Preparation
John Wooden once said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." This could not be
anymore true with moving. A move requires lots of hard work by Shamrock and YOU! It
is imperative that you follow this checklist to put us in a position to do the type of work
we pride ourselves on. We can assure you that if you follow this list closely you will be
far less stressed come moving day! If you're really looking to speed things up, here are
is a list of extra preparations that you can take.
6 Weeks before Moving
Contact Shamrock to start getting the details of your move organized as soon as you
can.
Start a "move folder" in which you carefully organize all the different information you
will need to keep track of.
Ask the IRS for information on the tax deductions available for moving expenses and
what receipts you’ll need to keep. If you are changing jobs, make sure your old
employer has your new address so that you will receive your W2 form without hassle.
Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto, and medical insurance.
When organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions,
eyeglass specifications, and vaccination records.
Contact any clubs or associations you are associated with for information on
transferring, selling or ending you memberships.
4-5 Weeks before Moving
Sit down and take an objective look at what you want to take with you. Do you really
need that broken chair from the basement? That rug in the attic? Moving is a
perfect time for purging unnecessary clutter.
Start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to trash, items for
Shamrock to move, and items you’ll move by yourself.
Prepare a list of friends, family, business firms and others who should be notified of
your move. The post office and any company that you receive bills from should also
be made aware of your move.
Make arrangements to move any one-of-a-kind or special items. Often times they
may require packing materials and procedures that are best left to moving
professionals.
2-3 Weeks before Moving
Make final packing decisions. If you are packing yourself you should be well into the
process.
Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry
sets, weed killer, etc. Shamrock, by law, cannot transport such items. They are
potentially explosive and could cause major damage to both our trucks and your
belongings. A complete list of non-allowables is available for your reference.
Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
Backup all of your computer files and take the backups with you in the car, since
software can be sensitive to temperature extremes.
Arrange transport of pets and plants. Secure all records from the veterinarian and
see that rabies and identification tags are attached to the pets collar.
1 Week before Moving
This is the week to tie up loose ends. Check back through folder and this list to
make sure that you haven’t overlooked anything.
Arrange to have your gas, electric, cable, phone, etc. turned off at your current
residence and turned on at your future home.
Mark boxes requiring special attention, fragile handling, and load last preferences.
Make sure that Shamrock has a phone number which you can be reached at come
move in day.
Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before
moving.
Move-Out Day
Strip your beds and make sure the bedding goes into a "load last" box.
Be on hand when the movers arrive or make arrangements for someone to be there
as your representative.
CLEARLY mark items that Shamrock will be loading and the items that Shamrock will
not be loading. If you have packed your own boxes, make sure that the destination
of each box at the new house is clearly marked.
Pack your vacuum last if you need it to clean towards the end of the move.
Take a last minute walk-through to make sure doors and windows are locked, lights
are off, old keys and garage door openers are left for future residents, and that you
haven’t left anything behind.
Move-In Day
Be on hand when the movers arrive to answer any questions or note any change in
the condition of your furniture or goods.
Clearly label the rooms and explain the setup of the room in order to expedite the
delivery process.
Have payment on hand for your moving charges if need be.
Confirm that utilities are turned on.
To prevent possible damage, wait at least 12 hours before turning on major
electronics. This will allow time for them to adjust to any change in temperature.