1. Decide what will be moved and what will be disposed of, garage sale or donate. 
2. Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, Form 8822, by calling (800) 829-1040 or visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov website. You will be able to download and print form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g., Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
3. Notify schools in the old and new location and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools.
4. Get familiar with your new community. Request information from the local Chamber of Commerce on schools, community programs, parks and recreation facilities. 
    

Moving Guide: 4-5 Weeks Before Move

1. Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form or visit their website www.usps.com  You can make copies of this change of address form or make up your own change of address notice to give to the following people and businesses. Include: Friends and family, Banks, Insurance companies, Credit card companies, Doctors, dentists and any other service providers, Clubs or Associations, Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions. 
2. Make a decision on who will do most of or all of the packing. It is a good idea that you let Move Makers do most of the packing. The Move Makers know the best methods for keeping items safe and secure as this is what they do for a living.
3. Contact utility providers (e.g. telephone, gas, electric, cable TV and trash collection) at new and old locations with your moving date to make arrangements for connection and disconnection.
4. Make sure banking arrangements have been put in place for both old and new locations.
5. Check requirements for new drivers license and auto registration in your destination state.

Moving Guide: 3 Weeks Before Move

1. Notify us if there are any changes in the dates of your move. Piano moving, packing and unpacking, or storage you should inform us for pricing information. Also inform Move Makers if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.
2. Decide how much packing you will handle yourself. You should inform the Move Makers agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.
3. Whether you move your car with the Move Makers or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.
4. Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants.
5. Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states will require these documents.
6. You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
7. If you are moving to a building with an elevator make sure the elevator will be available on your intended day and time of arrival at your destination.

Moving Guide: 2 Weeks Before Move

1. Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Clear all your safety deposit boxes.
2. Disconnect and disassemble your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files and disks with you in the car or whatever mode of transportation you will be using to get to your new home. Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.
3. Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attic.
4. Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped. Please refer to the "items not to pack" section for more information on what you cannot or should not ship.
5. Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic and non-flammable in plastic bags.
6. Drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
7. Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.
8. If you need to use outside storage call your Move Makers agent about storage options available.
9. Have your automobile serviced if you plan to travel by car.
10. Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries
11. Clean out gym and school lockers

Moving Guide: 1 Week Before Move

1. Separate items you don't want moved or items you may wish to take with you could be jewelry and important documentation.
2. Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house including minor repairs
3. Mark the boxes to be shipped with the words, "Fragile", "Do Not Load" and "Load Last" stickers.
4. Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.
5. Mow your lawn one last time before you move.
6. Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delays or schedule changes.
7. Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number of your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.
8. Arrange for payment to the Move Makers agent. Contact your Move Makers agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted. Generally this will be cash on delivery (COD).
9. Verify your insurance you have chosen with your Move Makers agent. Refer to our "Insurance and Liability" guide for more information.
10. Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry.
11. Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
12. Return videos and library books.
13. Prepare your "first night back" and "ready box". Your first night box should contain the clothing and toiletries you will need for the first night in your new home. See "first night bag guide".
14. Disconnect and clean any appliances that will be moving with you and those that will remain.
15. Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
16. If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move, notify the police.
     

Moving Day: What You Should Expect

At this time you will know when we will arrive, normally you will know the project manager or the driver that is responsible for your move.  Go to this person with any questions.  Arrival usually begins with a written inventory of your goods, assessing each items condition and giving it a number.  The inventory will ensure that everything arrives at your destination in the condition in which they started.  Its also done so a damage claim cannot be filed on items with previous damage.  Make sure you agree with everything before you sign.  After inventory the moving company, starts loading the moving truck after determining the best order in which to pack the items.  Separate everything out that you do not want loaded, personal good, jewelry, important documents etc, so you can plan to carry it separately.  We have a technique for loading your stuff, each piece will may require a different type of packing.  We review your items because we plan on packing the truck from floor to roof.  To ensure a tight pack to prevent shifting we may take items or boxes from different rooms.   Alright, now move out of the way, allow your hired movers to move your stuff.  That's why you hired us, so you can relax.

Provide contact information and driving direction to the driver.  Review all the paperwork, and make sure there is someone at home that can make relevant decisions.  Take pictures of your home, the inventory, the truck, what ever you feel like.