Moving

Helpful Hints to Ease the Moving Process

Organize the details of move as soon as possible
Irreplaceable items such as jewelry, photos, wills, stocks should be carried with you rather than packing them.
Be sure to forward mail to your new address.
Make a floor plan of new house & start planning where your furniture will go when it arrives.

Do yourself a favor and pack some luggage to take with you in your car – pack for a week like you were going on vacation with changes of clothing, medications, toiletries and any other essentials so you don’t have to go hunting for boxes after a tiring moving day.
Remove linens from tile beds and pack in an "open first" box.
When the movers arrive, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the van operator to take inventory. Verify delivery plans.
If there is time, give the home a final cleaning, or arrange in advance for someone to perform this service the day after moving out.

If you arrive before the movers, take some time to tidy up your home (dusting shelves, etc.) so the movers can unpack items directly onto clean shelves.
Unpack your car.
Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or getting unduly agitated by all the activity. You might even consider boarding them overnight at a local kennel until you're settled.
Plan to be present when the moving van arrives. Be prepared to pay the mover before unloading.
One person should check the inventory sheets as items are unloaded. A second person should direct the movers on where to place items.

Call Glen Ellyn Storage Corporation and schedule your move.
Tour your house and decide which items should be discarded or donated to charity.
Consider a garage sale.
Call physicians and dentists. They may recommend a colleague near your new home.
Get copies of renewable prescriptions, medical and dental records.
Arrange transfer of school records.
Check homeowner's insurance policies to see if moving is covered.
Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance.
Transfer personal insurance records.

Plan to use up most food items before the move.
Check and clear tax assessments.
Arrange to have major appliances serviced before you move them.
Movers can't take aerosols, flammables, corrosives or ammunition, it's best to use them up or give them away before you move. Propane tanks must be emptied as well as lawnmower fuel tanks.

Make your travel reservations for the trip.
Notify the Post Office and get change of address forms. Note: You must fill out a change-of-address form for each person receiving mail at your address. - USPS Movers Guide
Notify magazines to which you subscribe.
Close or transfer all charge accounts.
Return library books and other things you've borrowed.
Collect things you've loaned, and items in layaway, cold storage, etc.
Arrange to discontinue utilities and delivery services.
Take the time to fill out the "Welcome To Your New Home" data sheet for the new owners.
Protect your shipment from damage by disposing of cleaning fluids, acids, caustic drain cleaners, etc.

Transfer bank accounts, and ask your local credit bureau to transfer your records to your new city.
Reconfirm travel reservations.
Arrange for cable TV disconnection.
Arrange connection of utilities in new home.
Draw up a floor plan of your new home, and indicate placement of furnishings. It makes moving in twice as easy.
Arrange to have cash, certified check or money order ready to pay driver before goods are unloaded (unless your employer is paying the charges or you've arranged to pay by credit card).
Set aside maps, games, snacks, flashlight, and other items you'll take in your car.
Gather medicines and important papers for the car trip.
Your local phone company business office can help you with phone service for your new home, as well as disconnecting service at your present home.
Drain water from all garden hoses.
Start packing suitcases.
Drain gasoline from lawn mower.
Anything Glen Ellyn Storage is packing should be left in place. It's easier and safer, for example, to pack glassware right from the cabinet it's kept in.

Get name, address and phone number of your destination agent.
Put cleaning supplies, toiletries and a coffee pot in special box to be loaded last and unloaded first.
Finish packing all suitcases.
Defrost, clean and dry refrigerator.

Be on hand all day to answer questions, accompany driver during inventory, sign bill of lading, and confirm your new address and delivery date. Be sure to advise him of your en route accommodations and telephone number, if known.
Make final check of every room and storage area. Make sure windows and doors are locked, keys are transferred and lights are out.