6-8 Weeks before move

� Organization and good planning are the keys for a smooth move and this is the time to start working on the details of your move.

� Make sure that you have booked a moving date.

� At the time of booking the move, you should know what items you wish to transport to your new home, what items you want to purchase and what you may want to dispose of. If you decide to dispose of items that you don’t need, you might want to consider to donate them to a charity.

� Ask us about duties that you might have to pay at the destination country. Even if you are exempt from duties, some items might still be taxable.

� Ask us Financial assistance from various unprofitable organizations that can consider helping you, with the financial burden of the move.

� Ask us to supply you with suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do some packing on your own. All boxes that you receive from us are specially designed for the moving industry. In any case, DO NOT pack furniture or any fragile items on your own, let us pack all your breakables. This is the only way that an insurance company will insure them.

� Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home and this will help reduce the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

� Get familiar with your new community. Request information from the local “Chamber of Commerce” on schools, community programs, parks and recreation facilities.

� All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan as flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

� In the US, 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.

� Finalize all real estate and/or rental needs.

� Contact your insurance agent to transfer or cancel medical, property, fire, auto and other insurances.

� All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription and vaccination records.

� Plan on taking all important documents, such as wills, stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.) with you. Place the items in one easily identifiable and easy to locate folder.

� Return all the things you have borrowed.

� 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.

4-5 Weeks before move

� Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at the postal service website by visiting http://www.canadapost.ca/ in Canada or http://www.usps.com/ in the USA 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.

Friends and family
Banks
Insurance companies
Credit card companies
Doctors, dentists and any other service  providers
Clubs or Associations
Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions

� Get your kids involved in the moving process. Allow your kids to do some supervised packing let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move.

� 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.

� Complete banking arrangements in old and new location and transfer any funds to your new bank if necessary.

� Check requirements for new drivers license and auto registration in your destination country.

3 Weeks before move

� If you move your car with us, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up or drop off at this time.

� Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one country or state to another. Some countries and state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants.

� Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some countries and states will require these documents.

� 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.

� Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.).

� If you are moving to a building with an elevator make sure the elevator will be available on the day of your move.

2 Weeks before move

� Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city.

� Clear all your safety deposits boxes.

� 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 on you when you travel. Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.

� Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attic.

� 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.

� it is VERY IMPORTANT that you drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe and clean transportation.

� Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.

� If you need to use outside storage call us. We will help you find the best solution.

� Have your automobile serviced if you plan to travel by car.

� Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries.

� Clean out gym, school and other lockers.

1 Week before move

� make sure to organize all items in your house. When we arrive, we will need space  to pack your furniture and personal belongings. Having items scattered around the house may cause a delay for our team and your shipment.

� Make sure to separate out which items you'll take with you and which items we will pack and take. Items you may wish to take with you could be jewelry, cash and important documents.

� Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house including minor repairs

� 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.

� 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.

� Make sure your sales representative 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.

� Arrange all payment for the move.

� Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry.

� Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.

� Return videos and library books.

� Prepare your “first night back” and “ready box”. Your first night box/ Luggage should contain the clothing and toiletries you will need for the first night in your new home.

� Disconnect and clean any appliances that will be moving with you and those that will remain.

� Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and be prepared to hand over to the new owner or real estate agent.

� If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move, lower the heating or cooling, close water supplies, notify the city hall and police.

Moving Day!

Moving out

 � Keep all jewelry and cash away from your home on this day. The moving process is relatively fast and you may not be able to keep track of where you place them.

 �  it is recommended to get a baby sitter for your kids during the Packing / loading process.

� Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the loading and unloading process.

� "Work" with us and be on hand when we arrive. If you are not able to be present while the movers are there, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. Let us know to whom you have given the authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do and which valuation liability program and amount you have selected. This person may be asked to sign documents.

� Stay home until the last item is packed. Make a “Final inspection” before we leave. Check the inventory list and make sure you agree with any notations on it. Take pictures if necessary. It is your responsibility to see all of your goods are loaded. Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the movers leave, pack your phone in one of your suitcases for easy access when you arrive to your new home. (ask us about a transformer)

� Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.

� Clean your house as much as you can before the Container or the moving crew arrives. Search every room, closet and items around the house.

� Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.

Moving in

� Provide our driver or agent with clear directions to your new home including all phone numbers that you can be reached at.

� Review all paper work and details when the agent. Accompany the team leader as he or she inspects each piece of furniture with tags of identifying number. These numbers along with a detailed description of your goods will appear on the inventory list.

� Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading.

� If you cannot be at your home while the Container / van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery. Inform the destination agent of your representative’s name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.

� By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed. Document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the crew and agent at destination, immediately. Make sure you have your reference

   number when calling the agent for questions or concerns. You will also be asked to sign the bill of lading.

� It is recommended to get a baby sitter for your kids during the unloading process.

� Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the unloading process.

� Do not use your stereos, computers, televisions, other electronic devices and appliances for 24 hours after delivery to prevent possible damage. Allow them to adjust to room temperature.

� Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home. Have your phone connected a day before move-in day.

After moving !

� Locate your local post office, police station, fire station and hospitals as well as gas stations near your home.

� Become familiar with your neighborhood shopping areas. You may need house wares, tools or other items for your new home unexpectedly.

� Call the department of sanitation in your new home to find out which day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your community.

� Get new service providers such as a bank, pharmacist, cleaner, cable television etc if you have not already done so.

� Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history.

� Transfer insurance policies to your new agent.

� Get information on schools, libraries, community activities and emergency calling services, from your local Chamber of Commerce.

� Obtain local library cards.

� Register to vote in your new city.

� Decide which documents must be kept and determine for how long. File and keep them in a safe place.