Countdown to Moving Day

Article submitted by Bill Moynihan of Lincoln Mayflower & Galleries.
For more information, he can be reached at 1-800-242-5825.

You have probably reached the point in your life where you are down-sizing your home. The key to a successful relocation will be pre-planning and coordination.

4 Weeks to Move: Tour your house and decide which items to discard or be donated to charity. Consider a garage sale or auction service . Contact doctors and dentists and have them recommend colleagues in your moving area. Check your homeowners policy to see if it covers moving insurance. Set the Moving Date.

3 Weeks to Move: Plan to use up most food items. Arrange to have major appliances serviced before they are moved. Notify Post Office and get change of address forms. Notify magazines to which you subscribe.

2 Weeks to Move: Make your travel reservations. Decide which items to pack and which the moving company will pack. Close or transfer all charge accounts. Return library books and other borrowed things. Collect things you have loaned. Arrange to discontinue utilities and delivery services. Arrange for the connection of utilities in your new home.
1 Week to Move: Transfer bank accounts. Set aside items you will need to take while you travel. Arrange to have your phone service cancelled. Drain gas from lawnmower or other gas equipment it they are being moved. Start packing suitcases.

1 Day to Move: Put cleaning supplies, toiletries, and coffee pot in a special box to be loaded last and unloaded first. Defrost refrigerator.

On the day of the move you must plan to be on hand to answer moving company questions and to accompany the van driver during inventory. Make sure the lights are out, the doors and windows locked and the keys are transferred to the new owners.