Follow the easy steps in our planning guide to make moving to a new home as stress-free as possible.
STEP 1: THE SCHEDULE
5 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Contact us to make arrangements for moving day.
- Remove items from your attic, basement, and all storage areas.
- Start using things you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new city for local information.
- If moving at an employer’s request, verify which expenses/responsibilities are covered and which are yours.
- Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on tax-deductible moving expenses.
- Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold? Donated? Tossed?
- Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
- Locate all auto licensing and registration documents.
- If some belongings are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. Your Herlihy Move Coordinator can help.
- Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office; fill out the required information.
- Arrange special transport for your pets and plants. Herlihy Mayflower trucks cannot carry live animals or plants.
- Contact service companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection) to disconnect/connect services at your old and new addresses. However, be sure to keep your current phone and utilities connected through move day.
- Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners or renters, medical and life) to arrange for coverage changes in your new location.
- If you’re packing yourself, stop by our closest office to purchase materials. Pack items that won’t be needed in the next month.
- Plan a garage sale to help lighten the load.
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Make travel arrangements and hotel reservations for your moving trip. However, don’t make plane reservations for the same day that you’re moving. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.
- Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.)
- Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new city.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Have your car serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) for the type of weather conditions you’ll encounter while traveling.
- If you’re moving out of or into a building with elevators, schedule use of the elevators on moving day.
- Contact your move coordinator to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.
1 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Settle any outstanding accounts with local merchants.
- Withdraw contents of any safety deposit boxes, pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes or DVDs.
- Take pets to the veterinarian for needed immunizations. Get copies of pet records. If flying with your pet, be sure to obtain the required travel health certificate from your vet.
- Drain gas and oil from equipment (lawn mowers, leaf and snow blowers, etc).
- Give away plants you can’t take with you.
- Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company (including your itinerary, emergency phone numbers, etc.) using Google Maps or another online resource.
- Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
- Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. Your Move Coordinator can make arrangements for a third party to provide these services.
- Organize and set aside things that you’re taking with you (including a box of personal items you’ll need immediately upon arrival) so that they don’t get loaded on the van by mistake.
Moving Day
- Make sure that someone responsible is at home to answer questions.
- Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
- Make special arrangements for pets and small children to keep them safe on moving day.
- Read your Bill of Lading and inventory record carefully before you sign them. Keep these and all related papers in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.
- Get driver contact info.
Upon Arrival
- Call your destination agent to make final delivery arrangements.
- The driver will contact you 24 hours prior to his/her arrival.
- Unless previous arrangements have been made, the driver must, by law, collect payment (cash, approved credit card, certified, cashier’s, or traveler’s checks or money orders) for your move before unloading. Personal checks are not accepted.
- Have a floor plan drawn out or in mind to expedite the unloading process.
- Driver and crew will re-assemble any items that they disassembled at the point of origin.
- Check off items from inventory, as they are unloaded, noting their condition. If an item appears to have been damaged or is missing, make a note on the inventory record and notify your destination agent.
- If you have contracted for unpacking services, your destination agent will arrange these services after delivery (including packing material removal).
After You Move
- If necessary, submit a claim form to report any damaged items.
STEP 2: Select Your Coverage
Full-Value Replacement Coverage
When the Full-Value Replacement coverage (FVR) is desired, you should select the level of protection that covers the total value of your belongings. At a minimum, the value you declare must be equal to $6.00 per pound. Replacement, if necessary, is at today’s full replacement cost, not a deprecated value. Deductible options are available.
Basic Liability
There is no charge for Basic Liability protection. However, it provides repair or replacement up to a maximum of $.60 per pound per article.
Is the minimum level enough?
The level of protection you actually need for you household belongings may be greater than minimum levels based on your total shipment weight. Consult your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for recommended coverage levels. If you desire full-value replacement coverage, you must request FVR in writing on the Bill of Lading in the valuation section. Ask your move consultant if you have any questions.
STEP 3: Check Out Moving Resources On Our Blog
To help make your life a little easier, Herlihy and Mayflower – part of the largest moving network in the world – have compiled tools, tips and tricks to give you peace of mind. Get information on packing tips, the ten most forgotten items, the essential trip kit, moving with kids, and more on our blog.
