyer
* Real estate Agent
* Stock broker
C. Insurance Agents:
* Life
* Health
* Fire
* Auto
* Boat
D. Established Business Accounts:
* Credit Cards
* Motor Vehicle Department
* Finance Companies
* Banks
* Department Stores
E. Government and Public Offices:
* Social Security
* Federal and state income tax offices
F. Publications:
* Newspapers
* Magazines
* Professional and trade
G. Credit Card Companies:
* Bank cards
* Oil companies
* Store cards
* Other cards
H. Miscellaneous
* Relatives and friends
* Business associates
* Book and record clubs
* Schools and colleges
* Church
*Landlord, if you are a tenant
*Tenants, if you are a landlord
7. Two to Three Weeks before Moving Day:
A. Let the post office know your moving date and new address. If you do not
have a permanent address by the time you move, the post office will hold your
mail and forward it upon written instructions from you. Phone the local
business office of the Telephone Company.
They can make arrangements for service in your new home and, on request, give
out your new number when your present number is called.
B. Contact all service companies as listed:
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Fuel
* Cable TV
If possible, arrange to have utilities connected
before your arrival.
C. Make family travel plans. Reserve air or rail transportation and hotel
accommodations as needed. Have your car prepared for the trip-tires, brakes,
lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed. Dispose of flammables such as
fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner.
Drain oil and fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly
used cans of oil, paint, syrup or any other substance that may leak. Carefully
tape-seal and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquids or
semi-liquids you do not wish to discard. Have rugs cleaned that are to be
moved. Leave them rolled and wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
If draperies are to be moved, have them cleaned and ready for alterations that
might be needed in your new home. Collect items that are being cleaned stored
or repaired (clothing, shoes, watches). Empty your
locker at any club you are a member of. Return library books and anything
borrowed from friends or neighbors. Also collect things you may have loaned.
D. Decide what to do with your houseplants.
E. Set a date with a reliable service person to prepare your appliances for
shipment, preferably the day before the move. Depending on the appliance, post
service may be needed for refrigerator, freezer, range, washer, dryer and
others. For more information, request a free booklet, generally provided by
most Home Moving companies. Pianos and organs need to be prepared for moving by
a specialized technician. Make arrangements to have utilities disconnected on
moving day:
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Fuel
* Cable TV
F. Plan to keep your telephone in service through moving day in case last
minute calls are necessary.
G. Take pets to the veterinarian. Make sure identification tags are securely
attached to the pet's collar.
8. Three Days before Moving Day
Instant Aid Box!
Pack a box for instant needs on arrival.
Mark the box "To be loaded last and Unloaded
first." Package each group of items separately in labeled paper bags. Here
are some suggestions.
A. Cleaning
* Powdered detergent
* Sponge
* Paper towels
* Dish towels
* Dish cloth
* Kitchen cleanser
* Window cleaner
* Scouring pads
B. Kitchen
* Paper plates, cups, napkins
* Plastic knives, forks, spoons
* Small saucepan
* Serving spoons
* Aluminum foil
C. Snacks
* Easy-to-open cans of pudding
* Dry soup mix
* Sandwich spreads
* Jars of cheese
* Package of crackers
* Boxes of dry cereals
* Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
* Instant creamer, sugar, salt
D. Bathroom
* Towels and face cloths
* Toilet tissue
* Facial tissue
* Soap, hand lotion, deodorant
* Toothbrushes and toothpaste
E. Miscellaneous
* Reading materials
* Puzzles
F. Last-Minute Packing
* Cellular telephone
* Light bulbs
* Flashlight
* Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, assorted
nails and screws
* Shelf paper
* Trash bags and ties
G. Children
* Coloring books and crayons
* A favorite toy or two
Complete the "Take-with-Me Inventory"
checklist in Appendix D. Check contents of drawers. Remove all things that can
spill or break. Soft goods such as blankets, pillows, blouses, shirts and
lingerie may be left in drawers. Pin clothing to hangers if it is to be moved
in wardrobe cartons to keep it from slipping off. Remove items left in the
attic or other storage areas. Empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can
dry at least 24 hours before moving. Be careful not to overlook the defrost
water pan. Failure to have the appliances completely dry can lead to mildew and
unpleasant odor.
For more information, request a free booklet, Moving Appliances and Other Home
Furnishings, from United Van Lines. Be sure the water is emptied from your
steam iron. Launder all soiled clothing prior to the day the appliance service
technician is expected. Take the telephone directory with you for contacting
former doctors, dentists, suppliers, etc., and for preparing holiday card
lists. Pack suitcases for the trip to the new home. Put in extra clothing for
emergencies. Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling. Take along
snacks such as fruit and cookies for the children.
Include towels for a quick cleanup. Arrange for a baby-sitter for moving day,
or have older children look after the younger ones.
9. Moving Day
A. Loading Your Belongings
* Be on hand when the movers arrive. Otherwise, it is
important to let the Mover know to whom you have given authority to take your
place. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do.
Remember, the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges!
* Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each
piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a
description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will
appear on the inventory.
* Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and the van operator has a
clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility
to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until
loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no
items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy and
keep it in a safe place.
* Check to see the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific
as to where and how you can be reached pending the arrival of your household
goods.
* Leave the phone connected throughout the moving day. Leave a note listing
your new address in a conspicuous place in the house so the new occupants will
be able to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered to them.
Take a last look around:
* Water shut off?
* Gas shut off?
* Air-conditioning shut off?
* Light switches turned off?
* All utilities arranged for disconnection?
* Windows shut and locked?
* Have you left anything?
* Lock the house and leave the keys with a responsible person, or in a
prearranged location.
B. At Your Destination
* Contact the destination Mover whose name appears on the forms signed as soon
as possible and indicate where and how you can be reached.
* Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives. If you
have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make necessary
arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection
service.
* Be on hand to accept delivery of your household goods. Otherwise authorize an
adult as your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.
Inform the Mover of the person so authorized. On the day of delivery, the van
operator will attempt to contact you by phone and make an appearance at the
residence if unable to reach you. If no one appears to accept the shipment within
the free waiting time, the goods will be placed in storage at the owner's
expense.
* Check your household goods, as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the
condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of
loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or missing items on
the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet,
you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
Personally report any loss or damage to the moving company
agent at destination immediately. (You must file the claim yourself; the
van operator cannot do it for you.)
* To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of your new home at the
entrance the movers will use, indicating where each piece of furniture should
go.
* When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct,including the lying of rugs
and setting up of bed frames, box springs and mattresses. However, appliances
and fixtures may not be installed. At your request and additional cost, the
agent may arrange for this service, and for refilling of waterbed mattresses.
* To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and
certain major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery,
allowing them time to adjust to room temperature. If you have paid for
unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking service and removal of the cartons.
C. Getting Settled
* If you have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make
necessary arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance
connection service.
* Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances.
* Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place.
You will need them for verification of moving expenses and for filing your
income tax returns. For more information on tax-deductible moving expenses,
consult an Accountant or Tax Specialist.
* Check with the post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to
start.
* Have your medical and dental records transferred after selecting a family
physician and dentist.
* You may want to select a Lawyer to discuss laws pertaining to your
destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills,
transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws,
taxes and the like. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new
state and city is established. Register to vote. Obtain new driver’s licenses.
* Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register
them.