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- Begin removing unwanted or unneeded
items from home attic, garage, basement or storage
- Donate items. Remember
to collect receipts for tax purposes.
- Forward or cancel any monthly services,
subscriptions or memberships
- Check to make sure you have returned all
borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
- Keep the following
supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and/or
tissue, packing tape, tape measure and scissors
- Use strong boxes and containers
that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, your wardrobe
and other delicate items.
- Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
- Label
each box and indicate the following: (a) The contents and designated room (b)
Whether it is fragile (c) if it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
- Pack
books tightly in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between
the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months
to eliminate the smell.
- Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving
and leave them in wrappings.
- Carry all valuables and medicines with you.
One
Month Before Moving - Fill out change of address order form.
Get it from the Post office
- Fill out an IRS change of address form.
- Make
arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
- Make travel
arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
- Transfer
memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
- Obtain medical
and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist
for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
If
moving out of town: - Check into the laws and requirements of your new
city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and
any special laws that might be applicable to you.
- Take inventory of your
belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim
later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial
numbers of electronic equipment.
- Make arrangements for transporting your
pets. Or make arrangements with a kennel or a friend until you have completed
your move, if necessary.
- Start using up food items, so that there is less
left to pack and possibly spoil.
MOVING
COMPANY / DO IT YOURSELF TIPS - Get an estimate from the moving company.
Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
- Inquire about their on-time
record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer
complaints department.
- Ask about expected gratuities and make sure it’s
a part of the contract.
- Be sure all charges are listed on contract
- Be
sure your name and address and other information is correct on the contract
- Watch
loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
- If
you are renting a truck to move yourself, make sure you are clear with the pick
up location, time and the expected time to return the truck to the company.
- Consider
renting a POD or contact a storage rental facility.
One
to Two Weeks Before Moving - Make back up copies of important files
on your computer before packing it up.
- Switch utility services to new
address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone
and cable companies of your move.
- Arrange for help for moving day.
- Confirm
travel reservations.
- Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
- Have
appliances serviced for moving.
- Clean rugs and clothing and have them
wrapped for moving.
- Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
- Collect
valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before
mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
- Check with your insurance
agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy
during the move.
- Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside
to control odors.
- Give a close friend or relative your travel route and
schedule so you may be reached if needed.
- Prune indoor plants to facilitate
packing. Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions.
- Confirm any
moving companies, travel plan, or reservation you may have made for moving day.
On
Moving Day - Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage
to be sure they are empty.
- Carry important documents, currency and jewelry
yourself, or use registered mail.
- Carry traveler’s checks for quick,
available funds.
After Arriving
At New Home - Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
- Revise
your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
- Locate
the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
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| Budget Truck Rental | 1-800-BUDGET2
1-800-283-4382 | budgettruck.com |
| U-Haul | 1-800-468-4285 | uhaul.com |
| Verizon | (410)
954-6230 | verizon.com |
| A T & T | 1-800-MOVE
ATT | att.com |
| Baltimore Gas and Electric | (410)
685-0123 | BGE.com |
| School Registration | (410)
887-4215 | | | United
States Postal Service | 1-800-275-8777 | USPS.com |
| Comcast Cable | (410)
427-9600 | comcast.com |
| ADT | 1-800-238-2727 | adt.com |
| Call One Switch (To Move Your Magazines) | 1-800-479-6207 | |
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