Household Moving Checklist

Working with the Mover

  • If your department is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services the mover will be authorized to perform
  • Determine whether you want to do any of the packing, or will you have it done by our experienced packers
  • Your agent will be happy to discuss packing services with you
  • Show the agent everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate
  • Read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual” to make certain that you fully understand the extent of the carrier´s liability
  • Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy

Places to Notify

  • Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service website
  • Have a “garage sale” or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items
  • Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations. Obtain receipts showing the items´ approximate value for possible tax deductions
  • Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what will be used before moving

Working with the Mover:

  • Notify your agent if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Be sure to supply your agent with address and phone numbers where you can be reached
  • Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points
  • If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a suitable loading site. Also be prepared to pick up your car at a suitable destination location

Preparing Household Items

  • Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak. Please read the complete list of non-allowables
  • Refillable propane tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard non-refillable propane tanks which are used for barbecue grills
  • Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment - or have your agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service
  • Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep utilities in service through moving day
  • Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners
  • Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving because some products might soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads
  • Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture will cause mold if furniture must be placed in storage

Pets and Plants:

  • Decide what to do with house plants. The Mover cannot safely move your plants because they may suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van

Alternatives

  • Give them to friends or relatives
  • Donate them to a hospital or other organization
  • Include them in a garage sale
  • Some states permit the entry of all house plants; others admit them in accordance with specific rules and regulations. Ask your agent for a copy of our “Moving With House Plants” booklet
  • Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations. See that identification and rabies tags are securely attached to your pet’s collar
  • Arrange for transportation of pets. Take them in the car or send via air. Consider boarding pets either at destination or at a kennel near your present home until you are settled in your new residence. Ask your agent for a copy of our “Moving With Pets” booklet

 Working with the Packers

  • Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at destination
  • If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, the van operator will check to see if boxes have been properly packed
  • Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children’s toys, and place in separate groups
  • Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos, and audio/video equipment
     

Last Minute Details

  • Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any overlooked articles
  • Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment

It is your responsibility to see that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van at your expense. If you have failed to have an article serviced, the van operator may load and haul it but will mark the inventory sheet “Not Serviced.” Request a copy from the mover of the “Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings” booklet for more information.

Working with the Mover

  • It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the van operator and keep it.
  • Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure to sign the declared valuation statement.
  • Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading, if applicable to your shipment.
  • Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be sure to let the van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.
     

Last-Minute Details

  • Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish last-minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.
     

Take a last look around

  • Water shut off?
  • Furnace shut off?
  • Light switches turned off?
  • All utilities arranged for disconnection?
  • Windows shut and locked?
  • Old house keys surrendered?
  • Have you left anything?

Working With the Mover

  • Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you
  • Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the your salesperson or move coordinator
  • When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up of box springs, mattresses and bed frames. However, appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at an additional charge, your salesperson or move coordinator can arrange for this service
  • To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature