Ready to Move?
Moving is a significant undertaking, and while it may seem like you have all the time in the world to prepare, it’s easy to become overwhelmed if you don’t plan ahead. To stay on track in the weeks leading up to your moving day and settle in with ease, Preferred Movers suggests the following simple steps.
Eight Weeks Before Moving
- Start researching your new community. Read local newspapers online and request a new resident packet from the chamber of commerce.
- Create a file to keep track of important information regarding your move.
- Budget for moving expenses and get a quote from Preferred Movers.
- Visit the Preferred Movers web site for moving tips and other useful information.
Seven Weeks Before Moving
- If you’re moving to a new city, gather your medical and dental records and seek references for new providers from your current providers.
- Arrange to have your children’s school and/or daycare records transferred.
- Request copies of any legal or financial records you may need.
- If you’re moving to a new state, contact your insurance agent to check for any changes in your policies. Find out if moving services are covered by your current policy and arrange for insurance for your new home.
- Contact health clubs and other organizations you have joined to see about ending, selling or transferring your memberships.
- If you have pets, arrange to have their veterinary records transferred.
- Review the floor plan of your new home and think about the function each room will serve.
Six Weeks Before Moving
- Make a list of everyone who needs to be notified of your move including friends, relatives and businesses.
- Take an inventory of the items in each room and decide what to keep. Start planning a yard sale, contact local charities for donations, or properly dispose of any items you no longer need.
- Consider subscribing to the local newspaper in your new community.
- Begin using up items that can’t be moved, such as frozen food, bleach and aerosol cleaners.
Five Weeks Before Moving
- Start collecting boxes and packing supplies. You can order boxes and packing supplies now and Preferred Movers will deliver them to your door.
- Start packing items you don’t use often and donate or dispose of items you no longer need. (If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.)
- Think about potential deliver and pick up dates for Preferred Movers.
- Plan ahead for parking so Preferred Movers has the best access to your home.
Four Weeks Before Moving
- File a change of address with the post office. If you are unsure what your new address will be, ask that your mail be held at the post office in your new city.
- Make travel arrangements for pets and be sure to include any necessary medical and/or immunization records.
- Arrange to have utility services at your old home disconnected the day after you move; connect services at your new home the day before you move in.
- Host a yard sale and donate or dispose of items you don’t sell.
- Contact your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.
Three Weeks Before Moving
- Make sure all library books and other rented items are returned and pick up dry cleaning and items out for repair. Also retrieve any items out on loan and return any items borrowed from neighbors.
- Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. (Remember that plants cannot be loaded with other household items.)
- Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
- Have your car(s) serviced and prepare to have your auto registration transferred if moving out of state.
- If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on your move day if available.
Two Weeks Before Moving
- Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer funds or close your account. Remove any items secured in safety deposit boxes.
- Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
- Decide on the area where your Smart Vaults will be placed.
- Notify any creditors of your move.
- Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty your refrigerator and avoid the need to use appliances that will already be packed.
- Create a file of important information about the house for the new owner, including appliance warrantees.
One Week Before Moving
- Notify any creditors of your move.
- Finish packing and prepare a box of essential items you will take with you, such as daily medication and toiletries. Designate boxes of items you will need access to immediately upon moving in as “last load.” Pack suitcases and valuables separately.
- Drain water hoses and empty gas and oil from lawn mowers, gas grills, kerosene heaters and other motorized appliances.
- Contact Preferred Movers to confirm move with Preferred Movers.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least one day before moving.
- Pack and secure all appliances you plan to move.
- Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need.
- Make childcare arrangements for moving day if necessary.
- Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.
Moving Out
- You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded. Be familiar with our packing and loading tips and supervise hired labor.
- Preferred Movers will load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving “last load” items for the rear of your shipment. Last load items are those you will need upon moving in, such as your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets. Heavier, smaller boxes should be loaded on the bottom; lighter items on top. Be sure to wrap all furniture.
- Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time.
- Take note of utility meter readings just in case of a discrepancy later.
- Make sure the destination address and contact information on your BOL is correct.
- Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward stray mail.
- Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and where you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Moving In
- You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to make sure your new utilities have been connected.
- Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
- Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
- Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
- It is necessary for you to be present when Preferred Movers arrives. Show the driver where you want your items placed. If you are unable to do this, arrange for another family member or friend to accept your shipment.
After Your Move
- Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. Be sure to include your Bill of Lading (BOL) and delivery receipt. You’ll be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.
- Get a new driver’s license and new tags for your car(s).
- Register to vote in your new precinct.
- Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
Did you remember?
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Telephone
- Sewer
- Trash
- Cable/Satellite
- Fuel (Oil/Propane)
- Pharmacy
- Dry Cleaner
- Lawn Service
- Banks /Finance
- Credit Card Companies
- Health Club
- Dept. Motor Vehicles
- Doctor(s)
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Lawyer
- Insurance Agency
- Publications
- Auto Finance Company
- Veterans Administration
- Social Security Administration
