Moving Tips

Moving is probably one of the biggest projects you will ever take on. That is why it is important to have a plan. In order to make life much easier, we put together a list of helpful suggestions for organizing your move.

We would like to start with General tips that you should know and then go to the moving plan. Some of these tips may even seem obvious once you read them, but they do not enter your mind immediately when you think of moving tips.

Here are the top 2 unknown moving tips:

Backpack: When you move you should always have an emergency backpack ready. It should be filled with at least 2 water bottles, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, and a change of clothing. even though you can put them in your luggage, with a backpack you have easy access.

Small TV/Stereo: When you get to your new home there is a chance that you may not get everything settled on the first night. In this case, you still want to be able to relax once you lay down but your big screen TV or entertainment system is still packed away. No worries, just pull out the small TV or stereo you took with you in your car and you'll be able to relax on your first night even though your major electronics are still packed.

THE PLAN

Be aware that the summer season is usually the busiest time of the year for movers. In general, it is wise to plan your move and book a moving company way ahead of time, especially during this busy period.

Six weeks before you move:

• Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new location.
• Fill out post-office change of address cards.
• Send your new address to anyone that might need it - insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
• Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
• Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
• Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.

Four weeks before you move:

Start packing!! Unless your moving services includes packing. Create a list of everything you are bringing to your new home. Even though the agents of Professional Moving Solutions will compile a list of your belongings for pricing purposes, it is always a good idea to compile one of your own for organizational purposes. Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed. Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your final destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc. Find out if certain appliances or electronics need to be serviced before they leave your old home. Because of the cost of these items, it is best to find out before you have to pay for your mistake later.

Three weeks before you move:

• Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
• Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
• Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for childcare on moving day.
• If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
• Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations.

Two weeks before you move:

• Find a place to keep your pets and / or plants; movers will not usually transport these items.
• Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
• If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.

One week before you move:

• Transfer all bank accounts.
• Settle all bills a few days before moving day to ensure that nothing goes unpaid. Even if you have to pay your vendor or creditor a bit early, you'll be better off than paying extra fees later.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your final destination.
• Arrange to pay for your move.
• Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
• Start to use most of your food items. Not only will be there be less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage.

Two days before you move:

• Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
• Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.

Moving day:

• Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.
• Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
• Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.
• Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
• Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
• Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind. Check all closets and cabinets for items that you might leave behind.
• Notify the driver and the van line where you can be reached during the move, confirm the expected delivery time and/or date with the driver.
• Bring the children to the babysitter or relatives, if possible, until the move is completed.

Delivery day:

• Plan to be at your new location when the movers arrive so you can sign an inventory.
• Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
• You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
• Supervise unloading and unpacking.
• Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
• Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.
• Let all your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in at your new home.

Congratulate yourself on a successful move!