Steps to take before you move! Don't wait to the last day to decide to organize yourself Part I. (packing service, mover)

[FreeMoverTips]

Moving Reminders Checklist
Six to Eight Weeks before Moving Day

Working With the Mover:
• Call your selected moving agent. Set a date for the agent to visually survey your home and prepare an estimate.
• If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services the mover will be authorized to perform.
• Do you want to do any of the packing -- or will you have it done by our experienced packers? Your agent will be happy to discuss packing services with you.
• Show the agent everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate.
• Read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual" to make certain that you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability.
• Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have any questions, ask your agent to explain.
• Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy.

Four to Six Weeks Before Moving Day

Places to Notify:
 Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service Web site.
 Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your move. The following checklist will be helpful:

Utilities
Personal Accounts
Electric
Pharmacy
Gas
Dry Cleaner
Water
Lawn Service
Telephone
Bank/Finance Companies
Sewer District
Credit Card Companies
Trash
Laundry Service
Cable/Satellite
Auto Finance Company
Fuel (Oil/Propane)
Health Club
Sewer District

Professional Services
Publications
Doctor(s)
Newspapers
Dentist
Magazines
Accountant
Newsletters
Lawyer
Professional Journals
Broker
Insurance Agency

Government Offices
Department of Motor Vehicles
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Tax Bureaus
City/County Tax Assessor
Veterans Administration


Miscellaneous:

• Have a "garage sale" or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items. Ask your agent for a copy of our "Let a Garage Sale Lighten the Load" booklet.
• Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations. Obtain receipts showing the items' approximate value for possible tax deductions.
• Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what will be used before moving.