Things You Should Know about Moving
Making the Move Easy on the Kids

Moving to a New City

Subscribe to the area's local newspaper in advance of your move.

Establish credit in the new city. Ask your banker for a referral to a correspondent bank and to act as a credit reference.

Preplanning Your Move

Plan the move as early as possible. If you are able to move at any time of the year, don't wait until summer, the peak-moving season. Consider also that the first and last few days of the month are extra busy.

Keep a record of all expenses related to the move, some of which may be tax deductible.

Make up a Personal Household Inventory for each room. This is important for establishing the amount of declared valuation for the shipment and as a permanent inventory for insurance purposes. List, as nearly as possible, the year of purchase and original cost of each item. Attach any invoices or records of purchase to the completed inventory. Prepare a separate high-value inventory if the shipment will contain articles of "extraordinary" value. The following list includes items that might fall into this category:

Antiques Art Collections Cameras China Collections Computer Equipment Crystal Figurines Firearms

Jewelry Manuscripts Oriental Rugs Silver Stones Or Gems Tapestries TVs Or Stereos

Estimate of Moving Costs

Unless you have been given a binding estimate where a firm cost is established in advance, the exact cost of a move cannot be determined until after the shipment has been loaded on the van and weighed. The weight on which charges are based is calculated by weighing the van before and after loading. The total cost of the move will include transportation charges, any charges for declared valuation, plus charges for any extra services performed at your request. All of these charges are based on tariff rate schedules.

Owner's Responsibility

It is the owner's responsibility to see that your mechanical, electrical equipment and appliances are properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van. For safe moving, have these items prepared by a licensed or properly trained technician. This service may be performed by a technician of your choice or by qualified personnel of the moving company. If the owner has failed to have an item serviced, the van operator may load and haul it, but will mark the inventory sheet, "Not Serviced-Loaded at Owner's Risk."

Six to Eight Weeks before Moving Day

Working with the Mover

Have the moving company conduct a household goods survey in order to furnish you with a written estimate, although the final cost will depend on the actual weight of your household goods after they are loaded on the van.

Before the removal list arrives, inspect the property. Include the garage, patio and any storage shed. Decide what to move and what to discard. Remember the cost of moving an item may be greater than the cost of replacing it.

Decide whether you want to do any of the packing or have it done by the moving company's experienced personnel. Show on the removal list everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges. Any items that are later added to the shipment will add to the cost estimate.

Transfer of Personal Records

Arrange for closing or transfer of charge accounts.

Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at the new home.

Obtain transcripts of the children's school records and credentials from school authorities or secure transcripts of school records if you prefer to take them along.

Gather medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses and so on.

Ask your doctor and dentist to recommend colleagues in the new city. Be sure to check current telephone numbers and addresses of physicians, dentist and hospital, which will help when transferring your records.

Obtain letters of introduction from your church, organization, club, and business associations.

Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations. Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business. A lender's permission may be required to move personal property in which the lender has an interest.

Four to Six Weeks before Moving Day

Planning Your Packing

If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting suitable containers. You can purchase specialized containers from most moving companies, such as:

• Small cartons for heavy items (books, record albums, and tools).
• Wardrobe containers
• Large cartons for bulky items (pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys).
• Medium-sized cartons for bulkier but not so heavy items (towels, linens, and small appliances)

Collect other packing materials

• White paper
• Tissue paper
• Paper towels
• Non-printed paper
• Newspapers
• Tape or Strong twine for sealing containers
• Scissors or Sharp knife (keep out of children's reach)
• Felt marker to mark containers
• Notebook & Pencil for listing contents
• Labels or Stickers (Available from moving company)

Set goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is complete by your moving day. You may want to pack one room per week. Attach a list of contents to each carton. Separate and mark goods that will go into storage. Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items.

If you donate clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, get receipts showing their approximate value for tax deductions.

Remember that the cost of moving an item may be greater than replacing it. Begin to use up large supplies of canned goods and frozen foods.

Places To Notify of Impending Address Change

Utilities. Electric Gas Water Telephone Heating Fuel Trash removal Professional Services Doctor Dentist Accountant Lawyer Real estate Agent Stock Broker Insurance Agents Life Health Fire Auto Boat

Place to Contact Established Business Accounts Motor Vehicle Department Finance companies Banks Department stores Government and Public Offices Social Security Administration Federal and state income tax offices Publications Newspapers Magazines Credit Card Companies Bank cards Oil companies Relatives and friends Business associates Book and record clubs Schools and colleges Church Landlord, if you are a tenant Tenants, if you are a landlord.

Let the post office know your moving date and new address. If you do not have a permanent address by the time you move, the post office will hold your mail and forward it upon written instructions from you. Phone the local business office of the Telephone Company. They can make arrangements for service in your new home and, on request, give out your new number when your present number is called.

Contact all service companies, such as:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water
• Fuel
• Cable TV

If possible, arrange to have utilities connected before your arrival.

Make family travel plans. Reserve air or rail transportation and hotel accommodations as needed.

Have your car prepared for the trip-tires, brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed.

Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner. Drain oil and fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, syrup or any other substance that may leak.

Carefully tape-seal and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquids or semi- liquids you do not wish to discard. Have rugs cleaned that are to be moved. Leave them rolled and wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.

If draperies are to be moved, have them cleaned and ready for alterations that might be needed in your new home.

Collect items that are being cleaned stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, watches).

Empty your locker at any club you are a member of.

Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors. Also collect things you may have loaned.

Decide what to do with your house plants.

Set a date with a reliable service person to prepare your appliances for shipment, preferably the day before the move. Depending on the appliance, post service may be needed for refrigerator, freezer, range, washer, dryer and others. For more information, request a free booklet, generally provided by most moving companies.

Pianos and organs need to be prepared for moving by a specialized technician.

Make arrangements to have utilities disconnected on moving day:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water
• Fuel
• Cable TV

Plan to keep your telephone in service through moving day in case last minute calls are necessary, or plan to use your cell phone. If you're going to be using your cell phone ensure everyone who may need to contact you has the number.

Take pets to the veterinarian. Make sure identification tags are securely attached to the pet's collar.

Instant Aid Box

Pack a box for instant needs on arrival. Mark the box "To be loaded last and Unloaded first." Package each group of items separately in labeled paper bags. Here are some suggestions.

Cleaning - Powdered detergent Sponge Paper towels Dish towels Dish cloth Kitchen cleanser Window cleaner Scouring pads Kitchen - Paper plates, cups and napkins Plastic knives, forks and spoons Small saucepan Serving spoons Aluminum foil Snacks Easy-to-open cans of pudding Dry soup mix Sandwich spreads Jars of cheese Package of crackers Boxes of dry cereals Instant coffee, tea, chocolate Instant creamer, sugar, salt

Bathroom - Towels and face cloths Toilet tissue Facial tissue Soap, hand lotion, deodorant Toothbrushes and toothpaste Miscellaneous - Reading materials Puzzles Last-Minute Packing - Cellular telephone Light bulbs Flashlight Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, assorted nails and screws Shelf paper Trash bags and ties Children - Coloring books and crayons A favorite toy or two

Complete a "Take-with-Me Inventory" checklist.

Check contents of drawers. Remove all things that can spill or break. Soft goods such as blankets, pillows, blouses, shirts and lingerie may be left in drawers. Pin clothing to hangers if it is to be moved in wardrobe cartons to keep it from slipping off. Remove items left in the attic or other storage areas. Empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before moving. Be careful not to overlook the defrost water pan. Failure to have the appliances completely dry can lead to mildew and unpleasant odor. Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron. Launder all soiled clothing prior to the day the appliance service technician is expected. Take the telephone directory with you for contacting former doctors, dentists, suppliers, etc., and for preparing holiday card lists. Pack suitcases for the trip to the new home. Put in extra clothing for emergencies. Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling. Take along snacks such as fruit and cookies for the children. Include towels for a quick cleanup. Arrange for a baby-sitter for moving day, or have older children look after the younger ones.

Loading Your Belongings

Be on hand when the movers arrive. Otherwise, it is important to let the moving company know to whom you have given authority to take your place. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Remember the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.

Accompany the van operator through the house inspecting and tagging each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.

Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and the van operator has a clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy and keep it in a safe place.

Check to see the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific as to where and how you can be reached pending the arrival of your household goods.

Leave the phone connected throughout the moving day. Leave a note listing your new address in a conspicuous place in the house so the new occupants will be able to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered to them.

Take a last look around:

• Water shut off?
• Gas shut off?
• Air-conditioning shut off?
• Light switches turned off?
• All utilities arranged for disconnection?
• Windows shut and locked?
• Have you left anything?
• Lock the house and leave the keys with a responsible person or in a prearranged location.

Contact the destination Moving Company, whose name appears on the forms signed, as soon as possible and indicate where and how you can be reached.

Make sure the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives. If you have not already done so, contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection service.

Be on hand to accept delivery of your household goods. Otherwise authorize an adult as your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the Moving Company of the person so authorized. On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and make an appearance at the residence if unable to reach you. If no one appears to accept the shipment within the free waiting time, the goods will be placed in storage at the owner's expense.

Check your household goods, as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or missing items on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the moving company agent at destination immediately. (You must file the claim yourself; the van operator cannot do it for you.)

To save time and confusion, place a floor plan of your new home at the entrance the movers will use, indicating where each piece of furniture should go.

Then unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the lying of rugs and setting up of bed frames, box springs and mattresses. However, appliances and fixtures may not be installed. At your request and additional cost, the agent may arrange for this service and for refilling of waterbed mattresses.

To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and certain major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature. If you have paid for unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking service and removal of the cartons.

Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances.

Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses and for filing your income tax returns. For more information on tax-deductible moving expenses, consult an Accountant or Tax specialist.

Check with the post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.

Have your medical and dental records transferred after selecting a family physician and dentist.

You may want to select a Lawyer discuss laws pertaining to your destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes and the like. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established. Register to vote.

Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register them.

Moving from one house to another is seldom easy or fun for adults and it can be especially troubling for children. If parents deal with their children's concerns and needs thoughtfully, much of that distress and discomfort can be avoided.

Children see moves differently than their parents do, and they benefit much less from the change in their comfortable routines, or so it seems at the time. Most often, a change in houses or communities heralds an important step forward for the adult members of the family.

The family moves because Daddy or Mommy has a great new job or a promotion in reward for years of hard work. They move because financial success has allowed the purchase of a bigger and nicer house in a more costly neighborhood. They move because they can finally afford private bedrooms for each child and perhaps a pool in the back yard. Since the 1990's, mobile and hard striving people typically live in a house for about four years and then move on as their careers or fortunes allow. That short time span is only a small percentage of the life-to-date for a 30 or 40 year old, but the same four years is half the life-time of an 8 year old, and it includes almost all the years he or she can remember. To a parent, this house may be only the place they have lived recently. They think of it as a weigh station on the road of life. To kids, however, it may be the only home they have ever really known. This is their house, the place they feel safe and comfortable and thoroughly at home with. A house is much more than a roof and walls to a child. It is the center of his or her world. A move threatens to take that sphere away and leave something totally strange in its place. The familiar friends, schools, shops and theaters, the streets, trees and parks - all will no longer exist for them. Everything soon will be strange, and they will live in someone else's world.

The impact of a move on a typical child starts about the time he or she first hears that Daddy has accepted a promotion, and often continues for about a year, until the new house becomes home and memories of the previous place fade. It's not usually necessary to announce this big change to children immediately, although they must hear about it from you before someone else breaks the news. Most teenagers see themselves as adult members of the family, and will probably feel they have been left out if they don't hear everything from the first day. But it is probably not a good idea to tell toddlers and preschoolers until they have to know. There is no point in making them worry far in advance. Be sure to announce the move in a totally positive way. You might say how proud you are that Daddy's company has chosen him out of many other employees to manage a new office in Cleveland. Talk about what a beautiful city Cleveland is how good the schools are and how nice the people are. Tell truthful but very positive stories about how nice the new house will be. Ask them what the favorite things are in their lives now, and then try to make them happen in the new home. If the new home is too far away to allow a visit by the entire family after it has been selected, show the children pictures of it from every angle. Videotape it, if you can. Emphasize the positive views and be sure to include pictures of each child's new room. Try to name the house with some romantic description like "Oak Hill" for the big trees and the sloping lawn.

Sugar coating will help, but since children can quickly see the negative sides of most situations, every parent must plan to deal with their children's worries, fears and sorrows. The children will lose friends they may have known all their lives. They will leave behind their sports teams, their clubs and they're dancing teachers. They will have to start over in a new place, making friends, becoming accepted and fitting into different groups. Younger children need protection from fear of the unknown. Listen carefully to their concerns, and respond quickly to allay their apprehensions. It would be normal, for instance, for a young child to worry that his or her toy box and shelf of stuffed animals might be left behind. Find those anxieties and correct them. Probably the best tactic is to get the children actively involved in the whole process. Don't just promise to let them decorate their own rooms, for example. Take them to the paint store and let them bring home color swatches. Shop for bed spreads and towels and carpets. They must leave old friends behind, so find ways to make that parting almost pleasant. Plan a going-away party and let them invite their own guests. Take pictures of everyone and make a photo album. If a child is old enough, send him or her out with a roll of film in the camera and the assignment to photograph the views they will want to remember. Some relationships will be extremely difficult to break and these will demand careful, thoughtful, personalized planning by both parents. How, for instance, do you move a 17-year-old 1,000 miles from her steady boyfriend?

Expect that your children may be even more distressed after the move than they were before it. The new house will not be beautiful the night after the moving van leaves, or for months after. The furniture won't fit the rooms. The curtains won't be up, and every spot on the floor will be covered with half-unpacked cartons. The children won't know anyone at school and, if you move during the summer, they may have little opportunity to meet anyone their age. You may be faced with many more problems in your new community than they will, but remember that you can handle them more easily than they can. They will need your help, and you should plan to give them the support they need. After the move, give each of them a long distance telephone call allowance so they can keep in touch with the people back home who matter the most to them. Buy a stack of picture postcards that show positive views of your new community, and encourage them to write good news messages to the friends and relatives they left behind. To make new friends, make sure the children don't vegetate in front of the television. Get them outside, where neighbors pass by. Have them pass out fliers to do baby-sitting or car washing. Encourage them to participate in as many school activities as they can handle. Get them on sports teams and into clubs.

If they - and you - aren't making new friends fast enough, throw a housewarming party for yourselves and invite all the adults and children on the block. If serious emotional or attitudinal problems arise, however, help is usually available and probably should be sought. Ask a teacher for help. Consider professional counseling. Don't let a serious problem slide. Remember that the newness will wear off. New friends will become old friends and best friends. This new house may become the family homestead your grandchildren will visit every holiday season. There will be discomforts, but in the long run, everything will work out fine.