Things
You Should Know About Moving
In Search of a New Residence
Subscribe to the area's local newspaper in advance
of your move. It usually contains a large real estate
section, which can be very helpful in giving you some
idea of the type of housing available in the new city,
as well as other useful information. Arrange for a
house-hunting trip to your new city. When looking
for a new home, take along a tape measure and a list
of the exact dimensions of each of your major appliances
and other large pieces of furniture. Measure the areas
provided for them to be sure your appliances and furniture
will fit. Establish credit in the new city. Ask your
banker for a referral to a correspondent bank and
to act as a credit reference.
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:
* Antiques
* Art Collections
* Cameras
* China Collections
* Computer Equipment
* Crystal
* Figurines
* Firearms
* Jewelry
* Manuscripts
* Oriental Rugs
* Silver
* Stones Or Gems
* Tapestries
* TVs Or Stereos
Estimate of Moving Costs
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."
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 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 removal list 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. 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
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Telephone
* Fuel
* Trash removal
* Professional Services
* Doctor
* Dentist
* Accountant
* Lawyer
* Real estate Agent
* Stock broker
* Insurance Agents
* Life
* Health
* Fire
* Auto
* Boat
* Established Business Accounts
* Credit cards
* Motor Vehicle Department
* Finance companies
* Banks
* Department stores
* Government and Public Offices
* Social Security Administration
* Federal and state income tax offices
* Publications
* Newspapers
* Magazines
* Professional and trade
* Credit Card Companies
* Bank cards
* Oil companies
* Store cards
* Other cards
* Miscellaneous
* Relatives and friends
* Business associates
* Book and record clubs
* Schools and colleges
* Church
* Landlord, if you are a tenant
* Tenants, if you are a landlord.
Two to Three Weeks before Moving Day
Let the post office know your moving date and new
address. If you do not have a permanent address by
the time you move, the post office will hold your
mail and forward it upon written instructions from
you. Phone the local business office of the Telephone
Company. They can make arrangements for service in
your new home and, on request, give out your new number
when your present number is called.
Contact all service companies as listed:
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Fuel
* Cable TV
If possible, arrange to have utilities connected before
your arrival. Make family travel plans. Reserve air
or rail transportation and hotel accommodations as
needed. Have your car prepared for the trip: tires,
brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed.
Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning
fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner.
Drain oil and fuel from your power mower and other
machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint,
syrup or any other substance that may leak. Carefully
tape-seal and place in individual waterproof bags
any jars of liquids or semi-liquids you do not wish
to discard. Have rugs cleaned that are to be moved.
Leave them rolled and wrapped when they are returned
from the cleaners. If draperies are to be moved, have
them cleaned and ready for alterations that might
be needed in your new home. Collect items that are
being cleaned stored or repaired (clothing, shoes,
watches). Empty your locker at any club you are a
member of. Return library books and anything borrowed
from friends or neighbors. Also collect things you
may have loaned. Decide what to do with your houseplants.
Set a date with a reliable service person to prepare
your appliances for shipment, preferably the day before
the move. Depending on the appliance, post service
may be needed for refrigerator, freezer, range, washer,
dryer and others. For more information, request a
free booklet, generally provided by most Home Removal
companies. Pianos and organs need to be prepared for
moving by a specialized technician. Make arrangements
to have utilities disconnected on moving day:
* Electric
* Gas
* Water
* Fuel
* Cable TV
Plan to keep your telephone in service through moving
day in case last minute calls are necessary. Take
pets to the veterinarian. Make sure identification
tags are securely attached to the pet's collar.
Three Days before Moving Day
Instant Aid Box
Pack a box for instant needs on arrival. Mark the
box "To be loaded last and Unloaded first."
Package each group of items separately in labeled
paper bags. Here are some suggestions.
* Cleaning
* Powdered detergent
* Sponge
* Paper towels
* Dish towels
* Dish cloth
* Kitchen cleanser
* Window cleaner
* Scouring pads
* Kitchen
* Paper plates, cups, napkins
* Plastic knives, forks, spoons
* Small saucepan
* Serving spoons
* Aluminum foil
* Snacks
* Easy-to-open cans of pudding
* Dry soup mix
* Sandwich spreads
* Jars of cheese
* Package of crackers
* Boxes of dry cereals
* Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
* Instant creamer, sugar, salt
* Bathroom
* Towels and face cloths
* Toilet tissue
* Facial tissue
* Soap, hand lotion, deodorant
* Toothbrushes and toothpaste
* Miscellaneous
* Reading materials
* Puzzles
* Last-Minute Packing
* Cellular telephone
* Light bulbs
* Flashlight
* Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, assorted nails and
screws
* Shelf paper
* Trash bags and ties
* Children
* Coloring books and crayons
* A favorite toy or two
Check contents of drawers. Remove all things that
can spill or break. Soft goods such as blankets, pillows,
blouses, shirts and lingerie may be left in drawers.
Pin clothing to hangers if it is to be moved in wardrobe
cartons to keep it from slipping off. Remove items
left in the attic or other storage areas. Empty the
refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least
24 hours before moving. Be careful not to overlook
the defrost water pan. Failure to have the appliances
completely dry can lead to mildew and unpleasant odor.
For more information, request a free booklet, Moving
Appliances and Other Home Furnishings, from United
Van Lines. Be sure the water is emptied from your
steam iron. Launder all soiled clothing prior to the
day the appliance service technician is expected.
Take the telephone directory with you for contacting
former doctors, dentists, suppliers, etc., and for
preparing holiday card lists. Pack suitcases for the
trip to the new home. Put in extra clothing for emergencies.
Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling.
Take along snacks such as fruit and cookies for the
children. Include towels for a quick cleanup. Arrange
for a baby-sitter for moving day, or have older children
look after the younger ones.
Moving Day
Loading Your Belongings
* Be on hand when the movers arrive. Otherwise, it
is important to let the mover know to whom you have
given authority to take your place. Be sure this person
knows exactly what to do. Remember the person may
be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
* Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting
and tagging each
piece of furniture with an identifying number. These
numbers, along with a
description of your goods and their condition at the
time of loading, will
appear on the inventory.
* Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and
the van operator has a clear understanding about what
is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to
see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on
the premises until loading is completed. After making
a final tour of the house to be sure no items have
been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get
your copy and keep it in a safe place.
* Check to see the van operator has the exact destination
address. Be specific as to where and how you can be
reached pending the arrival of your household goods.
* Leave the phone connected throughout the moving
day. Leave a note listing your new address in a conspicuous
place in the house so the new occupants will be able
to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered
to them.
Take a last look around:
* Water shut off?
* Gas shut off?
* Air-conditioning shut off?
* Light switches turned off?
* All utilities arranged for disconnection?
* Windows shut and locked?
* Have you left anything?
* Lock the house and leave the keys with a responsible
person or in a prearranged location.
At Your Destination
* Contact the destination mover whose name appears
on the forms signed as soon as possible and indicate
where and how you can be reached.
* Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before
the van arrives. If you have not already done so,
contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements
for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance
connection service.
* Be on hand to accept delivery of your household
goods. Otherwise authorize an adult as your representative
to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform
the mover of the person so authorized. On the day
of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact
you by phone and make an appearance at the residence
if unable to reach you. If no one appears to accept
the shipment within the free waiting time, the goods
will be placed in storage at the owner's expense.
* Check your household goods, as they are unloaded.
If there is a change in the condition of the property
from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading
or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or
missing items on the van operator's copy of the inventory
sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging
receipt of all items listed. Personally report any
loss or damage to the moving company agent at destination
immediately. (You must file the claim yourself; the
van operator cannot do it for you.)
* To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of
your new home at the entrance the movers will use,
indicating where each piece of furniture should go.
* When unloading, each piece of furniture will be
placed as you direct, including the lying of rugs
and setting up of bed frames, box springs and mattresses.
However, appliances and fixtures may not be installed.
At your request and additional cost, the agent may
arrange for this service and for refilling of waterbed
mattresses.
* To prevent possible damage, television sets, other
electronic equipment and certain major appliances
should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing
them time to adjust to room temperature. If you have
paid for unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking
service and removal of the cartons.
Getting Settled
* If you have not already done so, contact the utility
companies and make necessary arrangements for service.
Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection
service.
* Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances.
* Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a
safe place. You will need them for verification of
moving expenses and for filing your income tax returns.
For more information on tax-deductible moving expenses,
consult an Accountant or Tax specialist.
* Check with the post office for any mail being held
and ask for delivery
to start.
* Have your medical and dental records transferred
after selecting a family physician and dentist.
* You may want to select a Lawyer to discuss laws
pertaining 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 and the like. Most laws affect
a family as soon as residence in the new state and
city is established. Register to vote.
* Locate the selected schools. Take the children,
introduce yourself and register them.
