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6-8 Weeks before moving

? Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start getting the details of your move.

? This is the time to decide what items you wish to transport to your new home. If you decide to dispose of items that you don?t need you should either donate them to a charity or consider having a garage sale. Contact a local charity or pick a date at least two weeks before moving date for the garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally. Team up with your neighbors who want to sell some of their old belongings, and plan a large neighborhood "sale".

? Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing. You can purchase all these materials from any van line agent or a moving supply company. All boxes that you purchase from a van line agent or a moving supply company are specially designed for the moving industry to prevent any damages to your belongings. Getting boxes from other sources may create some difficulties when packed in the van. These boxes may be unusually sizes and they may not be strong enough to prevent damages to items packed inside.

? Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home that will prevent the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

? Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.

? All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

? Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by visiting the IRS website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.

? Finalize all real estate and rental needs.

? Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.

? All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

? Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.).

4-5 Weeks before moving

? Contact the Post Office for the Change of Address form to tell of your move. Give your new address to: Friends and family.

Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions Credit card companies, Doctors, dentists and other service providers. Any clubs or associations memberships. Local government agencies, Federal agencies and IRS. Magazine and newspaper subscription.

? It is the time to take a look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines, broken items, old toys can be left behind. Remember-adding more weight to your shipment costs more money.

? Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will not transport, what items your van line agent will move and what items you will move yourself.

? Make a decision if the items not going that will be sold at a garage sale, picked by a charity or trash it.

? Make a decision on who will do most of the packing or all the packing. It is a good idea that you let the van line agent do most of the packing. The van line agents know the best methods for keeping items safe; that's what they do for a living.

? If you will do most packing or all the packing please refer to our packing guide. Any one of a kind items must get special attention. Please ask the van line agent you use for further details about handling unusual and delicate moving situations. Start preparing those items not used often for your move.

? Get your kids involved with the moving process. Let your kids do some packing and let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move.

3 Weeks before moving

? Notify your van line agent if there are any changes in the dates of your move. If you will need any additional accessorial service such as piano moving, packing and unpacking, storage you should inform the van line agent for pricing information. Also inform the van line agent if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.

? Decide how much packing your will handle yourself. You should inform the van line agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.

? Whether you move your car with the van line agent or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.

? Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants.

? Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states will require these documents.

? You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

? Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.).

2 Weeks before moving

? Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts. Clear all your safety deposits boxes.

? Disassemble and disconnect your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files disks with you in the car. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.

? Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attics and the items that you will take.

? Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped. Please refer to items not allowed to be shipped section for more information.

? Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic, non-flammable in plastic bags.

? Drain your lawn mower, snow blower, power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.

? Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.

? If you need to store anything call your van line agent about storage options available.

? Inform gas, electric, cable, and telephone services of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your scheduled moving day. Sign up for services at your new address and connect them on your moving in day.

? Have your automobile serviced if your travel is by car.

1 Week before moving

? Make sure to mark which items you'll take yourself, so the movers won't take them or have any questions.

? Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house.

? Mark your boxes to be shipped with "Fragile", "Do Not Load", "Load Last" stickers.

? Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.

? Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delay or schedule change.

? Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.

? Arrange for payment to your van line agent. Contact your van line agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted.

? Inquire with your van line agents about protecting your goods. Please refer to protection options available during your move.

During Moving day...

? "Work" with the movers. Be on hand when the movers arrive. If you are not able to be present while the movers are there designate an authorized person who will be authorized to take your place. Let the moving agent know to whom you have given the authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do and which valuation liability program and amount you have selected. This person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.

For long hauling only.

? Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.

Long haul only.

? Review all paper work and details when the van operator arrives. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects each piece of furniture with tags of identifying number. These numbers along with a detailed description of your goods at the time of loading will appear on the inventory.

Local & long haul.

? Stay home until the last item is packed. Make a final inspection before the van operator leaves. It is your responsibility to see all of your goods are loaded. Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the movers leave pack your phone in one of your suitcases for easy access when you arrive to your new home.

? Clean your house as much as you can before the moving van arrives.

? The driver will contact you or the destination agent at least 24 hours prior to expected arrival time. This allows enough time to locate you and begin preparation for unloading. It is your responsibility to contact the destination agent if you cannot be reached.

? Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading. Stay there in case there are any questions.

? If you cannot be at your home while the van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your representative and his or her name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.

? By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed. Document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the moving agent at destination, immediately. Make sure you have your reference number when calling the moving agent for questions or concerns.

? Get a baby sitter for your kids during the unloading process.

? Put your pets in a room where they will not be on the way of the loading process.

? Unpacking of containers service is available but must be made in advance. Limited unpacking and removal of cartons may be requested on move in day.

? Do not use your stereos, computers, televisions, other electronic devices and appliances for 24 hours after delivery to prevent possible damage. Allow them to adjust to room temperature.

? Payment is required upon delivery in cash. Personal checks are not accepted. Unless other arrangements were made in advance you are expected to pay upon delivery.

? Make sure all utilities have been connected.

? Have your phone connected a day before move-in day.

? You will be asked to sign the inventory sheets, bill of lading and pack/unpack certificate.

After moving

? Locate your local post office, police, fire stations and hospitals as well as gas stations near your home.

? Get familiar with your neighborhood shopping areas. You may need house wares, tools or other items for your new home unexpectedly.

? Call the department of sanitation in your new home to find out which day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your community.

? Get new service providers such as a bank, pharmacist, cleaner, cable television etc.

? Contact your local DMV if you moved to a different state to exchange your driver?s license.

? Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history.

? Transfer insurance policies to your new agent. You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and you coverage.

? Get information on schools, libraries, community activities and emergency calling service from your local Chamber of Commerce.