Whether this is your first time moving, or you are a seasoned professional, the key to a smooth move is organization. Based on our 40 years experience, we have compiled a series of helpful hints and useful suggestions to assist you in organizing and planning your move.

Please use the menu below to access all of our useful information:

• Moving Reminders Checklist
• Moving With Pets, Plants, and Children
• Instant Aid Box

Please see our Packing Tips, Loading Tips and Storage Tips, and Additional Information pages for more information to help you through the moving process.

Moving Reminders Checklist

Moving Reminders Checklist
(For Full-Service Moves)

• Prior to Moving Day
  • Six to Eight Weeks Before
  • Four to Six Weeks Before
  • Two to Three Weeks Before
  • One to Two Weeks Before
  • One Day Before
• Moving Day
• Delivery Day
• One Week After Move

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Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving Day

Working With Reliable Moving and Storage:

• Call Reliable Moving and Storage on 800.325.5896 and set a date for us to visually inspect your property an prepare an estimate for you.
• If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services that we are authorized to perform.
• Do you want to do any of the packing, or will you have it done by our experienced packers? We shall be happy to discuss our packing services with you.
• Show us everything that is going to be moved. Be sure that your mover has marked all items that “are going” and “not going” on the survey sheet. Please note that any items that 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.
• We prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you requested. Please keep in mind that if you decide to take more or less items, then the total cost of your move will change. Please inform your mover of any changes with your shipment.
• Read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual" (for full-service moves) to make certain that you fully understand the extent of our liability.
• Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us to explain.
• Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy.

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Four to Six Weeks Before Moving Day

Places for you to notify of your move:

• Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the United States Postal Service Web site.
• Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your move. The following checklist will be helpful:

Household Accounts	Personal Accounts
Electric	Pharmacy
Gas	Dry Cleaner
Water	Lawn Service
Telephone	Bank/Finance Companies
Sewer District	Credit Card Companies
Trash	Laundry Service
Cable/Satellite	Auto Finance Company
Fuel (Oil/Propane)	Health Club
Professional Services	Subscription Services
Doctor(s)	Newspapers
Dentist	Magazines
Accountant	Newsletters
Lawyer	Professional Journals
Broker
Insurance Agency
Government Agencies
Department of Motor Vehicles
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Tax Bureaus
City/County Tax Assessor
Veterans Administration

Miscellaneous:

• 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 you will consume before moving.

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Two to Three Weeks Before Moving Day

Working With Reliable Moving and Storage:

• Notify us if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Be sure to supply us with destination 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 Your Family:

• Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
• Have a going-away party for the children and their friends.
• Have some fun for yourself...an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue.
  Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.
  If driving, have your car serviced for the trip (check tires, brakes and windshield wipers, fluids, belts, etc.)

Preparing Your 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.
• Discard propane tanks which are used for barbecue grills.
• Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment, or we can send out 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 could cause mold if furniture must be placed in storage.

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One to Two Weeks Before Moving Day:

Your Pets and Plants:

• Decide what to do with house plants. We 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. Look for more information in the "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 home or office. Ask us for a copy of our "Moving With Pets" booklet.

Other Important Details:

• Collect all of your items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, etc.). Empty your locker at the club, bowling alley or gym.
• Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you may have loaned.

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Day Before Moving Day

Working With Our 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 your destination.
• If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, our 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 articles overlooked.
• Be on hand when our 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 of our "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings" booklet for more information.

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Moving Day

Working With Your Mover:

• It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until your 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 complete and 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 Loading, if applicable to your shipment.
• Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be sure to let your van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.

Last Minute Details:

• Leave your home or office phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish your 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?

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Delivery Day

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.
• On the day of delivery, your van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at residence if he is unable to reach you. If you are unable to accept delivery of your shipment within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) after notification of arrival at destination, you may request waiting time until delivery can be made.
• Check your household or office 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 any discrepancies on your 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 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 any beds disassembled at origin. However, mattresses will not be unpacked, and 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. We are not obligated to rearrange your furniture.
• Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, which the movers can use to determine where each piece of furniture should go.
• Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place as you will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.
• 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.

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One Week After Move:

Settling In:

• Check with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.
• Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver's license.
• You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.

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Moving With Pets, Plants, and Children

Please see the following webpages on the United Van Lines website for helpful advice about moving with...

• Pets
• Houseplants
• Children

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Build an "Instant Aid Box"

Pack an Instant Aid Box containing things that might be needed immediately upon arrival at your new home. Package each group of items in a large paper bag or box and clearly label. Take your Instant Aid Box with you. Also pack a separate bag/box of items that you will need to take with you on your trip to your new home.

 

Items for your Instant Aid Box:

Cleaning	Kitchen
Sponge	Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins
Paper Towels	Plastic Cutlery
Dish Towels	Plastic Pitcher
Dishcloth	Small Saucepan
Scouring Pads	Serving Spoons
Detergent	Aluminum Foil
Snacks	Subscription Services
Easy-open Cans of Pudding	Coloring Books
Dry Soup Mix	A Favorite Toy
Sandwich Spreads	Reading Materials
Instant Drinks	Puzzles
	Portable Games
Government Agencies	Bath
Light Bulbs	Towels and Face Cloths
Hammer	Toilet Tissue
Screw Driver	Facial Tissue
Pliers	Soap
Assorted Nails and Screws	Hand Lotion
Shelf Paper	Non-aerosol Deoderant
Trash Bags and Ties	Toothbrushes
Telephone	Toothpaste

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