In order to make your move successful, you will want to start preparing for your move in stages. Manassas Transfer and our van line partner, Bekins Van Lines, Inc., suggest the following move calendar for your Northern Virginia move.
Moving Timeline
If you are working with a more restricted schedule, be sure you to make adjustments to this timeline as you deem necessary, based on the demands of your schedule.
- Is your employer moving you? If so, what will they cover?
- Establish tentative dates for your move
- Make arrangements to sell your current home
- Contact a Manassas Transfer move coordinator to help you plan your move
- Make arrangements to buy or rent a new home/apartment at your new destination
- Determine which items you will not bring with you and make plans for selling or donating them
- Get information about tax-deductible moving costs by contacting the IRS or your accountant
- Make final living arrangements for your new destination, such as finalizing any finances or homeowners insurance
- Research job possibilities for your spouse and educational opportunities for your children
- Does your current bank have a branch in your new destination? If not, you should establish new accounts
- Obtain room measurements of your new home and sketch out a floor plan
- Contact the utility company that services your new residence to transfer service into your name
- Finalize pickup and delivery dates for your move. If you need storage, make arrangements with Manassas Transfer now
- Read these Packing Tips provided by Bekins Van Lines, Inc., if you plan to pack yourself
- Continue sorting your belongings. What will you bring with you? What will you throw away or donate?
- If you have high-value or specialty items that you expect to move, be sure to obtain an appraisal and gather receipts
- Visit www.usps.com to notify the postal service of your new address and send change-of-address cards to friends, relatives and any periodicals you are subscribed to
- Make arrangements for utilities, repairs and/or installations in your new home
- Fill out forms for transferring driver’s license(s) and applying for credit
- Contact your doctor and dentist offices for possible referrals to a new physician and dentist at your new destination. Obtain dental and medical records to take with you
- Are you packing yourself? If so, start now
- Make any travel arrangements such as hotel reservations and car rentals
- Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors
- Relax! Take the family for a farewell drive to some of the places you’ve loved. Have a “going away” party for the kids and their friends
- Take care of bills, stocks and investments
- Take pet(s) to veterinarian for immunization and get a copy of their records for your new veterinarian
- Transfer bank accounts
- Drain oil and gasoline from power equipment
- Have your car serviced before the trip
- Transfer any prescriptions
- Make arrangements for delivery services such as newspapers to be discontinued
- Start gathering those items you plan to take with you on your trip
- Pack your luggage
- Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer if they are being moved
- Obtain cash or travelers checks for any trip expenses
What to Take with You During Your Move
Manassas Transfer and Bekins Van Lines, Inc., offer some suggestions of what you may need to take with you during your move. These items may differ depending on the length of you trip, how you are traveling and whether you have small children and pets.
- Suitcases
- Moving paperwork
- Credit cards, cash
- House and car keys
- Irreplaceable items, valuables
- Kids’ toys
- Pre-moistened towels
- Drinking water & beverages
- Snacks
- Pet food and dishes
- Blankets and pillows
- First aid kit
- Road maps
- Photo identification
- Car registration, proof of insurance
