Long Distance Moving

American Relocation knows that long distance moving and relocation can be an exciting, yet sometimes an unsettling experience. You’ve probably already realized that there’s so much to do and so little time to do it. However, American Relocation are prepared to help you plan your move properly to make your relocation as exciting, rewarding, and stress-free as possible.

Whether you are moving across the state or across the country, American Relocation is here to help you through your Long Distance moving process. For any questions you may have regarding the preparation of your long distance move, please call us at any time at 1-888-810-7444. Our goal is to always provide you with personalized service on your important moving day!

American Relocation wants you to know in more detail about interstate moving. Below are the details of the three phases of any move:
Estimate, Documents and Delivery

The first step in the process is obtaining an estimate.
Planning (The Estimate)
It’s the most important part of every move. So planning has become a specialty of American Relocation. From supplying the correct packing materials and labor through loading, safe driving and unpacking, we make sure every possibility is anticipated and every need is met. From start to finish, we handle the details.

Our qualified Relocation Specialists are trained to work with you on your estimate and plan your move. We calculate your move cost by taking the size of your move, figuring out the distance based on the point of origin and destination zip codes, and determining if any special services are needed. American Relocation., offers a variety of services beyond the basic move including Packing and Unpacking Services, Storage, and assistance with your car transport.
Purpose
The purpose of the estimate is to furnish you with an approximate cost of your move. We will discuss packing services, valuation, your move schedule and all special services required. When your moving schedule has been set, notify your sales representative immediately to schedule your desired pick-up and delivery dates. The last week of a month and the period from May through September are extremely busy, and Advance notice is recommended.

The Delivery
Any remaining balance is due at time of delivery by Cash or Postal Money Order only. The driver begins unloading when the payment is received. Check with your sales representative prior to moving day to determine if credit card payment is accepted and what restrictions may apply.

The Documents
Your driver will present you with the Bill of Lading. This authorizes the carrier to transport your goods. Your driver is also required to complete a Household Goods Descriptive Inventory of items included in the shipment with a brief note of their condition. You will be then asked to sign the Inventory. If any additional services are necessary, the Additional Services Performed Origin/Destination Service and Delivery Report must also be completed by the driver and signed by you.

Unloading
As unloading begins, check off items received from your copy of the Inventory. The crew unloading your moving van is only required to place furniture once, so have a placement plan in mind. Be aware that unpacking services include taking packed items out of cartons and placing them on a table or counter. If the moving crew does your unpacking, you may request that they dispose of the used materials and containers when they have finished. Unpacking service is not included in the quote. If you opt for that service, you may request this service from your representative.
Claims
Although every effort will be made to see that your belongings arrive intact, there may be incidents when loss or damage occurs. In that event, completely unpack all your goods. Compile a list of any damaged or missing items. Locate the registration number from your Bill of Lading and call the Customer Service Department. Claim forms will be mailed promptly. You have two months from date of delivery to file your claim. However, it is suggested that you file as soon as possible.
Deducting Moving Expenses
Regardless of whether or not they file an itemized return, all taxpayers meeting the following conditions qualify to deduct certain moving expenses:

* You are moving to a new principle residence to work as an employee or as a self-employed individual at a new principle place of work and your new job is at least 50 miles farther from your former residence than your old job location.
* You must remain a full-time employee in the general vicinity of the new job location for 39 weeks within the first 12 months following the move.
* If you are self-employed, you must remain in the new location, as self-employed or as an employee, for 78 weeks during the first 24 months following your move, and 39 weeks must be in the first 12 months.

When determining your federal adjusted gross income, you can deduct the following expenses if they are not reimbursed by your employer:

* Transportation costs from old to new residence.
* Packing, crating and unpacking charges.
* Storage-in-transit charges and valuation for 30 consecutive days.
* Cost of moving your car and your household pets.

We provide service to anywhere in the continental United States.

Local Moving

Specializing in moving from California,  American Relocation has the experience to meet your needs and exceed your expectations for movers in Los Angeles. When moving from California, you need a mover who knows the area and has a proven track record of success.  American Relocation knows that a local move can be an exciting, yet sometimes an unsettling experience. However, with  American Relocation  by your side, there is nothing to it!

American Relocation would like to help you understand the way local moving charges are determined. We want to help you get an accurate estimate so there are no surprises on your move day. If you have any questions before, during, or after the estimate, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-810-7444. For local movers in California, we make sure to eliminate the stress and worries as you move out! You get the best local movers for your relocation requirements. Remember, with proper planning and great local movers, your move can be hassle free! Just avail of our services for your local movers needs and you’ll know the difference with American Relocation, we are dedicated to helping you select the best local movers to meet your relocation needs.

Kids Moving Guide

So you’re moving to a new home and a new place; you may hate the idea or you may be excited to try something new. Moving can be a difficult time, but remember you are not alone. There are many other kids, just like you, moving too. Over 10 million kids move each year to another, city, state or country. You may be moving because your mom or dad got a new job, because your parents simply wanted a change of scenery or to be closer to loved ones. Whatever the reason, moving can be a big change in your life. This is an exciting time, but can be scary as well. You’ll be in a new home, making new friends and going to a new school. It’s difficult to say good-bye to people you love, but there are fun people everywhere you go. Moving is really an adventure! This guide is filled with tips to help you prepare for your big move. Before Your Move

Moving can be a difficult and confusing time. You may be feeling a lot of different emotions right now: sadness, anger, excitement and maybe fear. Remember that it’s OK to feel these things.

Packing

It’s time to pack your things and it may seem overwhelming. But, it’s easy when you take it step-by-step and stay organized. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to unpack.

Settling In

Congratulations! You’ve made it to you’re new home.

Inside Your New Home

Antiques

American Relocation knows how important your fine arts and antiques are to you. Whether their value is monetary, personal, or both, you can trust your cherished heirlooms with the experts at American Relocation. We have the packing materials required to safely protect your delicate objects, but more important, we are careful. Each piece is wrapped and protected before being taken out and securely placed in our moving van.

Antiques

Storage Services

American Relocation has full-service storage facilities. Our full-service starts in your own home, then our crew comes to you to pick up the belongings you want moved into our storage facilities. American Relocation Crew will professionally prepare your items that need to be placed in storage.

The American Relocation Crew will wrap and protect your furniture and make sure that your possessions are boxed securely. Every item will stay in the exact same protected package and each piece of furniture will stay wrapped in the exact same furniture blanket from the time it leaves your home; while being transported to our storage facilities; while it is in our storage facility: whether it be for two weeks or two years, and then finally, when your belongings are returned safely and securely to you.

You’ll get an inventory of your belongings that are moved into our storage facilities, because the American Relocation Crew makes a written inventory of everything except the contents of the boxes. We will assign a number to the box itself but do not track the individual items inside the boxes. You’ll get a copy of this inventory and when you move out of storage you can rest assured that all of your belongings have been returned to you. Every item you place items in storage, it will have an inventory sticker secured to it. The stickers have two sets of numbers on them: a serial number, which will be written on your inventory list which references a specific item you are moving into storage; and another number is assigned only to your complete set of belongings in our storage facility. We will then enter your assigned number into our computer system. This enables our Storage Department to control every item of your shipment and will minimize any chance of lost items.

Glossary Of Moving Terms

From time to time, in the planning and execution of your move, you will come across terms and acronyms, which the industry uses. Although not all the jargon can be listed, the followings are the most likely you will come across:

Access – Basically, how accessible is the property? The room to park a vehicle, the distance from vehicle to front door, the availability of lifts, how many floors the building has, and so on, all have an influence on access.

Agent – Usually another moving company appointed to act as a partner in your move. The most likely situation is that your mover will appoint someone at destination to receive your shipment, clear it through Customs and arrange final delivery. The agent’s services will be included in your quotation.

Bill of Lading - This is your contract with the carrier. It is your receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. Your signature on this document acknowledges that your goods have been loaded on the moving van and “released to the carrier”.

Binding Quote – A guaranteed price based on the inventory.

Bonded Warehouse – A warehouse that meets with local Customs specifications, and allows shipments to be stored pending clearance by Customs.

Booker - The company which you have chosen to be in charge of your move.

Chargeable Weight – The weight used by an airline to determine the air freight charge.
COD (Cash On Delivery) – Shipments where customer pays moving charges at the time of delivery. For COD shipments, payment is required in cash, banker’s draft or credit card (provided prior arrangements have been made).

Consignee – The person to whom the shipment is to be delivered.

Container – A modular steel box (usually 20-ft or 40-ft) for moving goods securely. Usually used on ships but increasingly linked to road and rail transport.

Corporate Account – Your employer company, which is responsible for the removal charges.
Cost per cubic meter/cubic feet – A rate given on the estimated space your belongings will fill on a truck /container.

Cost per 100 lb. – A rate given on the estimated weight of your belongings.

Crate – A timber case for an overseas shipment (often referred to as a liftvan).

Customs Clearance – Formal inspection procedures carried out before allowing a shipment into a country.

CWT – This abbreviation stands for the rate or charge per 100 pounds.

Declared Value – Value the owner declare its goods to be for the purpose of insurance. This will form the basis of your insurance cover and it is important that it reflects the value of your belongings.

Destination Agent - The moving company appointed to act on your behalf at destination.

Export Wrapping – Method of packing household and personal effects for transportation overseas. Usually involves heavier and more specialist materials.

Full Container Load (FCL) - A container carrying your belongings exclusively, with specified move dates as agreed with your mover.

Full Cover – Detailed insurance cover, usually includes loss, theft, fire and breakage, (breakage maybe restricted to items packed by your professional mover). May carry excess or deductible, maximum limits on total value or certain types of items, pairs and set clause, mechanical derangement clause and specific exclusions, for example money, stamp collection and jewelry. Always read details carefully.

Groupage – Where your shipment will not fill a container, you can save money by sending it groupage. This means your shipment will be loaded with others to fill a container. You should pay lower shipping charges, but delivery will take longer.

Insurance Certificate – The official insurance document given to you by the insurance company. You will need this in the event of a claim.

Inventory – A list of your belongings to be moved or a list of your belongings in transit or storage.

Less than Container Load (LCL) - Where your shipment does not fill a complete shipping container.

Liftvans - A crate used in the packing of your belongings.

Linehaul - The charge to move your shipment by road from point of collection (which could be at the dockside) to its final point of destination.

Marine Insurance – Insurance specifically to cover your belongings whilst in transit over long distances and/or across water by vehicle, ship or aircraft. The policy will cover specific marine risks.

Origin Agent - The moving company appointed to handle your move at origin.

Packed By Owner (PBO) – When you choose to pack your belongings yourself, either into cartons supplied by the mover or into your own boxes. Insurance companies often refuse to insure goods packed by their owners.

Packers – Persons in charge of packing, wrapping, loading the goods at origin and unpacking, unwrapping and unloading the goods at destination.

Packing List – This document lists all the goods that are packed in a shipment and has 4 main purposes: It is used to check the goods at all stages of handling; as a receipt, therefore the importance for the customer of signing for agreement when the goods are collected and unpacked; as an attachment to the insurance certificate as it is an evidence that the goods were shipped and their conditions at the time of packing; for customs clearance as proof of the goods which are being imported.

Routing – The route the shipment will take to the eventual destination (the route itself as well as the mode of transportation and type of carrier service).

Shipper - The person (customer) whose goods are being moved.

Storage In Transit (SIT) – Temporary storage of your household goods in the warehouse of the moving company, pending further transportation.

Survey Visit – To provide you with a quote the moving company will send a sales consultant to your home to assess the volume or weight of the goods to be removed.

Third Party Services – Some movers offer to arrange / co-ordinate additional professional services e.g. Plumbers, House Cleaners, Waterbed dismantling/assembling, carpenters, maid service.

Transit Time – The time indicated between collection and delivery of your belongings.

• Chosen your mover and signed the acceptance note?
• Sorted through basement, loft and garage?
• Resolved what to do with prohibited items?
• Made proper provision for pets?
• Decided whether or not you are taking your car?

10 weeks before your move, have you …

• Disposed of the things you don’t want to take?

8 weeks before you move, have you …

• Started to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address?
• Notified banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, hire purchase and rental companies?
• Started to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation?
• Applied for any necessary visas?
• Checked that electrical goods will work in your new home?

6 weeks before you move, have you …

• Separated favorite toys?
• Made sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date?
• Arranged for mail to be forwarded?
• Decided whether or not to buy any new household goods – check tax refunds.
• 4 weeks before you move, have you …
• Decided which clothes travel with you?
• Started to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture?
• Agreed an insurance value and terms with your mover?
• Made arrangements of connection of services at your new home?
• Returning library books.
• Cancelled milk, newspapers, subscriptions.
• Found new homes for your plants.

7 days before your move, have you …

• Defrosted the refrigerator/freezer
• Planned simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances.
• Separated luggage items you need for personal travel.
• Cleaned garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment.
• Emptied the tanks of powered tools such as mowers.
• Checked you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies     of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination.
• Collected traveler’s checks or local currency.
• Arranged for someone to look after the children on moving day.

Moving day.

• Relax.

Moving Tips

1. Clear out unwanted goods – hold a garage sale.
2. Get rid of flammables – paint, petrol, gas cylinders
3. Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
4. Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
5. Separate books – disposable, family reading, valuable.
6. Check all electrical goods – will they work in the new home?
7. Start making up your change of address list.
8. Arrange to have mail forwarded.
9. Agree termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers, and ask for bills to be made out.
10. If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, check the loft to see if you still have their original boxes.
11. Have rugs cleaned.
12. If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
13. Round up personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
14. Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
15. Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
16. To say nothing of family pets – make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
17. Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
18. Shops, schools, theatre, life styles – it’s never too early to find out about your new home.
19. Start running down freezer stocks.
20. Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.

Packing Materials

Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from
mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials.
Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your *grocery or liquor store. Save
old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing
or other items.

*WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes.
Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores.
Here’s a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:

• Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
• Foam peanuts, styrofoam pellets or “popcorn.”
• Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
• Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
• Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
• Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
• Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
• Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Packing Pointers

Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

• Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
• Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
• Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or  less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size — the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Dishware

• Select a medium-sized carton (or mover provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper
• With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
• Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
• Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
• Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
• Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
• Seal the bundle with packing tape.
• Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge

Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

Packing Cups

• With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
• Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
• Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should “nest” itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
• Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
• Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
• Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.

Packing Glasses and Stemware

• Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
• Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
• Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.
• Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.

No matter what you’re packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there’s a gap. All boxes with “fragile” items should be marked accordingly

Specialized Packing Tips

The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.

Bureau Drawers — Don’t overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food — Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don’t attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

Frozen Foods and Plants -Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.

Clocks — Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.

Drapes and Curtains — Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.

Flammables and Combustibles — Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.

Lamps and Lampshades — Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.

Medicines — Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.

Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures – Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.

Personal Computers and Video Recorders — Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces.
Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is “parked” and ready for transport.

Silverware — Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.

Tools – Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.

Waterbed Mattresses — Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects. For further information, ask your Atlas Relocation Specialist for a copy of “How To Move Your Waterbed.”

Cars and Motorcycles — Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.

Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks – Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

Moving Preparation

12 weeks before the move.

Choose a mover.
Your family is moving maybe thousands of miles away. So the first thing to do is to make sure you have a reliable mover. When you are posted abroad, and your personal belongings don’t turn up, you can be a long way from home to sort out the problems.

Ask two or three movers to quote. Make sure you brief them in the same way and clearly show what goes and what stays, otherwise their quotes will vary.

What to take.
Most goods are cheaper to ship than to replace, so take everything you need but dispose of those items which are unsuitable in your new country, worn out or that you never liked anyway.

What stays behind.
Different countries have different rules about what you can take in and what you cannot. The first rule is – don’t even think about flouting Customs regulations. What you think is harmless might cost you a spell in jail. Please consult your FIDI agents well in advance for advice as they can provide you with Customs information and country information for nearly 100 countries.

There are some items that are almost certainly a no-go area for shipping overseas. Restrictions include

Children.
If some items are going by air, remember to include children’s clothes and toys. This will help your family settle in more quickly. Take enough clothes to live with and always include some familiar items from your home. Understandably, children are very vulnerable at this time. Involve them in the move.

Education.
Do you need advice about local schools at your new destination? Talk to your moving company as it can put you in touch with a suitable organization. Movers are being asked similar questions every day, so they have a useful store of knowledge.

Pets.
Pets can also move to your new home, unless specific restrictions apply, on which your mover can advise. However, the shipping of pets is a specialist’s job and your mover could bring in another company to handle it. Most of these companies are regularly inspected and operate to high standards. If you can, it is probably worthwhile visiting their premises to make sure you are comfortable with them. There is no hard and fast guidance on this matter – some pets absolutely take moving in their stride while others find it very traumatic. Take time to discuss the matter and make sure you have your pet’s relevant medical paperwork.

Cars.
Whether or not you pay taxes depends on which country you are going to. All countries have rigid laws about imported cars, and some are more restrictive than others. In certain countries it is simply not worth having an imported car because the tax is so high. Look into this well in advance because you may decide you want to sell your car before you go. An attractive alternative is simply to put your car in storage until you return, rather than have the worry of depreciation if it is an expensive one.

Ten weeks before the move.

Clearing out.
Take time to get rid of things you really don’t need. Go through the basement, garage, loft and toy cupboards. Charity shops, garage or car boot sales are all good ways of disposing of unwanted goods that are in good condition.

Eight weeks before the move.

Who to tell.
If you have a Christmas card list, use this as the basis for a list of people to send change of address cards. Don’t forget to add utilities such as mains suppliers (gas/electricity/water), telephone, doctor, dentist, bank, building societies, investment advisors, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, hire purchase or rental companies.

Paperwork.
Start rounding up passports, birth/marriage certificates and check that you have visas, if required. These can often take several months. If you are in a hurry, some companies specialize in obtaining visas on your behalf but they charge.

Other items to arrange include:

Electrical goods.
Don’t take it for granted that all your electrical goods will work in your destination country. Check out the voltages first.

Six weeks before the move.

Moving date.
By now you should have confirmed your moving date with your selected contractor. If not, sign the acceptance form and send it off now.

Mail.
This is a good time to arrange for your mail to be redirected. The cost is reasonable and usually requires no more than your attendance at your local post office with some form of identification.

New goods.
Depending where you are moving to, you may be able to reclaim sales tax refunds on new purchases. Check this with your mover.

Insurance.
A great many people will be handling your shipment between departure and arrival. Although your shipment will be packed to withstand the longest journey, insurance cover gives you peace of mind from door-to-door. You should always insure to cover the cost of replacement in the country of destination.

School.
About this time it is worth inquiring if the school your children will be attending has any particular dress code or other formality. It is important that your children settle in as quickly as possible and taking care of these things in advance, helps the process.

At the same time, if your children are members of international organizations such as the Girl/Boy Scouts, it is worth obtaining details about the nearest group in your new home town. This will help them make friends rapidly.

Getting connected.
Your employer’s HR department, your property agent at destination or your mover can help you with contact addresses of the various organizations whose services you will need to connect your new home to electrical, gas, oil, telephone supplies and so on.

Odds and ends.
Sounds obvious, but don’t forget to return library books, dispose of old cans of paint and other flammables in the garage or house, clear the attic and basement, and cancel household services such as milk, newspapers, gardeners and so on. Also, don’t forget to find a home for your house plants!

The final bills.
Don’t forget to contact main suppliers (electricity, gas, water, telephone) for a final bill. They will need a little notice to get your account up to date.

Seven days before you move.

Do not forget to:

Three days before the move.

Just check that you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination. It is handy to have some traveler’s checks and if you can get some local currency before you go, so much the better. You may need small change for papers, drinks, taxis and tips.

Moving day.

You need to be present, your children do not! If it is possible, try to leave them with friends or neighbors for the day. It will be easier for you and less troubling for them.

You should obviously be present when the moving crew comes to the house. Take ten minutes to walk round with the foreman to check what goes, what stays and any special instructions. When the job is done, make a final check of the house with the foreman – don’t forget to look inside cupboards!

Leave the packing to the professionals. Make sure someone remains with them in case they have questions and to see that nothing is left behind. Many shipments are checked by Customs at destination. So don’t hide anything!
On Arrival..

What happens when your goods arrive? Your agent will have appointed another agent to receive and deliver your goods.

Clearance.
When your shipment arrives, the local company will arrange Customs clearance for you. Keep in touch to make sure your instructions are understood. Make yourself available to visit Customs if necessary and sort out any queries.

When cleared, your goods will be offered for delivery. If your new home is not ready, storage can be arranged although this will be a separate charge. Avoid delays – your container standing on the dockside can incur additional costs, which may be substantial.

Insurance.
Unpack everything straight away. If there is any damage report it immediately to your local mover and follow the claims procedure set out in your policy. It will save time if you can begin obtaining repair/replacement quotations. If you check your contract or insurance certificate you should see a time limit in which to make claims.

Planning Your Move

The key to a long distance move is planning.

Bearing in mind that it can take weeks to ship your goods to another part of the world, there is simply no room for last minute rushes. If you’re not ready, no 40,000-ton steamship or jumbo jet is going to wait for your household goods!

In essence, your entire move has three key operations:

Preparation. This means deciding what to take, what to dispose of and sorting out the paperwork. One thing you can be certain of – it will take longer than you think! You will have to organize insurance, an inventory and make plans for cars, pets and any new goods you are taking.

The journey. You need to work out how much of your shipment is to go by sea or air. You may save hotel bills by sending some of your belongings in advance by air. Also think about how quickly you need your belongings once you are at destination – you can discuss all this with the moving company during the survey meeting.

Arrival. You must allow for Customs clearance, delivery of your belongings, more paperwork and unpacking. You must also be available – don’t even think about being on vacation when your shipment arrives!