Moving Services and Products

The Week of Your Move

3 Days Before
- Pack suitcases for the trip to your new house. Put in extra clothes for emergencies.

- Pack an "Instant Aid" box containing things you'll need upon arrival: sponges, paper towels, dish soap, paper plates, plastic knives, forks, and spoons, toothpaste, light bulbs, hammer, trash bags, hand soap, toiletries, scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, tea kettle, instant tea, coffee, soft drinks, flashlight, aspirin or ibuprofen, toilet paper, snacks, pencils and paper, a local phone book, masking tape, bath towels, and shelf lining materials.

- Defrost the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before the movers arrive.

- Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.

- Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van.

- Take the telephone directory from your old town with you. It will be useful in case you need to contact former doctors or business contacts. Also, it will be a great help when it comes time to send out holiday cards.

1 Day Before
- Point out to the packer which items should be loaded first onto the van (such as out-of-season items and decorative furniture) and which should be loaded last (such as items for children's rooms and furniture such as china cabinets you'll need for immediate storage as you unpack).

- Call the moving company to confirm that they have both your old and new addresses, as well as a telephone contact for you at your destination and, if necessary, while you're on the road.

- Write out your new address and leave it in a prominent spot so that the new occupants can forward mail that slips past the post office or give the address to other delivery services.

At Destination
- Be present to accept the delivery. If you can't be there personally, appoint someone to accept the delivery and call the moving company to alert them.

- Unless other arrangements have been made, be prepared to pay the tab. The van driver is obligated, by law, to collect for charges upon delivery.

- Check your goods as they are unloaded. If anything is missing, note it on the inventory sheet. By signing the sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.

- Keep all your documents relating to the move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.

- Check with the post office for any mail being held, and begin delivery.

Better Homes and Gardens

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