Moving Tips
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Storing and Packing:
- Purchase packing paper, pads for inventory, heavy markers, packing tape, and string.
- Get boxes – strength rated packing boxes are best
- Empty small engine gas tanks (lawnmower, weedeaters, outboard engines, etc.).
- Remove batteries from appliances and toys.
- Dismantle large power tools before moving.
- Ensure lids and tops are secure on all food/cleaner bottles and containers.
- Limit carton weight to no more than 50 lbs.
- Pack heavy items in smaller boxes (e.g. books).
- Mark contents of all boxes and which room they should be placed in
e.g. bedroom #2).
- Put things for personal vehicles in boxes specially marked “For My Car”.
- Indicate which cartons you want loaded first or last.
- Mark delicate items “Fragile”.
- Number your boxes. Keep inventory.
- Wrap glass items individually, especially china.
- Pictures, mirrors, glass table tops, etc. Can be covered with cardboard flats.
- Stereo, television, and other home entertainment components should be packed in original boxes if available (otherwise securely wrap in blankets).
- CDs, tapes albums should be placed in upright position.
- Wrap table lamps in towels. (Pack lamp shades separately.)
- Small appliances should be individually wrapped.
- Small boxes should be placed inside larger boxes.
- Tie or tape brooms and mops together.
- Tie or tape boxes securely.
- Protect clothing in wardrobes or plastic covers.
- Keep valuables (jewelry, papers, etc.) with you.
- Keep tools accessible.
- Keep your telephone book with you.
Be Careful:
- Avoid overloading dresser drawers.
- Do not use newspaper to wrap cloth items (ink may stain).
- Remove glass or other shelving in refrigerators, entertainment units, etc.
- Don’t tie furniture with ropes (rubbing can cause damage).
- Put cleaners, fluids, and food items in separate boxes.
On Moving Day:
- Count boxes
- Examine all boxes for damaged or missing items. (Make note of losses.)
- Check appliances, lighting, utilities upon arrival at new home (call for services required).
- Ensure meters were read.
- Set-up kitchen and bedrooms first.
Moving Checklist:
- Obtain estimates from moving companies.
- Give away, sell or discard any unnecessary belongings
- Advise Post Office and complete change of address cards to inform companies, friends, relatives etc. of your move.
- Obtain school records for new school transfer.
- Check and clear any outstanding realty taxes on your present property.
- Call your insurance sales representative and transfer or arrange coverage for your new home.
- Send out all items for cleaning or in need of repair.
- Dispose of flammable items.
- Arrange to have all utilities shut off and meters read
- Have utilities reconnected at your new home.
- Try to arrange your telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment on moving day.
- Clean floors and carpet.
- Clean fridge (defrost) and stove one day before move.
- Remove fixtures that are to be moved.
- Organize work that has to be completed on your new home before moving in.
- Obtain appraisals for any items of value in case you need to make an insurance claim from the moving company – pictures are helpful.
- Make arrangements to discontinue cleaning services, pool maintenance, snow removers, landscapers, etc.
- Ensure that adequate insurance is “still in effect” for all your household belongings while they are in transit or storage.
- Notify your financial suppliers (credit card issuers, insurance companies, bank or trust, etc.)
- Arrange for transfer of medical records and recurring prescriptions.
- If possible, arrange to have children and pets taken care of elsewhere on moving day.