Planning and Organization

Plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize...  There.  We probably haven't said it enough.  But if you can master those two concepts, you are well on your way to an efficient move.

The more organized you are, the smoother your moving process will be.  Make a list of what you need to do, and when you need to do it.  The Check List which we have prepared should help!  Also, check out our Packing Hints!

Compile Personal Records

All the time you have been living in your current home, you have been building important records of your personal history.   Medical, dental, financial, and legal information will take on increased importance in your new community.  Information gathering should be a simple process that you can begin working on several months before your actual move.

Contact your family doctor, dentist and other specialists you have been to and get copies of your medical records.  Your new physicians and dentists will need your history.  And don't forget your pets medical records and copies of immunization certificates!

Arrange to transfer the contents of your safety deposit box to a bank near your new home.  Make sure you have a record of the contents.  While you are at the bank, notify them of your planned move, and arrange transfer of funds to a new bank or branch.

And remember the other professionals: accountants, lawyers, insurance agents, stock brokers, and schools for the kid's records.

Chances are, if you haven't used something in a year, you probably never will!

Consider the appliances.  If you have been wanting a new refrigerator, now may be the time to look for a new one.  And if your washer and dryer are getting old and battered, consider selling them.

A garage sale will enable you to sell unwanted furniture, appliances, clothing, and other household items that you no longer use, while putting a little more money in your pocket.

The kids room is a good place to start when it comes to elimination.  The clothes they have outgrown and the toys they don't play with can be sold at the garage sale, or may be welcomed by your favorite charity.

The house plants you have carefully nurtured may appreciate adoption by a friend rather then the rigorous journey in your car.   If they must go with you, your mover cannot take them loose, they may be able to take them boxed up.  Ask your moving consultant.  You may be able to arrange transportation through a florist or nursery.

Consider motor vehicles including cars, campers, boats, trailers, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.  Your mover can take them for you, but if you plan to drive, be sure and have your car and trailer serviced before the trip.

There are two categories of things that cannot go with the mover; perishables like frozen foods, and hazardous materials.

Plan your meals to use up the contents of your freezer at least a week before you go.  Defrost the freezer and allow it to stand with the door open for three or four days so it will dry out and not mildew in transit.  Be sure to block the door so it cannot close accidentally on small children.

Hazardous materials include anything flammable or corrosive, like paint, cleaning products, antifreeze and oil, and of course, gasoline.  Also, if you have a gas grill with a tank, be sure the tank is completely empty and has a sticker before either you or the mover takes it.

If you have leftover paint from your house, label cans as to where it was used and leave them behind in the garage or basement.   The new residents will appreciate the favor.

Keep these types of items clearly separated from everything else so nothing gets packed or moved unintentionally.  Whatever you do, remember not to ship anything that might put at risk all of your possessions in the moving van.

Establish a Schedule

You need to establish specific time frames for each aspect of your relocation.  When you are determining the dates you want to move, remember that most people move in June, July, and August.  If you plan to move during these months, the moving company you select will need as much advanced notice as possible.  Do not wait until the last minute and be disappointed and inconvenienced because the dates cannot be accommodated.

Select and notify your mover as soon as you know you are moving, even if you do not have specific dates.  It will enable them to help you plan and organize, and begin to establish their own schedule.  Provide the mover 30 days notice for specific dates, if at all possible.

If there is to be a lag time between when you have to be out of one house and when your new home is available, chances are you will require storage.  Your mover can help you determine whether to store things at origin or near your new home.

Storage introduces a new element that requires more planning.  Consider what things you absolutely cannot live without when you arrive.  If you expect to stay in a hotel the whole time, your needs will be less than if you are going into a furnished apartment or efficiency.

You may want to pack some extra items in the car, or if you are storing things at destination, ask your mover to keep them available for you to pick up from the warehouse, and to mark cartons and inventory pages accordingly.

Tell the World You're Moving

Once you have set the dates and established a forwarding address, you will begin notifying people who need to know.  The US Postal Service offers change of address kits that include notification cards for business and the Postmaster.  Or you can notify your postmaster on-line and print out your own change of address forms at http://www.usps.gov/moversnet/coa.html.

Make a list of everyone you need to notify, and check them off your list once you have sent them a card.  Start with the Post Office itself, followed by credit cards, bank, book and record clubs, magazine subscriptions, and of course, friends and family.  Since many magazines and businesses will need time to process the change, plan to send out change of address cards at least a month before moving.

If you have not found a place to live and do not have a new address, consider getting a Post Office box for the interim period to begin forwarding mail.  Locate a Post Office near your new place of business or in the area of the town you think you will want to live.

Some people will require a phone call; utilities, newspapers, trash collection, lawn services, diaper services, and just about anyone that picks up, delivers, and provides service.  Record dates and names of the people you speak with to avoid misunderstandings later.

Finally, when you have set a moving date, you may want to arrange for the kids and pets to stay with grandparents or friends.   It will be easier for you, them, and the movers.

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