ROSSITER RELOCATION SERVICES
For questions or assistance, call us at (800) 272-0786
Moving Checklist
This household moving checklist is a very useful tool for insuring a smooth relocation. It also works well as a business moving checklist for commercial relocation.
WORKING WITH THE MOVER
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Call Rossiter Relocation Services. Specify the exact date you want to move and when it will be convenient for us to visually survey your household goods and prepare an estimate.
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Let us know if your company will be paying for the move.
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Before we arrive, tour your house from attic to basement. Include the garage, patio and storage shed. Decide what to move and what to discard. Remember that the cost of moving an item might be greater than the cost of replacing it.
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Decide whether you want to do any of the packing - or whether you will have it done by our experienced personnel. We will be pleased to discuss packing services with you. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, click here to read our on-line DOING YOUR OWN PACKING booklet. In addition, you might want to purchase packing material from us. If you do, the cost of the material and any delivery charge will be added to the Bill of Lading.
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Show us everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges and be as accurate as possible. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate.
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Remember - unless the estimate is binding, it is not the final cost.
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The total charge will depend on the actual weight of your household goods after they are loaded on the van, plus the cost of any extra services performed by Rossiter Relocation Services.
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Make certain you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability in case any of your goods are lost or damaged. The extent of the carrier's liability is governed by the declared valuation statement on the Bill of Lading.
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Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section If you have questions about any section, ask us to explain.
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Keep handy the telephone number and name of a contact person at Rossiter Relocation Services.
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Explain the reason for the move to your children. Tell them about the advantages of moving to a new city - new things to see and do, new places to visit, new friends to make. Click to view United's MOVING WITH CHILDREN booklet on-line for other helpful tips.
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If you haven't already done so, place your home on the market as soon as possible. If you have an apartment, notify your landlord of your moving date.
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Arrange for a house-hunting trip to the new city. If this is not possible, get in touch with a real estate agent or two and ask for help in locating a house or apartment. You might want to subscribe to the local newspaper in advance of your move. The Sunday edition usually contains a large real-estate section. It can be very helpful in giving you some idea of the type of housing available in the new city, as well as providing information (from ads) about living costs.
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When looking for a new home, take along a tape measure and a list of the exact dimensions of each of your major appliances and other large pieces of furniture. Measure the areas provided for them to be sure your appliances and furniture will fit.
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Establish credit in the new city. Ask your current banker to recommend a correspondent bank. Arrange for the transfer of funds and contents of your safe deposit box. Have the local credit bureau send your rating to the one at your destination. Also, ask the bank to serve as a credit reference.
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Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at your new home.
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Gather information on prescriptions and dates of last examinations. Be sure to check current phone numbers and addresses of your physician, dentist and hospital. This will help you at destination when getting health records transferred.
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Ask your dentist and doctor to recommend colleagues in the new city. See if your physician offers a records request form.
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Transfer, sell or resign memberships in clubs or associations.
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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.
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Arrange for the closing or transfer of charge accounts. Do not discard items such as credit cards and hunting/fishing licenses until you are sure they'll have no value at your destination.
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Give your new address to your former employer so a copy of your W-2 form can be forwarded.
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Arrange with the school authorities for transfer of the children's school records and credentials - or secure transcripts of the records from the school, if you prefer to take them along.
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Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself.
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Set goals and deadlines to ensure all packing is completed by moving day. You might want to pack one room per week.
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Separate and mark any goods that will be going into storage.
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Let the post office know when you'll be moving and what your new address will be; a temporary forwarding address might be necessary if you do not have a permanent one by the time you move. As an alternative, the post office will hold your mail and forward it upon written instructions from you.
If you want to rent a post office box in the new city, you must do so in person. All post office box rentals are for a minimum of six months.
First-class mail is forwarded free of charge for one year.
Magazines and newspapers are forwarded for 60 days. Standard mail (B), formerly called fourth-class/parcel post, is forwarded locally for 12 months at no charge. You pay forwarding charges if you move outside the local area.
Only one change-of address card (Form 3575) is necessary per family if everyone in the household is moving and if all people have the same last name. For other cases, one change-of-address card per person can be used. Mover's Guides, which contain Form 3575, are available at your local post office, from your postal carrier, or via the Internet at www.usps.gov/moversnet.
Notify your correspondents of your new mailing address. Publishing companies prefer at least four weeks' notice - preferably six. Early notification of your new, complete mailing address, including ZIP code, can avoid postage-due costs and eliminate the delayed receipt of your magazines and other publications.
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Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your move. The following household moving checklists will be helpful:
UTILITIES
Electric
Gas
Water
Telephone
Fuel
Sewer District
Trash
Cable/Satellite Television
Wireless Telephone
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Doctor
Dentist
Certified Public Accountant
Lawyer
Broker
INSURANCE AGENCIES
Life
Fire
Auto
Home
Health
Accident
Hospital
ESTABLISHED BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
Dry Cleaner
Bakery
Drug Store
Diaper Service
Department Stores
Water Softener Service
Lawn Service
Dairy
Service Stations
Laundry
Banks
Finance Companies
Credit Card Companies
Automobile Agency
Real Estate Agency
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC OFFICES
Veterans Administration
Library
City Hall - Refuse Service
City and/or County Tax Assessor
State Motor Vehicle Bureau
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Income Tax Bureaus
Draft Board
PUBLICATIONS
Newspaper
Magazines
Newsletters
Professional
Fraternal
OTHER
Relatives and Friends
Business Associates
Record and Compact Disc Clubs
Book and Video Clubs
Other Organizations and Clubs
Schools and Colleges
Landlord (if you are a tenant)
Tenants (if you are a landlord)
Church
Consider having a "garage sale" to dispose of unwanted items. For information on this subject, click to read the PLANNING A GARAGE SALE booklet. If you donate clothing or household goods to charitable organizations, obtain receipts showing the items' approximate value for possible tax deductions.
Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what will be used before moving. Consider making shipping arrangements for frozen foods with the local frozen food locker plant. Due to the possibility of spoilage, it is not advisable to move frozen foods on the van unless all of the following conditions are met:
- They are in a freezer operating at a normal deep-freeze temperature at the time of loading. (Check your freezer operating manual for suggested normal freezing temperatures.)
- The distance to be moved is not more than 150 miles and/or delivery will be made within 24 hours.
- No storage of the shipment is necessary.
- No preliminary or en route servicing of any kind is required.
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Fill out your own "Personal Household Inventory". Completing your own inventory can help you determine the amount of declared valuation for the shipment. 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.
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If you are being relocated at your company's request, find out what portion of your moving expenses the company will pay. If your company has a written moving policy, ask for a copy of the document.
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Notify Rossiter Relocation Services if you add or subtract items from your planned household goods shipment or if there are any changes in dates of the move. Also be sure to supply the destination locations, contact address and phone numbers where you can be reached while in transit.
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Confirm with us any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points.
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If your car is being transported by United Van Lines, it can be loaded at your residence and delivered to your new home. In some cases, car shipments are consolidated, and may need to be dropped off and picked up at predetermined locations. It is important that you do not place household goods items in your vehicle. Such items must move in the household goods van. Any damage to your vehicle should be noted at the time of delivery.
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When shipping an automobile, a boat or a trailer, it is imperative to properly service the vehicle or craft prior to loading. To service an automobile...
- arrange for the gasoline tank to be at least one-half full;
- test for sufficient antifreeze fluid in the cooling system; and
- check the oil level.
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Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
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Have a "going-away" party for the children and their friends. This gives the youngsters a chance to tell all about the "wonderful new city we're moving to" and to invite their friends for a visit later.
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Have some fun for yourself...an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue. Keep it simple, without elaborate preparations. It's the guests who are important.
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Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel or motel rooms as needed. You might want to guarantee them on a major credit card in case of late arrival.
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Have your car prepared for the trip. Check tires, brakes and windshield wipers. If needed, have the car serviced.
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To guard your household goods against damage that could be caused by fire, explosion or leakage in the van...
- dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as week killer. Click this link for a complete list of NON-ALLOWABLES.
- drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach or any other substances that might leak.
- carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you, such as prescription medications.
- discard all propane tanks because they are not allowed on the van.
- have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving, because some products might soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture could cause mold if furniture must be placed in storage.
Set up an appointment with a service technician to prepare your appliances for shipment - or have us send someone out - at least the day before moving. Pre- as well as post-moving service might be needed for your washer, dryer, ice maker, grandfather clock, satellite dish, waterbed, computer, etc. Third-party servicing likely will be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen televisions and some exercise equipment. Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antenna for moving - a new one might cost less than moving the present one.
Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep your utilities in service through moving day in case last-minute calls or cleanups are necessary.
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Decide what to do with house plants. United Van Lines cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because they might suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probably temperature changes while in the van. You might prefer to transport your house plants in the family car or ship them by plane. Other alternatives: give them to friends or relatives, donate them to a hospital or other organization, or include them in a garage sale. Some states permit the entry of all house plants; others admit them in accordance with specific rules and regulations. Click this link for the MOVING WITH HOUSE PLANTS booklet.
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Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations. See that identification and rabies tags are securely attached to the pet's collar.
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Arrange for transportation of pets. Take them in the car or send via air. Consider boarding pets either at destination or at a kennel near your current home until you are settled in the new city. Click this link for the MOVING WITH PETS booklet.
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Collect any merchandise in layaway at local stores.
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Collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, etc.). Empty your locker at the club, bowling alley or gym.
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Return library books, and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you loaned to others.
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When household goods are professionally packed, the packing is usually done the day before the actual move. Plan to be at home during the packing process to answer questions. You can take advantage of this time by reading, writing letters or catching up on paperwork.
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Although Rossiter Relocation Services can move valuables such as money, credit cards, stamp collections or other items of extraordinary value if specifically notified prior to the move, we strongly recommend that you take such items with you. Check with your local bank or post office for alternate methods of transporting your valuables. In addition, check to see if your homeowner's insurance will cover these items after you leave your current address. You might need special insurance coverage. Remember that any items of extraordinary value must be noted on the High-Value Inventory form so they are not limited to minimal liability. Be sure the form is ready for the packers on packing day.
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Pack suitcases for the trip to the new home. Include extra clothing for emergencies.
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Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling. Take along some snacks, such as fruit and cookies for the children. Include towelettes for a quick cleanup.
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Arrange for a babysitter for moving day, or have older children look after the younger ones.
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Pack an "Instant Aid" box containing things that might be needed immediately upon arrival at your new home. Package each group of items in a large paper bag and clearly label. Here are some suggestions:
CLEANING
Sponge
Paper towels
Dish towels
Dishcloth
Scouring pads
Detergent
KITCHEN
Paper plates, cups, napkins
Plastic cutlery
Plastic pitcher
Small saucepan
Serving spoons
Aluminum foil
SNACKS
Easy-open cans of pudding
Dry soup mix
Sandwich spreads
Instant drinks
BATH
Towels and face cloths
Toilet tissue
Facial tissue
Soap
Hand lotion
Non-aerosol deodorant
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
MISCELLANEOUS
Light bulbs
Hammer
Screwdriver
Pliers
Assorted nails and screws
Shelf paper
Trash bags and ties
Telephone
CHILDREN
Coloring books and crayons
A favorite toy
Reading materials
Puzzles
Ask to have the "Instant Aid" box loaded last on the moving van and unloaded first. Or take it in the car is there is room - you might be able to use the contents before the van arrives at your new home. When the box is opened, save any paper bags for holding refuse.
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Check contents of drawers. Remove all spillables or breakables. Soft goods such as blankets, pillows, blouses, shirts and lingerie may be left in drawers. Do not overload drawers by adding sheets and table cloths because this can damage the furniture during transit.
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Pin clothing to hangers if it will be moved in wardrobe cartons so vibrations or bumps will not cause items to slip off. If your shipment is going into storage for an extended period of time, consider replacing metal hangers with paper-covered or plastic hangers to avoid possible rust damage to your clothing. Please note that the carrier is not responsible for pressing your clothes after delivery.
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Remove any items left in the attic or other storage areas.
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Empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before the movers arrive. Be careful not to overlook the defrost water pan. Failure to have the appliances completely dry can lead to mildew, mold and unpleasant odors. A more detailed explanation can be found in United's MOVING APPLIANCES on-line booklet.
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Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron.
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Complete a "Take-With-Me" inventory.
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Launder all soiled clothing prior to the day the appliance service technician is expected.
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Take the telephone directory with you. It can be useful in contacting former doctors, dentists, etc. It also will be a great help when you make out your holiday card list.
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Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at destination.
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Remind the packers to leave open the cartons containing your high-value items for the van operator's inspection.
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If you are not having your valuables forwarded through a bank, keep them with your suitcases and other items that are going with you. To avoid any confusion, place these things in the trunk of your car, but only if you will be driving your car. Do not place any personal belongings in your vehicle if it will be shipped on the van or by car carrier. Another option is to put the items in a closet with a sign stating, "DO NOT PACK & DO NOT LOAD."
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If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, the van operator will check to see if boxes have been properly packed.
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Have dishes washed and dried. Leave them in the cabinets. It's easier for the packers to remove and pack them from normal storage areas.
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Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children's toys, and place in separate groups.
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Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls. however, any items that have been permanently attached to the premises, such as can openers, drapery rods, mirrors, towel bars or wall-to-wall carpeting, must be detached by you in advance if they are to be moved.
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Leave beds assembled; sheets, blankets and bedspreads should be removed. If a waterbed is being moved, you or a third party should drain and disassemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper handling.
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Unplug all television sets 24 hours in advance of a move, if possible, so they will be at a room temperature on moving day. Moving a set in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage. Please note that the carrier is not liable for damage caused by climatic conditions.
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If you are doing your own packing, it must be completed the day prior to loading.
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You might want to spend your last night before the move at home. However, with everything packed, your family might be more comfortable in other quarters. Consider spending the night with friends or at a hotel or motel.
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Check closets, cabinets and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.
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Take pets to the transportation agency or boarding kennel. If you take them to your new home in the car, be sure you have food and water dishes for use during the trip.
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Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.
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Decide whether to let friends help tomorrow. Moving day is a busy one, and too many people trying to assist will cause confusion.
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Be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to remain or be present while the movers are there. Let Rossiter Relocation Services know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do, and which valuation program and amount you have selected. Remember - the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
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Accompany the van operator through the house as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a good description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
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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 from the van operator and keep it.
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Approve and sign the combination Bill of Lading and Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure you have completed and signed the declared valuation statement in the space provided on the Bill of Lading.
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Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, regardless of whether items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading.
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Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific about where and how you can be reached, including telephone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.
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If you want to know the exact cost of your move before leaving town or prior to the arrival of your household goods at destination, tell the van operator. Provide a telephone number where you can be reached, and the van operator will see that you are notified.
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Advise the van operator of any elevators or parking restriction at destination.
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If applicable, provide the van operator with telephone number of your apartment or condominium manager.
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Make sure you have the United Van Lines destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
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Be sure the family has a healthy, substantial breakfast. If you spent the last night at home before moving day, pre-plan a special breakfast menu that includes convenience foods. Use disposable serving dishes and utensils.
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Please leave a telephone connected in your home throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish last-minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.
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Leave a note listing your new address in a conspicuous place in the house so new occupants will be able to forward any of your mail inadvertently delivered to them.
Take a last look around:
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Water shut off?
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Furnace shut off?
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Light switches turned off?
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All utilities arranged for disconnection?
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Windows shut and locked?
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Old house keys surrendered?
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Have you left anything?
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Upon arrival at destination, contact Rossiter Relocation Services as soon as possible, and indicate where and how you can be reached. Give us the telephone number and make final arrangements to accept delivery of your household goods. You also might want to notify the United Van Lines destination agent indicated on your Bill of Lading.
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Make certain the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives.
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Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Your representative will be asked to note any changes in the condition of property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery. If any articles of extraordinary value are included in the shipment, your representative will be required to acknowledge receipt of these items. Inform us of the name of the person you have authorized to act as your representative. The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
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On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at the residence if he or she is unable to reach you. If you are unable to be contacted by phone, leave a note on your residence door indicating where you can be reached. If neither you nor your representative appears to receive the shipment within the free waiting time, your household goods will be placed in storage. You will be responsible for all additional charges related to the storage and redelivery of your goods. One hour of free time is allowed at destination if the shipment is traveling less than 200 miles; tow hours of free time are allowed if your shipment is traveling 200 miles or more. (No free waiting time is allowed at origin.)
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Pay Charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash or by traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted. Payment also can be made by the American Express® Card, DiscoverSM Card, Visa® or MasterCard®. If you choose to use a credit card, you must arrange it with us because authorization is required prior to loading. Credit cards are accepted only for interstate household goods moves within the continental United States.
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Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of 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. In the event of a claim, failure to document missing or damaged items may result in denial of your claim. Personally report any loss or damage to Rossiter Relocation Services immediately. Or contact United Headquarters by calling (800) 325-9970, or write United Van Lines, Claims Department, One United Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, to request a claim form. You must file the claim yourself; the van operator cannot do it for you. Claims must be received by United Van Lines or Rossiter Relocation Services within nine months from the date of delivery, using United Van Lines forms we can furnish. For faster service, always refer to the order number of your shipment.
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When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up of box springs, mattresses and bed frames. However, appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at an additional charge, we will arrange for this service and for the refilling of waterbed mattresses.
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To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electric equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.
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You might want to place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance the movers will use. Show on it where each piece of furniture should go.
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If you have paid for unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking service and removal of cartons. If you decide to unpack at your convenience after having ordered unpacking service, remember to annotate the Bill of Lading accordingly.
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Allow the children to help. Let them feel needed. Assign them light but important duties, such as arranging their own toys and possessions.
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Make the beds early so you can get a good night's rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow.
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Take a few minutes to relax. Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on "moving-in" day. If you do go out, leave a light on or take other precautions against burglary.
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If you have not yet done so, get in touch with the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Inquire if any of them provide appliance connection service without charge.
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Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances.
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If you receive a letter from United Van Lines or one of our agents after the move, don't discard it without opening. It might contain information concerning your move.
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Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax return.
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If you need information about your move - the types of services performed, charges for these services or interpretations of United's policies and procedures - please write the Customer Service Center at United Van Lines, One United Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, or call toll-free (800) 948-4885. We will thoroughly research your question and furnish a comprehensive answer as quickly as possible.
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Check with the post office for any mail being held, and ask for delivery to start.
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Check state (and Local) requirements for auto registration and an operator's license.
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Once you've selected a family physician and dentist, you'll need to have records transferred. Usually, dental records can be sent to your new dentist by simply making a phone call. Transferring medical records from your previous physician normally requires a written request and your signature. If you want to obtain any previous hospital records on your health history, write the medical records department at the hospital where you were a patient. You'll need to include your previous physician's name and the name of your new doctor.
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You might want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain 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, etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.
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Get acquainted! Meeting new people can be a wonderful adventure. Get in touch with local organizations that specialize in helping new residents get to know the community. They will be glad to have you call or visit them. Check the Yellow Pages under "Welcoming Services for Newcomers."
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As soon as possible, register to vote.
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Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register them.
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Ask questions! Your neighbors will bring you up-to-date on the local improvement association, annual neighborhood outing and other local customs.
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Call or visit the public library, historical society and the tourism/visitors bureau. They'll have many suggestions of things to do and places to visit.