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MOVING CHECKLIST:

The following list can be a helpful reminder of the people and organizations you should notify, as well as a place to keep your notes and new numbers during this stressful time.

8 weeks before moving:

□ Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
□ Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
□ Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates
□ Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides.
□ Sort through basement, loft and garage and disposed of the things you don’t want to take
□ Resolve what to do with prohibited items
□ Make proper provision for pets
□ Decide whether or not you are taking your car
□ Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
□ Plan to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners. Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.

7 weeks before moving:
□ Start to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address
□ Notify banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, hire purchase and rental companies
□ Start to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation
□ Apply for any necessary visas
□ Check that electrical goods will work in your new home

5-6 weeks before moving:
□ Separate favorites toys
□ Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of.
□ Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.
□ Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare
□ Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
□ Arrange for mail to be forwarded
□ Decide whether or not to buy any new household goods

2-4 weeks before moving:
□ File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
□ Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
□ Decide which clothes travel with you
□ Start to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture
□ Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
□ Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
□ Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.
□ Agree an insurance value and terms with your mover
□ Make arrangements of connection of services at your new home
□ Make sure all library books have been returned and that all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up.
□ Cancel milk, newspapers, subscriptions.
□ Find new homes for your plants.

1 week before moving:
□ Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
□ Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances.
□ Separate luggage items you need for personal travel.
□ Clean garden tools, bicycles, and any other gardening equipment.
□ Empty the tanks of powered tools such as mowers.
□ Check you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination.
□ Collect travelers checks or local currency.
□ Clear out safety deposit boxes.
□ Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts.
□ Arrange for someone to look after the children on moving day.
□ Confirm travel arrangements.
□ Have your automobile(s) serviced.
□ Confirm parking for your trailer.
□ Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.

Moving Out
□ Make a point to be present when your movers arrive. Show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery.
□ Inspect your trailer for cleanliness and leaks before signing for delivery.
□ Measure your space on the trailer, so you know where your boundary is. If you need more or less space, you can take it and simply adjust your base rate by your "per foot" charge.
□ You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded in your trailer. Be familiar with packing and loading tips or personally supervise hired labor.
□ Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.
□ Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.
□ Once your goods are loaded, install the bulkhead.
□ You should have received a copy of your Bill of Lading, or BOL, when you received your trailer. Look this document over carefully and contact your moving coordinator with any questions or concerns.
□ Make sure the destination address and contact information on your BOL is correct and write in the number of feet taken by your shipment. This is very important, as an accurate BOL ensures an accurate rate.
□ Call the mover when your trailer is ready to be picked up.
When your trailer is picked up, verify the footage with the driver and sign the BOL.
□ The day after your trailer is picked up call your local terminal to verify charges and to get your "pro" or tracking number.
□ Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
□ Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and "whereabouts" in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

Moving In
□ You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected.
□ Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
□ Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
□ Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
□ Keep track of your shipment and work with the local terminal to schedule delivery of your trailer. Plan ahead for parking.
□ As at origin, make a point to be present when your movers arrive. Show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery. If you are unable to do this, work closely with a friend or representative to accept your shipment.
□ Unless you are paying by credit card, have a cashier's check or money order ready for the driver.
□ After your goods are unloaded, contact your local terminal to have your trailer taken away. Be sure to remove all debris, leaving only the bulkhead in the trailer.

After the Move
□ Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. Be sure to include your Bill of Lading and delivery receipt. You'll be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.
□ Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.
Register to vote.
□ Contact the local paper for a new subscription.