Moving checklist

8 Weeks Before Moving

Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online community guides and newspapers.
Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which function each room with serve.
Budget for moving expenses and get an estimate from US Ethics Moving.
Read up on moving tips and topics at our Moving Resource Center.

Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.
Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.
Arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing states. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.

Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses who need to be notified of your move.
Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.
Start to use things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.

Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies. You can order a wide selection of boxes from to be delivered to your door.
Start packing items you don't use often. Also start disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Plan for short-term or long-term storage at destination if needed.

Reserve your US Ethics move online or by calling (562) 746-4735. Reservations should be made at least one business day prior to your move date.
Please keep in mind that reservations are based on availability.
File a change of address. If you are unsure of your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
Make travel arrangements for your pets, do not forget to include necessary medical and immunization records.
Advertise and host your garage sale.
Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.

Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.
Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember plants cannot be loaded with your other household goods.
Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
Have your automobile(s) serviced.
Prepare auto registration to be transferred.
If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on your move day.

Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
Confirm parking for your trailer.
Notify any creditors of your move.
Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator and avoid using appliances that will already be packed.
Assemble a folder of important information about the house for the new owner of your home.

Finish packing and prepare an "essentials" box. Designate several boxes and items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
Drain water hoses.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Prepare all appliances for loading.
One or two business days before your move, contact your local US Ethics terminal to confirm a time to receive your equipment.
Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of weeks.
Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.

It is necessary for you to be present when US Ethics delivers your trailer. You will need to show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery.
You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded in your trailer.
Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.
Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.
Make sure the destination address and contact information on your BOL is correct and write in the number of feet taken by your shipment. This is very important, as an accurate BOL ensures an accurate rate.
Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and "whereabouts" in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected.
Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.
Keep track of your shipment and work with the local terminal to schedule. Plan ahead for parking.
As at origin, make a point to be present when US Ethics delivers your shipment. If you are unable to do this, work closely with a friend or representative to accept your shipment.
Cashiers checks or money orders ONLY on delivery.