Moving Appliances
AIR CONDITIONERS
Consult your authorized dealer or serviceman on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.
DRYERS (ELECTRIC OR GAS)
Check with your serviceman. Motors may need to be checked and secured.
FREEZERS
These appliances must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odors. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meals that will use up perishable contents. Check with your serviceman to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.
REFRIGERATORS
Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves, or removable parts should be removed and wrapped individually. Have your refrigerator serviced. The motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.
SEWING MACHINES
They do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, the driver should stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.
STOVES
Stoves must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut tightly and capped. For electric ranges, removable coils (and all other removable parts) must be packed separately.
TELEVISION SETS
Some set require that they be checked before moving. Some color TVs must be service both before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from rooftops and disassembled (if necessary).
WASHERS
Washers must be serviced by an authorized serviceman. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.
COUNTDOWN TO MOVING DAY
EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
Begin an inventory of all household goods.
Solicit estimates from several moving companies.
Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowner's policy to determine whether your possessions are covered.
Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
Choose a mover.
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 moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, etc. Start packing!!
If your mover 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 destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
Arrange any motel or other reservations.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, 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 childcare on moving day.
If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Arrange to move pets.
Check with mover about moving houseplants. (Some movers will not move plants.) Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Make arrangements to pay for your move.
Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Have mover 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 movers 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.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.
HAPPY MOVING!
