Tips

A> Before you move

Qualifying -- The moving company should be in the moving industry for more than a decade, we strongly recommend you should find a reliable mover like ChinaWay to arrange your move;
Studying -- Learn customs regulations in your destination country;
Decide -- What to ship , what to leave or sold, What goes air what by sea;
Contact ChinaWay;

Be certain that the mover has marked all items that are "going" and "not going" on the survey sheet. The mover will prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you requested. Keep in mind that if you decide to take more items or take fewer items the total cost of your move will change. Inform the mover of any changes with your shipment.

If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by the customer. However, if there is obvious exterior damage on packing up your goods, make a note on the inventory sheet of your shipment.

B> Moving process

C> Top 20 moving tips

Work through the following tips. The higher you go, the closer you are to your move.

Clear out unwanted goods – hold a garage sale.
Get rid of flammables – paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
Separate books – disposable, family reading, valuable.
Check all electrical goods – will they work in the new home?
Start making up your change of address list.
Arrange to have mail forwarded.
Agree termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers, and ask for bills to be made out.
If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, check the loft to see if you still have their original boxes.
Have rugs cleaned.
If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
Round up personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
To say nothing of family pets – make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
Shops, schools, theatre, life styles – it’s never too early to find out about your new home. Go to the Internet or contact your local embassy for information. Many movers can supply you with country information.
Start running down freezer stocks.
Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on.

D> Moving Guide by weeks

Six(6)-Eight(8) Weeks Prior to Move

Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start working on the details of your move.

Check with the movers to ensure your move is scheduled.

Think about your new home layout and start thinking about where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home and this will help reduce the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home.

All travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your family should be made at this time. Try to keep your plan as flexible as possible to accommodate any schedule changes or delays.

Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder.

Finalize all real estate and rental needs.

Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.

All medical and dental records should be placed in a safe and accessible place. Be sure to include prescription and vaccination records.

Plan on taking all important documents, such as stock certificates, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.) with you. Place the items in one easily identifiable and easy to locate folder.

Return all the things you have borrowed.

Four (4)-Five(5) Weeks Prior to Move

You can make copies of the change of address form or make up your own change of address notice to give to the following people and businesses.

Friends and family
Banks
Insurance companies
Credit card companies
Doctors, dentists and any other service providers
Clubs or Associations
Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions

This is a good time to take a look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. All items such as old books, magazines, broken items and old toys can be left behind. Remember, adding more weight to your shipment will cost you more money.

Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will not transport, what items your agent will move and what items you will move yourself.

Make a decision on who will do most of or all of the packing. It is a good idea that you let the agent do most of the packing. The moving agents know the best methods for keeping items safe and secure as this is what they do for a living.

If you do most of the packing or all the packing please refer to our packing guide. Ask the moving agent you use for further details about handling unusual and delicate items and begin preparing those items that are not frequently used.

Contact utility providers (e.g. telephone, gas, electric, cable TV and trash collection) at new and old locations with your moving date to make arrangements for connection and disconnection.

Complete banking arrangements in old and new location and transfer any funds to your new bank if necessary.

Three (3) Weeks Prior to Move

Notify your moving 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 and inform the moving agent if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment.

Decide how much packing you will handle yourself. You should inform the moving agent of any items that you decided for him/her to pack.

Whether you move your car with the moving agent or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for a car pick up at this time.

Consider giving your plants to friends or a charity if you are moving from one state to another.

Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper up to date health certificates and rabies inoculations.

You will need to carry all valuable jewelry with you. If you have any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

Two(2) Weeks Prior to Move

Clear all your safety deposit boxes.

Disconnect and disassemble your computer system before your move. Back up all your computer files on a disk. Consider taking all back up files and disks with you in the car or whatever mode of transportation you will be using to get to your new home. Remember, exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software.

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. Please refer to the "items not to pack" section for more information on what you cannot or should not ship.

Drain your lawn mower and power tools of all the oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.

Schedule appliance disconnection and preparation with a service provider.

Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries

Clean out gym and school lockers

One(1) Week Prior to Move

Return any borrowed items such as library books. Also collect all items that are being repaired stored or cleaned (clothing, furs, shoes etc.).

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.

Make sure to separate out which items you'll take with you and which items the movers will take. Items you may wish to take with you could be jewelry and important documentation.

Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house including minor repairs.

Mark the boxes to be shipped with the words, "Fragile", "Do Not Load" and "Load Last" stickers.

Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.

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.

Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number of your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you will get to your new home.

Arrange for payment to the moving agent. Contact your moving agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted.

Verify your insurance you have chosen with your moving agent. Refer to our "Insurance and Liability" guide for more information.

Pick up any dry cleaning and laundry.

Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.

Return videos and library books.

Prepare 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.

Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.

If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move, notify the police.

Moving Day!
Move out day and Move in day

"Work" with the movers and be on hand when the movers arrive. If you are not able to be present while the movers are there, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. Let the moving agent know to whom you have given the authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do and which valuation liability program and amount you have selected. This person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.

Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.

Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading. Stay there in case there are any questions.

If you cannot be at your home while the van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your representative's name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.

By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed. Document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the moving agent at destination, immediately. Make sure you have your reference number when calling the moving agent for questions or concerns. You will also be asked to sign the bill of lading and pack/unpack certificate.

Get a baby sitter for your kids during the loading and unloading process.

Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the loading and unloading process.

Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home. Have your phone connected a day before move-in day.