Pre-Move

Get estimates from moving companies and arrange method of payment.
Sell, give away, discard unnecessary belongings.
Notify post office and send out change of address cards to companies to inform of move.
Get school records for transfer to new school.
Check and clear tax assessments on your current property.
Collect and send out all items to be cleaned and repaired.
Return all items borrowed, and collect all items loaned.

Arrange for connection and shutting off all utilities.

Dispose of flammable items.
Defrost and clean fridge one day before move; clean stove.
Have meters read.
Use up perishable food.
Arrange to transport plants, pets, fish and perishables.
Clean rugs and drapes.
Arrange for work that has to be done at new home.
Get moving company appraisals of items for future claims.
Cancel cleaning woman, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removal, etc.
Assure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.

Packing and Storage

Get packing paper, pad for inventory, and marking pens.
Boxes or containers for packing, heavy twine or masking tape.
Empty gasoline from lawnmowers, outboard motors, etc.
Remove batteries from toys, and appliances.
Mark cartons clearly as to contents and room to be put in.
Set aside things you will carry in car in carton marked "Do not load".
Mark clearly cartons you want loaded last, unloaded first.
Take a telephone book with you.
Tie or tape mops, brooms, curtain rods in bundles.
Point out and mark especially fragile or delicate items.
Carry currency, jewellery and valuable papers yourself.
Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
Liquids in bottles should have tops secured.
CDs, records, cassettes and videotapes should be packed in an upright position on their edges, not flat.
Large mirrors, glass tabletops and valuable pictures can be crated.
Books should be packed on edge in small boxes.
Carton weight should not exceed 60 pounds.
All boxes should be tied/taped securely.
Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
Do not use newspaper to pack anything; the ink rubs off.
Do not leave shelves loose in refrigerator or stove.
Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in the bottom of boxes.
Do not pack cleaning products in the same box as food.
Table lamps should be packed.
Place heavy china items at bottom of box; all flat pieces should be placed on edge.
Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger one.
Move clothes in wardrobes supplied by mover.
Drapes can be moved in wardrobes as well.
Do not roll mattresses or rugs; leave for mover (special cartons).
Do not wrap articles of furniture or tie the ropes.
Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.
Take down any fixtures fastened to wall.

Arriving

Have children and pets elsewhere, if possible.

Check off numbered boxes.
Check each carton for damage or loss.
List claims for lost or damaged articles.
Pay movers.
Check supply of heating fuel.
Get appliances hooked up.
Get utilities turned on, or meters read.
Get kitchen and bedrooms set up first

© 1996-2007 Homes for Sale Magazine Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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