Planning Ahead

One of the first things you have to decide is whether to hire a commercial mover or move yourself.

As a rule, commercial movers save you a lot of time and work.

If you decide to use a commercial moving company, choose it well in advance. Compare services and costs? and make sure they're available on the day you want to move.

Compare moving methods for different items. For example, it's usually cheaper to ship books by mail than to have movers handle them.

Packing

Inventory all possessions that will be moved. Noting the condition of each item will make it easier to determine if any damage occurred while moving.

Label the contents of all cartons and boxes on two sides, so they can be put right where you want them without first having to be unpacked.

Pack fragile items carefully. Line the bottom of the cartons with balls of newspaper for cushioning. Pack the heaviest pieces first, with lighter objects on top and paper filling out the empty pockets. Pack them full, but don't overfill them. If necessary, fill the boxes with balls of paper to keep the tops level.

Number each box and keep a master list of contents.

Label all keys to correspond with tags on trunks and suitcases.

Tape tops of bottles and medicines.

Take along a telephone book, in case you need phone numbers and addresses after you move.

Be on hand when the movers load your furniture and belongings.

Before You Leave

Ask your local post office for change of address postcards and notify the following:

• Post Office
• Magazine publishers
• Present employer
• State Department of Revenue
• Investment Broker
• Credit card companies
• Banks

If you're changing jobs, arrange to have your present employer send your W-2 form, so you'll have it on hand when it's time to file your tax return.

Cancel the following services and arrange them at your new home. Be sure to review check stubs and receipts for any other services which should be terminated or transferred:

• Electricity
• Telephone
• Cable
• Landscaping
• Gas
• Newspaper
• Trash Pick-up

Ask your doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc. to recommend professional services convenient to your new location.

Arrange for transfer of the following:

• School records
• Legal documents
• Charge accounts
• Medical records

Contact your lawyer for a review of your will.

Obtain health inoculation certificates for pets.

Be sure to pick up dry cleaning and any items at repair shops. Check your records to see where deposits or refunds are due.

Don't forget to notify friends and relatives of your new address.

Before leaving your old residence, make sure all doors and windows are locked and keys are given to the proper people.

On Moving Day

Make sure you have the following with you:

• Travelers' checks
• Driver's license
• Auto registration cards
• Credit cards
• Checkbook

When You Arrive

Be on hand to check for damage while your furniture is being unloaded. If any belongings are damaged, notify movers immediately and have them sign an Exception Report.

Know ahead of time where you want your things placed. You could be charged extra money if movers have to keep shifting things around.

Make sure all necessary services that you arranged for have been started.

Call a service person to connect washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator or to light your gas furnace.