Moving And Packing Tips

A little advice on moving can save you a lot of time and money. These tips are time tested and can make your move less stressful.

• Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in larger boxes.
• Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so they’ll be easily available the first night in your new home.
• Place a sock or nylon stocking in your refrigerator with a cup of baking soda, charcoal or fresh coffee to keep the interior smelling fresh.
• Pack your current phone book – you may need to call residents or businesses in your former hometown.
• Records and plates should be packed on end vertically, rather than stacked.
• Make sure medicine and other toiletries have lids on securely prior to packing.
• Remove bulbs from lamps before packing.
• Clearly label each carton with room number plus contents.
• Ask a friend to keep your children and pets when packing and on moving day.
• If packing yourself, pack several cartons each day rather than all at once.
• Pack on a room-by-room basis. Don’t mix items from different rooms in one box.
• Allow children to pack their favorite toys. This gives them a stronger sense of belonging.
• Be cautious with boxes from grocery or liquor stores. They may not be clean and may not have the strength to withstand the weight of items you’re packing.
• Hazardous materials may not be moved
  • Paint
  • Varnish
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Oil
  • Bottled gas
  • Aerosol cans
  • Nail polish/remover
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives

 

Pack a “survival” kit which you carry in your car, or have first off the truck.

• Basic Tools – Hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.
• Bathroom products – soap, toilet paper, towels, etc.
• Kitchen items – Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, etc.
• Cleaning products – Cleansers, broom, dustpan, sponges, etc.

Load your plants in the moving truck last, and unload them first – check with the U. S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants.

 

Moving Checklist & Timetable As Soon As You Know . . .

• Meet as a family, discuss the move and plan to make everyone part of the move.
• Ask friends, neighbors and relatives for recommendations of moving companies.
• Plan a house hunting trip to your new location.
• Notify your real estate specialist of the dates you’ll be in the new location to house hunt.
• Start your mortgage pre-approval process
• Make a house hunting trip to your new location and bring maps, notebooks, etc.
• Decide what to move and what not to move. Consider a garage sale!
• Get estimates from several moving companies
• Subscribe to the local newspaper in your new location (to be mailed to you)
• Get information on schools and businesses in your new location
• Take pictures of your new home
• Start collecting packing boxes and material
• If moving at your company’s request, find out what they will pay for 1 Month+ before the move . . .
• Request records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental x-rays and vaccinations
• Obtain your children’s school records to make for an easier transfer
• Draw a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed
• This will eliminate confusion for you and your movers
• Pay existing bills and close out local charge accounts
• Record expenses incurred during your house hunting trips and continue throughout your move
• Read information given you by moving companies and ask questions on any parts you do not understand
• Start packing anything you won’t need for at least six more weeks
• Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved
• Begin notifying credit card and other companies of your change of address
• Check homeowners insurance for coverage while moving.
• Transfer fire, theft, personal property insurance to your new home
• Transfer personal insurance records
• Give notice of resignation to any clubs, organizations or volunteer activities to which you belong
• Give day care center proper notice of withdrawal
• Arrange for transport of pets or automobiles, if needed
• Take one night off to relax!!

 

2 Weeks Before The Move . . .

• Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take
• Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale or call a charity for pick-up
• Clean out club lockers, pick up dry cleaning
• Complete travel arrangements for trip to your new location
• Have vet prepare pet health certificates
• Arrange, if possible, to have utility service established in new city
• Arrange for disconnection or changeover of utilities in the house you’re selling
• If driving, have your car serviced for the trip to your new location
• Clean out cupboards and plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don’t need.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of medications and they are with you for the trip
• Transfer prescriptions and medical records
• Take time off with the family!

 

1 Week Before The Move . . .

• Re-confirm travel reservations
• Make an inventory list of all items going with you in the car

 

Confirm arrangements and dates for

• Auto transportation
• Pet transportation
• Hotel reservations
• Temporary housing arrangements
• Inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address. If our phone service doesn’t start immediately, arrange for a temporary voice mail box – some long distance providers will offer this service
• Drain gas from lawnmower, snow blower, etc.
• Drain water hoses
• Clean out and defrost the deep freezer
• Check contents of drawers for liquids or breakables
• Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner
• Put together your “survival kit” for the move.
• Check and close your safety deposit box
• Pack everything you’ll need for several days after you arrive at your new destination

 

1-2 Days before the move . . .

• Close bank accounts
• Make sure certain boxes are marked for “Load Last, Unload First”
• Purchase traveler’s checks for the trip, if long distance
• Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home
• Unplug TV’s 24 hours before move so they are at room temperature on moving day
• Disconnect computer and secure
• Have a first-aid kit available, just in case

 

When You Arrive At Your Destination

• Contact the moving company’s agent and inform him where and how you can be reached
• Make certain the house is ready for occupancy when the van arrives
• Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly
• Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely.
• If not yet done, get in touch with the utility companies and make arrangements for service
• Be on hand to accept delivery of your furnishings. Appoint one person to supervise the move
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is any change in condition, note changes and/or missing items on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet.
• Personally report any loss/damage to the mover’s agent immediately
• Be prepared to direct where each piece of furniture is to be placed
• Allow the children to help. Let them feel needed. Assign them light, but important, duties such as unpacking and arranging their own toys and possessions
• Make the beds so you can get a good night’s rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow
• Make your first room to unpack the kitchen. At least you’ll be able to make a cup of coffee and have a snack!
• Take a break every couple of hours
• Hook up your TV and VCR and watch a familiar “feel good” movie the first evening
• Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on “moving-in” day.
• Take a few minutes to relax!

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