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Columbus
Warehouse & Storage
2412 Hwy 69 South
Columbus, MS  39702
 
Moving Tips > Moving Checklist
 

Moving Reminders

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving Day

Working With the Mover:

  • Call your agent and set a date for them to visually survey your home and prepare an estimate.
  • If your move will be paid by your company, check your company's moving policy to determine what services your mover will have authorization to perform.
  • Will you be packing yourself, or will experienced packers be packing for you?  Your agent can discuss packing services with you.
  • Show your agent all the items to be moved.  Remember that anything you add to the shipment later or fail to disclose will increase the cost, even to a binding estimate.
  • Read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual" and be sure that you understand the carrier's liability and the entire moving process.
  • Read your Estimate/Order for Service, making sure you understand it in its entirety before you sign it.  Ask your agent any questions you may have. 
  • Keep the phone number and name of your agent at hand.

Four to Six Weeks Before Moving Day

Places to Notify:

  • Let the post office know that you're moving. An online Change of Address form is obtainable from the United States Postal Service Web site, http://www.usps.com.
  • Make a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should know about your move.

Miscellaneous:

  • Have a "garage sale" or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items.
  • Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, have a garage or yard sale, or use online auctions to rid yourself of unwanted items.  When donating, make sure to get receipts showing the items' approximate value for possible tax deductions.
  • Use your supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items.

Two to Three Weeks Before Moving Day

Working With the Mover:

  • Let your agent know if you add or subtract any items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Give your agent your destination address and any phone numbers where you can be reached.
  • Confirm any extra stops that are required.
  • If you are moving your car, drive it to a suitable loading site. Be prepared to pick your car up at a suitable location once your destination has been reached.

Preparing the Family:

  • Take the family on a farewell visit to memorable places.
  • Have a going-away party.  
  • If you are driving, service your car for the trip.

Preparing Household Items:

  • Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer. Drain fuel from machinery, discard open containers of substances that may be flammable or combustible.
  • Discard propane tanks used for barbecue grills.
  • Have a service technician prepare your major appliances for shipment, or your agent can send an authorized technician.
  • Set a date for disconnecting utilities. Try to keep utilities in service through moving day.
  • Clean your rugs and draperies and leave them wrapped when they're returned from the cleaners.
  • Have your antique items appraised in writing to verify their value.  Don't wax or oil your wooden antiques before moving.
  • Don't clean your upholstered furniture before moving, as moisture could cause mold. 

One to Two Weeks Before Moving Day

Pet and Plants

  • Decide what to do with your house plants.
  • Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states will require health certificates and rabies inoculations. Make sure that identification and rabies tags are securely attached to your pet's collar.
  • Arrange for your pet's transportation, either by car or air.  You may want to consider boarding your pet at your destination or near your your present home until you're settled.

Other Important Details:

  • Make sure to collect anything that is being cleaned, stored or repaired.
  • Empty any lockers you may have at the club, bowling alley or gym.
  • Return library books and borrowed items, and retrieve any items you've loaned out.

Day Before Moving Day

Working With the Packers

  • Show the packers any items needing special attention. Mark items you don't want moved, as well as boxes you will want first when the van arrives at your destination.
  • If you're packing yourself, make sure that everything is ready to go.
  • Place anything you want packed together in separate groups. 
  • Unplug your electronic appliances (except plasma televisions) 24 hours before your move so that they'll be at room temperature on moving day.

Last Minute Details:

  • Make sure nothing has been overlooked:  check closets, cabinets, basements, storage spaces, etc. 
  • Be available when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.
  • It is your responsibility to have all mechanical and electrical equipment properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van. If you haven't had an item serviced, the van operator may load and haul it but will mark the inventory sheet "Not Serviced."

Moving Day

Working With the Mover:

  • It is up to you to make sure that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. Tour the house a final time, then check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the van operator and keep it with you.
  • Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. The Bill of Lading/Freight Bill states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is your receipt for the shipment. Also complete and sign the declared valuation statement.
  • Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not any items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. If applicable, also sign and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading.
  • Be certain that the van operator has the exact destination address.  Let the van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your goods.

Last-Minute Details:

  • Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves, pack the phone in one of your suitcases.

Take a Last Look Around:

  • Check that your water is shut off
  • Check that your furnace and air conditioner are shut off
  • Check that your light switches are turned off
  • Check that all of your utilities are arranged for disconnection
  • Check that your windows are shut and locked
  • Surrender your old house keys 

Delivery Day

Working With the Mover:

  • Be available to accept delivery. If you can't be there personally, authorize an adult to be your representative to accept the delivery and pay the charges for you.
  • The van operator will contact you by phone on the day of delivery or will make an appearance at the residence if he is can't reach you. If you can't accept delivery of your shipment within the waiting time after notification of arrival at destination, you may request a later time.
  • Check your items as they're unloaded. If there is a change in the condition from what is noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, list the discrepancies on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Report any loss or damage personally to your agent.
  • Furniture will be placed as you direct when unloading, including laying of rugs and assembling any beds that were disassembled at the origin.  Mattresses will not be unpacked, nor will appliances be installed.  Your agent can arrange for such service at your request for an additional charge.  The mover is not obliged to rearrange your furniture or install your appliances.
  • Supply the moves with a floor plan of your new home, which they can then use to determine where your furniture should go. 
  • Keep all your moving documents in a safe place. You will need to verify moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.
  • Do not use television sets or other electronic equipment and major appliances for 24 hours after delivery to allow them time to adjust to room temperature and prevent damage.

One Week After Move

Settling In:

  • Check with your new post office for any mail being held and to begin mail delivery to your new home.
  • Check your state and local requirements for auto registration and a driver's license.
  • Check with an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your new location.  Many laws go into affect as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.

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