Moving Basics
Planning for your move should begin long before the move itself is to take
place. You will need to obtain the services of a moving company well in advance
of the date of your move, so planning should begin as soon as possible. If you
have highly valuable items such as antiques, art, furs, jewelry, or technology,
a special arrangement will need to be made with your moving company.
Within two months of your move, you should already have a contract with the
moving company of your choice. At this point, you should contact the moving
company to confirm that all the services you’ve requested are in place, and
that the dates you’ve specified are understood. If you’re planning on packing
your property yourself, you should obtain packing materials like boxes,
strapping tape, and box fillers to cushion fragile items. Additionally, your
travel to the new location should be determined and planned at this time.
In the month before your move, begin looking around your space to determine
which items to bring and which to get rid of. The more you bring, the more the
move will cost, since moving companies measure their expenses through weight
and/or volume. At this point you should also begin contacting the utility
companies and other pertinent businesses at your new location, so that your
property will be ready for you to move in. If you’re packing on your own, you
can also begin boxing those items that won’t be used in the weeks prior to the
move.
Three weeks before your move, make certain that your plans for transporting
your automobile are finalized, and that your own transportation arrangements
have been made. If you have pets, you’ll now need to determine how they will be
transported to the new location; airlines frequently accept pets for
transportation but special arrangements, including the purchase of transport
carriers, must be made. Houseplants may need to be given away at this time.
In the two weeks before your move, finalize your packing decisions and clean
out your closets and other storage spaces. This is also a good time to address
your computer. If it isn’t used on a daily basis, you may want to disconnect it
now. Before doing so, make sure to back up your important files. Now is also
the time to cancel services such as newspapers and other locally oriented
subscriptions.
One week before moving, determine which items should be carried with you during
the move. For example, objects of value and legal or other important documents
should be placed in a separate location to be carried with you for safety. At
this time, you should set apart the clothing and other necessities you’ll need
during the move, and pack your suitcase. You’ll need to have access to
toiletries and other daily items upon entering your new property, so you won’t
want to unpack boxes just to reach those small goods. Arrange to have the
telephone line at your new property connected and in working condition for the
day of your arrival, and notify the post office of your move and your new
address. Contact your movers to finalize payment arrangements.
On moving day, organize keys and garage door remotes to turn in to the landlord
or real estate agent of the property you’re leaving. Give the movers your new
phone number, and finalize details and paperwork with them as well. Stay
present as the packing and loading is completed, and review the inventory for
thoroughness and accuracy. If possible, you should also be present for the
unloading process at the new property. If you haven’t already paid completely
for the moving services, you will be required to do so at this time. Be sure to
discuss payment methods prior to the time of payment; some companies may
require cashier’s checks.
Has your moving company done an especially good job? You could contact the
Better Business Bureau (BBB) and American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
and report the service you received; likewise, the BBB and AMSA can also handle
complaints about moving companies. If you have discovered damaged or missing
property, you’ll need to file business liability insurance claims according to
the contract you signed before the move occurred.