This is part 3 of 4 articles geared as a practical schedule for making your move from one home or office to another as convenient as possible.

Moving Pre-Season 3: "Season the Meat" - approximately 3 Weeks before your move

• Schedule change? If moving professionally, notify your van line agent if there are any changes in the dates of your move. If you will need any additional accessorial services such as piano moving, packing and unpacking, or storage you should inform the van line agent for pricing information. Also inform the van line agent if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.
• Are you packing or someone else? Decide how much packing you will handle yourself. You should inform the van line agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.
• Are you driving or transporting your vehicle? Whether you move your car with the van line agent or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.
• Green items? Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another. Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants. Google it to see if this is an issue.
• Stress on your pets? Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations. Some states will require these documents.
• Do you have small valuables? Plan to to carry all valuable jewelry and other small but valuable items with you. Collect them now and put them in your "to go" with you box. .
• Like to read? Return any library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.). This is a good time to set aside a book to read if you think your plans will allow you the time - flying to your new home?)
• Moving upstairs? Do you need an elevator? If you are moving to a building with an elevator make sure the elevator will be available on your intended day and time of arrival at your destination.

• A new pharmacy? Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Clear all your safety deposit boxes.
• Potential Computer woes? Be safe and plan ahead - disconnect and disassemble your computer system at this time. Back up all your computer files. Consider taking all back up files with you in the car or whatever transportation that you will be using. Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.
• Still getting organized? Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home including closets, basement and attic.
• Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped. Ask your pro mover or even check at the USPS website to see their suggestions. If FedEx, or the post office won't ship it, perhaps you just need to give it away or trash it.
• Packing tape will do the trick: Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic and non-flammable in plastic bags.
• Prepare your lawn tools? Drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
• Shut off the power? This is a good time to schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.
• Short term storage? There are many easy options today for short term storage. If you need to use outside storage call your van line agent about storage options available or once again, you cab Google for a quick solution.
• Change your oil - general maintenance? Have your automobile serviced if you plan to travel by car.
• Don't let them stack up? Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries
• Do you have some lockers? Clean out gym and school lockers

• Keep your "go with me" and "go on the truck" piles separate. Make sure to separate out which items you'll take with you and which items the movers will take. Don't overload yourself - only personally carry specific valuables.
• Is it broken? Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house including minor repairs
• Get some stickers and marking pens: Mark the boxes to be shipped with the words, "Fragile", "Do Not Load" and "Load Last" stickers.
• Ice is heavy and messy: Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. If needed, use baking soda to get rid of any odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.
• Show kindness: Mow your lawn one last time before you move.
• Keep some items close by when you move: Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delays or schedule changes.
• Phone numbers? Give your friends or neighbors a phone number to reach you if something goes wrong oris forgotten. Also, give the number of your new home to your moving agent. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.
• Pay your movers? Arrange for payment to the van line agent. Contact your van line agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted. Generally this will be cash on delivery (COD).
• Keep it safe and insured? Verify your insurance you have chosen with your van line agent. Refer to our "Insurance and Liability" guide for more information.
• Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry and any other items out for repair.
• Owe some money? Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
• Blockbuster will appreciate it? Return videos and any other items you rented.
• Be prepared? Set up your "first night back" and "ready box". Your first night box should contain the clothing and toiletries you will need for the first night in your new home. See "first night bag guide".
• Disconnect and clean any appliances that will be moving with you and those that will remain.
• Passwords and codes? Gather house keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
• Avoid damage from break-ins? If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move, notify friendly neighbors and the police.