Moving Tips
Moving is probably one of the biggest projects you will ever take on. It’s unbelievable how much you’ve accumulated. That’s why it is important to have a plan of action when you have decided to move. In order to make life much easier, the associates at Moving Out have put together a list of helpful hints for organizing your move. In general, our list provides a guide to certain aspects that may be overlooked. We hope you find the following tips useful.
30 Days until Moving Day:
- Be aware that the summer season is usually the busiest time of the year for movers. In general, it is wise to plan your move and book a moving company way ahead of time, especially during this busy period.
- Create a list of everything you are bringing to your new home. Even though the associates at Moving Out will compile a list of your belongings for pricing purposes, it is always a good idea to compile one of your own for organizational purposes.
- Hold a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity. If you are a previous homeowner, you probably have accumulated many things over the years. Don’t clutter your new home with useless items. Moving is much easier if you figure out what items you truly need.
- Find out if certain appliances or electronics need to be serviced before they leave your old home. Because of the cost of these items, it is best to find out before you have to pay for your mistake later.
- Give your gas, water and electricity companies several days of notice for disconnecting and reconnecting your services. Contact your individual utility companies for specific details.
- Schedule appointments with the phone and cable company in order to have these utilities in place at your new home when you arrive.
- Determine where to place and safeguard irreplaceable items such as wills or deeds, jewelry, photographs, and the like. You may want to inquire about a safety deposit box or arrange something with family to give you peace of mind.
- Contact your local post office and fill out forwarding address forms.
- Settle all bills a few days before moving day to ensure that nothing goes unpaid. Even if you have to pay your vendor or creditor a bit early, you’ll be better off than paying extra fees later.
- Find a place to keep your pets and / or plants; movers will not usually transport these items.
- Start to use most of your food items. Not only will be there be less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry.
On Moving Day:
- Confirm the expected delivery time and/or date with the driver.
- Do a final walk-through of every room. Check all closets and cabinets for items that you might leave behind.
- Bring the children to the babysitter or relatives, if possible, until the move is completed.
- Plan to be at your new location when the movers arrive so you can sign an inventory.
- Do not forget to wipe out all cupboards and shelves at your new home. Use shelving paper to line cupboards and drawers.
- Let all your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in at your new home.
- Congratulate yourself on a successful move!
Packing Tips
Packing is one of the most important aspects of the moving process. Disorganized or careless packing may cause your items to be damaged upon arrival. Although we offer packing services for your convenience, we understand that you and your family are under certain budget constraints. Packing yourself can save you a great deal of money, but remember that you must pack smart or you’ll pay later.
The associates at Moving Out have helped put together some tips for you to begin packing. We could not include all the tricks of the trade into one sheet, but we believe that this is a great place to start. Good Luck.
General Packing Guidelines:
- Pack early! Once you determine your move date, begin organizing and arranging your belongings. An organized packing job means an efficient move and a stress free unpacking process when you arrive at your new home.
- Pack one room at a time. Label each box by room, not by content. In this way, you can manage the unpacking process efficiently.
- Start with the simple items such as books, linens, clothing, and shoes so as not to get overwhelmed. Once you have accomplished this, begin to pack plates, dishes, and small kitchen appliances. Lastly, pack the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances. We encourage you to use professional packers for the larger items.
- When packing a heavier item, use a box that has just enough room, packing it tightly. Don’t try to place everything into one large box - it will make it difficult to move and give a greater chance for it to break. If you can’t lift it, then there is a high probability that it may break.
- With respect to jewelry, photo albums, and various heirlooms and irreplaceable items, pack these items yourself and take them with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage.
- Ensure that you obtain quality materials for your items - choose boxes that are strong and sturdy. And don’t forget to use strong tape. You want to make sure that all your items arrive at their destination without any bumps or bruises.
- For your replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by using boxes that you can obtain from local supermarkets and other retailers and wrapping the items in old newspaper.
- Be aware that certain items should not be packed for transport because they are deemed hazardous, flammable, explosive, or corrosive. These items or materials include such things as paint, paint thinners, oils, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach, and aerosol cans.
- Be aware that movers have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Feel free to ask us for advice when packing awkward items to ensure that we will not turn anything away.
- Make certain that you have disconnected all your major appliances. You will want to do this the night before the movers arrives to load your items.
- Prepare your computer - back-up your important files. You may want to transport your computer by car if you do not feel safe enough have it moved for you.
