Planning to move? Here’s a Timeline and a Plan!

Whether a first-time or seasoned mover, relocation is a complex and time consuming process. Organization and time management is the key to a successful move.

A MOVING TIMELINE

7-8 Weeks Before The Move

Create a Moving File. Store important moving information such as quotes, brochures, receipts, lists in a file for easy access. Include an ‘essentials’ list, which is comprised of those daily items people need more right after the move. Remember to include changes of clothing, toothbrush, toothpaste, paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, soaps, drinks, medications, flashlight, pencils, and paper. Be sure to pack these things in the car with you.

Find a Good Moving Company. There are four moving choices, depending on whether the move is local/in-state or interstate: a local moving company, whose cost is usually determined by hourly rates; an interstate (out-of-state) moving company, whose charges are mainly based on the weight of the items and distance moved; a self-move, which is the most cost-effective, but also the most time consuming; or a self-service moving company, which is a combination you pack/they moving company. When choosing a professional moving company, be sure to ask friends and family for recommendations, get references and find at least three businesses with five or more years of experience that are competitively priced and have a good reputation.

Research the New Location. Visit the new city’s website, contact the Chamber of Commerce, review the new apartment/home floor plan to decide where to put things, purchase a city map and phone book and order a Sunday subscription to the local newspaper.

Gather together Records. Pull together medical and dental records, including prescriptions and shot records, particularly for children. Don’t forget school records, vet records, and make sure to contact the insurance agent (apartment, health, life, auto) to see what changes are necessary as a result of the new move. Ask how to transfer or end contracts with providers with no service in the new area.

4-6 Weeks Before The Move

Size Up All Belongings. Use this new move as an opportunity to get rid of junk and used items. Work through one room at a time and decide what to keep and what to throw away. Give away useful items to a charity and get a receipt for an income tax deduction. Ship items that are valuable, difficult to replace or sentimental via certified mail or transport them in the car. This could include documents, jewelry, stock certificates, insurance documents and other financial records.

Get Ready To Pack. Make a list of everything to move and assign a replacement value for insurance purposes. Taking pictures can expedite this process. Purchase moving supplies (boxes, blankets, padding, bubble wrap, newspaper, shipping tape, scissors, knife, etc.) and begin to pack all non-essential items, starting first with items seldom used. Pack items of similar size and weight together and don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift. Label the contents on the outside of the each box, along with the room it should be delivered to. Contact the new property manager to guarantee compliance with the moving rules and to ask about the elevator reservation and payment.

Insure Your Belongings. It is important to purchase renters’ insurance policy before you move. Most renters’ insurance policies cover your belongings prior to and during the move. If items get lost, stolen or damaged, your policy will already be in place and you will be covered.

Alternatively If you are moving into a home, you would require home owner’s insurance which is a requirement in most of the mortgages.

File a Change of Address. Check your postal services for the form.

1-3 Weeks Before The Move

Arrange To Disconnect/Connect Services. Make a list of services to connect in the new apartment/home and disconnect in the old one. Make sure to include all utilities (cable/satellite, phone, long distance, internet, electric, gas, water), any periodicals (newspaper, magazine), plus all other services and memberships (cellular, health club, library books, dry cleaners, items in repair shops) that won’t be relocated. Be sure to disconnect all utilities the day after the move and connect the day before arrival. Request a refund for any deposits due.

Attend To Personal Items. Don’t forget to transfer the auto registration, transfer or close any bank accounts, safety deposit boxes, etc. and get traveler’s checks for the road travel. Fill all necessary prescriptions. Plan meals for the last week in order to empty the refrigerator and avoid using cleaned appliances.

Finish Packing. Finish packing and be sure to mark which boxes go on the truck first (least used items) and which go on last (most used items). Pack the suitcases and any items traveling in the car.

MOVING DAY!

Load the Truck in Order. Load the boxes and other items in the pre-designated order. The last load will be the immediate items necessary for the new dwelling, such as linen, bath towels, vacuum cleaner, broom. Make sure the movers have the correct address and driving directions.

Check Twice Before Leaving. Check every room, bath, closet, desk, cabinet, drawer and storage area at least twice before leaving. Write down the utility meter readings.

Arrive Before The Movers. Arrive at the new apartment/home before the movers to make sure everything goes according to the plan. Check to see if the utilities are connected. Have a cashier’s check or money order ready to pay the movers since most moving companies won’t accept a personal check or credit card without prior approval.

Unpack With A Plan. Don’t plan to unpack in one day; it may take a week or more. Have a plan so things go smoothly and focus attention on one room at a time, considering the family’s basic needs. The kitchen is usually first, then bedroom followed my living room and guest room.

Enjoy Your New Home. Enjoy yourself. A new move is an exciting time that will begin a new chapter of your life.