MOVING CHECK LIST One to two month's before moving: 1. 2. 3. 4. Call your nearest AMJ Campbell Van Lines branch for a Free Estimate. Have a garage sale. Fill out change of address forms. Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels. 5. Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations. 6. Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. 7. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions. 8. Set up a checking account in your new city. 9. Decide how you are going pay for your move. Credit card, cash, certified check. 10. Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you. 11. Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. 12. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. 13. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment. 14. Make arrangements for transporting pets. 15. Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil. Two to four week's before moving: 1. Switch utility services to new address. 2. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move. 3. Arrange for help on moving day. 4. Have another Garage Sale :-) 5. Confirm travel reservations. 6. Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment. 7. Have appliances serviced for moving (Speak to your Moving Consultant) 8. Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving 9. Plan ahead for special needs of infants. 10. Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. 11. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed. 12. Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. 13. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address. 14. Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move, Or take insurance through your moving company. 15. Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors. 16. Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed. On moving day: 1. Double check closets, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty. 2. Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself. 3. Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds, Moving costs may be paid by credit cards, certified check or cash. 4. Ensure movers have all your destination details, Exchange phone numbers & EMail addresses etc. 5. Before you leave town, Contact the moving company and ask for the final Weight & Charges. After arriving at your new home: 1. Renew your driver's license, Auto registration. 2. Contact the Destination Agent to get an Up-Date as to where the driver is and confirm delivery date. 3. Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage. 4. Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees. 5. Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home. Packaging tips and Restrictions : Recommended Supplies: various size boxes cardboard plastic sheets/tarp blankets padding/bubble wrap newspaper/wrapping paper box/shipping tape scissors/pocket knife small tool kit sandwich bags (to hold appliance/furniture hardware) gloves General Packing Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection for your belongings and will make loading your trailer much easier. Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult. Packing and padding your items are keys to having a successful move. Don't skimp on packing supplies. They are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings. Start packing several weeks before your move date, taking it one room at a time. Begin with things you use less frequently, such as books and knick knacks. Pack each room in separate boxes and label each box with its contents. Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape. Fill each box to its capacity, using paper or fillers to eliminate empty spaces. The top and sides of each box shouldn't bulge, nor should they cave in when closed. Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Keep the weight of each box down to a manageable level. Leave lightweight linens and clothing in their drawers. Pack extra linens, pillows and stuffed animals in large garbage bags and tape closed. Disassemble any items you can. Be aware of items with sharp corners or projections and keep them from puncturing or scratching other objects. Pack your valuables and essentials separately and plan on keeping these items with you. Furniture Wrap with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture. Do not use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces. Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture. Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches. Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit. If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it. Electronics Whenever possible use original shipping boxes for computers, printers and other electronic items. You might even consider double boxing. Follow manufacturer's instructions for moving when available. Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires. Color code or label wiring for easier reinstallation. Tape electrical cords to back of appliance to prevent plug damage and wrap each piece with bubble wrap. CDs and software do not survive high temperatures. If you are shipping your goods during the warmer seasons, consider keeping these items with you. Major Appliances Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date. Consider using empty space in your appliances to move lightweight or crushable items. Remove broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs. Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the tub and sidewall. Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed. Dishes and Glassware Wrap breakables in tissue paper and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes. Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes. For greater protection, consider purchasing "dish packs" sold by packaging stores. Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper. Lamps and Decor Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled "fragile". Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges. For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape. Lawn and Garage Items Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment. Disconnect all batteries. Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid and immobilize moving parts. Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper. Poisonous, flammable and corrosive items cannot be shipped. Please refer to the bottom of this page for a list of items that fall into this category. "Do Not Ship" Items Your shipment should not include anything that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive or perishable. Such items include, but are not limited to, the following: Fuels / Oils Paints / Varnishes Insecticides Liquid Bleach Matches / Candles Perishable Goods Live Plants Propane Paint Thinners Aerosol Cans Cleaning Chemicals Fire Arms or Ammunition Food in Glass Jars Pets