6-8 WEEKS IN ADVANCE

WORKING WITH YOUR AGENT
  Schedule an appointment for a pre-move survey
  Decide what to move and what to discard
  Keep moving agent phone number handy

PRICE CUTTING TIPS
  Spend time sorting items into ocean, air, and storage portions
  Have a garage sale

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
  Request information about your new country
  Talk to your family about the move
  Ask your children if they have any questions they would like to ask
  Look into employment opportunities for spouse or partner

PREPARING YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS
  Have rugs and draperies cleaned
  Obtain written appraisal for antique items
  Set date to have utilities disconnected

2-4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE

WORKING WITH YOUR AGENT
  Separate items into ocean, air, and storage portions.
  Keep moving agent phone number handy

PRICE CUTTING TIPS
  Spend time sorting items into ocean, air, and storage portions

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
  Arrange for baby sitter for moving dates

PREPARING YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS
  Dispose of flammables
  Drain fuel from lawn mowers and machinery
  Discard partly used paint, oil, and such
  Purge propane barbeque grill tanks at a certified dealer

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
  Collect merchandise in layaway from local stores
  Pick up dry cleaning
  Dispose of or give away all bleaches, oils, aerosol cans, cleaning fluids, paint, paint remover, building materials, firewood, matches, lighter fluid, ammunition, gasoline cans, perishable or frozen food, and live plants.

MOVING AN AUTOMOBILE
  Provide agent with a copy of driver's license, title (front and back), registration, and letter from lien holder (if applicable).

3 DAYS IN ADVANCE

WORKING WITH YOUR MOVERS
  Make plans to be home on pack and load days
  Collect items that you want packed together
  Keep moving agent phone number handy

PRICE CUTTING TIPS
  Disassemble large items such as swing sets, waterbeds, & bunk beds

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
  Pack suitcases
  Pack snacks
  Confirm baby-sitter for moving dates

LAST MINUTE PACKING
  Check contents of drawers
  Remove items in attic and storage areas
  Empty refrigerator and freezer (at least 24 hours in advance)
  Empty water from steam irons
  Finish laundry
  Take telephone directory with you

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
  Return rented movies
  Return library books

1 DAY IN ADVANCE

WORKING WITH YOUR MOVERS
  Have dishes washed and dried; leave them in the cabinets
  Collect items that you want packed together
  Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls
  Detach permanent fixtures such as openers, towel bars, drapery rods
  Leave beds assembled
  Disconnect all electrical appliances such as computers, TV's, and stereos
  Empty gas from all gas powered items such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc.

PRICE CUTTING TIPS
  Disassemble large items such as swing sets, waterbeds & bunk beds

LAST MINUTE DETAILS
  Check closets and storage cabinets
  Take care of pets

MOVING AN AUTOMOBILE
  Make sure gas tank is 1/4 full or less
  Remove all non-factory installed equipment such as portable radios / CD players (you make leave the tire jack and spare tire)

MOVING DAY

WORKING WITH YOUR MOVERS
  Be there when the movers arrive
  Give the movers a tour of your home
  Point out extra fragile items
  Point out items that you do not want packed
  Point out items that you want loaded last and unloaded first
  Stay on site until you are loaded
  Look over and sign inventories to confirm all items have been loaded
  Turn in all documents to movers and sign all paperwork - make sure agent has a copy of your passport and driver's license

LAST MINUTE DETAILS
  Leave phone hooked up until the movers leave

FINAL CHECK
  Water disconnected?
  Furnace off?
  Lights off?
  All utilities arranged for disconnection?
  Windows and doors shut and locked?

UNLOADING DAY

WORKING WITH YOUR MOVERS
  Make certain the residence is ready before the shipment arrives
  Be at the residence when the shipment arrives
  Check off items from inventory list as they are unloaded
  Make any exception notes on the inventory before signing
  Show movers where to place items
  Take final tour through your new home with movers before they leave
  Sign inventories

GETTING SETTLED

IMPORTANT DETAILS
  Hook up utilities
  Finish unpacking
  Keep all paperwork in a "moving" file
  Set up bank account
  Check in with post office
  Transfer medical records
  Transfer dental records
  Transfer school records
  Visit public library and other places of interest

Congratulations on a successful move!