Two Months Before Moving

* Compare moving company options and service and costs. Select your packing and moving service. * Make an inventory of all household items to be moved usually with a representative of the company. * Research automobile movers and requirements then set dates for their transfer. o Request and sign for release of all medical and dental records as well as prescriptions for your family and pet(s). Ask for doctor, dentist and veterinarian recommendations in your new city. * Arrange to have school records transferred. * Check to see if your will needs to be updated or edited when moving across state lines. * Call your insurance agent to see what policy changes will result from your move. Notify the insurance of your new address as soon as you have it and check on grace periods. * Contact member organization, health clubs, yacht or country clubs you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell, or transfer your memberships. * Make or update your list of friends, relatives, businesses, subscriptions and credit card companies who need to be notified of your move. * Decide what furniture, household items, clothing, etc. to get rid of and do so. * Donate unwanted items to a local charity. Save receipts for your tax records. * Plan to use up or dispose of items that cannot be moved, candles, flammables, plants and wine. If you have a wine cellar check on specialty movers, most moving companies will not transport wine and alcohol.

Back to Top One Month Before Moving

* Review moving plans with your moving company representative. Be sure to cover insurance for packing and unpacking, arrival date and if arrivals do not happen as planned, payment agreements, shipping papers, etc. * Make special arrangements for the moving of perishables such as plants and fragile items like paintings, chandeliers, etc. a specialty crating company may have to pack these items. * Call your newspaper carrier, lawn service, pool cleaner, garbage pick-up, security company, snow removal service, etc. and set a date to cancel your service if your property is sold. Arrange for continued service if still on the market and have contacts so you can cancel after you close on the property. * Return any items on loan such as DVD’s and library books. * Pick up all dry cleaning and any items that are out for repair * Make sure that all flammables, combustibles and poisons are properly disposed of. These include oil based paints, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, and ammunition. All aerosol cans should be eliminated from the shipment, including hair sprays, shaving creams, deodorants, household cleaners, insecticides, tarnish removers, candles and car cleaners. * Have your automobiles serviced if they are being driven to your new location. * Arrange to have your automobiles, boats, power mowers, snowmobiles, etc. moved. Make sure that all gas and oil have been drained to prevent a fire hazard. * Contact your bank to set up new accounts, transfer or close accounts. Clear out your safety deposit box. * Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move. Arrange for them to be transferred. Check with your insurance company to be certain valuable items in transit are properly insured this is often an additional insurance rider. * Confirm travel arrangements for your family and pets. * Register your children for school or start the process if you haven’t already. * Make arrangements for your pet(s) for moving day and any boarding needed at the new location during the move in process. * Pets traveling by air need specific health certificates and shots from a veterinarian prior to flying, check all requirements with your airline. The size of the carrier is also strictly regulated and may have to be larger than you may generally use.

Back to Top One Week Before Moving

* Make sure all family and friends, that you want to keep in touch with, know your new address and phone numbers. * Arrange to have cell phone numbers changed to new area code, this can often be done very easily if you are keeping the same service provider. Keep charging cords in your overnight bags. * Arrange for a house cleaning service to clean your home and prepare it for the move. Have the refrigerator emptied and cleaned at least 24 hours before moving day. The freezer should also be thawed. * Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for your family and pet(s) for the next two weeks. * Pack any valuables you intend to take with you personally. * Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers. Be sure to leave a copy of this information with someone you trust. * Notify neighbors and your security company if your home will remain vacant upon your departure and give them your new contact information as well as a local family member or friend. * Gather all keys to the house and arrange to leave them with the new owners of your home or your realtor. * Have currency on hand for day of move.

Back to Top Moving Day

* Plan to spend the entire day at the house or have a well versed and trusted assistant present. Last minute decisions must be made by you to expedite the moving process. It is best not leave until after the movers have gone. Lock up carefully and set security system. * Hire a sitter to watch the kids or send them to a friend’s house for the day. * Tell packers and drivers about fragile or precious items again. * Check the mover’s inventory to see that you agree with the mover’s judgment on the condition of your household goods * Take photographs if there is a dispute. Check the inventory for completeness before you sign the Bill of Lading. Retain a copy of the signed inventory for your records. * Double check with the driver to make certain moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. Verify the scheduled delivery date. * Walk through every room and check every closet as well as your garage and yard to see if anything was forgotten. * Make sure that any valuables are being safely transported. Don’t forget any items that you are going to transport on your own. * Give the driver a phone number to contact you in the case of a problem. * Be sure to leave all keys, garage door openers, warranties, remote controllers, etc. for the new homeowner or realtor. * Turn off water and lights and set the thermostat at 60 degrees in winter and 76 degrees in the summer. Lock windows and doors.

Luxury Real Estate

About the Author

Monica Duff is a staff member of LuxuryRealEstate.com

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