BBB Advice for Avoiding a Moving Scam

- Write everything down. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system.
- Have plenty of supplies. You'll need plenty of boxes; probably more boxes than you think. If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day such as bedding, clothing and cleaning supplies.
- Notify the post office, magazines, credit card companies, and friends and family of your change of address. The U. S. Postal Service offers a kit to make this process easier.
- Contact utilities (gas, water, electricity, telephone, cable company) to schedule disconnection of services on the day following your move. Call the utilities in your new town to arrange for service to start the day before your move so that you have service when you arrive at your new home.
- Write directions to your new home for the mover. Provide the new phone number and your cell phone where you can be reached in transit. Don't forget to leave your forwarding address and phone number for your home's new occupants.

- Color code: Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. In your new home, put a matching sticker on the door to each room so that the movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination.
- Pack ahead. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
- Put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and clean anything possible ahead of time.
- Safeguard valued items. It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections or antiques with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
- Keep important papers with you. These might include: birth certificates, school records, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps and more.
- Pack personal boxes. Let each family member fill a box with items they'll want "right away" in the new home such as a set of sheets, a towel, extension cords, address book, pens and paper, and travel cosmetic case.

In business, time is money. Use these helpful tips to make moving into your new offices quick and speedy.

Before Your Move:
- Make a packing plan. Identify the items you can pack early, those you'll need during the final week or two before the move, and those that can't be packed until the last couple of days.
- Your packing plan should include a list of what you'll need immediately after you arrive at your new premises. For example: faxes, telephones, computers and deadline-related materials.
- A week before the move, call your mover and confirm your reservation.
- Make sure your utilities are transferred. A few days before the move, confirm all the necessary changes with your electricity, public utilities and telephones.
- Back up your computer data files. This cannot be overemphasized. The information in your computer systems is extremely valuable and losing it could cause you endless difficulties.

- As soon as you can, pick up the boxes and packing materials from your mover or other sources.
- Reserve enough boxes for those things you can't pack until the last minute.
- Pack according to your packing plan. Mark the boxes or containers to reflect their priority for unpacking, especially the items you'll need right after you arrive at your new premises. Color-coded stickers are a good way of denoting high, medium and low priority items. Keep in mind the need to get your business up and running as soon as possible after the move.
- Computers, phones, faxes and other office equipment will likely be a priority to unload and set up. To make this easier, put all components, operating manuals, cables and other essentials in clearly marked containers and keep them together. Make sure you know how to hook everything up with a minimum of delay.

- Make sure the high priority items are loaded last so they'll come off the truck first.
- Once the movers are ready to go, confirm when they'll arrive at your new premises.

Moving to a new home can be stressful. Here is a list of things to keep in mind when getting ready to move.
Things to do Before Your Move:
- Stay connected: Make a list of your closest friends' phone numbers and e-mail addresses so you can keep in touch with them.
- Write a list of who you want to say goodbye to before you leave, maybe your babysitter, favorite neighbor or teacher. Show the list to your parent(s) and then you can call, e-mail them or give them a goodbye hug.
- Think of your favorite places, like the park and the ice cream store,that you want to visit one more time before you move. Talk to your parent(s) about when you can go.
- Start drawing a cool design for your bedroom in your new home. Think about the colors you want to paint it and where to put your bed.

- Moving is a good reason to get rid of junk you don't need anymore. Go through your toys and games and put them into three groups:
--> Things you want to take with you to the new home.
--> Things to toss out (broken toys and games with missing pieces).
--> Things you don't want, but could be given away to other kids.
- The first night in your new home is special. Think about things you want with you, such as your favorite pajamas or stuffed animal. Pack these in your suitcase or backpack.
- Take some things to do on the airplane or in the car on the way to the new home, such as books, games or your CD player.

- You've got a new address! Don't forget to memorize it and your new phone number.
- Explore your new community. Make a list of things you want to see, do and look for in your new community. Show your parent(s) and talk about when you can start.
- Send an e-mail to your friends to tell them how you're doing and to update them on your new home.