Checklist - Moving Day!

Moving day starts the night before with a restful sleep. The day will be long and challenging, so you will want to be sharp and energetic to handle it well. Take the day off from work or plan to move on a weekend so that you can focus all your attention on the move. If you have young children, get a babysitter during the loading and unloading process, and keep your pets in a room where they will be out of the way.

Here are other ways to survive moving day:

• Tidy up your house before the movers arrive. Search every room and closet to make sure you're leaving nothing behind.

• Be there when the movers arrive, and try and spend as much time as you can at home during the move. This gives you maximum control over the activities of your movers.

• Turn over keys, garage-door remote controls and alarm codes to the new owner or real estate agent. Give the new owners all warranties and manuals for the appliances that you're leaving behind.

• Stay at your old home until the last item is packed and loaded in the moving truck. Check the mover's inventory and do a final inspection with the moving company foreman — before his crew departs — to make sure that nothing has been left behind.

• Take photos or videos of your furniture and appliances so that you have visual proof of their condition before they were packed and loaded in the moving truck. It's your responsibility to see that all goods are loaded to your satisfaction.

• Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. Pack it in a carry-on bag when you leave and then plug it in as soon as you get to your new home. Have your new phone company activate the line the day before you arrive to ensure immediate service. Also, keep your cell phone charged throughout the day so the movers can reach you at any time during the move.

• Give the movers clear directions to your new home. If you wish to have your items unpacked, you will have to arrange this service in advance with the moving company. Otherwise, it's still best to be there when the movers are unloading the truck. Review your floor plan and let the movers know where to place furniture and appliances.

• Carefully review the inventory sheet before you sign it. Your signature on the inventory sheet acknowledges your receipt of all items. It's important to document the loss or damage of any item on the inventory sheet.

• Payment will most likely be with a credit card, cashier's check or cash. Personal checks are normally not accepted, unless arrangements were made in advance. You're required by law to pay upon delivery for interstate moves.

• Verify that all your utilities in your old home have been disconnected and all utilities in your new home have been activated.

While this list may be a long list, the most important thing is to stay calm and stick to your moving day plan. Stay in touch with your movers throughout the process and don't be afraid to ask them questions if something doesn't seem right to you.

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