There are a number of things you can do to begin to prepare for your move. We've prepared these hints to help you prepare for packing day. You might want to print this list and use it as a check-off sheet.

Since the cost of your move is determined by the quantity of goods moved, discard items you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, or donate unwanted belongings to charity. Remember that you can take a tax deduction for donations. Why pay to move items that you will not need at your new home?

Gather or arrange for transfer of important records: Doctor's records & prescriptions, School Records, Insurance Records, Postal change of address forms, Banking Records & Charge Accounts.

Review your Homeowner's Insurance Policy to see if your household goods are covered during your move. If not, talk with your mover about insurance options.

Have appliances prepared for relocation. Gas dryers, for example, need special servicing.

The following are items that a mover cannot legally move. You should dispose of: Paints, Aerosols Flammables, and Ammunition.

Drain water from garden hoses, and fuel from small engines, such as mowers, and have propane tanks purged.

Be sure that freezers and refrigerators are thoroughly defrosted, cleaned, and dried. Mold can grow very rapidly in a damp, dark, refrigerator.

Before the movers arrive, set aside items that you will need immediately at your new home. These items can be loaded last, and unloaded first. For example, you may need access to: Cleaning Supplies, Vacuum Cleaner, Toiletries, Coffee pot, Snacks, Paper Plates & a few Utensils, Small Tools & Hardware, etc.

Plan where you want furnishings and items to be placed in your new home. Take measurements of furnishings before they are on the truck, so that you can determine where they should be placed in your new home before the movers arrive to deliver your goods.

Be sure to identify and set aside items that you do not want the movers to pack, or that the movers will not be responsible for. These types of items would include: Prescription Medications, Plane Tickets, or Travel Maps, Special Children's Toys, Jewelry and Valuables, Remote Controls for TVs, VCRs and Stereos.

Prior to loading your goods on the truck, the mover will tag each item in your home with an identifying number, and take an inventory of your goods. Accompany the mover through the house as they prepare the inventory. Point out items that have particular value or require special handling.

Make sure the movers have loaded all of your belongings. Before the van leaves your old home, walk through the entire house, including storage areas, and check to be sure that nothing was missed.

If you are paying the mover directly for your move, prepare to have a certified check, cash or money order available at the time of delivery. Federal law requires that you pay for your move prior to delivery.

Notes:

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