PODS Container Moving – Pros and Cons of the System
Moving is no small task, and when you are getting ready to relocate, whether it be across town or across the country, you’re likely looking for the most secure and hassle-free solution while keeping expenses within your budget. Using the moving PODS system, or Portable on Demand Storage, is one of the few choices available to you.
However, is the PODS system really your best choice when you’ve made the decision to relocate? When you weigh out the costs and benefits, how does using PODS compare to hiring a professional moving service or even enduring the pains of moving by renting a moving truck and doing it all yourself?

Moving Checklist
Create a checklist based on a reasonable timeline that will work for you right through to the day of your move. The following are suggestions that will help you prepare.

Six weeks prior to moving day: List all items which are to be moved, preferably room by room Contact moving companies to obtain estimates, three companies should suffice Plan the date of the move after closing on your new home Contact telephone, electric, utility, and cable companies regarding the procedure to return deposits and disconnect services. Set a specific date if known Check with any other companies such as security, lawn service, etc. for final bill Contact the post office for change of address and date of move. Use mover's kit for notifying correspondents and publication of change of address Register children in new schools by obtaining records from current school to transfer. Transfer club memberships if possible or have fees refunded Review homeowner's insurance; notify of cancellation if new insurance is obtained Clean out closets, sheds, toys, bookcases, etc. Schedule a garage sale if feasible. Consider donating items to charity. Obtain receipt for goods for tax purposes Check with your tax agent to identify any costs that may be deductible. You can also find details at the Internal Revenue Service web site at http://www.irs.gov for further information about tax deductible costs related to your move.

Two to three weeks prior to moving day:
Contact telephone, electric, utility, and cable companies to confirm date to discontinue service. Discontinue other services such as newspaper, dairy, security. Be sure date of moving into new residence coincides with new services such as telephone company, utility services and electric! Verify with moving company last minute details and packing plan Obtain copies of all medical records, prescriptions needed, and referrals at new location for physicians and dentists, if possible Remember to remove items from school, office and lockers at gym Keep important documents and jewelry with you; they should not be packed .

One week prior to moving day:
Use up cleaning supplies, aerosol containers (like hairspray), bleach, etc. Do not pack or ship flammable items Food or frozen items cannot be packed; use as much as possible; then prepare to clean out refrigerator Pack a container to include first aid kit, some essential toiletry items as well as a hammer and screwdriver Prepare your children and pets for moving by packing a special box for their entertainment. This can include snacks and toys Remove fuel from equipment such as lawn mowers, gas grills, and, of course, gas from motorcycles Prepare for your first night in the new residence by packing linens and pillows in dresser drawers.

The day before your move: Defrost and clean refrigerator and freezer Mark all boxes with the contents and designate room location Have someone supervising the packing Fragile items and valuables may be packed prior to the mover's arrival; decide whether the movers are moving these items or not Arrange with the new owners or real estate person where to leave keys Leave information with the police in case of emergency and be certain a trusted friend or relative has knowledge of your whereabouts Prepare your checklist of items so that you may compare with the mover's inventory. Determine whether or not it is necessary to take photographs.

Day of move: Review the 'Bill of Lading' and mover's inventory for completeness before signing Keep copies of all transactions for income tax purposes, including lodging, transportation, meals and gas Search the entire house before movers leave Confirm directions, name of driver and new numbers of destination Load up items including luggage and valuables before movers leave Plan to arrive at destination prior to movers. Verify if there are additional charges applied if the movers arrive first.

Move-in day: Check all appliances for functioning condition. Call repair service if needed Check with post office for any mail being held Check-in all boxes being unloaded by movers on inventory list. Make note of any damage for insurance purposes.

Following these recommended steps will minimize much of the stress of moving.