How to Plan the Perfect Move
We know that the key to a successful move is planning. Planning and organizing your move will help to alleviate the stress of moving and avoid any surprises. The relocation process takes anywhere from 90–120 days. During this time, make plans for getting to your destination by working We’ll help you to plan what needs to get done before moving day, on the day itself, and upon arrival, organizing all the small and big details. The more organized you are, the less stressed you will be.
8-12 Weeks Before You Move
If you own your home, contact your real estate agent to begin the selling process.
Establish your preferred moving dates.
Research your new community by using Bekins on-line moving tools.
Compare school districts.
Obtain free city reports.
Use our salary and mortgage calculators to compare.
Set up a house-hunting trip to your new city.
Find out if your employer will be paying for the move or will be providing you with a lump sum or a direct reimbursement.
Have a garage sale or donate goods you do not want to move. This will help you save costs on the move.
4-8 Weeks Before You Move
Contact us to schedule a convenient time for a free estimate.
Purchase your new home, arrange financing, and establish close dates.
Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your move.
Obtain change of address cards from your local post office.
Check with your school on transferring your children’s school records.
Research driver’s license requirements for the state you are moving to.
Find out from the IRS or your accountant if moving expenses are tax deductible.
Contact your insurance agent to discuss your insurance needs for your new home.
Select a new bank in your new city.
Begin to organize your medical and dental records.
3 Weeks Before You Move
Make a decision on whether you will pack your own cartons or if you’d like to utilize professional packing service.
Begin the packing process if you are doing it yourself.
Compile all personal records.
Change your address on credit cards, magazine subscriptions, etc.
If you have children, arrange for them to be at a babysitter or with friends/family during loading day.
Arrange to have your utilities disconnected after your move-out day.
Arrange to connect your utilities the day before your scheduled move-in day.
2 Weeks Before You Move
Plan to use all the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
Clean your home and clear the basement and attic.
Cancel all current delivery services such as newspapers.
Dispose of all flammables, cleaners, paints, aerosols, ammunition, etc.
Transfer all current prescriptions to your new local pharmacy.
Clear out your safety deposit box. Transfer bank accounts.
Be sure that you have packed everything in advance.
Drain the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and other power tools if they are to be moved.
Countdown to Moving Day
6 Weeks
Tour your home from top to bottom. Decide what is to be moved, and plan to sell, donate or throw out the rest.
Decide on the approximate date you would like to move.
Phone us to arrange a visit with a moving consultant.
Show your consultant everything that is to be packed and moved. The estimate of the cost of the services that you will require will be based on these items only.
Discuss professional packing services. If you decide to pack some articles yourself see our packing guide. If you require material to pack we can supply all of your needs at a nominal charge.
Find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid for by your employer.
Keep all documents and correspondence connected with your move. They will be helpful during the moving process and Tax time. Do not pack them; keep them with you.
Keep notes. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your move as you think of them.
Gather letters of introduction from your clergy, business associates, club presidents, doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc. Ask your doctor for copies of renewable prescriptions.
Arrange to transfer or resign the family’s club memberships.
Schedule farewell visits to family and friends.
Plan menus to use up present stocks of canned and frozen food.
4 Week
Notify your post office. Find out your new postal code. Send change of address cards.
Arrange to have utilities disconnected. Arrange for temporary cellular service.
Write or phone the utility companies at your destination to arrange services to be connected as soon as you move in.
Ask the phone company at your destination if service can be connected before you arrive.
Ask your bank to transfer your accounts to the branch nearest your new home.
Get a bank draft or certified cheque to cover COD charges for the move.
Arrange for a safety deposit box at the new location. You may want to leave the contents in your present box until one becomes available at destination and then collect them on a return visit.
Never pack valuables. Keep money, jewelry, bonds, etc. with you, or arrange for a courier service to transport them.
If you are planning a garage sale, do it now!
Transfer fire, theft and other insurance. Check your policy to see whether a long-distance move is covered.
Ask your Consultant for a Welcome Wagon card and mail it so that a hostess can welcome you in your new city.
2 Week
Check the notes you have been making. If you have any questions, ask your Consultant.
Be sure to ask your consultant for a “Destination Member Contact Card”. This specifies the name and the phone number your destination agent in your new city who will contact you once you are ready for delivery of your shipment.
Have your rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave the rugs rolled and wrapped.
Prepare a floor plan of your new home and make extra copies. They will be very helpful for moving in. Keep these with your moving documents.
Prepare your car for transportation. If you are driving, make certain everything is in good working order. Obtain the maps you’ll need. Contact your auto club for route information that will be enjoyable for you and your family. Make a list of items that you will take , and plan entertainment for younger children.
Plan a going-away party for your children and their friends.
Arrange for your family’s enroute accommodations through one of the many hotels participating in our New Horizons program.
If you plan to do your own packing, now is the time to start. If you figure that packing will be too much for you, now is the time to contact your Consultant to arrange for professional packing. It explains what items cannot be included in your shipment. Phone your city’s public works department about disposal of toxic dangerous chemicals.
Collect all items being cleaned, repaired, stored and loaned to friends. Return library books.
Arrange care for the baby and youngsters during the busy days of packing, moving out and moving in.
1 Week
If your pets are accompanying you, ask your veterinarian about inoculations, certificates, quarantine and entry regulations if you are moving abroad. Arrange transport by air or rail, unless you are taking them with you.
For the night before moving day, arrange to spend the night with friends. With everything packed away, you will be more conformable.
Take the family for visits to some of the places that hold happy memories for them.
Plants not being moved can be donated to hospitals or nursing homes.
Prepare for meals between now and moving day. On the busiest days, plan to eat out or have meals brought in. Donate excess canned and frozen food to your community food bank.
Keep separate any food, plates, and utensils that you will need for the last days. Pack them on moving day.
Prepare a list of items you will need immediately at destination, such as flashlight, light bulbs, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, packaged snacks, drinks, etc. Pack these last and unload them first, along with necessities such as the crib and playpen.
Place in separate groups the things that you want packed together, such as linens, toiletries, and toys.
Two days before the move, do all the laundry. Remember to pickup clothing from the dry cleaners.
Drain fuel from the lawnmower and other machinery. Safely dispose of all gasoline, matches, paints, aerosol cans etc. listed in dangerous Goods.
Confirm hotel/motel reservations for your trip.
Organize all your moving and travel documents as well as valuables you will be taking with you.
Confirm your destination. Will your new home be ready and will you be able to move in on schedule.
Local movers – your partner to a safe relocation
Moving can be quite difficult when you relocate by yourself. It can also be dangerous and unsafe if you don’t have adequate tools and help. It is more than common that people can get injured when they relocate by themselves. To avoid trouble when relocating, make sure to hire reliable local movers for safe relocation.
Reasons against DIY moving
While most people want to save money while moving, others move on a budget. In both situations, they might try to organize the entire relocation by themselves, find cheap moving boxes, pack their belongings and transport everything to their new home. DIY relocation may be a good idea for someone who has a lot of free time and helps while moving.
Also, relocating for yourself can be very difficult when you have to move a long distance. If that is your situation, you have to be very prepared and have a great knowledge of import and export laws to handle everything without delays.
On the other hand, there are numerous aspects to consider like professional packing that can get you into trouble and delay your shipment. At the end of it all, you may end up spending more money than you expected. Also, you can easily get a fine when transporting „forbidden items“ in your shipment.
When conducting a move by yourself, you may lose valuable time. Even with the help of the best local movers, you should prepare a bit for the moving day. By doing so you may lose a little bit of free time. However, it would not be as nearly as much as you would lose when doing everything yourself. The most important aspect of your local move is safety.
Moving Checklists
Make a Supply Run
Stock up on packing supplies. Moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing foam, packing tape, plastic totes – anything and everything you can gather ahead of time will help when it’s time to begin packing.
Get a Head Start
Start the packing process early. The earlier you begin packing, the more organized and stress-free you’ll be. View our packing tips to get started today.
Label Containers
Mark all moving containers with the contents and location they go in your new home. You and/or your movers can lose a lot of time digging into boxes to figure out what they contain and where they go in your new home.
Get Rid of Some Stuff
De-clutter and purge unwanted items. The more items you can donate, give away or sell, the lighter your load will be which can save you packing time, loading time and ultimately – money.
Make Lists
Make a list of all utilities you’ll need to contact to set up end-of-service dates and final bill details; likewise with start-of-service dates at your new home. Check off each utility as you make arrangements. Make a similar list for all other bills like mortgages, auto loans/leases, credit card and cell phone accounts.
Schedule Cautiously
Try to move during the week when more services like banks, government offices, utilities, mechanics and tow-services are open, in the event you run into any problems and need assistance.
MOVING CHECKLIST
A GUIDE TO HELP PLAN YOUR MOVE
When you make the decision to move, the clock starts ticking. Don’t worry, we can help. This is a handy timeline and checklist you should tackle before your move to help insure a smooth transition. Time will be at a premium on the day’s right before your move, so be diligent in checking off these tasks.
3 – 4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
for larger moves schedule a walk though. Weekends and dates at the beginning and end of the month fill up quickly. If you need a specific date it’s best to schedule early.
Discuss insurance coverage and options with other members of your household. Inquire with your homeowners’ policy or renter’s insurance to see what they cover. Our qualified representatives will be happy to explain basic value protection and recommend 3rd party carriers if you require full coverage insurance.
Create a moving binder or folder to keep track of important papers and receipts.
Go through closets, garage and storage to gather old or unused items. Consider selling them or donating to charity. We’ll be happy to assist with charitable donations.
Begin packing items that aren’t used frequently; seasonal items, rarely used items stored in attics or garages, decorative pieces.
Get a box-labeling system in place. Numbered boxes, color-coding by room, and a master list with inventory are key elements.
1 – 2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
How’s your packing going? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed now is the time to call us. We have professional packers available that would be happy to assist with as much or as little help as you need.
Fill out you change of address cards with the post office. Consult your list of businesses, services, credit card companies, etc. and schedule address changes on all accounts.
Make arrangements for child and pet care if necessary.
Schedule utility services to be turned on at the new house and turned off at the old house. Be sure to allow some crossover time with electricity and water services so you can come back to the old house and clean or do final walkthroughs.
Clean all major appliances. Put deodorizer in refrigerator and freezer.
Cancel or forward any newspaper or magazine subscriptions.
IF USING PACKERS IN THE DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE
Be sure to emphasize items that require special handling.
Organize items that should be packed together.
Set aside an area and place all the items that you don’t want packed in that space. This should include medication, checkbooks, important papers, cell phone chargers, garage door openers, keys, overnight bags, children’s items, etc. Let the packers know when they arrive that these items are not to be packed. Empty closets, bathrooms, and beds work very well.
ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Put all refrigerator and freezer items in zip-lock bags and place them back in the refrigerator. This makes it much easier to place in the ice chest the next day.
Shut down and disassemble all electronics. Blue painters tape works very well to label the individual wires. Put all cords and remotes in a box and label accordingly.
If you’re handling your own disassemblies start a small box or bag for all misc hardware and pieces. Label accordingly.
Make sure you have an open box or two available for last minute items. Label them ‘open me first’.