Moving Tips

Over the years we've managed to pick up a few tricks of the trade. Whether we are helping with your move or not, dig into our cache of moving tips. 

They make moving easy — easy moves make people happy.

• Tape boxes on top and bottom.
• Clearly label all of your boxes according to their content and handling instructions (e.g.: “Fragile,” “Top Load Only”). You can also categorize the boxes by room using color-coordinated sticker dots.
• Towels and linens make excellent packing materials for fragile items.
• Use closet space to store packed boxes.
• If you are moving into storage, arrange your storage unit in advance. If you have antiques, you may want to reserve a climate controlled storage unit.
• If you are renting a truck, do it as early as possible. Don’t forget to rent plenty of moving blankets! (About 2 blankets per item.)
• Cloth items can be left in drawers.
• Bundle garden tools, fishing poles and the like together.
• When packing breakables use a lot of newsprint, bubble wrap, and other packing materials. There’s no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to your fragile valuables.
• Use linens or blankets for wrapping mirrors, pictures and such.
• Stage coolers on top of the fridge/freezer for when they have to be emptied on moving day
• Always move cash, jewelry, and other precious items yourself.
• Empty lateral file cabinets.
• Movers should not move any flammable materials such as gas, propane, ammo, etc.
• Pack a box of cleaning supplies and keep it under the sink so it’s not misplaced on moving day.
• Be careful not to schedule any important engagements on the evening or day of the move
• In an apartment situation, save space for the moving van by blocking a parking spot with your car overnight.
• Pack things you will need right away (clothes, toiletries, phone, keys, current bills, important papers, et cetera) and move these yourself.

Moving Checklist

Whenever you are preparing a move:

• Get rid of anything you aren't bringing with you and haven’t used in long time
• Find out where to dispose of household chemicals like old paint
• Make a list of everything you're bringing to your new home
• Find out the replacement value of all belongings, for insurance purposes
• Fill out a change of address form. Notify friends, family and others of your new address
• Fill out an IRS change of address form
• Get copies of your medical and dental records, if necessary
• Get copies of veterinary records, if necessary
• Notify your kids' schools and have their records transferred to their new schools
• Return any cable equipment and schedule disconnection dates

8 to 14 days before your move:

• Return library books or any other borrowed items.
• Collect all the items you may have loaned out.
• Make arrangements to disconnect gas, electric and other utilities.
• Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new place.
• Arrange to have major appliances prepped for the move.

2 to 7 days before you move

• Get rid of all flammables.
• Figure out what you're bringing with you in the car.
• Arrange for removal of "installed items" you're bringing with you, like a TV antenna or shelves.
• Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries you'll need the first day in your new home.
• Pack a special box with other essentials you'll need for the first few days. (Make sure to mark this box "Do Not Move").
• The day before moving day
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry.
• Clean and air your stove and other electrics
• Plan your breakfast. Get some paper plates. Eating something on the road is better.
• Pack your personal belongings except your alarm clock.
• Go to sleep early you'll be glad to be fresh on moving day.

Moving Day

• Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place.
• Make sure you're at home when the movers arrive.
• Make sure everything is ready for the move.
• Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone numbers.
• Confirm the earliest possible delivery date
• Before you leave, do a final walk through of every room. Check all closets and cabinets. Say goodbye!