PLACES TO NOTIFY
Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service Web site.
Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your move.
The following checklist will be helpful:
MISCELLANEOUS
Have a “garage sale” or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items.
Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations. Obtain receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.
Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what will be used before moving.
WORKING WITH THE MOVERS
Notify your agent if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Be sure to supply your agent with destination address and phone numbers where you can be reached.
Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points.
If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a suitable loading site. Also be prepared to pick up your car at a suitable destination location.
PREPARING THE FAMILY
Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
Have a going-away party for the children and their friends.
Have some fun for yourself…an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue. Keep it simple.
Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.
If driving, have your car serviced for the trip (check tires, brakes and windshield wipers, fluids, belts, etc.)
PREPARING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak.
Discard propane tanks which are used for barbecue grills.
Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment.
Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep utilities in service through moving day.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving because some products might soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture could cause mold if furniture must be placed in storage.
Decide what to do with house plants. Plants may suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van.
ALTERNATIVES
OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
Collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, etc.). Empty your locker at the club, bowling alley or gym.
Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you may have loaned.
WORKING WITH THE PACKERS
Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at destination.
If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, the van operator will check to see if boxes have been properly packed.
Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children’s toys, and place in separate groups.
Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos, and audio/video equipment.
LAST MINUTE DETAILS
Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.
Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.
It is your responsibility to see that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van at your expense. If you have failed to have an article serviced, the van operator may load and haul it but will mark the inventory sheet “Not Serviced.”
WORKING WITH THE MOVER
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the van operator and keep it.
Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure to complete and sign the declared valuation statement.
Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading, if applicable to your shipment.
Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be sure to let the van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.
LAST MINUTE DETAILS
Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish last-minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.
TAKE A LAST LOOK AROUND
Download a printable PDF version of our moving checklist.