Moving Tips

• • 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.