Moving Guide

In order to ensure you have a successful and stress-free move, you will want to begin preparing for your move in different stages. Cousins USA Moving & Storage suggests the following move calendar:

Table of Contents

1. 12-9 Weeks Before Move
2. 8-7 Weeks Before Move
3. 6 Weeks Before Move
4. 5 Weeks Before Move
5. 4 Weeks Before Move
6. 3 Weeks Before Move
7. 2 Weeks Before Move
8. 1 Week Before Move
9. Items to Take Along

12-9 Weeks Before Move

• If you are being moved by your employer, verify what your company covers
• Establish preliminary dates for your move
• Make plans to sell your current home
• Contact a Cousins USA move coordinator to help plan your move
• Arrange to buy a new home at your new destination. If you are renting, seek out an apartment guide

8-7 Weeks Before Move

• Begin sorting out items you do not plan to move. Consider selling them or donating them to charity
• Contact the IRS or your accountant for information about any potential tax-deductible moving expenses

6 Weeks Before Move

• Finalize your new living arrangements, homeowners/renters insurance and finances regarding your new residence
• Assess job opportunities at your new destination for your spouse or children
• If your current bank does not have a branch in your new area, you’ll need to establish new accounts.
• Draft a floor plan of your new home and obtain room measurements
• Contact the utility company that services your new residence to transfer services into your name

5 Weeks Before Move

• Finalize pickup and delivery dates with Cousins USA Moving & Storage. If you need storage, contact Cousins USA now to make arrangements
• Take a look at Cousins USA Packing Tips, if you are planning on packing yourself
• Sort through belongings that you will not be bringing with you, items you are taking with you on the trip and everything else that goes with Cousins USA
• If you have high-value that you are shipping, obtain an appraisal and receipts

4 Weeks Before Move

• Visit www.usps.com to notify the postal service of your new address and do the same for friends, relatives and periodicals you are subscribed to
• Make plans for utilities, repairs and installations in your new home, if necessary
• Obtain forms for transferring driver’s license(s) and applying for credit
• Ask your current doctor and dentist offices for referrals to a new physician and dentist and to obtain dental and medical records to take with you

3 Weeks Before Move

• If you are packing yourself, begin now
• Make travel arrangements, such as interim hotel reservations and car rental

2 Weeks Before Move

• Return anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors
• Relax! Take the time to say goodbye to some of the places you and your family loved. Have a “going away” party for the kids.
• Take care of financial matters such as: bills, stocks and investments
• Take pet(s) to veterinarian for proper care and get a copy of their records for your new veterinarian
• Transfer all bank accounts
• Drain oil and gasoline from power equipment.
• Have your car serviced before the trip

1 Week Before Move

• Transfer your prescriptions
• Arrange for delivery services to be discontinued, such as newspapers, etc.
• Start gathering those items that you are taking with you on your trip
• Pack luggage
• Defrost and dry refrigerator and freezer
• Obtain cash or travelers checks for trip expenses

Items to Take Along

Cousins USA offers some suggestions of what you may with you during the trip:

• Suitcases
• Important moving paperwork
• Credit cards, cash
• House and car keys
• Irreplaceable items, valuables
• Kids’ toys
• Pre-moistened towels
• Beverages
• Snacks
• Pet food and accessories
• Blankets and pillows
• First-aid kit
• Road maps
• Photo I.D.
• Car registration and insurance