One to Two Weeks Prior to Departure

Home

• Divide and mark possessions into air shipment, sea shipment, personal baggage and storage.
• If you are doing your own packing (not recommended), get cartons and packing materials.
• Do not pack items in closed plastic (cleaner’s bags/plastic garment bags), especially shoes or other leather goods (this dries out leather). Corrugated paper, which is waxed, could also damage goods.
• Arrange for payment of the move. Unless arrangements have been made through your company, moving companies will want to be paid upon delivery.
• Reconfirm packing and moving dates with movers. If possible, arrange for storage load to be packed and picked up separately from shipment items to avoid mix-ups.
• Remove and replace any items you are not selling with the house such as light fixtures.
• Make arrangements necessary to assist movers (elevator, parking for moving van, etc.).
• Return all library books.
• Draw a floor plan of the new house and where furniture will be placed, so that you can direct the movers as they bring in the furniture.
• Arrange for disconnection of utilities and services such as:
  • Gardener/Yard service
  • Day care
  • Newspaper
  • Home repair
  • Garbage collection
  • Cleaning service
  • Cable/Internet/Phone
  • Electrical/Gas/Water service

Personal and Official

• Keep a contact file with information for movers, company contacts, friends, etc.
• Arrange to have current bank transfer funds and credit references to the bank you have chosen in your destination. Close out extra bank accounts, if appropriate.
• Obtain cash in foreign currency.
• Make a list of important numbers; credit card, car serial, bank account, traveler’s checks, camera serial, etc. Carry one copy with you and keep one copy in safety deposit box.
• Reconfirm travel arrangements. You might want to leave a day or two after the final moving day so that you have time to organize details and relax.
• Allow each child to pack a small carry-on bag with favorite toys, books, and snacks. Have each child pack an “Open Me First” box with special toys and favorite items.
• Collect all valuables and items for “Essentials Box” to be carried with you. Place them in a safe place or a safety deposit box until the day before departure.
• Collect receipts for expensive articles for customs entry (i.e. computers, cameras, jewelry).