Moving Companies & Relocation Services Guide – Step by Step Free Moving Quotes for Movers

Moving Guide: Six Weeks Before your Move

* Make an inventory of all of the items that you want to move to the new place.
* Call your favorite charity or organize a garage sale to clean out household items you do not want to move to the new place.
* Get estimates from several moving companies and select reliable and suitable mover. Make sure that you found out the expected form of payment from the mover.
* Start packing ASAP. Start with items that are stored in your basement, that aren't used often, but will be moved to the new place.
* Better to check with your employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay.
* Contact your insurance agent to transfer or even cancel coverage.

Moving Guide: Four Weeks Before your Move

* Notify mail, magazine subscriptions, newspaper delivery, etc. of your change in address.
* Contact utility companies for refunds of your deposit and set the turn-off dates.
* If have some pets, get medical history and immunizations from the veterinarian records of your pet's.
* Obtain all your family's records and prescriptions from your family doctors and dentist.
* Service power movers, snowmobiles and etc. Drain all gas (oil) in your motorized vehicles to prevent a fire.
* Get your children's school records.
* Move your valuables to a safe deposit box to prevent loss.
* Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants, that is why it is better to find an additional one for that)

Moving Guide: One Week Before your Move

* Have your automobile(s) serviced.
* Transfer or close all your checking and savings accounts.
* Arrange for sufficient cash or traveler checks to cover moving expenses.
* Fill out Post Office change of address forms and it give to the postmaster.
* Empty your freezer (s).
* Defrost your freezer (s) and clean refrigerator. Better use baking soda to dispel odor.
* Separate cartons and luggage you may need for the personal/family travel.
* If it is possible, organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely.
* Plan for special needs of children and pets.
* Arrange to have utilities turned on at your new address.
* Remove valuables from the safe deposit box before moving day so they aren't left behind.

Moving Guide: On your Moving Day

* Plan to spend the entire day at your house. Don't leave until the movers have gone to be sure that everything is picked up and etc.
* Stay with the moving van driver to oversee all the inventory.
* Carry jewelry and valuable documents yourself, do not trust it to the driver and etc.; or use registered mail.
* Be sure to tell packers and/or driver (s) about fragile or precious items.
* Take a final tour of your apartment or home to double check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
* Approve and sign the Bill of Lading. If possible, it will be good to accompany driver to the weigh station.
* Double check with the driver to make certain moving company records show the correct delivery address and date of delivery. Give driver phone numbers both here and in new community to contact you in case of a problem.
* Get complete routing information from the driver and phone numbers where you can call the driver or company while en route.
* Disconnect all the home utilities.
* Lock all the doors and windows of your house/apartment.
* Leave all your house/apartment keys with apartment manager, realtor, or your neighbor.
* Carry cashier checks or travelers checks for quick available funds.
* To be on the safe side, let your close friends and relatives know your route, including overnight stops.

Moving Guide: After You Arrive to the new address

* Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace.
* Check on service of utilities at new address.
* Have your new address recorded on driver's license, or obtain a new one.
* Register your car within 3-5 days after arrival in new state, to avoid penalty.
* Register to vote.
* Obtain phone numbers for emergencies, such as fire/police, and determine the nearest hospital.
* Register children in new school