Inform the post office that you’re moving.   An online Change of Address form is available HERE.

Make a list of relatives, friends, businesses and others who should know about your move.

Have a garage or yard sale, donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations or use online auctions to dispose of unwanted items.   When donating, make sure to get receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.

Use supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items.

Inform your agent 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 required extra stops.

If moving your car, drive it to a suitable loading site.  Be prepared to pick it up at a suitable location once you’ve reached your destination.

Take the family on a farewell visit to memorable places and have a going-away party.

If you’re driving, have your car serviced for the trip.

Federal law requires the disposal of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.  Drain fuel from machinery and discard open containers of substances that may be flammable or combustible.

Discard any propane tanks used for barbecue grills.

Have a service technician prepare major appliances for shipment or have your agent send an authorized technician.

Set a disconnection date for utilities. Try to keep them in service through moving day.

Clean rugs and draperies and leave them wrapped when they’re returned from the cleaners.

Have antiques appraised in writing to verify their value.

Moisture can cause mold, so don’t clean your upholstered furniture before moving.

Decide what to do with houseplants.

Take pets to the veterinarian.  Most states require rabies inoculations and health certificates.  Make sure that identification and rabies tags are attached to your pets’ collars.

Arrange for pets’ transportation, either by car or air.  Consider boarding your pets at your destination or near your present home until you’re settled.

Make sure to retrieve anything that is being cleaned, stored or repaired.

Empty lockers at the club or gym.

Return library books and borrowed items, and retrieve any loaned out items.

Show packers any items needing special attention.  Mark items you don’t want moved, as well as boxes you will want first when arriving at your destination.

If you’ve packed for yourself, make sure that everything is ready to go.

Place things that you want packed together in separate groups.

Unplug your electronic appliances 24 hours before the move, so they will be at room temperature on moving day.

Make sure nothing has been overlooked:  check closets, cupboards, cabinets, basements, storage spaces, etc.

Be available when the service representative arrives to prepare appliances for shipment.

It’s your responsibility to have all of your 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.”

It’s up to you to make sure all your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete.  Tour the house a last 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 goods are moved and is your receipt for the shipment.  Complete and sign the declared valuation statement as well.

Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not any items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment.  If applicable, sign and date the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading as well.

Make sure the van operator has your exact destination address.  Let the van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your goods.

Check that your water is off.

Check that your furnace and air conditioner are off.

Check that your light switches are off.

Check that all utilities are arranged for disconnection.

Check that windows are shut and locked.

Surrender old house keys.

Be available to accept delivery.  If you cannot 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 make an appearance at the residence if he can’t reach you.  If you can’t accept delivery of your shipment within the waiting time after notification of arrival at the destination, you may request a later time.

Check items as they’re unloaded.  If there’s 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 the agent.

Furniture will be placed as you direct when unloading, including laying of rugs and assembling of any beds that were disassembled at 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.

Give the movers 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 federal income tax returns.

Don’t 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.