Advance planning is critical to any successful relocation.
In order to assist in planning your move, RSI has developed a detailed check list and timeline.
Please contact your Move Manager should you have any questions or require further assistance.
Domestic Guide
Six Weeks Before Your Move
- Review your relocation allowance with your employer. It is important that you understand your company’s relocation policy – verify the expenses they will cover and which expenses will be your responsibility. You may wish to contact the IRS or your accountant regarding tax deductions.
- Determine which items will be shipped. Don’t forget items in the attic, basement, loft, garage, shed, etc.
- Plan a yard sale, call your local charity, or make other arrangements to dispose of items you will not be shipping.
- Complete and return the Transferee Form to your RSI Move Manager. This information will allow your Move Manager to develop a relocation plan to meet your unique needs and requirements.
Four Weeks before Your Move
- Schedule the pre-move survey. Be sure to allow plenty of time to point out the items that will be shipped. Indicate any items that require special care or handling.
- Start a central file for all your moving details. Keep contact details, records, brochures, paperwork, and all important data in one file.
- Call your local garage and schedule an appointment for routine maintenance if you are shipping your vehicle. Note that automobiles may be shipped separately from your household goods. Obtain details from your RSI Move Manager.
- Take pets to the veterinarian for shots and inoculations. Identification and rabies tags should be securely attached to your pet’s collar. Make arrangements at the kennel, if necessary, to board your pet.
- Clean your closets, garage, tool sheds, etc.
- Make a list of everyone you need to notify regarding your move such as: friends and family, insurance company, utility companies, doctors, accountant, bank and lien holders, credit card accounts, service providers, etc.
- Complete a change of address form and return to the post office. Forms are available on line at the US Post Office website.
- Obtain necessary medical and dental records, school records, legal and financial documents, and back up copies for computer files.
- Cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and club memberships.
- If you are flying to your destination, book your flights. Make arrangements for hotel or temporary living accommodations, car rental, etc., if necessary.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce at your destination city for a welcome package. Get acquainted with your new city!
Two Weeks before Your Move
- Transfer prescriptions and ask for medical referrals. Be sure to have an adequate supply of medicine on hand.
- Check with your insurance company to transfer coverage to your new home.
- If driving, have your car cleaned and serviced for the trip. Prepare to have auto registration transferred.
One Week before Your Move
- Contact your RSI Move Manager regarding insurance coverage on your shipment.
- Reconfirm your travel and hotel accommodations at your new destination.
- Arrange parking permits and reserve elevator, if necessary.
- Dispose of house plants – give them to friends and family or donate to a hospital or nursing home.
- Return borrowed items and collect loaned items.
- Arrange for trash to be picked up after you leave.
- Dispose of flammable and explosive items. Typical items classified as dangerous goods that can not be transported are: bleach products, paint, gas cylinders, cleaning fluids, aerosols, gas and kerosene.
- Drain fuel from lawn mower and other machinery. Drain all water hoses.
- Plan your meals to use up perishable and frozen items.
- Arrange child care services and pet care for pack date(s) if necessary.
One Day before Your Move
- Note the crew arrival time which will be confirmed by your RSI Move Manager or booking agent.
- Pack any of your personal belongings that you wish to pack yourself and/or take with you.
- Disconnect TV, stereo and computer components. Pack all connection cords etc. in a clearly marked carton.
- Assemble all airline tickets, currency, credit cards, jewelry, medical records, school records, personal information, documents pertaining to your new home, cell phones and laptop computers. Be sure to keep separate so the packers do not pack in your shipment!
- Defrost and clean freezer and refrigerator. Discard any remaining food items.
Pack and Load Day(s)
- Plan your day so that you will be at your residence while the movers are there. Be available to direct the crew and answer any questions. Point out any items that require special handling or that you will want unloaded first at destination.
- Perform a “walk through” with the crew leader to make sure all items have been packed that are intended to be moved. Check attic, basement, shed, closets, garage, drawers, and cupboards.
- Review the inventory with the crew leader. Sign and date the inventory indicating your acceptance.
- Confirm your delivery address and contact details with your RSI Move Manager and van driver. Provide your travel itinerary so you can be contacted en-route, if necessary.
One Week before Delivery
- Arrange parking permits and reserve elevator, if necessary.
- Organize child care services and pet care for delivery date(s) if necessary.
- Arrange to have carpet cleaning, painting, and home repairs performed at your new residence.
One Day before Delivery
- Review each room layout and determine where you want furniture items placed.
- Note the crew arrival time which will be confirmed by your RSI Move Manager or booking agent.
Delivery Day(s)
- Plan the day so that you will be at your residence while the movers are there. Be available to answer questions.
- Direct the crew where furniture items should be positioned.
- Check items off the inventory as they are placed in your home. Note any missing or damaged items and notify your RSI Move Manger immediately.
- Retain all documents pertaining to your move as they may be needed for verification of expenses when filing your income tax returns.