Sacramento Movers Share A Long Distance Moving Checklist

The checklist for a long distance move will be different from a local move checklist. For example you may need to book a flight to get to your new home or stay at hotels as your drive from your old home in California to your new home in New York. Use this checklist to be sure you are on track for your long-distance move.

As soon as you know you are moving or at least two months before the move…

ü  Go through the garage, closets and attic and purge any items that you haven’t used in a while or may never need

ü  Host a garage sale or give to charity any unwanted items

ü  Walk around the house and make a list of all the items that will be moved

ü  Review reputation of moving companies through the Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Angie’s List

ü  Be sure to select a mover that is fully licensed, bonded and insured as well as members of the American Moving & Storage Association

ü  Call at least three different moving companies to discuss pricing and each company’s unique services offered

ü  Schedule an on-site estimate with your move consultant to determine the scope and cost of the move

ü  Get familiar with the Your Rights And Responsibilities When You Move booklet provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation

ü  Schedule the move

ü  Consider adding additional valuation coverage to your move so that if any of your goods are lost or damaged during the move, then it will be covered by the valuation option you selected. Ask your moving company about valuation

ü  Decide how you will transport any vehicles to the new location. Will you drive? If so determine how far you will be likely to drive each day and book hotels along the way.

ü  If you will not be bringing vehicles to your new home, book a flight to get you from point A to point B.

ü  If your home will not be ready by the time you arrive or if your goods do not arrive at the new home for a couple of days, you may need to stay with a friend or book a hotel until the move is complete

ü  Make special arrangements for traveling with pets or live plants. If you are driving in your own vehicle, you can simply board any living thing onto your own car. However if you are flying, you will need to look into the airline’s rules for travelling with pets.

A month before the move…

ü  Get change of address cards from the post office

ü  Schedule disconnects for internet, utilities and cable at your old home

ü  Research schools in the new city and transfer the kids school records

ü  Get packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself

ü  Begin packing starting with items you don’t frequently use

One or two weeks before the move…

ü  Fill out and turn in change of address cards to the post office

ü  Change your address with the bank, credit card, magazines, etc.

ü  Set up for internet, utilities and cable at your new home

ü  Set aside cleaning equipment needed to clean the house after the movers leave and before they arrive at the new home. Or hire a cleaning company to do the job for you.

ü  Pack a suitcase with any items you will need until your items arrive across the country

A day or two before the move…

ü   Finish all remaining foodstuff that has not be packed away. Consider takeaways for the next few days

ü  Ensure that you have enough cash on hand to pay for all incidentals on the day. You might consider things like paying the movers, food, tips, etc.

 ü   Confirm the arrival time of the moving company or the time that you can pick-up your self-move vehicle

ü    Confirm all travel reservations

ü  If appliances are being moved, defrost the freezer and refrigerator. Empty all water out of the washing machine and dishwasher.

ü  Disassemble furniture if you want move day to go quicker

On move day…

ü  Run through the house after the goods have been moved and check that you have taken all items that weren’t packed. Things like lights and telephones are commonly not packed until after the move.

ü  Collect any valuables from your safe-deposit box. Remember to keep these with you at all times. Do not send important documents, valuable jewelry or other irreplaceable items along with the movers.

ü  Only sign off the papers when you are happy that all is in order

After the move…

ü  Keep all moving receipts as they might be tax deductible

ü  Renew your driver's license and vehicle registration

ü  Confirm all your policy and subscription changes have taken effect

ü  Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the new neighborhood

ü  Look out for where the hospital, police station, doctor and fire station is located near your new home

ü  Check that there are no damages to items during the move and check that all your items have arrived

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.