You may want to discard items you no longer need or want. Reducing the weight of your shipment is useful and could possibly lower the cost of moving.

• If you have pets, see MOVING PETS for recommendations.

• If you have a vehicles, see MOVING VEHICLES for recommendations.

• Make note of any items that would need special disassembling/reassembling or servicing such as gas appliances, fridges with icemakers, washer/dryers, etc.

• Make note if there are any access problems such as parking permits and other items such as difficult access for large trucks, long distance from parking area to entrance of home or building, large furniture pieces that may not fit through narrow entrances, etc.

• Be sure to list any items outside the home that need to be moved such as sheds and contents, play structures, etc.

• List items that need high value insurance coverage. If you think you may be packing some or all of your items, be aware of the requirements regarding insurance. Items not packed by your mover are not covered by insurance unless the carton has visible damage.

• Be aware of time requirements such as closing dates on your old and new home, elevator service schedules, etc..

• If you have decided to rid yourself of unwanted items, you may then arrange to make a charitable donation or hold a yard sale. Arrange to dispose of any items not sold or donated.

• If you have decided to pack some or all of your belongings, you may purchase packing materials such as new or perhaps used cartons, packing papers, tape, etc. from your mover.

• Make arrangements to transfer all applicable records such as school transcripts, insurance coverage, medical and veterinary records, drivers and any other licenses.

• Check and clear tax issues on your current property.

• If necessary, make special arrangements for appraisals on particularly high value objects. i.e. art, antiques, etc.

• Cancel or transfer any memberships/subscriptions to organizations, clubs, magazines and newspapers. Return library books or other borrowed materials.

• Familiarize yourself with your new town or city through your local Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood programs or on the Internet.

• If you have children, you may want to research the schools in the area and initiate registration procedures. Involve your children in the move process. See MOVING WITH CHILDREN.

• You may want to arrange for day care or a baby-sitter for your children on your move date.

• Confirm the packing and move date with your moving company and schedule elevator service times if required.

• Make travel arrangements such as airline tickets, car rentals and hotel reservations.

• If you are packing yourself, begin packing articles you don't often use first. See PACKING TIPS.

• Speak to your bank regarding branches in your new area and transfer your accounts.

• You may want to arrange for traveler checks.

• Make appropriate arrangements to pay the mover upon delivery, i.e. certified checks or prepaid.

• Make a list of valuables to carry with you when you move. Items could include medicine, stocks, bonds, wills, legal papers, jewellery, special collections, photos and videos (items that are difficult or impossible to replace). See WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU.

• Arrange to disconnect/reconnect service for telephone, TV, electricity, gas or fuel supply, water, etc. You will still want these services available on your move day, therefore, it is best to arrange for any disconnection to take place the following day. You will also want these services on and ready when you move into your new home. Also, check for any applicable deposits/refunds.

• Make arrangements to give away any items your mover is not able to transport. Items such as house plants, flammable liquids, paints, BBQ tanks, etc. See LIST OF DANGEROUS GOODS.

• Complete your change of address notification for postal service.

• Have your vehicle serviced if you are traveling by car and plan the routes you will take to your new destination.

• Use the contents of your freezer or give away if the mover will not transport frozen foods.

• Look at the floor plans for your new residence and mark each item with the appropriate room designation.

• Drain all items of gas and oil such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, snowmobiles, etc. If you don't, the mover will not be able to move these items.

• Drain all hoses and prepare for transport.

• Prepare your plants for moving or give them away if the mover will not transport. See MOVING WITH PLANTS.

• Ensure your moving company and driver know all of the contact numbers where you may be reached as you are traveling to your new destination. Also, ensure you have the contact numbers for the moving company, driver and destination agent.

• Your freezer/refrigerator should be defrosted, cleaned and dried 1-2 days before the move.

• You may want to prepare a "LOAD LAST CARTONS". This includes items needed on the move day such as medicine cabinet contents (carry prescription medicines with you), toiletries, towels, disposable plates and utensils, basic cooking utensils, coffee maker and supplies, snack food, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, extension cords, garbage bags, bedding, games for the children, pet food, etc.

• Confirm any baby-sitting arrangements.

• Ensure any outstanding bills for your old residence have been paid.

• Remove any fixtures you are taking with you.

• Empty any safe deposit boxes and arrange to bring the contents with you rather than having the mover pack and transport the items.

• Ensure all items not to be transported by the mover are put in a separate area and clearly marked "NOT FOR TRANSPORT".

When your moving crew arrives, the driver (who is in charge of move) will present you with a Bill of Lading which will list the delivery address, transit dates, insurance coverage, cost (if you were given a guaranteed rate), etc. It is important to review the Bill of Lading and make sure everything is in order. If you detect anything out of order, point it out to the driver, who may then call his office to have the problem resolved.

Do not sign the Bill of Lading until all the terms are satisfactory and, if necessary, changes made and initialed by you and the driver. The loading process may then begin.

The driver and crew will begin to disassemble certain items (table legs, dresser mirrors, etc.) while beginning the "tag and list" process. All items moved will have a numbered, color-coded, mover's tag or sticker. The number for each item will correspond with the inventory.

The written Inventory Sheet will list each item, along with the condition of the item at the time it is moved including scratches, chips, dents, etc. As pieces are tagged and listed on the inventory, the crew will begin to wrap moving blankets around the furniture. Some upholstered items may be strech-wrapped with plastic.

Check each page of the inventory as it is completed to ensure you agree with the condition of the pieces as noted and that all items to be moved have been included on the inventory. Your driver will have you sign all pages of the inventory before leaving and will give you a copy for your records.

If you are moving locally, it is most common for the load and delivery to take place on the same day. Therefore, items are not tagged and inventoried, as there is no delay in receiving your goods. In addition, the tagging and inventory process will add to the time taken and will increase the cost of the move. Most people follow the moving truck, once it is loaded, to the destination address for unloading.

When moving long distances, your goods should be tagged and inventoried, as delivery will occur a few days after loading. The delivery time will depend on several things such as distance, the size of your shipment, truck schedules and weather.

Your guaranteed delivery date, or a delivery spread (e.g. March 13 - March 17) should have been agreed upon with your representative and noted on your Bill of Lading. If you have a delivery spread, feel free to ask your driver for an estimated delivery date. Unavoidable delays may occur such as weather conditions, traffic problems and detours.

Ask your driver for their cell phone number to keep in contact regarding the delivery date. If the driver is not equipped with a phone, ask for the dispatcher's phone number. They will be reporting their status and location to the dispatcher.

If you have been given a delivery spread, it is important the driver have all contact numbers for you at your destination. The driver will notify you of the delivery date 24 hours in advance. You or your representative must be present for unloading.

When your shipment arrives for unloading don't be surprised if your driver has a different crew. On long distance moves the driver often hires crews from the local office to assist with unloading.

IT IS STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR THE DRIVER TO REQUEST FULL PAYMENT BEFORE UNLOADING, I.E. CERTIFIED CHECK, CREDIT CARDS OR CASH UNLESS THE SHIPMENT HAS BEEN PREPAID.

As the unloading takes place the crew will place your belongings into your new home according to your instructions. While the truck is being unloaded the driver or a member of his crew will check the contents of the truck against the inventory taken at origin.