¨ Moving is a great time to sort through your belongings. Consider doing this a few weeks prior to your move to decide on things that you no longer need.
¨ Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move. Take these in the car with you.
¨ Schedule disconnect and connect dates with your local utility company.
¨ Empty freezer, defrost freezer/refrigerator (place charcoal to dispel odors).
¨ Drain fuel and old gas from lawnmowers and other power equipment.
¨ Pack a box of basics you’ll need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.)
¨ Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it. Take your computer with you. Do not put it on the moving van.
¨ Change all locks on your new home.
¨ Long Distance Moves
o Ask your attorney, doctor and other providers for referrals and any necessary records.
o Have your car serviced for the trip.
o Be sure to get all items from your safe deposit box.
o Pick up all dry cleaning and anything left at the tailor.
o Collect all items being repaired, cleaned or stored.
o Return library books, rental videos and anything else you may have borrowed.
o Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
Changing Address
You will need to change your address with the following providers, if applicable:
¨ Post Office: You will need to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service so that your mail will be forwarded to your new address. You can do this in person at your local post office or you can change it online at:
o https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS
¨ Utility companies (gas, light, water, telephone, fuel)
¨ Newspaper carrier
¨ Trash Service
¨ Bank
¨ Charge Accounts, Credit Cards
¨ Insurance: life, health, fire and auto
¨ Automobile: transfer of car title registration and driver’s license
¨ Magazine Subscriptions (notice requires several weeks)
¨ Church, clubs and civic organizations
¨ Cable/Satellite and Internet Service Provider
¨ Your Employer
¨ Social Security
¨ Schools
If you are moving within the Central Illinois area, please see our Client Resources Section or click here for phone numbers and internet links of some of the local providers. We strive to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Moving with Pets
¨ Make certain you have transportation arrangements for your pet. Buy a carrier if you do not already have one.
¨ Smaller pets such as hamsters, birds and other small animals can be transported in the car fairly easily. Make sure their cages are kept out of drafts or extreme temperatures. Cover their cages to keep them quiet and calm.
¨ Be sure to have their water bowl, leash and favorite toy readily available.
¨ Some find it easier to kennel their animals during the moving process, so if you are comfortable, this may be an option.
¨ If your pet doesn't enjoy car rides, consult your veterinarian about behavior modification or medication that might lessen the stress of travel.
¨ During the move, try to keep your pets out of the way, as the commotion may stress them.
¨ Introduce your pet to your new home slowly. Be certain they will not be able to run back to the old house for the first few days.
¨ Be sure to get a new id tag with the new address for your animal. An id tag is a lost animals ticket home.
¨ Long Distance Moves
o Schedule a check-up and be sure and get a copy of their records from the veterinarian.
o If flying with your pet, you must provide the airline carrier with a current health certificate from your veterinarian.
Moving with Children
¨ Involve your kids in the packing. Older kids can put their own belongings in boxes, and kids of all ages will enjoy decorating the boxes containing their things. Doing so will also make finding your children's things easier once you're at the new house.
¨ Have snacks and drinks available on moving day.
¨ Any medications that are taken on a regular basis should be accessible to you.
¨ Have a change of clothes easily accessible for the children.
¨ Special book(s), craft items and games may keep the kids occupied.
¨ Be sure to have your child’s favorite pajamas, their trust blanket or stuffed toy, or their favorite book packed somewhere accessible for the first night in the new home.
¨ Long Distance Moves
o Arrange to transfer school records.
o Have your children’s close friend’s information available, such as their address and telephone number as your children may want to contact them.
Moving with Plants
¨ Three weeks before you move, prune back your plants to make them hardier and less bulky for the trip.
¨ Two weeks before moving, place your plants in a black plastic bag with a pest/bug strip or pest control powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight. This will kill any pests on the plants or in the soil.
¨ The day before your move, place plants in the travel containers. Cardboard boxes are preferable. Secure the plants by packing dampened newspaper or dampened packing paper around the base of the plants and soil. Use more paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top of the plants to keep them moist.
¨ On moving day, set the boxes aside so that the moving company does not load them onto the moving van.
¨ On moving day, close up the boxes and punch air holes in the top…load them into your car.
¨ While plants are in the car, take care not to leave the plants in extreme heat or cold.
¨ Unpack the plants as soon as you arrive. Remove plants from the bottom of the box in order to avoid breaking the stems.
¨ Gradually expose plants to sunlight to reduce shock.
TIPS FOR MOVERS WHEN USING a professional mover
¨ A few months before the move, get estimates from several moving companies.
¨ Be certain to get moving insurance if you need it. Check with your insurance agent about off-premises personal items to be certain you have full coverage.
¨ Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
¨ Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
¨ Be sure that someone is at the old house to answer any questions the movers may have.
¨ Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
¨ Be sure to read your bill of inventory before signing and keep this in a safe place.
¨ Right before the movers leave with your belongings, take a final tour of your home, making sure nothing has been left in drawers or closets and that all doors and windows are locked.
¨ Supervise unloading and unpacking.
¨ Once your items are delivered, check your belongings carefully, and note on the inventory paperwork any items that are damaged.