Bannister Moving & Storage is an Agent for National Van Lines.
Moving Guide
Eight weeks before your move:
- Select an agent to move your belongings and make arrangements for moving day. (Click here to arrange for a free estimate.)
- Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
- Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
- Contact the Chamber
of Commerce or visitor's and tourism bureaus in your new
community for information on your new city.
Six weeks before your move:
- If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
- Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible.
- Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. Figure out what can be sold or donated.
- Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move.
- Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities.
- Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents and check the auto licensing requirements for your destination.
- If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary
arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able
to help.)
Three to four weeks before your move:
- Discard or sell anything you don't really need.
- Make an inventory list of the items you wish to move.
- Discuss a method of payment with your moving company.
- Arrange for packing service and select a convenient date.
- Arrange to obtain packing cartons for those items you want to pack personally.
- Notify the Post Office and complete a Change of Address form.
- Notify friends and businesses about your change of address.
- Have your W-2s and other tax forms forwarded.
- Check and clear any unpaid tax assessments.
- Arrange for transfer of all medical and dental records.
- Transfer all insurance records.
- Have letters of introduction written, if needed.
- Arrange for transfer of school records to new school.
- Arrange for transfer of jewelry and important documents.
- Close charge accounts.
- Arrange for shipment of pets and immunization records.
- Make travel plans.
- Make hotel reservations, if necessary, and note to confirm before departure.
One month before your move:
- Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
- Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
- Set up a checking account in your new city.
- Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
- Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
- Make arrangements for transporting pets.
One to two weeks before your move:
- Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
- Arrange for help on moving day.
- Confirm travel reservations.
- Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
- Have appliances serviced for moving.
- Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
- Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
- Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
- Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
- Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
- Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
- Give a close friend or relative your travel route and
schedule so you may be reached if needed.
On Moving Day:
- Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
- Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
- Carry travelers checks for quick, available
funds.
After arriving at your new home:
- Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
- Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
- Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
- Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.