Checklist for Moving

I am right in the middle of moving and find it helpful using a checklist. It soothes my nerves and eases the uneasy feeling that I perhaps have forgotten something.

Week 8

•  Research.  Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.
• Schedule an appointment with a moving agent. Set a convenient date for the agent to visit your home and determine the size and weight of your belongings. Your agent will then prepare a written estimate for your personalized move plan.

• Is your company paying for the move? If so, refer to their policy to determine the moving services the mover will be authorized to perform.
• Need help with packing? Moving a car? Your salesperson will discuss our variety of moving services with you in case you need extra help.
• Make sure to show the agent everything that is going to be moved. You can add or subtract items later, but that will change your estimate. Any items you forget to disclose or are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate. 
• Sort and purge.  Go through every room of your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
• Create a moving binder.  Use this binder to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.
• Organize school records.  Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district. 

Week 7

Sign your Estimate and book your move

• Sign the Estimate/Order for Service once you have a clear understanding of each section. Ask your move coordinator if you have any questions.
• Lock in your move-out date and confirm your plan once you officially book your move.

Week 6

Change your address

• Now it is time to begin notifying others that you are moving; the post office is a good place to start. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service website.
• Change your address with your banks, insurance providers, credit cards and magazine subscriptions. 
• Update your information with doctors, lawyers, accountants and any other professional services.
• Order supplies.  Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
• Use it or lose it.  Start using up things that you don’t want to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies. 
• Take measurements.  Check room dimensions at your new home, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door. 

Week 5

Give away, sell, toss or recycle anything you do not need

• Go through every room in your house to sort through what will move with you and what will not.
• Have extra stuff? Organize a garage sale or online sale to get rid of anything you won't be taking with you.
• Donate any unwanted clothing, furniture or other household goods (pots, pans, dishes, bedding, etc.) to your favorite charities in town. Don’t forget to grab receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.
• Buy only the food you will need up until move day. Clean out your cupboards and donate or remove any perishable items you will not need prior to the big day.
• Start to use up items like household cleaners, rolls of paper towels, etc.
• Toss or recycle anything that can’t be donated, sold or gifted. Keep in mind there might be a limit as to what you can put at the curb each week. (Here in Germany, we can’t curb anything without applying for Sperrmüll. Then we putt he stuff out on the curb and a company comes by to pick it up. If there is anything left after the scavengers!)
• Be sure to check the non-allowables list for items not allowed in your shipment. If you are unsure of how to properly dispose of these items, Mayflower recommends visiting earth911.com to help you find appropriate recycling centers in your neighborhood. 
• Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements.  Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
• Begin packing.  Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer.
• Label.  Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
• Separate valuables.  Add items such as jewelry and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on moving day. 
• Do a change of address.  Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after you’ve moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.
• Notify important parties.  Alert the following of your move: banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.
• Forward medical records.  Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals. 

Week 4

Check in with your move coordinator

• Was your garage sale a big success? Donate more than you planned? Notify your moving company if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates.
• 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 the loading site for auto transport. Also be prepared to pick up your car at your destination location; again.

Week 3

Confirm your travel plans

• If you are driving to your new home, get your car tuned and ready for the trip.
• If you are flying, make sure you book your air travel and any other necessary transportation.
• Book any hotels or stops you’ll need to make along the way.
• Consider what items you’ll need for the trip and for your first night in your new home. Set them aside so they don’t accidentally get packed.

Start packing

• If you’re packing yourself, get a head start now so you aren’t overwhelmed at the last minute. Books, out of season clothes and decorative items are a great place to start.
• Plan your approach.

Preparing your household

• Send rugs and draperies out for cleaning. Leave them wrapped for transit once they are returned.
• Have any antiques or high-end items appraised in writing before the move.  Find receipts for any big ticket items and keep them with you, just in case.
• Pack Last: Prepare a “Load Last” box with any essentials you may need on your first night in your new home. Pack things like bottled water, paper towels, soap, a first aid kit and anything else you may need. This box will be the last box loaded and the first box unloaded during your move.
• Dispose of any flammables, fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, ammunition or poisons. Visit earth911.com to help you find appropriate recycling centers in your neighborhood. 
• Schedule an appointment with a service technician to prepare any major appliances for the move.
• Drain fuel from your power mower, and discard or recycle the propane tank on your grill.
• Confirm the date that all of your utilities will be disconnected.

Week 2

Plan for your pets

• Make sure you have made travel plans for your pets.
• Take your pets to the vet and ensure you have any required health certificates or inoculations – every state/country has different requirements.

Finish your errands

• Pick-up anything you had cleaned, stored or repaired.
• Empty your locker at the club or gym.
• Return anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors.

Week 1

Last minute details

• Make sure that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving truck.
• Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.
• Refill prescriptions. Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.
• Pack your suitcases.  Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days. (Remember the story about the moving fan that caught fire?)
• Double-check the details.  Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.
• Plan for the payment.  If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t forget that refreshments are always appreciated. 

Day before moving day

• Identify any extra-fragile items needing special attention. If certain items should not be packed or moved, mark them appropriately.
• Defrost the freezer. If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
• Label any items or boxes you will want first when the truck arrives at your new home (valuables, electronics, etc.).
• 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. 

Moving day

• Verify.  Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired: The USDOT number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given. Scams are not unheard-of.
• Take inventory. Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy. Make it a point to be on hand to see that all of your goods are loaded; remain close by until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory list. Be sure to get your copy from the van operator and keep it safe.

• There will be some necessary paperwork on the big day:
  High-Value Inventory form: complete and sign stating whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment.
  Bill of Lading/Freight Bill: includes the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment.
  Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration: If applicable, check this box on the Bill of Lading.
• Give the van operator the exact destination address.
• Be sure to let the van operator know how you can best be reached, pending the arrival of your belongings.

Take a last look around

• Water shut off?
• Furnace and air conditioner shut off?
• Light switches turned off?
• All utilities arranged for disconnection with service providers?
• Windows shut and locked?
• Old house keys and garage door openers surrendered? 
• Have you left anything?

Delivery day

• Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the moving charges for you.
• On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will stop by your new home if he/she is unable to reach you. If you or an authorized individual cannot accept delivery of your belongings within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) you may request additional waiting time (for an additional cost) until the delivery can be made.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If you notice any damage or that something is missing, personally report any it to your salesperson or move coordinator. If there is any change in the condition of your property from what is noted on the inventory list, note discrepancies on the van operator's copy of the inventory. By signing the inventory, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
• When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including placing of rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled at origin. If you would like your mattresses unpacked or appliances installed, check with your salesperson or move coordinator beforehand.
• It always helps to have a guide. Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers can determine where each piece of furniture should go. It is still best if you stand there and direct everything.
• Keep all your moving documents in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.
• To prevent any possible damage, leave appliances and electronics turned off for about 24 hours while they adjust to new room temperatures.

Settling in after your move

• It is time to make it official! Check in with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to begin.
• Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver's license.
• You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain 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, etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence is established in the new state and city.