6-8 weeks before your move:

What items will make the trip?
Now is the time to determine which items you wish to take to your new residence. Items that you dont need should either be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale. You may consider teaming up with your neighbors who want to sell some of their belongings, and plan a neighborhood "sale".

Boxes, tape, packing paper
If you plan on packing your own items, start collecting suitable packing supplies. You can purchase all these materials from any van line agent or a moving supply company. The boxes you purchase should be specially designed for moving household goods to prevent damage to your belongings.

Everything has a place
Think about the layout of your new residence and where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan that will ease the stress of making decisions once the furniture arrives.

WhatÕs it like where you are moving to?
Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.

Will you be needing any travel arrangements?
Now is the best time to make your travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.). Try to keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.

Save your receipts
Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or go to www.irs.gov. You can download and print Form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.

DonÕt forget your records
Insurance, medical and dental records should be placed in a safe, accessible place. Also include prescription, and vaccination records. Plan on taking all vital documents such as: wills, stock certificates, and other one-of-a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.) separately.

Week by week

4-5 weeks before your move:

Apartment or condo
If you live in an apartment or condo complex, contact your property or building manager and inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.

Mr. Postman
Fill out a US Postal change of address form.

Odd and ends
Close any local charge accounts.

• Notify insurance companies of your move and transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
• Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected after you are moved out.
• If necessary, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and that they remain safe during the loading process.
• While sorting through your belongings, remember to return anything else you have borrowed.
• Remember to collect items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.
  
  

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  Week by week

  2-3 weeks before your move:

  Do you have power?
  Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home. or Transfered into your name.

  What about packing?
  Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.

  You gotta do windows
  Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.

  Bank accounts
  Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.

  Got any safety deposit boxes lying around?
  Each year people move without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Don't be another statistic.

  Secret hiding spots
  If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

  A reminder about moving plants
  Some state laws prohibit moving house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.

  Miscellaneous stuff
  

  • Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
  • Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
  • Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
  • Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Week by week

1 week from your move:

Loose ends
This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Check through this guide to make sure you haven't missed anything.

Labels
Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods. These can include "Do Not Load", "Load First", "Load Last", and "Fragile". Take special care to label your goods appropriately.

Confirm travel arrangements
Pack your suitcases and confirm your familys travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of a change of schedule.

Your new address
Contact your Moving Coach and make sure the movers have the address and phone number where you can be reached if your are not going directly to your new home.

Clean out the fridge
At least one day before moving, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. If necessary prepare your stove to be moved. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors.

Prepare your ÒFirst night survival kit"
This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If your are stopping overnight be sure to pack essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

Move day:

Bedding
Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.

Are they here yet?
Make sure you are on hand when the movers arrive. It's important to have an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority.

Spend time with the movers
Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers.

They've arrived!!!
Once the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.

Are they done yet?
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.

Where is a vacuum when you need it?
Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.

Week by week

After your move:

You got power?
Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.

Do you have a connection?
Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, the phone company should hook it up the day before "move-in day."

Where are the pets?
Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.

Note: To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

Week by week

Important paperwork:

Nobody likes to mess with paperwork, however, these items are critical to making sure you are entitled to every benefit as well as your savior in case something doesnÕt go as planned.

Order for Service
Moving companies are required to prepare an order for service on every shipment transported for an individual shipper. You are entitled to a copy of the order for service when it is prepared.

The order for service is not a contract. Should your move be canceled or delayed or if you decide not to use the mover, you should promptly cancel the order.

Should there be any change in the dates on which you and the mover agreed that your shipment will be picked up and delivered, or any change in the non-binding estimate, the mover may prepare a written change to the order for service. The written change should be attached to the order for service. You and the mover must sign the order for service.

Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover. The mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The information on the bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading before loading your furniture.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO READ THE BILL OF LADING BEFORE YOU ACCEPT IT. The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested, and you must pay the charges for the service.

THE BILL OF LADING IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. DO NOT LOSE OR MISPLACE YOUR COPY. Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled.

Inventory
At the time the mover's driver loads your shipment, he or she, although not required to do so, usually inventories your shipment listing any damage or unusual wear. The purpose is to make a record of the condition of each item. If the driver does not make an inventory, you should make one yourself.

After completing the inventory, the driver will usually sign each page and ask you to sign each page. It is important before signing that you make sure that the inventory lists every item in your shipment and that the entries regarding the condition of each item are correct. You have the right to note any disagreement. When your shipment is delivered, if an item is missing or damaged, your ability to recover from the mover for any loss or damage may depend on the notations made. The driver will give you a copy of each page of the inventory. Attach the complete inventory to your copy of the bill of lading. It is your receipt for the goods.

At the time your shipment is delivered, it is your responsibility to check the items delivered against the items listed on your inventory. If new damage is discovered, make a record of it on the inventory form. Call the damage to the attention of the driver and request that a record of the damage be made on the driver's copy of the inventory.

After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the driver's copy of the inventory to show that you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for your goods.

Here are some guidelines for those moves within your move.

Pets:

Moving isn't just stressful for people, itÕs equally stressful for pets. When it comes to moving with pets, pre-planning is crucial. Pets, as with humans, are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Moving companies will not move living things so if you plan to move with your pets, they are your responsibility. There are numerous ways to help them adapt to their new environment.

• Unless traveling a very long distance, it is recommended that your pets accompany you in your car. It provides more of a sense of security for you and your pet.
• If your pet, especially your cat, isn't used to car travel, take it on short rides around the block beforehand and then gradually increase the distance. This will help condition your cat to your car and to the motion of the car.
• You may want to consult your veterinarian about medication or sedatives to reduce/eliminate motion sickness, agitation and/or crying.
• Make sure your pet has a proper collar with ID and rabies tag. Also store all health documents in one convenient place.
• If you're planning to stop at a hotel/motel along the way, call ahead to find out which ones permit pets. Have leashes on hand to move your pet from the car.
• Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before your drive.
• It is important that you are attentive to your pets' well-being. If they are uncomfortable in any way, make a stop.
• Plan on making frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops.
• Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is against the law.

Kids:

Looking forward to your new home

• Talk about the neighborhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest and the benefits of your new residence.
• Involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas, including color choices, decoration and arrangement of furniture
• Make new friends and become involved and active in your new community immediately. Your children will follow your example during this transition period
• Encourage your children to keep in touch with old friends while making new friends.
• Let your kids tell the neighborhood that you're moving.
• Let them help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
• Help them collect addresses of their friends and neighbors.
• Involve them with a charity donation of toys, clothing, books etc.
• Consider having a "good-bye" party.

Coping With Moving Day

• While packing and unpacking are in progress, consider having a sitter or a friend watch your younger children.
• Don't let children distract the moving crew from their work and services.
• Prepare a "ready box" that can be first off the truck; stock it with things you will need immediately, such as snacks, kitchen items, bathroom toiletries, hand tools etc.
  
  

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Auto:

How much will it cost?
Have your Coach obtain quotes from our network of auto transport vendors. Your Coach will need to provide the following information: origin/destination, departure date, type of vehicle and special requests like door to door delivery, etc. The Moving Coach auto transport vendor network is made up of only qualified organizations with a reputation for honest, reliable service.

Is my car insured?
The company who transports your vehicle(s) should provide adequate insurance to protect against driver negligence. Ask for a copy of the "Certificate of Insurance" and familiarize yourself with the types of coverage provided. Most companies specifically exclude: road damage, damage or theft of personal items left in the car, small nicks & dents and glass breakage. Consult with your current auto insurance agent to verify if you need supplemental coverage.

Turning your vehicle over to the carrier.
Prior to handing over your car to a driver or transport company, be sure you receive an "Original Inspection Report." This report provides: pick-up and delivery information, current mileage, and most importantly, shows the condition of your car at time of pick-up (pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc.).

Accepting your vehicle for delivery.
At the time of delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly and compare the condition and mileage against the "Original Inspection Report". Many transport companies also provide a copy of this report at time of delivery. If there are discrepancies, note them as exceptions and be sure the driver signs it. NEVER accept your vehicle at night if you cannot verify its condition and without being signed by the driver.

What if thereÕs damage?
The majority of auto transport experiences are worry-free, with your vehicle arriving at the scheduled time. On occasion, a vehicle may become damaged in transit. If this should happen, be sure to note all damage on your inspection report, obtain the driver's signature, then contact your car transport company. Be sure to let your Coach know there was damage, often they can help you expedite the claims process. The transport company will work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your car.

What are the different types of trailers?
To ship your car most efficiently and cost-effectively, it's important to know about the different shipping techniques, such as open and closed trailers. The model of the car and the destination where you will transport it, will help determine if you will need an Open or Closed Trailer.

What is an Open Trailer?
An Open Trailer is the more popular and frequently used trailer. They carry anywhere from 10-12 vehicles at a time.

Advantages: Open Trailers are less expensive than Closed Trailers. The cost is determined by the weight of the vehicle.
Disadvantages: Open Trailers are subject to the elements. (i.e. rain, snow, wind, dirt and dust).

What is a Closed Trailer?
A Closed Trailer is a vehicle that has a covered freight area. It is commonly used for shipping expensive or classic cars that need to be protected. If you wish to protect your car from wind blown sand and heat, this is your best option.

Advantages: The car is well protected from the elements of nature.
Disadvantages: Closed Trailers cost more. Keep in mind, the cost is determined by the weight of the vehicle.

Note: Remove all valuables from the car, leave as little gas as possible in the gas tank for weight and safety purposes.

Options: choosing the moving company or going with an auto transport company.
Car carriers generally charge lower rates than movers and generally have shorter transit times than movers. Your Coach will help you shop for the most competitive pricing. If your quote seems unusually low/high, itÕs never a bad idea to ask why. Remember, you often get what you pay for.

What about cancellation fees?
Demand a written contract with approximate delivery dates then carefully read the terms and conditions, especially clauses dealing with insurance and cancellation fees before committing to a provider (there could be a charge of up to $200).

WhatÕs in your trunk?
As of 1990 the Department of Transportation ruled that you may not load any items in a vehicle other than clothing. Auto transporters are not licensed to carry household goods or personal items. Damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is not covered by insurance.

Be sure to ask about the security measures at the facility where your car will be stored before being loaded on the truck. Many companies claim they have secure storage for your car, but in actuality, they don't.