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Develop a master "To Do"
list. The Allied Van Lines Guide to a Good Move brochure provides a
generic list that can be customized for your particular situation. Set
up a calendar with dates when tasks on the “To Do” list need to be
accomplished.
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Sort through
belongings and eliminate items that are no longer needed or wanted. To
help you decide what to keep Allied Van Lines moving experts recommend
asking yourself these questions: When was the last time I used this? How
does it make me feel? What is the worst possible thing that would happen
if I didn't have this? If you have a great degree of hesitancy, keep it.
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Recycle
belongings that are staying behind. A garage sale can be a lucrative and
fun way to reduce the number of items to move. Or consider donating old
linens, toys and games to local homeless shelters, children's hospitals
or schools. Often it's easier to let go of an item when you know
it will help others less fortunate.
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Use up
supplies that are not transportable. About 4-6 weeks before the move,
use up cleaning supplies and eat food items in the freezer.
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Pack like
items together. Games, pet supplies, photos, sewing supplies and toys
are all items that should be packed together in appropriately sized and
labeled containers or boxes.
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Organize vital
moving documents in a small portable file box and take it with you on
moving day. According to the professionals at Allied Van Lines, it’s a
good idea to have on file the registration number, the names and phone
numbers of the origin and destination agents, the driver's name and
vehicle number. Other items that may come in handy include your address
book and a telephone book from your old hometown in case you need to
reach someone.
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Place colored
stickers on moving boxes, once you've finished packing. Use a different
color for each room in your new house. To help everyone remember which
color goes where upon arrival, place a matching colored balloon on the
door of the appropriate room.
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Put together a
"survival box" full of items that will be needed immediately upon
arrival. Allied Van Lines moving experts recommend including necessities
such as light bulbs, linens, paper products, garbage bags, soap and
tools. Take the box with you instead of loading it on the van so that
you won't be caught unprepared if you arrive before the moving van does.
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Make
appointments to have your hair cut, the car serviced and current
prescriptions filled shortly before the move. By taking advantage of
these services before the move, you won't be pressured to find new
service providers immediately after arriving at your new home.
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Send
change-of-address cards to creditors, insurance companies, friends,
magazine subscriptions and utility companies. You can access
change-of-address forms through Allied Van Lines' Web site, located at www.alliedvan.com. Or, stop by your local post office and pick up a
change-of-address kit filled with cards and a helpful checklist to help
you remember who to send cards to. Leave a forwarding address with the
post office once you know where your new home will be.
