HOUSEHOLD  MOVE

Countdown to Moving Day

Eight weeks before you move

• Contact Reliable Van & Storage to make arrangements for moving day.
• Consider removing unwanted items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.  Now is the time to clean house.
• Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Contact the chamber of commerce or visitor's and tourism bureaus in your new community for information on your new city. Review internet sites for information.

Six weeks before the move

• If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are your employers and which are yours.
• Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible.
• Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year?
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc. Send a move card via email.
• Subscribe to online newsgroups and local newspapers to familiarize yourself with your new community’s local government, social news, activities, etc.
• Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents.
• Do any of your goods need to be stored? Your Reliable Van & Storage Relocation Consultant or Relocation Coordinator can help you make the necessary arrangements.
• Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records.

Four weeks before the move

• Submit a Change of Address form to the post office.
• Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants. Your Reliable Van Relocation Coordinator can assist you with these arrangements.
• Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone (if a cell phone is not available) and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.
• Contact your insurance companies i.e. auto, homeowner's or renter's, medical, life
• • If you're packing yourself, we can provide you with packing boxes and all related packing materials.
  • Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.

  Three weeks before the move

  • Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, don't make plane reservations for the same day that you're moving out. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.
  • Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).
  • Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

  Two weeks before the move

  • Have your car checked and serviced for the trip.
  • If you're moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators.
  • Contact your Relocation Coordinator to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.

  One week before the move

  • Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
  • Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.
  • Take pets to the veterinarian for any needed immunizations. Get copies of pets' veterinary records.
  • Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
  • Give away plants not being moved.
  • Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)
  • Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.
  • Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. (If necessary, your Relocation Coordinator at Reliable Van & Storage can help make arrangements for you.
  • Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you.
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  • Your Relocation Coordinator will call you to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to confirm any last minute details.

  Moving Day

  • Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions.
  • Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
  • Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these -- and all related papers -- in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.