Moving Tips

You will need:

• Several rolls of 2" box tape
• Tape dispenser (or two)
• Plenty of cushioning materials like bubble wrap, packing pellets and foam.You can use newspaper to wrap and protect delicates, but it can leave ink smudges. Use it to cushion items that are already protected. Unprinted packing tissue is a favorite of professional movers and keeps items clean.
• Scissors
• Box cutter
• Labels
• Permanent markers
• Consider special boxes for delicate and oddly shaped items like lamps, dishware and framed artwork.

 

Packing:

• Organize and cull before you start and while packing. Keep your destined location in mind and label your boxes accordingly (i.e., contents, room) with a wide marker.This will make unpacking a breeze.
• Designate an out-of-the-way area in your home as a holding area for packed items.
• Set aside a box for essential items like toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc., that will be needed immediately after you move in.
• Start packing in an area of your home that is not often used.
• Set up boxes you are packing at a comfortable height.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box; delicate items should be packed closer to the top. Wrap fragile items separately before placing them in a box with other wrapped items.
• Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds. If YOU can't easily lift the box, it's too heavy–and these boxes will be moved by you! Use small boxes for heavier household items such as books, periodicals, CDs and photo albums. Use large boxes for bigger, lightweight items like linens, pillows and shoes.
  Use medium boxes for mid-weight items like cookware, small appliances and decorative accessories.
• Liberally use a cushioning material like bubble wrap, packing paper or pellets to fill in open spaces between items, at bottom, and top of box to minimize breakage. You can recycle these items once you've unpacked.
• Secure all seams with 2" box tape. Avoid masking tape or duct tape. For heavier boxes, wrap tape twice around the box.
• Boxes containing delicate and breakable items should also be labeled with fragile stickers – place one on top and two on the sides.
• Apply labels (i.e., room) to an inconspicuous area (the back or bottom) of furniture and accessories to avoid marring surfaces.
  
  
  Two Months Before You Move
  
• Decide what items you no longer need. Sell, donate, or discard those items before the move. Plan your moving sale for 2-3 weeks before your actual move. Return any borrowed items and retrieve anything you've loaned to friends or neighbors.
• Have valuables appraised for insurance purposes and check your homeowner's policy for details when moving.
• Check on pricing for professional movers or truck rentals.
• Start a file of paperwork related to the move (contacts, receipts, estimates).
• Make any necessary travel arrangements (hotels, airfare, etc.).
• Notify the U.S. Postal Service, publications, creditors, banks and others of your change of address.
  

  One Month Before You Move

• Set up/cancel utility services.

• Begin packing nonessential items.

• Make reservations with the moving company or truck rental.

  
  Two to Three Weeks Before You Move

• Have a moving sale. Arrange for local charities to pick up unwanted items (be sure to get a receipt for tax purposes).

• Make arrangements to have school, medical, dental and veterinary records transferred.
  

  One Week Before You Move

• Confirm reservation with the moving company or truck rental.

• Place items you plan to move yourself in a separate area.

• Pack a suitcase with clothing, toiletries, medications, first aid kit etc., for immediate use upon arrival.

• Disconnect, defrost and prepare any appliances that will be moved.

• Drain lawn equipment and power tools of gas and oil and drain garden hoses of water.
  

  Moving Day

• Make sure that you or your representative is present at your old residence to supervise the movers.

• Read the bill of lading prepared by your mover carefully before signing it.

• Check your possessions as they are brought into your new home, noting any damage.

• Expect to pay your mover with cash, a certified check or a traveler's check, unless you have previously negotiated another arrangement.

Questions? Contact us today!