Finding a mover

Movers tend to specialize in a certain type of move. Some focus on interstate moves, others only work locally. You will find movers who handle everything with gloves, wrap, blanket, and protect your furniture, and others who seem to have little regard for your property. Due to the variability of the profession, we recommend you use a site called uShip. It allows you to request movers to bid on your project based on the description you provide. Reviews are often available for those bidding, and they will move everything from a single item to a whole house or office.

Moving Checklist

• 8 Weeks Before your Move
  
  • Get quotes or estimates from movers
  • Get quites from truck rental places
  • Arrange to make any repairs to your home
  • Get rid of clutter
  • Gather items for a yard sale or to give to charity
  • Arrange to have children's school records transferred
• 7 Weeks Before your Move
  • Select and hire your move
  • or
  • Arrange for truck rental
• 5 Weeks Before your Move
  • Advertise your Garage Sale
• 4 Weeks Before your Move
  • Fill out Change of Address Forms
  • Contact Local Utility companies and schedule service cut off
  • Start using up food items and supplies that can't be moved
  • Hold your garage sale
• 3 Weeks Before your Move
  • Make arrangements to give away or dispose of items that didn't sell at your garage sale
  • If necessary, reserve elevators for either part of your move
• 2 Weeks Before your Move
  • Arrange to have your prescriptions, medical, and dental records transferred to new providers
  • Get moving boxes and supplies if you're packing yourself - some places will buy back unused boxes, so don't buy too few, and be caught out with more stuff than boxes at the last minute
• 1 Weeks Before your Move
  • Give away any plants you don't plan to take with you
  • Arrange for a babysitter for your children for moving day
  • Pack a suitcase with enough clothes to last you for the duration of your move
  • Pack up and set aside boxes with belongings that you want to move in your own vehicle
  • Create and clearly label one or more "Open First / Load Last" boxes with things you might need right away
• 3 Days Before your Move
  • Clean out your refridgerator, and clean the interior, and make sure that you leave at least 24 hours for it to dry out before the movers come
• 1 Day Before you Move
  • Get cash or traveler's checks to take with you
  • Confirm your schedule with your moving company
  • Do all of the things on the list above that you intended to do before now, but didn't
• Moving Day
  • Secure your pets before the movers arrive
  • Be sure someone is available to answer questions from the movers
  • Carefully read the bill of lading and inventory before signing - put your copy in a safe place
• Delivery Day
  • Be sure to have someone available to answer questions from your movers
  • Note any damaged items on your inventory