HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOVE A SMOOTHER MOVE!
Six to Eight Weeks Out: • Call for moving estimates, ask what services they offer, any discounts? • If you are moving out of town, call the Chamber Of Commerce and Visitors & Convention Bureau in your new town and get their new resident information packages. • What are you going to move? Now is the time to Inventory all household items to be moved, and start packing NOW!
- Stock up on packing tape, clear plastic tape - always buy extra no need to always run out an buy more.
- Boxes - use moving boxes and NOT grocery boxes. Moving boxes were designed for moving. Check with your moving company to see if they offer boxes at a discount. Larger communities usually have companies that sell boxes, it would be wise to shop around, boxes can get expensive.
Remember small boxes are for books and heavier items, medium size boxes are for larger but do not over pack these, the heavier the box the more it will cost to pack. Large and XL boxes are for bed linens, pillows etc. Wardrobes are for clothes and some room for shoes in the bottom. Picture boxes are for mirrors and pictures. The key thing to remember is to pack the box from bottom to top and from side to side. extra space will cause the box to crush thus potentially damaging your belongings. - Packing should be done with a plan. Plan each room out.
- Supplies needed include - bubble wrap, packing paper (not news print - the ink will stain your belongings.) black wide tip markers, plastic baggies for small things.
• Now is the time to use not buy, begin using things up that you can't move, like cleaning items and frozen food.
• If professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before move.
Two to Three Weeks Out:
• Arrange to close all local bank accounts Prepare auto(s) for trip to new home. Check tires and have vehicles serviced. • Terminate newspaper and other delivery services at old address. • Give away all plants you don't intend to move. • If you're moving out of a building with elevators, arrange with management for use of elevators on move day. • Withdraw contents of any safe deposit boxes, return library books & rental videotapes, pick up any dry cleaning, etc. • Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers. One Week Out: • Defrost refrigerator/freezer. • Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances. • Make plans for care of small children on moving day. • Transfer or withdraw all funds from local banks. • Separate cartons and luggage items you need for personal travel so they don't get packed on the truck. Make certain everyone has shoes! • Pack a box of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home and have movers put this box on last (clearly mark box as PACK THIS LAST or UNPACK THIS FIRST) or take it with you. • Set aside one room for packers and movers to work in freely. • Arrange to have utilities turned on at new home. • Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks. • Set aside manuals and instructions for your current home for new owner. • Do NOT disconnect your telephone until the day after loading. Moving Day!
• Someone needs to be available all day at house with movers. Review the inventory prior to the load and before they leave. Don't leave until movers have gone. • Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water) before you head out. • Confirm that driver knows the fastest way to your new home, other wise provide easy to read directions. Also provide a contact number in the event they get lost. Remember you know where you are going they don’t! • Review carefully and sign bill of lading and inventory, and keep your copy in a safe place until all charges have been paid at the time of your unload. • You’re done! Well not quite yet, now it is time to do your final walk-through of your old house, including attic and closets, to make sure it's empty. Lock all windows and doors, and drop off keys with Realtor, neighbor or new owner. • Someone needs to be on the destination to assist in the placement of all of your items. Review the final contract, note any additional charges and sign off on everything. Once completely unloaded and in your new home it is time to pay your movers. Tips are customary based on the level of service but are not required. • High-rise or apartment moving with elevators, time is critical because of the limited use of the elevator. Remember time is money, all of your planning will help reduce delays and save you money!
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