As soon as you know you’re relocating, create a moving action plan. Divide it into four time lines – Immediate, Pre-Packing, House Hunting/Temporary Accommodation, and Immediate Access. Be prepared to create lots of lists for different purposes.
Develop a list of critical phone numbers and addresses (doctor, specialists, attorney, bank, dentist) and inform them you’re moving and might need personal files to be copied and mailed. Keep this list with your most valuable possessions.
Once you have a firm packing date, fill out a post office mail forwarding form (assuming you have an address at your new location – otherwise use family or friends’ address).
Immediately inform magazine subscription departments of a change of address as well as your internet/email service (you don’t need to cancel; they will usually agree to place the service on hold).
Now create three new lists:
Personal belongings you’ll need on your house-hunting trips as well as for a possible extended stay in a temporary accommodation (clothes, personal hygiene, access to banking services beyond home). Designate a room in your house for storing these things and attendant luggage that the packers will not enter;
Things you will donate to family, friends and favorite charities. This may include planning a yard sale; note the things the movers will not take – live plants, any cleaning substance containing bleach, previously opened bottles of liquids. The movers will give you a list in advance if requested;
List the belongings you will need urgently as soon as the movers arrive to unload your belongings at the new location. Tell the packers about these things. They will be labeled “Immediate Access.”
Before Packing Day, a moving specialist will turn up to assess the size of your move. Inform him or her about any special considerations (such as fragiles, paintings or mirrors).
Make a list of your high valuables (crystal stemware, china, delicate keepsakes).
List your movable valuables (jewelry, bank account books, passports, dormant but not closed credit cards, official documents). Either keep these with you at all times or give to family and friends for safe-keeping.
Check about informing all services and utilities about your move and give them a forwarding address. You will not have to cancel the service.
On packing day
Collect as many of your high valuables as possible in one place. This will make the movers’ job easier. Agree with the movers ahead of packing on how they’re labeling your boxes. For example, “2nd bedroom” to you may be “sitting room” to them.
This can get confusing when unpacking. Also, inform the packers of your Immediate Access pieces. They will now know to label these elements accordingly.
VERY IMPORTANT: Ask the movers to collect:
Shelf supports
Chair casters
Bed casters
All of these should be included in your Immediate Access inventory. Having them handy at your new location will save you hours of fruitless searching, and enable you to erect and fill shelves immediately.
Finally, know you relocation contact’s name and number by heart. They are your most experienced and wisest resource. And remember: Your relo specialist is there to help.
