Moving Guide

• Lists

Separate lists by items you plan on moving to your new home or to storage. Will they be handled by the movers or yourself?

• Moving company

Get estimates and discuss costs, packing, timing and other necessary details.

• Community

Research about the community from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.

• Important Information

Place all of your medical records, prescriptions, vaccination and pet records in a safe place.

• Donations

Give away items that you do not need. Consider a garage sale if you have time.

• Expense

Maintain a file with important information and receipts since moving expenses are deductible.

• Insurance

Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance through your insurance agent.

• Packing Materials

Buy packing boxes and materials. Available at all of our storage facilities.

• Children

Register your child(ren) in their new schools.

• Pets

Find out if there are any specific requirements for pet ownership; and obtain the veterinarian records. Arrange for moving day pet care.

• Change of Address

Contact the post office, and complete a US postal change of address form.

• Utilities

Notify your service providers of your move. Call ahead and arrange to have utilities disconnected and connected to your new home.

• Babysitter

Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you have young kids.

• Travel

If traveling by car, you may want to get it serviced prior to your moving day departure.

• Don’t Forget

Clear out anything in basements, attics, closets and safety deposit boxes. Also, collect loaned items to friends.

• Hazardous Items

Dispose of flammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

• Plants

Some state laws do not allow moving house plants. Consider giving them to friends or a local charity.

• Packing

Start cleaning, sorting and packing. If renting a storage unit, label the boxes and drop off what you currently don’t need.

• Disassemble

Take a photo of how your electronics are connected. Back up computer files and disassemble large items.

• Labels

To ensure the safety of your items, label your boxes ‘Fragile’, ‘Load First’, ‘Load Last’ and ‘Do Not Load’.

• Clean

Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least one day before moving.

• Movers

Make sure the moving company has the correct address and a phone number to get in touch with you until you reach your new home.

• Essentials

Pack a separate bag/box with the essentials you need immediately upon arrival. Carry traveler’s checks or cash for quick payments.

• Loading Process

Be present, thoroughly inspect the premises and see to it that nothing is left behind.

• Movers

There must be someone to direct the movers. The driver must have your name and phone number. Remember to get the driver’s contact info as well.

• Unloading

Make sure there are no missing or damaged items using your inventory list. Plan out the placement of major items in your home.

• Lock Up

Turn off all the switches and lock all of the windows and doors.

• Be Patient

If you reach your new home before your mover, sign the bill of lading and make sure your new address and phone number are correct.

• New State

You will need to renew your driver’s license and other legal papers. Locate hospitals, police stations and fire stations near your new home.