| |
Helpful Hints "Where do I Start???"
One Month Before You Move
Change your address: You should send change of address cards right now. These cards are included in a complete change of address kit that you can get, free of charge, at your local post office.
Bear in mind that some groups have toll-free "800" numbers; you may want to change your address over the phone. Be sure to make a list and check off the names as you go. Don't forget: Magazine and periodicals, credit cards and charge accounts, clubs and organizations, insurance companies, finance companies, car loan companies, investment companies, and stockbrokers.
Collect your important records: You should gather all personal and family records, requesting copies whenever necessary. Don't forget your medical records (and X-rays), dental records (and X-rays), veterinarian records (and pet immunization papers), school records, tax returns, stock and bond certificates, passports, and insurance documents.
It may be best to lock these papers in a secure briefcase and keep them with you during the move.
Your future home may need advance preparations: If you want work done on your new home prior to your move, now is the time to schedule it.
Contact painters, gardeners, carpet installers, carpet shampooers, house cleaners, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, window washers, and other services you may need. Remember to have the locks changed on your new home.
Your children should be given special consideration: Moving has become a common aspect of family life. But while adults are usually able to take a move in easy strides, children can be deeply affected in unexpected ways.
It is important, therefore, to give your children special attention during this period of transition. Here are some suggestions:
- Give them time to adjust to the idea of moving by talking about it now.
- Answer all their questions, giving them as many details as their level of maturity warrants.
- Encourage them to participate in the moving chores.
- Tell them about the new school they'll be attending.
- Above all, let them know that you're looking forward to the move. Your positive attitude will carry the day.
New schools and old schools: If you're moving during the school year, you may have to enroll your children in their new schools before you actually move.
It's best to check with their present schools and follow official advice. Remember that some schools require you to furnish transcripts of school records. To be on the safe side, be sure to get a copy. They may also request medical records.
Membership fees: Certain fee-charging clubs and organizations allow you to sell the unused portion of your membership, or they may offer you a partial refund. Ask.
Two Weeks Before You Move
Pets: First, talk to your vet. He may recommend a mild sedative to keep your pet calm during the trip.
While moving, animals should ride in pet carriers. Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times. Animals get accustomed to the character of local water. Many vets suggest taking along a supply of water from your old home. It may keep your pet from developing an upset stomach during the trip.
Phone books: Call ahead and order telephone directories for your new home. Remember to take your old phone book with you as it may come in handy.
Plants: The best thing to do is sell them at a garage sale or give them away as farewell gifts. If you want to move them, they should be put in boxes and watered before they're put in the truck. PLEASE NOTE: Von Sydow's does not accept liability for damage and/or loss of plants.
Important measurements: Now is the time to measure doorways-including elevators. If you're moving into an apartment building it's very important to note the measurement of the doors. Be sure to inquire about building rules and regulations regarding moving times. You may also have to reserve elevator time at your new building.
Vital Preparation And Reminders
At this point you should work carefully through the following list:
Get your car serviced; if you're moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check your anti-freeze.
Collect deposits; you probably have "last months deposits" with certain services. Get them back, your telephone company, for instance.
Notify utilities; tell your current utilities when to disconnect services, and tell your new utilities when to connect your new services. These may include your telephone, water, gas, electric, and oil companies.
Notify services; don't forget to do the same thing with service suppliers including trash collectors, insurance companies, newspaper delivery, cable television company, gardener, milkman, and laundryman.
Close your bank accounts; leave yourself enough cash and traveler's checks to tide you over until you're settled into your new home. If possible, have your bank transfer your accounts to your new bank.
Use up your food; plan meals around what you already have on hand.
Set aside last-minute items; there are things, including clothes, that you're going to need until the day you leave. Put them aside.
Return all library books.
Pick up dry cleaning and laundry you may have sent out.
Contact the post office and arrange to have your mail forwarded.
Drain all gasoline from power tools.
Ask your doctor to transfer any prescriptions you're using.
Pack a travel kit; A travel kit can prove mighty useful, especially on long moves. We suggest you pack; aspirin, band-aids, bottle/can opener, checkbook, credit cards and I.D., flashlight, pliers, screwdriver, snacks, soap, Styrofoam cups, toilet tissue, travel alarm clock, washcloths, and a wrench.
Two Days Before You Move
At this point you should turn off your major appliances, refrigerator, freezer, stove, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.
Unload and defrost the refrigerator and freezer. Drain the washing machine. Disconnect all appliances, wipe and dry the interiors, remove all fittings and accessories and pack in individual bags.
It's also time to pack a personal box or suitcase. You should limit this to items that you (and your family) will need immediately after moving into your new home.
Moving Day!!!
Keep an ice chest handy, so you can have food and beverages for the family.
Also, set aside a tape measure, screwdriver, pliers, wrench, soap and paper towels, rope, plastic bags, scissors, razor blade, masking tape.
Check you house: Take a last walk through your house. Check to be sure that the lights and stove, including the oven, are turned off, and that there is no water running anywhere.
Be sure all windows and doors are locked. Leave a note with your future address.
If your current residence is going to stay vacant awhile after you leave, you may want to inform the police.
Items To Be Handled By Shipper During Move
- All items that are flammable must be transported by the shipper. This includes aerosol cans of any kind, tanks for barbeque grills, fire extinguishers, paints and paint cleaners, and ammonia's of any kind.
- All wines should be transported by the shipper due to heat in the summer and cold in the winter. It will be up to the driver whether or not to take other liquors on the truck.
- Lawn mowers and other gasoline engines must be emptied of oil and gas. Also, shipper should wash out gas cans that are being transported to avoid fumes.
- If moving a garden hose, the shipper should drain as much water as possible and screw the two ends together in case some water is left in the hose.
- Shipper should check all dresser drawers to be sure nothing valuable or breakable is left in them.
- Any item that is permanently affixed to the walls or ceiling must be taken down by the shipper if he wishes to keep it, unless the booking agent has authorized the service to be performed by someone else.
- The shipper should bring enough clothing to hold the family over until the shipment arrives at the destination.
- Plants can be moved at the discretion of the driver. It will be at the owners risk. Insurance will not cover plants and the driver cannot be held responsible.
- If cars are being moved, the gas tank should be 1/4 full or less.
- Trash cans should be cleaned out by the shipper.
- Barbeque grills that use coals should be cleaned out by the shipper.
- All small hand guns, including ammunition, should be transported by the shipper.
- Change of address forms should be sent to the post office.
- Insurance policies should be transferred. Do not leave valuables or important papers to be packed with household goods.
- Shipper should notify gas, electric, and phone companies to discontinue service. The utilities should be turned off on the packing day but the phone service should be disconnected at the last moment.
- State and City departments should be notified regarding motor vehicles.
- Shipper should arrange to have children's records forwarded to their new school.
- Shipper should empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer. Due to conditions beyond our control we cannot transport frozen or perishable food.
- Do not forget to have customer-owned telephones packed. This is something that will be done at the last moment.
- Beds will be disassembled and loaded at the last minute as well. The shipper can stay at the home until the loading day.
- Do not disconnect telephone until the afternoon of the day of loading.
- If household goods go into storage, please call Von Sydow's to set delivery out of storage. If possible, try to allow 7-10 days.
- HELPFUL HINT-Remember to put a light bulb, soap, toilet paper, a towel and washcloth, and some bed linens in one of the dresser drawers for easy access upon arrival at your new home.
- And we can't forget our Friendly Furry Friends.
Tips on moving your pet
Every year, one out of five Americans will move. Of those, nearly half will be moving with their pets. If you're part of the "pet half", be aware that your pet can experience the same anxiety as you. The following tips can make moving less stressful for you and your animal.
- Although moving companies provide information on how to move your pet, they are not permitted to transport animals. Plan to do so on your own.
- Begin with a visit to your vet. Your vet can provide a copy of your pet's medical records and possibly recommend a vet in the city where you'll be moving.
- If you'll be traveling by plane, contact the airlines ASAP. Many airlines offer in-cabin boarding for small pets but only on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you make your reservations, the better chance you'll have of securing space.
- If you'll be driving to your new home, the new book, which may be purchased at your local book store or library, Vacationing With Your Pet, will assist you with your lodging reservations. By planning ahead, your move will proceed more smoothly.
- Buy a special toy or a favorite chew that's only given to your pet when you're busy packing.
- Don't feed or water your animal for several hours before your departure. The motion of the ride might cause stomach upset.
- Keep your pet kenneled up on moving day to avoid disasters. Never allow your pet to run free when you're in unfamiliar territory.
- Pack your pet's dishes, food, water, treats, toys, leash and bedding in a easy-to-reach location. Take water and food from home. Drinking unfamiliar water or eating a different brand of food can cause digestion problems. And don't forget those plastic bags for clean-up.
- Once you're moved in and unpacked, be patient. your animal may misbehave. Like a child, he may resent change and begin acting up. Deal with problems in a gentle and reassuring manner. Spend some extra time with your pet during this upheaval period and understand that it will pass.
- If your pet requires medication or prescription diet, pack plenty for your journey and keep a copy of your pet's medical records with you.
- Always carry your current veterinarian's phone number. You never know when an emergency may arise or when your new veterinarian will need additional health information
- Learn as much as you can about your new area, including common diseases, local laws and required vaccinations.
|
