Home > I am Moving > Plan Your Move

The summer months are "peak" moving season, if you can be flexible about when you move, don't wait until the summer. The winter holiday season also tends to be busy so if you need to move during those time periods it is best to plan ahead. It is also important to note that the last week of the month is usually a busy time for movers.

Eight Weeks before you move...

Tour your whole house (don’t forget attic, basement or garage) and decide which items should be sold (consider a garage sale), donated to charity, or discarded.
Call Baron Worldwide and schedule your move / in-home survey.
Apply for any necessary visas.

Six Weeks before the move...

Call physicians and dentists. Get copies of your records, you might want them to write out details of long-term conditions that you will be seeing a doctor for in the future (American abbreviations might not be clear to overseas doctors).
Arrange transfer of school records.
Check homeowner's insurance policies to see if moving is covered and if they will issue a policy on a home in a foreign country.
Transfer personal insurance records.
Make proper provision for shipping pets. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Decide whether or not you are taking your car.
Start to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address.
Save address labels / names from mail you wish to have forwarded.
Notify banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions (save address labels from magazines ahead of time), and rental companies.
Start to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation.
Check that electrical goods will work in your new home - the voltage in many foreign countries is not compatible with your present large appliances.

Four Weeks Before the Move...

Make your travel reservations for the trip.
Get copies of renewable prescriptions.
Dispose of the things you don’t want to take. (give away, have sale, put in garbage)
Find new home for your plants.
Start to dismantle climbing frames, garden furniture, etc.

Three Weeks Before the Move...

Plan to use up most food items before the move.
Arrange to have major appliances serviced before you move them – (if you sell your appliances with your home, remember to leave them the instruction manuals for your appliances).
Movers can't take aerosols, flammables, corrosives or ammunition. It's best to use them up or give them away before you move. Propane tanks must be emptied and certified as well as lawnmower and other equipment fuel tanks.

Two Weeks Before the Move...

Confirm your travel reservations for the trip.
Notify the Post Office and get change of address forms. Note: You must fill out a change-of-address form for each person receiving mail at your address.
Close or transfer all charge accounts.
Return library books and other things you've borrowed. Collect things you've loaned, and items in layaway, cold storage, etc.
Arrange to discontinue utilities and delivery services.

One Week Before the Move...

Transfer bank accounts, however you might find it helpful to also retain an American bank account.
Fill out valued inventory form (see forms/documents tab) to determine how much insurance coverage you will be purchasing. (If you wish to make you own list that is fine)
Cancel milk, newspapers and other deliveries.
Arrange for cable TV disconnection.
Defrost, clean and dry deep freeze. We recommend that the inside be cleaned out with a bleach and water solution. The unit should be dried and aired to avoid mold growth and a musty odor.
Arrange connection of utilities in new home. Draw up a floor plan of your new home, and indicate placement of furnishings. It makes moving in twice as easy.
Separate luggage items you need for personal travel.
Set aside clothing, toiletry, maps, games/toys, snacks, and other items you'll take on your trip.
Start packing suitcases.
Gather medicines and important papers for the trip.
Drain water from all garden hoses.
Drain gasoline from lawn mower, leave cap off so it air dries (tape cap to unit).
Clean garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment.
Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances.
Check you have enough medication to last till you get your shipment (which could be as long as two months or more depending on where you are moving to) and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination.
Collect traveler’s checks or local currency.
Arrange for someone to look after the children on moving day.
Anything Baron Worldwide is packing should be left in place. It's easier and safer, for example, to pack glassware right from the cabinet it's kept in. Remember, if you want it insured, do not pack it yourself, the movers must pack it.

The Day Before the Move...

Get name, address and phone number of your destination agent.
Finish packing all suitcases.
Defrost, clean and dry refrigerator. We recommend that the inside be cleaned out with a bleach and water solution. The unit should be dried and aired to avoid mold growth and a musty odor.
Disconnect electrical equipment so they will be at room temperature for packing (i.e.: TV, computers, etc.)

The Day of the move...

Be on hand all day to answer questions, accompany driver during inventory and sign packing inventory when shipment is loaded.
Confirm your new address and/or contact information at destination. (Cell phone number you are keeping, e-mail address you will be checking during the move and upon arrival, phone number of where you will be staying upon arrival.)
Make final check of every room, cupboard, closet and storage area (don’t forget the attic, garage or basement), making sure everything has been packed and loaded. Make sure windows and doors are locked, keys are transferred and lights are out.