a guideline calendar to help you stay on track

PACKING DAY ______________ 

   MOVING DAY _______________    

4 weeks before your move

Label an envelope "Moving Receipts" and keep all moving expense receipts in case they qualify for a tax deduction.

Decide which items you will move or dispose of. Now is the time to plan your moving sale.

Before your moving estimate, decide which items you will pack and what the mover will pack.

Have antiques, art objects and other valuables appraised. These require special valuation coverage for the move.     

Set up a bank account at your new location, switch automatic payments and deposits.

Review your homeowner's policy for coverage during and after your move.

Request packing materials from your mover. Begin packing less used & out of season items first.

Ask doctors, dentists, veterinarians and other health providers for copies of your records.

Ask for prescriptions to provide to your new pharmacy until you can select new health providers in your new location.

Transfer or close/get copies of: school records, safe deposit boxes, legal records and insurance.

3 weeks before your move

Review any needs you might have for your pets.

Send change of address to Post Office, magazines, banks, investment companies, creditors, employer, insurance, etc.

Give notice to cancel or transfer memberships and service contracts: health clubs such as:

YMCA, country clubs, local civic and professional associations, lessons and extracurricular activities children might be involved in, security service, lawn service, child care, home cleaning service, newspaper, etc.

      CANCEL DATE   SPOKE TO            PHONE/SERVICE          

      Sample11/11/06  Jane Doe              123-4567 ACE Security

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

      _____________   _____________   _____________________

Take your personal address book and local phone book with you to contact people or companies after your move.

2 weeks before your move

Schedule utility cut-offs no sooner than the day after loading.

Schedule utility connection at your new home at least one day before the first day of your delivery window.

      DISCONTINUE        BEGIN                      SERVICE COMPANY
      current address    new address           phone

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Electric

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Gas/Oil

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Phone

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Water

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Refuse

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Cable TV

      _____________   _____________   ____________ Other

Return library books and other borrowed items.

Empty lockers at schools, clubs, gyms, etc.

Start using up perishable or opened food items.

Dispose of what not to ship (non-transportable and hazardous items).

Finalize your plans for items that need special handling.

Complete the High Value Inventory form provided by your mover.

If shipping an automobile, top off fluids like oil and antifreeze, but make plans to have the gas tank less than half full.

Contact your mover and discuss any changes on the original estimate, location or valuation coverage.

Have you purchased or disposed of enough items to impact the weight and charges?

Do you have a location address or change in location address?

Have you become aware of access problems for our truck at either origin or destination, such as dips in the road, traffic weight limitations, low wires, low tree limbs, tight turns, etc. It is critical that we know if there might be any access problems.

Do you wish to make a change in the declared value amount or type of valuation coverage?

1 week before your move

Assemble your "survival kit," with "must have" items like:

 30-day supply of medications, important papers, mover contract and contact information, favorite/must have toys, etc. This should consist of anything you can't do without for even a day. Items like toilet paper, kleenex, hand wipes, drinks, toys to occupy children while you travel, etc.

                     IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

     Moving Company - _______________________________

     American Red Ball - 800-733-8139

     Driver - ________________________________________

     Contract Order Number - __________________________

Pack valuables and identification papers the moving company will not transport, such as: 

- cash - fine jewelry - coin/stamp collections - stocks - bonds        - passports - social security cards - birth certificates - etc.

Begin packing suitcases: an assortment of casual, business and school attire.

Confirm travel arrangements.

Drain and dry spa, garden hose, etc.

Have cash, money order or certified check ready for the driver/mover and for your travel expenses.

Drain the fuel from lawnmowers and other gasoline powered equipment.

Disassemble items such as swing sets, trampolines, shop equipment, exercise equipment, etc.

Bring items out of inaccessible areas, i.e. attics, storage sheds, crawl space, etc.

1 day before your move

Finish packing clothing, medications, valuables, paperwork and other items you are taking with you.

Defrost, clean and deodorize refrigerator and freezer (don't forget to disconnect the icemaker).

Disconnect all appliances from electricity and gas. Clean and air the range and microwave.

Complete final packing.

Moving Day

Clear walkways and drive of ice or snow. Make sure pots, statuary or other items have been cleared away.

Load suitcases & valuables in the trunk of the car to avoid confusion with items to be moved.

Have items going to storage or a second location separated and clearly marked.

Hold to load last: vacuum, "essentials" box, "parts" box and other items you will need first at destination.

Be available during packing and loading.

Make a final tour of your home with the driver.

Moving In

Arrive at least one day ahead of the first day of the delivery window.

Confirm utilities are connected.

Clear walkways and drive of ice, snow, etc.

Have cash, money order or certified check ready for the driver/mover.

Allow electronics/appliances at least 24 hours to adjust to room temperature and upright state before plugging in.

Enjoy your new home!