These are a few tips and reminders that will help you move as easily as possible. Additionally, for your protection and safety, we have provided some helpful links from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that contain important information you'll need to understand before hiring a mover.

Choose the stage you are in, related to the day of move:
	One Month Before Two Weeks Before One Week Before One Day Before Day of Move Out Day of Move In Unloading

About one month before you move...

 Clean out your closets, attic, and basement. Discard items not longer in use or those things no longer needed.

 If you have a large number of items to discard, consider having a garage sale or donating unwanted items to charity. If you make such donations remember to keep your receipts as these donations are tax deductible.

 Consider carefully if you want to ship your major appliances. You may not want to ship a gas stove to an all electric home. Check to see if your appliances are appropriate for your new home before you move.

 Make an itemized list of all household goods you plan to ship.

 Try not to ship canned goods as they are heavy and take up valuable space. Frozen foods cannot be shipped safely so use them up before your move.

 Be sure to notify the post office of your change of address as well as publishers (magazines, newsletters and journals). Provide your new address and your date of relocation. Notify all regular services such as security companies and gardeners of your expected departure date. Make arrangements to collect all advanced deposits or security deposits on utilities or rentals.

 Before departure collect all deposits on utilities/rentals.

 Check your homeowners insurance. You may be able to apply any existing balance to your new residence. Be sure to have your insurance company cover your new home immediately.

 Transfer your child’s school records to his/her new school.

 Plants cannot be shipped as household goods. You must make other arrangements to move them or consider getting new plants at your new location.

 If you have pets to move consult with your veterinarian as to the best way to relocate them.

 Check your membership in any clubs or organizations. You may be able to transfer your membership to a branch at your new location.

At least two weeks before you move...

 Notify your utility companies of your move and confirm the exact date to discontinue service. Contact utility companies at your new location and confirm start date for service to your new home. Remember any disruption in utility service may lead to additional expenses such as hotel bills or the cost of dining out.

Don't forget to clean out school and gym lockers.

 Ask your current doctor for referrals in your new area. Arrange for the transfer of all your medical records, and make copies of your prescriptions. If a family member requires therapy arrange for continuation of treatment in your new location.

 Arrange for the transport of your high-value items including the contents of your safe deposit box. DO NOT ship high-value items with your moving company. You may choose to carry them with you or ship them by insured/certified mail.

 Review your insurance coverage to insure you are properly covered in your new home.

One week before your move...

 Make sure your lawn mowers, chain saws, and snow blowers are completely drained of gas and oil. Any gas grills and heaters should be empty as well.

 Keep all receipts of moving expenses for tax purposes.

 Remove drapes and hang on hangers in your closet. On moving day the movers will pack them in special wardrobe cartons.

 Pack linens in a dresser for easy access on your first night in your new home.

 It’s a good idea to pack a box with essentials you will require on your last day in your old home and on your first day at your new one. This box of essentials should be loaded last so as to come off the truck first at destination.

 Don’t forget to defrost your refrigerator and freezer at least a day before you move.

  One day before your move...

 If you have hired a crew to do your packing they will usually arrive a day before the actual loading of the truck. Make sure you are on hand to supervise the packing of your household goods.

 Label each carton with the name of the room it belongs in at destination.

 Make sure your fragile items are given special attention and packed appropriately.

 Make sure all keys are available on moving day…mail box, front gate, back gate, parking access etc.

On moving day...

 Review the moving company’s inventory and make sure you are provided with a copy. Be sure you both agree on the stated condition of your furniture. If any questions arise as to condition, take photographs of your furniture.

 Before the truck departs make a complete check of each room in your house.

 Keep items separate you intend to take with you to avoid accidentally shipping them.

 Verify your destination address with your truck driver and provide your contact phone number at destination.

 Do not sign the loading bill until you have reviewed it…and be sure you are provided with a copy.

 Before you depart turn off water heater and thermostat.

  Moving in...

 Be sure to arrive at your new home before the movers…there will be an extra charge if they are made to wait. If your movers are forced to wait more than two hours your goods may be placed into storage at your expense.

  Unloading...

 Review your inventory and ask the movers to call out each box number as you carefully cross them off. Be sure all are delivered and crossed off before you sign the inventory sheet. When you sign you are indicating that everything has been delivered and you have no claim for loss. Indicate any and all damage on the inventory sheet. If you discover any damage to your household goods indicate damage on the inventory and call your moving company to report the damage.

 For an additional fee moving companies will unpack your goods and remove all packing materials. If you choose to unpack yourself indicate on the inventory he following, “Subject to inspection for concealed damage or loss”. This will assist you should you discover loss or damage once the movers have gone.

 Check all appliances, water heaters, and furnaces.

 If you discover any damage do not attempt to repair or polish it as this will only serve to make the damage appear older. This makes it more difficult to attribute the damage to the moving company.

 Movers are not responsible for items packed by owner (PBO). If you discover damage to a box you have packed yourself keep the box as this indicates the box was not handled properly.