Home Building 101: Moving In Timetable

Eight Weeks Ahead

Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day. Make certain that estimators are aware of everything that must be moved. Don't "forget" the old organ in the attic or lawn furniture, etc. The charge for interstate moves will be based on actual weight and distances, not on estimates, unless you have requested and received a binding estimate.

A binding estimate specifies in advance the cost of your move. It includes all transportation charges plus any additional services which you might request. It does not include items which are later added to the shipment or any additional services which may become necessary after the computation has been prepared.

Determine what degree of legal protection is needed for the safety of your goods. From acceptance to delivery of your goods, the carrier is responsible for your shipment. Responsibility is not the same as liability, however.

Be sure that you understand what the terms are before your things are loaded into the truck.
Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.

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.
If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now.
Contact doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.

Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out cards with effective date of the move. Fill out a change for each family member receiving mail.
Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants. Take pets to the veterinarian for required health certificates and rabies shots.
Notify the principal of your children's school about your intended move and arrange for transfer of school records and credentials.
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 and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.
Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's or renter's, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity. If donating, get receipts for possible tax deductions.

Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, you may wish not to make plane reservations for the same day that you're moving out.
Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, birth records, etc.)
Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

Have your car serviced and inspected.
Transfer your fire insurance on household goods and other insurance on personal possessions, so that they will be covered at your new home and enroute.
Arrange for sufficient cash or traveler's checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections. Cash or certified check is required by the moving company. They will not unpack the van without it.
Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safe deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented video tapes, 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.
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 in your car.
Organize and set aside those things you're taking with you so that they don't get loaded on the van in error.
Cancel all home deliveries such as newspapers.

Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions. 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.
Leave keys for your old property with your Realtor or neighbors.