Preparing For Your Move: Week By Week Planning Guide

 

Whether your move is a local move or a long distance move, moving is a stressful task. With numerous decisions to be made and so many things to be taken care of, there is enough scope for messing up things and making the move all the more stressful.

 

However, proper organization and planning things in advance can set things right to a large extent. It is, therefore essential to start preparing weeks ahead of the move. Here are a few tips for things to be taken care of weeks before you move so that you do not overlook anything.

 

6-8 Weeks Before Moving:

 

This is the correct time to start getting the details of the move.

 

1.List out the things you wish to take to your new home. Make a list of items to be handled by the mover and those you will handle yourself. Dispose off the items that you do not need. You could consider having a garage sale.

2.Get estimates from several moving companies and calculate possible expenses so as to determine whether you require any financial assistance.

3.Conduct a proper research and select a professional moving company. After selecting your mover, give him accurate information and discuss costs, packing, timing and other necessary details.

4.Maintain a separate file to store important information and receipts for moving related expenses. Since many moving expenses are tax deductible, contact Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for information on tax deductions and the receipts you will require.

5.Inform clubs or organizations you are associated with for transferring or ending your memberships.

6.Familiarize with the new community. Find out about the schools, parks and recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Bureau.

7.Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance through your insurance agent.

8.Place all your medical records in a safe place. Do not forget prescriptions, vaccination records and other important specifications. Keep all important documents, such as will, stock certificates, jewelry, coin collection, and other such items.

 

4-5 Weeks Before Moving:

 

1.If you are planning to do some part of the packing start collecting moving and packing supplies. These can be purchased from your moving supply company.

2.Contact the post office and fill US postal change of address form and submit the changed address to telephone Company, trash Company, cable company, water company, electricity company, Internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies and utility companies.

3.Register your children in their new schools. It would be a good idea to involve kids in the moving process. They can be made to do their own packing and labeling.

4.Contact utility companies - electricity, gas, phone and others for disconnection after your scheduled move out. And call ahead to have utilities connected to your new home.

5.If you have pets make arrangements for transporting pets. Find out if there are specific requirements for pet ownership in your new township. Also obtain the veterinarian records.

 

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

 

1.If you have little kids, it would be advisable to arrange for a baby-sitter to watch the kids on moving day and ensure they remain safe during the loading process.

2.Remember to return the library books and anything that you borrowed and collect items you have given for repairing or cleaning.

3.Instead of packing, carry your valuables with you. Some state laws do not allow moving of house plants. Plants could be given to friends or perhaps local charity.

4.In case you are going to travel by your car, get the automobile serviced.

5.You must decide by now how much packing you will handle yourself. Start packing things that you do not require.

6.Make sure you have cleaned basements and attics. Do not forget clearing safety deposit boxes. 7.Disassemble your computer system and take a back up of all computer files on a disk. Avoid exposure of software to extreme temperatures.

8.Dispose the inflammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

 

1 Week Before Moving

 

1.Make sure your goods are labeled being 'fragile', 'load first', 'load last', and 'do not load'. This is important to ensure the safety of your goods.

2.Ensure that your agent knows the correct address and phone number your new home. If possible provide the agent with an address and phone number to get in touch with you until you get to your new home.

3.It is important to empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least a day before moving.

4.Make flexible plans, giving scope for arrangements in case of unexpected delays. Confirm travel arrangements and keep a list of items you will require while your belongings are in transit.

5.Pack a box separately with the things you will need on arriving at your new home.

For example- non-aerosol cleaning supplies, snacks, disposable plates and cups, bathroom items and trash bags.

 

Moving Out Day

 

1.Thoroughly check your closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to make sure nothing is left.

2.Turn off all the switches and lock all doors and windows.

3.Be around throughout the loading process. Inspect the premises and see to it that nothing is left behind. 4.There must be someone to direct the movers. The driver must have in writing your name and phone number. Also remember to take destination agent's name, address and contact number.

5.Be patient if you reach before your mover.

6.Sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.

 

Move -In Day And After

 

While unloading make sure there is no damage and no item is missing. Make sure the utilities are connected. Carry traveler's check for quick payments. Plan out placement of major items in your home. Later, you need to renew your driver's license and revise will and other legal papers. Locate the hospitals, police stations, and fire stations near your new home.

 

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