General Moving Tips & Timelines:

At Least One Month Before Moving Day:

• Order Supplies (Boxes, packing tape, etc.) See our What Supplies Do I Need? page for more detail.
• Start Packing (see Packing Tips sheet).
• Set up a checking account in new city.
• Secure Family Records:
  • Get Medical, dental, x-rays, prescriptions histories.
  • Get copies of school records.
• Designate a room by the front door or garage and stack boxes by size keeping related boxes close together. This will cut down on the time spent loading the truck.

• Disassemble beds ahead of time even if it means sleeping on mattresses on the floor the night before.
• Don't slow down the movers on moving day and pay for their time.
• Have beds stripped and packed (in dresser drawers so they will be easy to find or in a specially marked box) before the movers get there.
• Be on hand when the movers arrive.
• Discuss delivery arrangements fully with the mover.
• Confirm liability coverage.
• Give all information on how you can be reached - phone number, destination motels, new home, cell phone, and work. Also an alternate contact if you can't be reached.

• Mover numbers and shipment registration number in case you need to call them. Keep in contact with the movers while you are in transit.
• If an item is irreplaceable, take it with you in a box (jewelry, pictures, video tape, mementos, safety deposit box with all important documents etc.)
• Carry traveler's checks for quick, available funds.
• Prepare a pack for kids (see Family Survival sheet).
• Bare neccessities box (Last box on / first box off or carried with you in your car):
  • Toilet paper, soap, toiletries.
  • Telephone, telephone book (may need numbers from old town).
  • Flashlight, screwdriver, pliers.
  • Paper towels, paper plates, cups, utensils, couple of pans, coffee pot & coffee.
  • Sheets & towels (or placed in a designated drawer so they are easy to find when unpacking).

• At the end: Check all closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty upon delivery.
• Try and reserve a parking space for the truck if the area is congested.
• Check your items for damage. Do not sign anything until you have inspected all furniture and the exterior of cartons.

Do you have suggestions to make this a better list? Please send us your suggestions and we will add them to the list.

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