Miami Moving Checklist and Tips

Checklist For A Smooth Move

5 weeks before Move-Out Day

• Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what can come with you and what can be left behind. Do you need those books you’ve read once and will never read again? That pan with the broken handle or the children’s long-neglected games? Remember – extra weight equals more money…
• Sit down and start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to leave behind, items for Joe’s Moving to move, and items you’ll move by yourself.
• For each item you are not going to take with you, decide whether you will sell it, give it away to charity, or otherwise dispose of it before your move.
• Modify your mailing address. Your post office will have change of address announcement cards to help you with this task.

4 weeks before Move-Out Day

• Start including your children in the move-out planning. Have your kids do some of their own packing, and let them suggest layouts for their new room – make moving an exciting and fun prospect for them! Ask us for a “My Move” kit for children.
• Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to carry out any part of the packing yourself. You can obtain these materials for a reasonable fee from your Arpin Van Lines agent.
• Ask us for a helpful “Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide.”
• It is a good idea to let us do most of the packing. That’s what we do for a living, so we know the proven methods for keeping items safe.

3 weeks before Move-Out Day

• Talk to your moving company to determine how much of the packing you will handle yourself, if any. Leave the big items to us. Because our packers are specially trained professionals, it is a good idea to let us do everything within our power to ensure the safety of your possessions.
• Make sure you notify the moving company if you add items to or remove items from your planned household goods shipment, or if the date of your move changes.
• If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter to watch them on moving day. While you concentrate your efforts on the move, a sitter can keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
• You will need to carry any valuable jewelry with you. If you have hidden any valuables around the house, make sure to collect them before leaving.
• Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or a local charity.
• While sorting through your belongings, remember to return any library books and anything else you may have borrowed. Also remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, furs, watches, etc.)
• Since you will want to have your utilities (electricity, gas, phone line, etc.) still connected on moving day, make arrangements to have them disconnected from your current home after your scheduled move-out.
• Likewise, call ahead to have all utilities connected at your new home by the day of your scheduled move-in.

2 weeks before Move-Out Day

• Make your final packing decisions. Start preparing for the moving of any items you don’t use often. Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
• Dispose of any flammables and other hazardous materials and substances, such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killers.
• Plan meals to finish up the food stored in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you intend to travel by car.
• Transfer all your current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Thousands of people leave town without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Don’t be one of them. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts, as well.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawnmower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

1 week before Move-Out Day

• This is your week to tie up loose ends. Check the Move Planner again to make sure you have not overlooked anything.
• Once again, make sure your utilities will be disconnected from your present home after you leave and connected in your future home before you arrive.
• Take the “Do Not Load” stickers from the back of the Move Planner and place them on all the things you want to take directly with you. Then, since the last items loaded are the first ones unloaded, put the “Load Last” stickers on things that you will need to use as soon as you get to your new home. The “Fragile” stickers should be placed on items that need special care.
• Pack your suitcases and confirm your personal travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.) for your family. Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected schedule change or delay.
• Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number where you can be reached until you get into your new home.
• Make sure to empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer and to clean your stove at least 24 hours before moving so as to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any lingering odors.
• Prepare a “Trip Kit” for moving day. This kit should contain the things you will need while your belongings are in transit.

Move-Out Day

• Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a “Load Last” box.
• Make sure to be on hand when the movers arrive, and plan to stay around while they unload in case they have any questions. In the event you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept the delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your chosen representative’s name. Your representative will be asked to take note of any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and of any items missing at the time of delivery. Ensure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do, and which valuation program and amount you have selected. Remember – this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to pay charges.
• Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. Write the directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number, and include phone numbers allowing to reach you while in transit.
• When the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory document.
• It is your responsibility to see to it that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until the loading is completed and the last item is packed. Make a final inspection before you sign any paperwork (inventory, bill of lading, etc.)
• Since you will probably want to clean your new home before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.
• The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows for some time to locate you and make arrangements for the unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
• Have the payment for your moving charges on hand. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash, traveler’s checks, money order or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.
• Check to make sure the utilities at your new home have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
• Make sure your new phone is connected. Ideally, you should have the phone company hook it up the day before.

Move-In Day

• Confine your pets to a room out of everyone’s way to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
• It is a good idea to review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Plan ahead to be available to direct them as they unload.
• To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, as well as other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, giving them time to adjust to the new room temperature.