Moving can be one of the most stressful times in our lives. Careful preparation can help make your move more efficient, cost effective, safe and even pleasant. Please print and refer to this list as a guide to an organized moving experience.

• Book with a moving company. Most companies will require a deposit to reserve space for your move on the desired day. In the busiest times in the summer, it can be a good idea to call the moving company 2 months prior to your move.
• Order packing supplies. If you plan on packing yourself, please refer to our packing tips section for a few pointers on safely packing your belongings.
• Get your children involved with some supervised packing of their rooms. Make it fun and exciting for them to move.
• Begin packing well in advance. If you require professional packing services, please mention this when you book your move. Usually this is done on the day before your move.
• Consider getting rid of unwanted items. Many things can be donated to charitable organizations. Here are a couple suggestions:

The Salvation Army
800-95-TRUCK
www.use.salvationarmy.org/mas

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
781-595-7570
www.mahomeless.org

• Reserve the elevator, loading dock or parking at the new and old locations, if necessary.
• Notify doctors and dentists.
• Notify schools in your old and new locations. Arrange for the transfer of school records and register in the new schools.
• Make arrangements for difficult pieces, such as pool tables, exercise equipment, swing sets and jungle gyms to be professionally disassembled prior to the move. Gas dryers and chandeliers should be disconnected by appropriately licensed professionals before moving day.

• Contact the post office for a change of address form. This can be done at www.usps.com
• Notify magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
• Alert the IRS of your address change. www.irs.gov. (form 8822) Keep in mind that many moving expenses are tax deductible. (form 3903 can be helpful in this)
• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
• If your old home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, notify the police.
• Make arrangements to take the moving day off from work.
• Return library books and other borrowed items. (remember your neighbor's lawnmower!)
• Notify banks, credit card companies and insurance companies of your change of address
• Contact friends and family members
• Notify electric, gas, oil, water, cable television, alarm, internet and telephone providers. It is helpful to have telephone service on at the new and old locations on the day of the move, in case the moving company needs to reach you.
• Think about your new home's layout and where you'll place your furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home. This reduces the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home. Sometimes you won't know exactly where a piece will look best in your new home until you try a couple different places. Of course our movers will be happy to rearrange a few items at the end of your move.
• Notify the registry of motor vehicles. www.mass.gov/rmv
• Make arrangements for babysitters and petsitters on the day of the move.

• Take down all pictures and wall hangings. Remove drapes from windows. Pack these items carefully in the proper boxes. You can always refer to our packing tips section for additional assistance.
• Remove fragile items from dresser drawers.
• Pack lamps and lampshades safely in separate boxes.
• Finish packing any nonessential loose items.
• Call and confirm with the moving company.
• Give the moving company your new phone number, cell phone number and email address.

• Drain any waterbeds.
• Clear the walkway and driveway of snow, if necessary.
• Finish any last minute packing. Be sure to clearly label each box with the destination in your new home. Bed linens and a few other essential items may be packed on the day of the move.

• Place essential items such as credit cards, passports, checkbooks and keys in a place where they will not be lost or mistakenly moved.
• Disconnect propane tank from gas grill.
• Consolidate the fragile boxes in each room, making sure each one is clearly marked.
• Clearly label any items not being moved.

• Be sure to be present when the movers arrive. The person responsible for paying the bill must be available to sign the bill of lading before any work can begin. The movers will usually start with a tour of your house to see everything that is being moved. Please point out any furniture that is especially fragile or has been previously broken so extra care can be taken.
• Smaller plants are generally safer in your car. The truck tends to be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. This is not usually the healthiest atmosphere for household plants. Of course, some plants are too large for the backseat of a car. We will take care to transport these as safely as possible in the truck.
• Please be available at the new house to show the movers where each piece of furniture should be placed. It is generally advised that you work closely with the movers in this aspect to avoid unnecessary work at the end.
• Placing pets in the bathroom keeps them safe while the movers work.

• Precision Moving Company offers unpacking services, as well as packing. We can pick up used boxes after the move, provided they are empty and flattened.
• Call the department of sanitation to find out what day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your new community.
• Register to vote in your new city.
• Relax and congratulate yourself on a job well done!

Call: 617.623.7700
Email: booking@precisionmoving.com
Visit: 495 Columbia Street, Somerville, MA 02143