MOVING TIPS Clear out unwanted goods - hold a garage sale or donate the goods to charity. Goodwill Industries International can be reach by clicking on their logo below. They are looking for donations such as clothing, books, housewares and furniture. Get rid of hazardous and flammable materials - bleach, ammonia, paint, gas cylinders, batteries, aerosol cans, they cannot be transported by the moving company. Don't forget about preparing the old residence for your exit which would include leaving out cleaning supplies before you are out the door for good. In many cases, the mover will not be able to transport these items on the moving van. Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, snow blowers, and so on. Check all electrical goods such as dryers - will they work in the new home? Start making up your change of address list. Make your move a little easier, click on our change of address button to have your mail forwarded. It is also helpful to always keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse. Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone, cable, internet and other suppliers. If you are taking electrical goods such as stereo's or computer's, see if you still have the original boxes for re-packing. If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you. You can also have them pack their own special carton so when they arrive at their new home they will feel that they were a part of the moving process. Collect personal documentation - marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses, passports and so on so they are not packed. Do not forget to obtain copies of your families medical records including doctor, and dentist. School records are usually required when registering your child at a new school. You will need to find out from the new school if the records require a raised seal or if copies will be sufficient. With regards to pets - make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date. Get copies of their health records to bring along to the new veterinarian. Will your new home be ready when the driver is scheduled to arrive? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage or contact Hollander to make the arrangements at one of their local offices. Start running down pantry and freezer stocks. Arrange your finances - close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary. Many people forget to retrieve important documents from their safe deposit box. It is also wise to establish a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your account. In addition to packing your personal phone book you should take along a phone book from your old town to be able to tie up loose ends. Remember to complete your transactions with local businesses (for example, picking up your dry cleaning or returning your cable box and library books). On your last look around you should also turn off your lights, furnace/air conditioner, and your main water supply. Just leave a note for the new homeowner so they are aware they will need to turn the water back on when they arrive. Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their car before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new tenants or owners. Spare house keys can often be forgotten. Don't forget to gather all sets from the hidden spot by your house or from your neighbor before you depart. Hollander International Moving and Storage Company, Inc. ILL. CC 30236-MC-R ILL CC 8668 MC-C US DOT 125563 ICC MC2934 An Agent for Mayflower Transit 1801 Pratt Boulevard Elk Grove Village, IL 60007