Moving Tips

•	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.
•	Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers.
•	If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, 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.
•	With regards to 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, theaters, life styles – it’s never too early to find out about your new home.
•	Start running down freezer stocks.
•	Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.

Packing Materials
Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials. Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your grocery or liquor store. Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items. *WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores. Here's a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:

•	Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
•	Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn."
•	Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
•	Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
•	Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
•	Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
•	Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
•	Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Packing Pointers
Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

•	Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
•	Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
•	Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It's a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
•	Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available.
•	Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
•	Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
•	Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size -- the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Dish-ware

•	Select a medium-sized carton (or mover provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
•	With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
•	Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
•	Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
•	Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
•	Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
•	Seal the bundle with packing tape.
•	Place the bundle of dish-ware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

Packing Cups

•	With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
•	Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
•	Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
•	Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
•	Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
•	Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.

Packing Glasses and Stemware

•	Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
•	Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
•	Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dish-ware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.
•	Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.
•	No matter what you're packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there's a gap. All boxes with "fragile" items should be marked accordingly.

Specialized Packing Tips
The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.

•	Bureau Drawers -- Don't overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.
•	Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food -- Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don't attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
•	Frozen Foods and Plants -Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.
•	Clocks -- Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
•	Drapes and Curtains -- Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
•	Flammables and Combustibles -- Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.
•	Lamps and Lampshades -- Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
•	Medicines -- Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
•	Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures -- Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
•	Personal Computers and Video Recorders -- Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old Mover Serviceset or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is "parked" and ready for transport.
•	Silverware -- Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old Mover Serviceset or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
•	Tools -- Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
•	Waterbed Mattresses -- Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
•	Cars and Motorcycles -- Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.
•	Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks -- Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

It's really never too soon to begin planning for a move, and veteran movers have found that a comprehensive timetable and checklist is the best strategy to ensure a smooth relocation. It's also a great way to involve the entire family in the move and to spread some of the responsibilities to each person, including your children.

You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as items are checked off. Moreover, as the weeks roll by, your checklist will help ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning, and that alone will go a long way toward relieving some of your anxiety.

Eight Weeks Before Your Move

•	Contact your mover to make arrangements for moving day.
•	Remove items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
•	Start to use up things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
•	Contact the chamber of commerce or visitor's and tourism bureaus in your new community for information on your new city.

Six Weeks Before Your Move

•	If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
•	Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible.
•	Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year?
•	Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
•	Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities.
•	Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents.
•	If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your relocation consultant should be able to help.)
•	Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.

Four Weeks Before Your Move

•	Submit a Change of Address form to the post office.
•	Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.
•	Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.
•	Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's or renter's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
•	If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from your local mover. Pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.
•	Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.

Three Weeks Before Your Move

•	Make travel arrangements and reservations for your moving trip. However, don't make plane reservations for the same day that you're moving out. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.
•	Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).
•	Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

Two Weeks Before Your Move

•	Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) for the type of weather conditions you'll be traveling in.
•	If you're moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators.
•	Contact your relocation consultant to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.

One Week Before Your Move

•	Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
•	Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.
•	Take pets to the veterinarian for any needed immunizations. Get copies of pets' veterinary records.
•	Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
•	Give away plants not being moved.
•	Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)

Two Days Before Your Move

•	Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.
•	Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. (Again, your relocation consultant can help with arrangements for a third party to provide these services.)
•	Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you in your car.
•	Organize and set aside those things that you're taking with you so that they don't get loaded on the van in error.
•	Contact your relocation consultant to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify them of any last minute details.

Moving Day

•	Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions.
•	Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
•	Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these -- and all related papers -- in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.

Accessorial (Additional) Services

Services such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or piano stair carries that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.

Advanced Charges

Charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman or other third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.

Agent

The local moving company representing a national van line. May serve as booking, origin, destination and/or hauling agent.

AMSA Certified Mover

An interstate carrier that transports your household goods shipment under its own operating authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration. AMSA Certified Movers subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct and have pledged to conduct their business in the most efficient and professional manner possible.

AMSA Certified Van Line

An interstate carrier that transports your household goods shipment under its own authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration, on a national basis. Van Lines use a network of agents throughout the country to provide the origin, destination and hauling services needed to accomplish your move. Like Certified Movers, AMSA Certified Van Lines subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct. They have pledged to conduct their business in the most efficient and professional manner possible and are responsible for the acts of their agents.

Appliance Service

Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment.

Bill of Lading

The receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.

Booking Agent

Agent or person who sells and registers your move. A booking agent does not necessarily have to be located at or near the origin or destination.

Carrier

The mover providing transportation of your household goods.

Change Order

A form used to amend the amount indicated on the original estimate due to the addition or deletion of items to be shipped or services requested by the customer.

C.O.D.

Transportation for a private shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).

Destination Agent

Agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary services and information at the end of your move.

Estimate

A general calculation of the transportation charges, as well as costs for additional services requested by the customer. Includes an estimation of shipment weight.

Expedited Service

An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.

Flight Charge

An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service

An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.

Hauling Agent

Agent who owns the van assigned by the van line to transport your possessions.

High Value Article

Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly.

Inventory

The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.

Linehaul Charges

Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.

Long Carry

An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence.

Order for Service

The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

Order (Bill of Lading) Number

The number used to identify and track your shipment.

Origin Agent

Agent at origin responsible for performing packing and preparing necessary documentation.

Peak Season Rates

Higher linehaul charges that are applicable during the summer months.

Pickup and Delivery Charges

Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the SIT warehouse and your residence.

Registration Number

The number assigned by the van line to identify your shipment. Found in the upper right-hand corner of the Order for Service and the bill of lading.

Relocation Consultant

The agent sales representative responsible for providing the customer with an estimate of the cost of his/her move, as well as for answering any and all questions the customer might have with regard to the moving process.

Shuttle Service

Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal linehaul equipment.

Storage-In-Transit (SIT)

Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation, for example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

Valuation

The degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges. This is also known as Extra Care Protection.

Van Foreman

The van driver having overall responsibility for the loading, transport, and unloading of the customer's belongings.

Van Line

The national moving company through which affiliated agents are granted the necessary authority to transport interstate shipments. The van line handles dispatching, shipment routing and monitoring, paperwork processing, and claims settlement for all interstate shipments handled by its agents.

Warehouse Handling

An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

Atlas World Group, Inc.
Atlas World Group, Inc., based in Evansville, Indiana, is the holding company for Atlas Van Lines, Inc., a nationwide interstate motor carrier.

ASIST - Atlas System for Internet Shipment Tracking
Track your Atlas shipment on-line.

USPS Change of Address Form
The on-line "Change of Address" form, from the United States Postal Service.

MoversNet
Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing, a service offered by the USPS. Offers links for getting a new driver's license and registering your vehicle per state.

The Online Chambers of Commerce
A resource for locating Chambers of Commerce on the Internet.

Google Maps
Find businesses, get directions, or just browse maps.

Mapquest
The original internet map and directions site.

The Weather Channel
Weather forecasts, driving conditions, and more!

Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service - United States Department of Treasury.