Moving Tips


Moving is probably one of the biggest projects you will ever take on. It’s unbelievable how much you’ve accumulated. That’s why it is important to have a plan of action when you have decided to move. In order to make life much easier, the associates at Summit Van Lines have put together a list of helpful hints for organizing your move. In general, our list provides a guide to certain aspects that may be overlooked. We hope you find the following tips useful.

EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household goods you want to keep.
  • Begin an inventory of all household goods.
  • Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowners, or rental policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
  • Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
  • Arrange to transfer children's school records.
  • Call summitvanlines.com to schedule the moving date.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Fill out post-office change of address cards.
  • Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
  • Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
  • Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • For self packing, obtain necessary moving supplies, boxes, twine, labels, etc.
  • Start packing in advance.
  • If your summitvanlines.com is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
  • Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
  • Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your final destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
  • Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other reservations if needed.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, internet, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
  • Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
  • Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
  • Arrange for child care on moving day.
  • If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Arrange to move pets.
  • Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
  • If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Transfer all bank accounts.
  • Cancel newspaper/magazine delivery.
  • Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your final destination.
  • Make arrangements to pay for your move.
  • Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE
  • Have summitvanlines.com pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).
  • Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
  • Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
MOVING DAY
  • Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to summitvanlines.com and stay until they are finished.
  • Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
  • Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.
  • Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
  • Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
  • Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
  • Give the driver directions to your new home.
  • Notify the driver and the van line where you can be reached during the move.
DELIVERY DAY
  • Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
  • You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded. This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
  • Supervise unloading and unpacking.
  • Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.

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