MOVING GUIDE
McCulloch Mini Storage would love to make your move more convenient. Allow us to share a moving guide to help you with your relocation. Preparing weeks prior to moving will go a long way to reducing your stress and help reducing the likelihood of ignoring essential things.
SIX - EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE MOVING:
This is a good time and opportunity to start processing your move.
1. List out the items you intend to move to your new home as well as the items you wish to take to storage.
2. List out the items to be handled by the handler or mover and those you are going to take on your own.
3. Get rid of unwanted items and consider a garage sale if time permits.
4. Get estimates or quotes from different moving companies.
5. Make sure you carefully research and opt for a reliable moving company. Once your mover is selected, discuss fees, packing, timing along with other essential details.
6. Most moving costs are tax-deductible; as a result ensure you keep records and receipts for moving relevant expenses.
7. If relocating to a completely new community, check out the schools, recreational areas, and community programs from the community Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Office or bureau.
8. Move medical, property, fire and auto insurance via insurance agent or broker.
9. Keep all medical records in a safe place. Not forgetting prescriptions, vaccination records as well as other necessary information.
FOUR - FIVE WEEKS BEFORE MOVING:
1. If you intend to do some of the packing, you should start getting moving and packing supplies. These can be procured from any self storage or moving company.
2. Go to the post office (in person or online) and get a US postal change of address and once this is done, give the new address to your electric company, Telephone Company, Trash Company, cable, water, ISP, financial institutions, local authorities, insurance companies and any other companies or business you are registered with.
3. Register your kids in their new schools. It would be wise to involve your kids in the moving process. They can as well help with the packing of their toys and other items from their room.
4. Notify your utility companies - gas, phone, electricity, and others for disconnection after your planned move out. And don't forget to inform them to have all utilities restored to your new home.
5. If you have pets make preparations for transportation. See whether there are requirements for pet ownership in your new community. Also ensure you obtain the veterinarian reports.
TWO - FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
1. For people who have little children, you might need to arrange for a baby-sitter on the day of moving to make certain they stay safe all through the loading process.
2. Make sure you return all borrowed library books and whatever you have rented. Also ensure you collect all loaned out items.
3. You may NOT wish to leave your personal effects with the mover, consider taking them along with you.
4. Moving Plants - some state regulations prohibit movement of home plants. Plants and flowers could be given to neighbors or friends or even a charitable foundation.
5. In case you are traveling by car, you may want to get the car well serviced ahead of your planned exit.
6. Start packing things you won’t need. When renting a storage device, ascertain which of the item will be stored and the ones going to your new place.
7. Try not to forget things in the basements, closets and attics,. Don't forget to clear out safety deposit containers or boxes.
8. Dismantle your PC and backup key PC files and documents. Keep away from exposure to extreme temps.
9. Get rid of inflammable items like cleaning fluids, fireworks, matches, chemistry sets, acids as well as other destructive things.
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING
1. Ensure all your things are properly labeled for example 'first Load', 'Keep off fragile', 'load last', and 'do not load'. This is very important to ensure the safety of the items.
2. Confirm that your moving company knows the correct phone number and address of the new location. Preferably, give them an address and cell phone numbers to connect with you until you are able locate the new home.
3. It is advisable to defrost, drain and thoroughly clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving.
4. Separately pack a carton or box with other stuffs you will need upon your arrival. Example disposable bathroom items, plates and cups, waste bags etc.
5. Make flexible plans; make plans in the event of any delay or unforeseen situations. Double check traveling plans and keep items you will need while the rest of your possessions are in transit.
MOVING OUT PROPER
1. Carefully check your drawers, closets, cabinets, loft, and garage to confirm nothing is left out.
2. Switch off all the switches and make sure you lock all doors and windows.
3. Make sure you are physically present during the loading process. Inspect the house and be mindful that nothing is left out.
4. Make sure you have someone to give direction to the movers. Although the driver must have taken down your name and phone numbers don’t forget to take destination agent's details including name, phone number and address.
5. Be patient if you arrive at your new place before your mover.
6. Sign the bill of lading and make certain your new address and contact number are taken down correctly.
MOVE-IN DAY AND AFTER
While offloading, make sure that you properly check if any item is damaged and no item is missing. Confirm utilities are connected. It is advisable to go with cash or traveler's checks for quick payments. Prepare placement of major items in your house. Normally when you are relocating to a completely new Region or State, you are required to renew your driver's license and revise will along with other legal documents. Locate the police stations, hospitals, and fire stations close to your new house.