Only a month to go before moving day arrives! Within the next two weeks a home or business owner will begin to see the real signs of the coming move. Closets, cupboards and rooms will be emptied and boxes will begin to pile up.
• Choose and hire the professional moving company in order to
develop a workable timetable or schedule. Many companies will require
several weeks of planning with the owner, and this is the appropriate
time to make such arrangements. Remember that “expedited”
services will come with significant charges, so be sure to allow enough
time to avoid such fees
.
• Review a floor plan of the new home to ensure that there is
adequate room for all of the furnishings and possessions that are included
in the plans for moving day.
• Find a storage facility within a reasonable distance from the
new location if one is going to be required. Remember that a professional
moving service is glad to stop at a storage facility to deliver or pick
up possessions, but this will add to the cost of their service.
• Contact all utility suppliers to alert them to the moving day
and arrange for an end of the services supplied to the location. Note:
Do not ask for the cut off day to coincide with moving day! Leave the
utilities in operation for at least one full day after the move.
• If not using a moving company, now is the time to arrange for
all of the rental equipment, including dollies, furniture blankets and
vans or trucks.
• If air travel is going to be required this is the absolute latest
date to make such arrangements. Additionally, if animals are to be flown
or transported this is the time to consult with a veterinarian about
any health challenges the animal may face. Alternately, if the relocation
involves a lengthy drive it is important to let the animal(s) become
familiar with their carrier, and giving a month or more to familiarize
them to the crate is a good idea.
• Present all family members with a box or storage tub which they
can fill with their “essentials”. Moving day can mean lost
toys, electronic items, wallets, keys, etc. An essential box of goods
and items will allow family members several weeks to prepare for moving
day. The box should also contain several changes of clothing and any
medications.
• Begin packing – it is easiest to pack in stages, one room
at a time. Many people begin by reviewing all of the possessions in
a room, eliminating those things they will not keep and then packing
smaller, less frequently used items, before completely packing the contents
of the room. Some experts recommend dividing the contents of a room
into three possible destinations: “trash”, “charity”,
and “move”.
• If the move requires the transportation of a car or vehicles
now is the time to make such arrangements with a car transportation
service or driving company.
• Identify any tax deductible expenses for the relocation. Usually
this is available only to those who are moving in order to engage in
a new job or because they have been required to do so for their employer.
Now is the time to be sure that all appropriate documents are placed
in the critical file box.
• Begin to file all of the change of address cards, and plan to
finish them before the end of the week.
• Handle all banking requirements at this time, including opening
new accounts and closing those that can be eliminated.
Weeks Eight to Six Before Moving Day
Weeks Five to Four Before Moving Day
Weeks Three to Two Before Moving Day