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Preplanning Your Move
Plan the move as early as possible. If you are able to move at any time of the year, don't wait until summer, the peak-moving season. Consider also that the first and last few days of the month are extra busy. If you plan to sell your house, get it on the market as soon as possible. If renting, give your landlord timely notice of your moving date. Keep a record of all expenses related to the move, some of which may be tax deductible. Fill out the Personal Household Inventory for each room. This is important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for the shipment and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach any invoices or records of purchase to the completed inventory. Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value. The following list includes items that might fall into this category:
Antique
Art Collection
Camera
Silver
Crystal
China Collections
Figurines
Stones or Gems
Jewelry
Computer Equiptment
Fire Arms
TVs or Stereos
Unless you have been given a binding estimate where a firm cost is established in advance, the exact cost of a move cannot be determined until after the shipment has been loaded on the van and weighed. The weight on which charges are based is calculated by weighing the van before and after loading. The total cost of the move will include transportation charges, any charges for declared valuation, plus charges for any extra services performed at your request. All of these charges are based on tariff rate schedules. Owner's Responsibility It is the owner's responsibility to see that your mechanical, electrical equipment and appliances are properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van. For safe moving, have these items prepared by a licensed or properly trained technician. This service may be performed by a technician of your choice or by qualified personnel of the moving company. If the owner has failed to have an item serviced, the van operator may load and haul it, but will mark the inventory sheet, "Not Serviced-Loaded at Owner's Risk.
"Estimate of Moving Costs
Six to Eight Weeks before Moving Day
Working with the Mover
Have the moving company conduct a household goods survey in order to furnish you with a written estimate, although the final cost will depend on the actual weight or cubic space occupied of your household goods after they are loaded on the van.
Before the removal list arrives, inspect the property. Include the garage, patio and any storage shed. Decide what to move and what to discard. Remember the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of replacing it. Decide whether you want to do any of the packing or have it done by the moving company's experienced personnel.
Show the mover a list of everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges. Any items that are later added to the shipment will add to the cost estimate.
A Transfer of Personal Records
Arrange for closing or transfer of charge accounts.
Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at the new home.
Obtain transcripts of the children's school records and credentials from school authorities or secure transcripts of school records, if you prefer to take them along.
Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and so on.
Ask your doctor and dentist to recommend colleagues in the new city. Be sure to check current telephone numbers and addresses of physicians, dentist and hospital, which will help when transferring your records.
Obtain letters of introduction from your church, organization, club, and business Associates.
Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations.
Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business. A lender's permission may be required to move personal property in which the lender has an interest.
Four to Six Weeks before Moving Day
Planning Your Packing
If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting suitable containers. You can purchase specialized containers from most moving companies, such as:
Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools).
Wardrobe containers
Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys).
Medium-sized cartons for bulkier but not so heavy items (towels, linens, and small appliances)
Collect other packing materials:
White paper
Tissue paper
Paper towels
Non printed paper
Newspapers
Tape or Strong twine for sealing containers
Scissors or Sharp knife (keep out of children's reach)
Felt marker to mark containers
Notebook & Pencil for listing contents
Labels or Stickers (Available from moving company)
Set goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is completed by moving day. You may want to pack one room per week. Attach a list of contents to each carton. Separate and mark goods that will go into storage. Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items. If you donate clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, get receipts showing their approximate value for tax deductions? Remember that the cost of moving an item may be greater than replacing it. Begin to use up large supplies of canned goods and frozen foods. Buy only what will be used before moving.
Places To Notify of Impending Address Change Utilities:
Electric
Professional Services
Business Accounts
Gas
Attorney
Credit Cards
Water
Real Estate Agent
Finance Companies
Telephone
Stock Broker
Banks
Fuel
fe Ins.
Income Tax Offices
Trash removal
Health Ins.
Publications
Newspapers
Fire Ins.
Professional Trade
Magazines
Accountant
Relative and Friends
Store Cards
Doctor
Business Associates
Other Cards
Auto/Boat Ins.
Book and record clubs
Church
Dentist
School and colleges
*Insurance Agents
*(Make sure your move is covered)
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