PRE-MOVING INFORMATION

A responsible adult needs to be available at each point in the moving process: development of the estimate, packing the shipment, loading it, and monitoring the delivery.

Keep electrical and telephone services working at the origin until after the move is completed.

Movers can refuse to move household goods which can cause damage to the shipment. You should check with your mover about items such as aerosol cans, matches, cleaning fluids, ammunition, fireworks, antifreeze, batteries, acids, and open cans of paint, oil, bleach, etc. Some items will leak, such as fuel tanks in lawn movers and kerosene heaters, and should be drained prior to shipment. Remember that propane tanks cannot be moved unless such tanks have been serviced/purged and plugged by a professional gas service and labeled as such.

All mechanical and electrical equipment such as grandfather clocks, stereos, TVs, computers, CD players, DVDs, home theater equipment, washers, dryers, ice makers, and other such items must be properly serviced prior to shipment. If you require assistance, contact your mover about such servicing. There will be charges if the mover arranges it.

Items attached to structures should be removed prior to moving day. These items include blinds, drapes, cornices, mirrors, curtain rods, shelving, etc. It is also appropriate for you to take down any artwork from the walls and set the pieces aside: painting, sculptures, photographs, mounted game, etc.

Refrigerators and freezers should be emptied and dried prior to the move. Movers are not responsible for damages due to atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Movers are not required to remove items from locations which do not have flat continuous floors, permanent stairways, adequate lighting and/or sufficient height to allow a person to stand erect, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. However, if you request and the mover agrees to remove items from such areas, there will be additional charges.

Since “ready-to-assemble” furniture made from press board and particle board is not designed to be moved or disassembled, the mover only offers limited liability on this type of furniture. Ask your mover for the form addressing this matter.

It is important to separate your “NOT GOING” and “TAKING WITH ME” items from the ones which will be packed and loaded for shipment. A good idea would be to put them in a closet or separate room and put a sign on the door that states “DO NOT PACK OR MOVE.”

Getting organized is the name of the game when your moving date is just weeks away. So Highland Moving & Storage has put together this handy time table so you can make sure you do the items necessary to make your moving process as smooth as possible.

4 Weeks Before

• Notify the Post office of your new address and send change-of-address cards to friends, relatives and periodicals. You can do so on-line at http://www.usps.com
• Arrange for any repairs or installations in your new home.
• Obtain forms for transferring drivers license(s) and applying for credit.
• Notify school(s) of children's transfer. Check into pre-registration procedures for the new schools.

3 Weeks Before

• Send drapes, carpets, furniture for repairs or cleaning.
• Arrange to have utilities, appliances and telephone disconnected and arrange for utility and telephone hook-up in your new home.
• Obtain dental and medical records to take with you.
• If you are planning on packing yourself, now is a good time to start!
• Make any travel arrangements, including interim hotel reservations and car rental.
• Decide what to move and what to give away. Have a garage sale!

2 Weeks Before

• Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors.
• Relax! Take the family for a farewell drive to some of the places you've loved. Have a "going away" party for the kids and their friends.
• Take care of bills, stocks and investments.
• Take pet(s) to veterinarian for immunization and preparation for trip.
• Pay and pick up any store layaways or items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.
• Arrange for the transfer of any bank or other accounts.
• Drain oil and gasoline from power equipment.
• Have car prepared for the trip. Check tires, brakes, windshield wipers, etc.

1 Weeks Before

• Transfer prescriptions.
• Arrange for delivery services to be discontinued - newspapers, etc.
• Start gathering those items to take with you on your trip.

Just Days Before

• Pack luggage.
• Defrost and dry refrigerator and freezer to be moved.
• Obtain cash or travelers checks for trip expenses.
• Pack immediate needs such as coffee pot, a few dishes, pots and pans, towels, soap and bedding.
• Complete any packing you are doing yourself!