Moving Tips |
Plan the move as early as possible. If you are able to move at any time of the year, don't wait until summer, the peak-moving season. Consider also that the first and last few days of the month are extra busy. If you plan to sell your house, get it on the market as soon as possible. If renting, give your landlord timely notice of your moving date.
Keep a record of all expenses related to the move, some of which may be tax deductible. Take a tape measure and list the exact dimensions of each of your major appliances and other large pieces of furniture. Measure the areas provided for them in your new home to be sure your appliances and furniture will fit. It may be better to sell them rather than pay to have them moved.
Fill out the Personal Household Inventory for each room. This is important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for shipment and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach any invoices or records of purchase to the completed inventory.
Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value. The following list includes items that might fall into this category: · Antiques · Art Collections · Cameras · China Collections · Computer Equipment · Crystal · Figurines · Firearms · Jewelry · Silver · Stones Or Gems · TVs Or Stereos. Consider shipping these items by an alternate means rather than by motor freight.
Before you start your selection of a mover be sure to read our article entitled “The Moving Scam.”
It is your responsibility to see that your mechanical, electrical equipment and appliances are properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van. For safe moving, have these items prepared by a licensed or properly trained technician. This service may be performed by a technician of your choice or by qualified personnel of the moving company. If the owner has failed to have an item serviced, the van operator may load and haul it, but will mark the inventory sheet, "Not Serviced-Loaded at Owner's Risk."
Working with the Mover
Decide what to move and what to discard. Remember the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of replacing it. Decide whether you want to do any of the packing or have it done by the moving company's experienced personnel. Have the moving company conduct a household goods survey in order to furnish you with a written estimate, although the final cost will depend on the actual weight or cubic space occupied of your household goods after they are loaded on the van. Show the mover a list of everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges. Any items that are later added to the shipment will add to the cost estimate.
Transfer of Personal Records
Arrange for closing or transfer of charge accounts.
Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at the new home.
Obtain transcripts of the children's school records and credentials from school authorities.
Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and so on.
Ask your doctor and dentist to recommend colleagues in the new city. Be sure to check current telephone numbers and addresses of physicians, dentist and hospital, which will help when transferring your records.
Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations.
Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business. A lender's permission may be required to move personal property in which the lender has an interest.
Planning Your Packing
If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting suitable containers. You can purchase specialized containers from most moving companies.
Set goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is completed by moving day. You may want to pack one room per week. Attach a list of contents to each carton. Separate and mark goods that will go into storage.
Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items. If you donate clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, get receipts showing their approximate value for tax deductions? Begin to use up your supplies of canned goods and frozen foods. Buy only what will be used before moving.
Start Sending Notices of Impending Address Change
Start with preparing a standard letter notifying of your address change and by filling out a change of address form with the Post Office. Include your notification letter with every bill that you pay and in all your correspondence.
Finalize your plans
Reserve air or rail transportation and hotel accommodations as needed.
Have your car prepared for the trip-tires, brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up.
Collect items that are being cleaned stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, watches).
Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors. Also collect things you may have loaned.
Decide what to do with your houseplants.
Set a date with a reliable service person to prepare your appliances for shipment, preferably the day before the move. Depending on the appliance, post moving service may be needed for refrigerator, freezer, range, washer, dryer and others.
Pianos and organs need to be prepared for moving by a specialized technician.
Make arrangements to have utilities disconnected on moving day.
Take pets to the veterinarian. Make sure identification tags are securely attached to the pet's collar.
Loading Your Belongings
Be on hand when the movers arrive. Otherwise, it is important to let the movers know to whom you have given authority to take your place. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Remember the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory. Be sure the condition of each item is recorded. A video tape is invaluable if there is a dispute about damage. Have a clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy and keep it in a safe place. Check to see the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific as to where and how you can be reached pending the arrival of your household goods. Leave the phone connected throughout the moving day. Leave a note listing your new address in a conspicuous place in the house so the new occupants will be able to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered to them.
At Your Destination
Contact the destination movers whose name appears on the forms signed as soon as possible and indicate where and how you can be reached.
Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives. If you have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection service.
Be on hand to accept delivery of your household goods. Otherwise authorize an adult as your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the movers of the person so authorized. On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and make an appearance at the residence if unable to reach you. If no one appears to accept the shipment within the free waiting time, the goods will be placed in storage at the owner's expense.
Check your household goods, as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or missing items on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the moving company agent at destination immediately. You must file the claim yourself; the van operator cannot do it for you.
To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of your new home at the entrance the movers will use, indicating where each piece of furniture should go.
Direct where each piece of furniture is to be placed, including the lying of rugs and setting up of bed frames, box springs and mattresses. However, appliances and fixtures may not be installed.
Check television sets, electronic equipment and appliances to be sure they are operable.
Getting Settled
If you have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection service.
Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses and for filing your income tax returns. For more information on tax-deductible moving expenses, consult an Accountant or Tax specialist.
Check with the post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.
Have your medical and dental records transferred after selecting a family physician and dentist.
You may want to select a Lawyer discuss laws pertaining to your destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes and the like. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state is established.
Register to vote.
Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register them.
And the most important part, introduce yourself to the neighbors.
Welcome to South Carolina!
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