Ultimate Moving Planner

8-Week Moving Planner

Be sure to review our full moving checklist below.

Week 8

Schedule a virtual or in-home walk-through with Mayflower

• If you are interested in obtaining a moving quote from Mayflower, call 877-720-4066 or complete the form above to schedule your virtual or in-home walk-through.
• A virtual walk-through allows customers to walk an estimator through their home using our app on their mobile device. (We’ll send you all of the details about the app once your schedule your walk-through.)
• An in-home walk-through is an in-person visit by an estimator at your home.
• During your walk-through, your estimator will take a visual survey of your home and all of the belongings that you would like to move. Being able to see your home layout and all of the items that we’ll be handling for you helps us to provide a more complete moving quote to you.
• Your estimator will help you determine which services you’ll need to make your move easier, whether you need help packing, storing items or even moving your car.
• Once your walk-through is complete, your estimator will provide you with a written estimate for your personalized move plan.
• Is your company paying for your move? If so, refer to your company’s policy to ensure you are clear on which services your moving company will be authorized to perform.

Week 7

Sign your estimate and book your move

• When you receive your official estimate, make sure that you have a clear understanding of each section.
• Read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities” document which will be provided by Mayflower prior to your move. This document is required by law and outlines all of the things you need to know.
• Once you lock in your move-out date and confirm your plan, you will book your move.
• If you have any questions about your estimate, rights and responsibilities or booking your move, reach out to your move coordinator who will be there to help you every step of the way.
• After your move is booked, you’ll be given a unique link to MyMayflower which is an online portal. This portal will contain everything pertaining to your move, including your move coordinator’s contact information.

Week 6

Notify others of your change of address

• Now it is time to begin notifying others that you are moving.
• The post office is a great place to start. An online Change of Address Form is available on the United States Postal Service website.
• Remember to change your address with your banks, insurance providers, credit cards, online shopping accounts, charities and subscriptions.
• Also, notify your utilities companies (electric, gas, water, cable, internet), Social Security Administration office, DMV and voter registration office of your move.
• Update your information with doctors, lawyers, accountants and any other professional services as well.
• Last, but certainly not least, notify friends and loved ones so they can update their records and make plans to visit with you before or after your move.

Week 5

Give away, sell, toss or recycle anything you do not need

• Start by going through one room at a time to sort through what will move with you and what will not.
• Have extra stuff? Organize a garage sale or online sale to get rid of anything you won’t be taking with you.
• Donate any unwanted clothing, furniture or other household goods (pots, pans, dishes, bedding, etc.) to your favorite charities in town. Don’t forget to grab receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.
• Buy only the food you will need up until move day. Clean out your cupboards and donate or remove any perishable items you will not need prior to the big day.
• Start to use up items like household cleaners, rolls of paper towels, etc.
• Looking for more tips? Take a look at our money saving tips for your next move.
• Toss or recycle anything that can’t be donated, sold or gifted. Keep in mind there might be a limit as to what you can put at the curb each week.
• Be sure to check the non-allowables list for items not allowed in your shipment. If you are unsure of how to properly dispose of these items, Mayflower recommends visiting earth911.com to help you find appropriate recycling centers in your neighborhood.

Week 4

Check in with your move coordinator

• Was your garage sale a big success? Donate more than you planned? Notify your Mayflower move coordinator if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates.
• Be sure your move coordinator has the destination address and phone numbers where you can be reached.
• Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points.
• If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to the loading site for auto transport. Also, be prepared to pick up your car at your destination location; again, your move coordinator is here to help. Do not be afraid to reach out if you have questions.

Week 3

Inform your friends and family

• Make sure the important people in your life know about your move and how to stay in touch with you.
• Start scheduling any goodbye parties or farewell stops.
• If you have children, start preparing them for the transition. Give them time to say goodbye to important people and places.

Confirm your travel plans

• If you are driving to your new home, get your car tuned and ready for the trip.
• If you are flying, make sure you book your air travel and any other necessary transportation.
• Book any hotels or stops you’ll need to make along the way.
• Consider what items you’ll need for the trip and for your first night in your new home. Set them aside so they don’t accidentally get packed.

Start packing

• If you’re packing yourself, get a head start now so you aren’t overwhelmed at the last minute. Books, out of season clothes and decorative items are a great place to start.
• Read our packing tips and plan your approach. Most common types of packing tips we recommend; Mirrors, clothing, kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room, dishes.

Preparing your household

• Send rugs and draperies out for cleaning. Leave them wrapped for transit once they are returned.
• Have any antiques or high-end items appraised in writing before the move.  Find receipts for any big-ticket items and keep them with you, just in case.
• Pack Last: Prepare a “Load Last” box with any essentials you may need on your first night in your new home. Pack things like bottled water, paper towels, soap, a first aid kit and anything else you may need. This box will be the last box loaded and the first box unloaded during your move.
• Dispose of any flammables, fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, ammunition or poisons. Check our full list of non-allowables before you go.
• Be sure to check the non-allowables list for items not allowed in your shipment. If you are unsure of how to properly dispose of these items, Mayflower recommends visiting earth911.com to help you find appropriate recycling centers in your neighborhood.
• Schedule an appointment with a service technician to prepare any major appliances for the move; your Mayflower moving coordinator can arrange for this service.
• Drain fuel from your power mower, and discard or recycle the propane tank on your grill.
• Confirm the date that all of your utilities will be disconnected.
• If you are moving a computer be sure to ask your move coordinator for a copy of our “If There’s a Home Computer in Your Move…” booklet.

Week 2

Plan for your pets

• Make sure you have made travel plans for your pets. If you need to board them or leave them with friends, confirm those plans now.
• Take your pets to the vet and ensure you have any required health certificates or inoculations – every state has different requirements.
• Take a few minutes and check out our tips on moving with pets.

Finish your errands

• Pick-up anything you had cleaned, stored or repaired.
• Empty your locker at the club or gym.
• Return anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors.

Go back and double check this list!

• Make sure you have not forgotten any of the critical items.
• Have you packed or gotten rid of everything that’s not moving?
• Have you confirmed all the details with your move coordinator?

Week 1

Last minute details

• Make sure that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving truck. As always, reach out to your move coordinator with any questions.
• Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.

Day before moving day

• Identify any extra-fragile items needing special attention. If certain items should not be packed or moved, mark them appropriately.
• Label any items or boxes you will want first when the truck arrives at your new home (valuables, electronics, etc.).
• 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.
• If Mayflower is helping you pack, collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children’s toys and place in separate groups.
• Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos and audio/video equipment.

Moving day

• Make it a point to be on hand to see that all of your goods are loaded; remain close by until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory list. Be sure to get your copy from the van operator and keep it safe.
• Check in with your move coordinator and ask any remaining questions about your moving services.
• There will be some necessary paperwork on the big day:
  High-Value Inventory form: complete and sign stating whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment.
  Bill of Lading/Freight Bill: includes the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment.
  Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration: If applicable, check this box on the Bill of Lading.
• Give the van operator the exact destination address.
• Be sure to let the van operator know how you can best be reached, pending the arrival of your belongings.

Take a last look around

• Water shut off?
• Furnace and air conditioner shut off?
• Light switches turned off?
• All utilities arranged for disconnection with service providers?
• Windows shut and locked?
• Old house keys and garage door openers surrendered?
• Have you left anything?

Delivery day

• Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the moving charges for you.
• On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will stop by your new home if he/she is unable to reach you. If you or an authorized individual cannot accept delivery of your belongings within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) you may request additional waiting time (for an additional cost) until the delivery can be made.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If you notice any damage or that something is missing, personally report any it to your salesperson or move coordinator. If there is any change in the condition of your property from what is noted on the inventory list, note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory. By signing the inventory, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
• When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including placing of rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled at origin. If you would like your mattresses unpacked or appliances installed, check with your salesperson or move coordinator beforehand. They can help you arrange for this additional moving service.
• It always helps to have a guide. Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers can determine where each piece of furniture should go.
• Keep all your moving documents in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.
• To prevent any possible damage, leave appliances and electronics turned off for about 24 hours while they adjust to new room temperatures.

Settling in after your move

• It is time to make it official! Check in with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to begin.
• Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver’s license.
• You may 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 a residence is established in the new state and city.
• Now it’s time to move forward with your life and make new friends and enjoy time with your loved ones.