Moving Guide: 4-5 Weeks Before Move

  • Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at the postal service website by visiting www.usps.com
    You can make copies of this change of address form or make up your own change of address notice to give to the following people and businesses.

    1. Friends and family
    2. Banks
    3. Insurance companies
    4. Credit card companies
    5. Doctors, dentists and any other service providers
    6. Clubs or associations
    7. Magazine and newspaper subscriptions

  • This is a good time to take a look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines, broken items and old toys can be left behind. Remember, adding more weight to your moving shipment will cost you more money.

  • Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will not transport, what items your moving company will move and what items you will move yourself.

  • Make a decision on who will do most of or all of the packing. It can be a good idea that you let the mover do most of the packing. The moving company employees know the best methods for keeping items safe and secure as this is what they do for a living. Also, be aware that whatever you pack yourself won't be covered by insurance, unless there's obvious damage to the box itself, ie, the insurance company doesn't want to be liable for your lack of packing skill.

  • If you do most of the packing or all the packing please refer to our packing guide. Ask the van line agent you use for further details about handling unusual and delicate items and begin preparing those items that are not frequently used.

  • Get your kids involved in the moving process. Allow your kids to do some supervised packing, or let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move. Also, be on the lookout for problems associated with children moving.

  • Contact utility providers (e.g. telephone, gas, electric, cable TV and trash collection) at new and old locations with your moving date to make arrangements for connection and disconnection. Doing this now is preferable to doing it after you move.

  • Complete banking arrangements in old and new location and transfer any funds to your new bank if necessary. Check requirements for your new drivers license and auto registration in your destination state.