Moving Tips HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOVE A SMOOTHER MOVE!   Six to Eight Weeks Out: Call for moving estimates, ask what services they offer, any discounts? If you are moving out of town, call the Chamber Of Commerce and Visitors & Convention Bureau in your new town and get their new resident information packages.    What are you going to move?  Now is the time to Inventory all household items to be moved, and start packing NOW! Garage Sale Anyone?  Now is the time to remove all items from storage sheds, attics, and determine what you want to keep and what you can live without.  A good tax deduction is to donate to a charity too. Now is the time to use not buy, begin using things up that you can't move, like cleaning items and frozen food. Discuss tax-related moving expenses, liabilities, and deductions with your tax advisor. Change of address forms are needed now, go to your local post office and start sending them out to friends, family, and creditors.  Get copies of the school, medical, dental, veterinary, legal, and accounting records. Contact insurance agents to transfer or cancel coverage. Is this a company move, if so check with your employer to find out what moving expenses they cover? Four to Six Weeks Out: Now is the time obtain if you have not already done so, an itemized list of all moving costs and review and discuss with your mover, including packing, loading, special charges, insurance, etc. High-rise Moving – contact the property management company for reservations of the elevator.  Many communities have restrictions on exclusive use or limited use, check now instead of the day of the move!  Contact all current and new location utility companies (gas, water, electric, cable TV, phone & trash collection) to set connect/disconnect dates. (Keep notes on who and when you scheduled for the connect/disconnect, so there is no confusion.  Remember to keep current utilities hooked up until move day. Make arrangements for relocation of pets and plants. Schedule the use of the elevator if you live in a high-rise or apartment with elevators, time is critical because of the limited use of the elevator.  The time needs to be determined in advance Move valuables to safe deposit box or some other secure location to prevent loss during move. If you are packing yourself, acquire packing materials/boxes and pack items you won't need for the next month. If professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before move. Prepare any mowers, and other power tools for the move by servicing and draining gas and oil. Two to Three Weeks Out: Make travel arrangements for family for moving trip, allow for unexpected delays and cash needs that often occur in moves and house closings. Collect all-important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stocks, etc.). Arrange to close all local bank accounts and open new ones in new location. Prepare auto(s) for trip to new home. Check tires and have vehicles serviced. Terminate newspaper and other delivery services at old address. Give away all plants you don't intend to move. If you're moving out of a building with elevators, arrange with management for use of elevators on move day. Withdraw contents of any safe deposit boxes, return library books & rental videotapes, pick up any dry cleaning, etc. Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers. One Week Out: Defrost refrigerator/freezer. Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances. Make plans for care of small children on moving day. Transfer or withdraw all funds from local banks. Separate cartons and luggage items you need for personal travel so they don't get packed on the truck.   Make certain everyone has shoes!  Pack a box of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home and have movers put this box on last (clearly mark box as PACK THIS LAST or UNPACK THIS FIRST) or take it with you. Set aside one room for packers and movers to work in freely. Arrange to have utilities turned on at new home. Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks. Set aside manuals and instructions for your current home for new owner. Do NOT disconnect your telephone until the day after loading.  Moving Day! Someone needs to be available all day at house with movers. Review the inventory prior to the load and before they leave.  Don't leave until movers have gone. Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water) before you head out. Confirm that driver knows the fastest way to your new home, other wise provide easy to read directions.  Also provide a contact number in the event they get lost.  Remember you know where you are going they don't! Review carefully and sign bill of lading and inventory, and keep your copy in a safe place until all charges have been paid at the time of your unload. You're done!  Well not quite yet, now it is time to do your final walk-through of your old house, including attic and closets, to make sure it's empty.  Lock all windows and doors, and drop off keys with Realtor, neighbor or new owner. Someone needs to be on the destination to assist in the placement of all of your items.  Review the final contract, note any additional charges and sign off on everything.  Once completely unloaded and in your new home it is time to pay your movers.  Tips are customary based on the level of service but are not required.    Note - If you are moving to a high-rise or apartment with elevators, time is critical because of the limited use of the elevator.