Moving Day�.Walla-Walla Bing-Bang!

• Strip your beds and make sure the bedding goes into a marked box. You will want to make sure the box is clean or use a plastic bag to wrap them in before putting them in the box. That way you can pull them out and put them on the bed without hesitation.
• Be sure there is an adult at the home when the movers arrive. There will be papers to sign and decisions that involve charges to be made. If you can�t be there for some reason, arrange for someone to take charge.
• Confirm the delivery of goods to the new location. Provide phone numbers that can be used in transit (cell phones) and the new phone number. Make sure you have a way to contact the moving company as well.
• Most companies have an inventory system they use to mark each box as it is loaded. It is always a good idea to put someone in charge of watching that process, making sure each box is marked and entering it on the inventory sheet. This way you can mark each box off as it is unloaded to eliminate the hassle of lost or mislaid boxes. It is easy to think you have lost something during a move, especially if you didn�t do the packing yourself. The inventory system helps keep track of your goods so you don�t have panic at the other end.
• Discuss your plan with your mover. Show him where the "load first" and "load last" boxes are. Tell him about your secret room where you have tucked away items you will be taking with you. This room should have a big sign on it that says, "Do Not Move Anything From This Room." If possible, lock it. The best way to create a secret room is to use one that can be taken over completely for the "do not move" items. If you simply use a corner in a room, chances are your items will make their way on the truck.
• It is your responsibility to make sure everything is loaded, so stay on the premises until the loading is complete. Check all the rooms and cupboards to make sure you have left nothing behind. Be sure to look up and check for pictures, curtain rods, etc. that you may have intended to take.
• Make sure your vacuum is packed last, so you can clean before the furniture goes into the new house. You also may want to include basic cleaning supplies such as dishwasher detergent so you can unpack your dishes right into the dishwasher for quick cleaning before putting them on the shelf.

Move-In Day Maneuvers

• Be sure you are at the new house when the movers arrive. If you get there earlier than they, be patient. It is not as easy to maneuver a truck as a car and they may be stuck in traffic.
• Stay around for the unloading process. Put one person in charge of the inventory list and one person in charge of directing the movers. Since each box will be marked, you will simply need to guide them to the right room. If one box says "Johnny�s Room," you need to tell them which one that is. When it comes to furniture, you will also need to guide them to the proper room and the location within the room you want the piece placed. This should be planned ahead of time so you don�t waste precious time having the mover haul furniture from one side of the room to another.
• Have payment on hand for the moving charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made ahead of time, payment is usually required in cash, money order, traveler�s checks, or cashier�s check. Be sure to check with your particular moving company about their policies.
• Check to make sure the utilities are all turned on and working.
• Confine your pets during the move. This will protect them from getting lost or injured during the move.
• If you have hauled your goods a fair distance, you may not want to plug in or use any appliances or electronic goods. Wait until they have heated up to room temperature before use to avoid any damage to the circuits.

This is a guide to having a smooth move. But there is a lot more involved in the moving process. You have to get estimates, decide whether you want help or will do it yourself, find a qualified mover if that is what you choose, look at insurance needs, and be prepared for anything.

Here are some tips for handling the other aspects of your relocation process.

THINK & DO REMINDER

Create a Checklist for Your Move

The best way to prepare for your move is to make an overall game plan checklist. This way you are sure you won�t forget a thing. Use the guidelines above for a reference point. Make the checklist complete for your particular move and "to do" items prior to moving. Then hang the entire thing (with a pen) on the refrigerator where you can�t lose it.

Next, Finding a Qualified Mover...

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