Areté Estates: Moving Countdown: Preparing for your Move

Planning and preparing down to the last few details will make your move easier. The following schedule will help keep you on track.

8 Weeks Before the Move

If you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that best suits your needs.
If you are moving yourself, get estimates from the truck rental companies. Be sure to reserve in advance.
Draw a floor plan of your house. This will help decide what furniture stays and what furniture will go.
Use up things that can't be moved - such as food in your freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning products.
Ask your agent for a relocation package for your new location or contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new location and start gathering information about your new hometown.

6 Weeks Before the Move

Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery, and the claims procedure with your mover.
Inventory all of your possessions now. Determine what can be sold and what can be donated for a tax deduction to charity.
Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, and veterinarians, etc.
Make arrangements to transfer your child's school records.
Find out from your accountant or the IRS about tax-deductible moving expenses. Make sure you keep accurate records.

4 Weeks Before the Move

If you have contracted to have the mover do all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading the truck.
If you need it, arrange for storage.
Clean or repair furniture, curtains or carpets that need it.
Hold a garage sale. Use the extra cash to splurge a little on your new place.
If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you'll need. Many truck rental companies will provide this service.

3 Weeks Before the Move

Assemble packing materials
Furniture pads
Hand truck
Dolly
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Crumpled newspapers
Scissors
Utility knife
Large self-stick labels
Felt tip markers
Boxes and more boxes!
Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home.
Make travel and hotel reservations.
Begin packing items you don't need. Don't pack too much weight in an unreinforced box.
Make sure your cell phone works in your new neighborhood.
Get car license, registration, and insurance in order, as necessary.

2 Weeks Before the Move

Arrange to transfer all your bank accounts to new branch locations.
Make any special arrangements to move pets, such as purchasing airline reservations and traveling containers. Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier on your pet.
Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Make sure tires are in good shape and all fluids are at adequate levels.
Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts that you are closing.
Cancel delivery services.

1 Week Before the Move

2 or 3 days Before the Move

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
Have the movers pack your shipment.
Arrange to have cash, a certified check, or money order ready to pay the driver on the delivery day.
Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the moving van.
Pack clothes and toiletries to go with you; take a day or two of extra clothes in case of delay.
Pack first day handy items box to go with you.

Moving Day

Do it yourself movers should pick up truck early.
Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
Let the mover know where you can be reached.
Before you sign it, read the bill of loading. Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims settled.
Check your old house to make sure you've turned off your appliances and the water.
Leave the keys and garage door openers in the house.
Lock all doors and windows.
Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to mover.

Delivery Day

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