To Do |
Check When Done |
Notes |
| Separate items that will not be packed, including suitcases. If more than one shipment, separate items per each shipment into groups. |
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| Ship as "unaccompanied baggage" items that will help you set up housekeeping at your new address immediately, such as linens, dishes, etc. |
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| Keep a household inventory list on hand to carry with your personal luggage. |
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| Make a complete inventory of all the boxes you will have moved to your new location -- you will need to check this later after you move in. |
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| Attach colored stickers to your boxes to correspond with rooms in your new home where you want your boxes to go. If you are using movers, prepare a color-coded map of your new house, so they'll know exactly where to take your belongings. |
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| Make sure that cash, jewelry, important documents, your checkbook and other valuable items are secure and placed with the suitcases and other items you are hand-carrying yourself. Do not ship jewelry. |
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| If you are renting a truck or other vehicle for your move, check it over to make sure everything is running properly. |
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| Make sure the condition of belongings is accurately noted. If anything is marked "scratched, dented or soiled" also note the location of such problem. |
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| If you are leasing phones from the phone company, return them. |
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| Confirm child care and pet arrangements if necessary. |
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| Clean and dry refrigerator and freezer. Allow to dry one or two days with doors propped open. Note: Families with children or pets present should block the doors from accidentally closing. To avoid a musty odor you can place several charcoal briquettes in a stocking or sock in both the freezer and refrigerator compartment. |
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| Discard partly-used cans and containers of substances that might leak. |
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| Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you. |
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| Remove outside TV and radio antennas. |
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| Remove air conditioners from windows. |
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| Remove pictures and mirrors from walls. |
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| Disconnect gas and electrical appliances. Moving companies are NOT required to perform the disconnects or to reconnect at the destination address. |
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| Remove all light bulbs from lamps. |
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