Austin Moving Checklist.

Clean Out

• Begin using up food in your freezer and disposing of flammable household supplies that cannot be moved.
• Make arrangements to store some items, if you will be in temporary housing.
• Clean or repair any furniture, carpets, or curtains that need it.
• Hold a garage sale, or call for Good Will pickup.
• Return and retrieve any borrowed items.
• Make decisions about house plants. In many instances plants cannot be moved interstate. Check with your moving company about their policy on moving plants.
• Use a floor plan drawing of your new home to help you decide where furniture will be placed. Measure doors and hallways to determine how furniture will fit.
• Have an old refrigerator? Call Austin Energy at 1-800-452-8685. They will pick up (and recycle) your old working refrigerator or freezer and pay you $50!

Collect Important Records

• Set aside valuables, legal documents, car registration, insurance, medical records, etc. Place all important documents in a safe place when packing, and keep them with you during the move.
• Transfer your children's school records.
• Check on automobile license, registration and insurance to be sure they are up to date.
• Transfer bank accounts and safety deposit box contents to new location.
• Obtain some traveler's checks for use during travel and the first few days at your new home.
• Change any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements to new bank.
• Transfer any medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
• Return library books and videotapes.

Mail change of address cards

• Get a change of address kit from post office. Notify post office of new address for mail forwarding.
• Send out change of address cards to: relatives, friends, accountant, IRS, insurance carriers, banks, clubs, lawyer, broker, creditors, magazines, catalogs, doctor, dentist, credit cards, newspapers, former employer

Interview and Choose a Mover

• Interview movers and obtain written bids on your move. Ask about any special requirements, such as moving plants or piano.
• If you are packing yourself, figure out how many boxes you'll need, and where they may be obtained.
• Keep in touch with the mover to confirm moving dates and arrangements.

Schedule Services and Appointments

• Set up final appointments for doctor visits, haircuts, manicures, etc.
• Book hotel rooms and purchase plane tickets, if needed.
• Make arrangements for pet travel. Consult your veterinarian about how to make the move easier. Purchase a travel container.
• Service automobiles prior to the move. Make sure tires and fluid levels are adequate.
• In necessary, prepare your appliances (washer, dryer, water bed, etc.) for shipment.
• Cancel delivery services, such as water delivery, newspapers, cleaners, or diaper services.
• Sell, transfer or resign club and association memberships.
• Give final instructions to services such as pool maintenance, yard mowing, etc.
• Pick up any dry cleaning, or stored items.
• Arrange for a baby-sitter to help on moving day.
• Leave some time for going away parties for children, and get togethers with friends.
• Schedule utility dis-connections. Coordinate with new owner's start dates if possible.

Begin Packing

• If you are packing yourself, begin by packing items that you will not need during the final two weeks.
• Have packing materials on hand: boxes, packing tape, scissors, labels, utility knife, garbage bags, bubble wrap, etc.
• Put together a "Moving Day" box: First aid kit, paper towels, paper plates, trash bags, snacks, sponge, camera, dish detergent, medications, toiletries, telephone book, tools, soap, road map, bathroom tissue.
• Use newspapers only for cushioning and outer wrapping only. The ink can damage fine china.
• Don't forget to pack the attic, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
• Write the name of the destination room on the packing boxes.
• Verify form of payment with mover, and arrange for payment.
• List every piece of furniture and box loaded onto the truck.
• Give the mover your cell phone number and an alternative contact person.
• Keep the moving company documentation with you until your goods are delivered and checked.
• Moving expenses may be tax deductible. Save receipts.

Final cleaning/repairs

• Remove all food from refrigerator and freezer, and clean thoroughly.
• Deep clean ovens and appliances.
• Make sure all rooms and garage are clean. Use vacuum before it is loaded.
• Put trash out for pick up as often as possible during the packing and cleaning. There will be more trash than usual.
• Properly dispose of any hazardous items such as paints, thinners, bug spray, etc.
• Select a "do not-move" drawer for warranty papers, garage door openers and keys for new owner of your home.
• Clean out drawers and cabinets as they are emptied.
• Have yard mowed, edged, and arrange for pool or yard service if your home will be on the market.
• Have garage, patio, driveway swept.
• Empty water from your steam iron.
• Launder all soiled clothing.
• Take your old phone book with you.

Final walk through

• Check all faucets and toilets.
• Set thermostats.
• Check appliances.
• Label house keys.
• Walk through and inspect all rooms, plus garage and attic.
• Set sprinkler system.
• Check pool condition and settings.
• Leave keys and garage door opener for new owner.
• Take trash container to curb, or arrange for a neighbor to do so.
• Leave a welcoming note and instructions for new owner.
• Turn off lights.
• Lock doors.