Moving guide: ideas and systems to facilitate your moving process! part 3

This is part 3 of 4 articles designed as a practical program to make your move from one house or office to another as convenient as possible.

Move-in Pre-Season 3: “Seasoning the Meat” – About 3 weeks before move-in

• Schedule changes? If you’re moving professionally, please notify your van line agent if there are any changes to your move dates. If you require any additional ancillary services, such as moving the piano, packing and unpacking, or storage, you must notify the van line agent for pricing information. Also let the van line agent know if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.
• Are you packing or someone else? Decide how much packaging you will handle yourself. You must inform the van line agent of any items you have decided to pack.
• Are you driving or transporting your vehicle? Whether you are moving your car with the van line agent or with a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for car pickup at this time.
• Green items? Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you move from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the movement of houseplants. Google to see if this is a problem.
• Stress in your pets? Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to make sure their health certificates and rabies shots are up to date. Some states will require these documents.
• Do you have small values? Plan to take all valuable jewelry and other small but valuable items with you. Pick them up now and put them in your “to go” box. .
• Like to read? Return any library book. Also collect all the items that are being repaired, stored or cleaned (clothes, furs, shoes, etc.). This is a good time to put aside a book to read if you think your plans will allow the time (fly to your new home?)
• Are you moving upstairs? Do you need an elevator? If you are moving into a building with an elevator, make sure the elevator is available on the day and time you expect to arrive at your destination.

Preseason 4 on the go: “Broil the Meat” – approx. 2 weeks before your move

• A new pharmacy? Transfer all prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new city. Clear all your safe deposit boxes.
• Possible computer problems? Be safe and plan ahead: shut down and unmount your computer system now. Back up all the files on your computer. Consider taking all of your backup files with you in the car or on whatever means of transportation you will be using. Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.
• Are you still organizing? Make the final packaging decisions. Clean and declutter your home, including closets, basement, and attic.
• Dispose of items that pose a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped. Ask your professional mover or even check the USPS website for their suggestions. If FedEx or the post office don’t ship it, maybe you just need to give it away or throw it away.
• Packing tape will do the trick: tape and seal all non-toxic, non-flammable cleaning fluids in plastic bags.
• Prepare your gardening tools? Drain all oil and gasoline from your lawn mower, snow blower, and power tools to ensure safe transportation.
• Cut the power? This is a good time to schedule the disconnection and preparation of the device with a service provider.
• Short term storage? There are many easy options today for short-term storage. If you need to use external storage, call your van line agent for available storage options or, again, call Google for a quick fix.
• Change your oil – general maintenance? Have your car checked if you plan to travel by car.
• Don’t let them pile up? Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries
• Do you have some lockers? Clean gym and school lockers

Preseason 5 on the move: “Set the table” 1 week before your move

• Keep your “go with me” and “go in the truck” batteries separate. Be sure to separate the items that you will bring with you and the items that the movers will bring. Don’t overload yourself, just personally carry specific valuables.
• It’s broken? Make sure you haven’t overlooked anything in the house, including minor repairs.
• Get some stickers and markers: mark the boxes to be shipped with the words, “Fragile”, “Do not load” and “Load last” stickers.
• Ice is heavy and messy – empty, defrost and clean your fridge, freezer and wipe down your stove at least 24 hours before you move so they can air out. If necessary, use baking soda to remove odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.
• Show kindness: Mow the lawn one last time before you move in.
• Keep a few items close when you move: Prepare the items you’ll need while your goods are in transit. Pack your bags and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in case of unexpected delays or schedule changes.
• Telephone numbers? Give your friends or neighbors a phone number to contact you if something goes wrong or you forget. Also, provide the number of your new home to your mover. You must also provide an address and phone number where you can be reached until you arrive at your new home.
• Pay for your moves? Arrange payment to van line agent. Contact your van line agent to inquire about accepted payment methods. In general, this will be cash on delivery (COD).
• Keep it safe and secure? Check your chosen insurance with your van line agent. See our “Insurance and Liability” guide for more information.
• Pick up any dry cleaning and clothing and any other items to be repaired.
• owe some money? Settle outstanding invoices with local merchants.
• Blockbuster will appreciate it? Return videos and any other items you have rented.
• To be prepared? Set up your “first night back” and “box ready.” Your first night box should contain the clothes and toiletries you’ll need for the first night in your new home. See the “first night bag guide”.
• Unplug and clean all appliances that will be moving with you and those that will remain.
• Passwords and codes? Gather house keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and prepare to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
• Prevent damage from theft? If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move in, notify friendly neighbors and the police.