MOVING COUNTDOWNPlanning and preparing will make your move run smoothly. Following a schedule will 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 is best suited to your needs. If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies. Be sure to reserve in advance. Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture stays and what furniture will go. Use up things that can't be moved- such as the food in your freezer and flammable household aerosol cleaning supplies. Contact the chamber of commerce in your future location and start gathering information about your new home town. 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, etc. Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records. Go to the post office and obtain a change of address kit and start filling out the cards. Don't forget about magazine subscriptions, catalogs, creditors, etc. Find out from your accountant or the IRS about tax-deductible moving expenses. But 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 for the move. If you need it, arrange for storage. Clean Or repair any 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.) Do-it-yourselfers should take stock of non-boxable items. Add 15 percent to their combined cubic feet (along with total cubic feet of boxes to be loaded) to figure the size of truck you'll need. 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE Assemble packing materials. Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home. Get car license, registration, and insurance in order. 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE Arrange to transfer bank accounts to new branch locations. Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts you arc closing. Make any special arrangements to move pets such as airline reservations and traveling containers. Consult your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet. Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Make sure tires arc in good shape and all fluids are at adequate levels. Cancel delivery services (newspapers, diaper, etc.), Arrange such services in your new location. 1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location. If you will need a babysitter, arrange for moving day service. Return library books and video tapes. Two to three 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 delivery day. Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van. Pack clothing and toiletries to go with you: take a day or two's extra clothes in case of a delay. Pack your first day handy items box (see Delivery Day) to go with you. 0 DAY Do-it-yourself movers should pick up truck early. Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck. Be on hand to answer questions and give directions. Let the mover know where you can be reached. Before you sign it, read the bill of lading. Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims are settled. Check your old home to make sure you've turned off water and that no leave-behind appliances arr running. Inspect basement, attic, garage, or any out buildings. Lock up all doors and windows. DDAY Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck. Change locks. Make sure the utilities were, in fact, hooked up. Unpack kids toys. Have useful first-day items handy. Scissors
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