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- Clear away clutter
- Keep good records
- Get help
- Make memories
- Pack properly
- Facilitate the process
- Plan ahead
- Be safe
- Enjoy the trip
- Unpack with care
1. Clear away clutter
Clean out closets, drawers and storage areas. If you haven’t used an item in the last two years, you don’t need it! It will cost you dearly to keep it - the dollars to move it, your time to pack and unpack it, and space in the new location to store it. Hold a yard sale and put the profits toward decorating your new home. Or give the money to your children in return for their help. Another option is to donate the items to charity. Remember to save your receipts for tax purposes.
2. Keep good records
Establish a large manila envelope or folder as a repository for all receipts and records pertaining to your move. Keep a log of house hunting trips including the purpose of the trip, dates, destination, mileage, meals, lodging and other expenses. Always keep receipts and records of capital improvements made to your home. Many expenses may be tax deductible. Don’t pack this envelope, keep it with you to add to while traveling to your new destination.
Consider making notes of important phone conversations prior to moving. You may need to refer to your notes at a later date. Make a list of all phone numbers you will need. Bring a phone book from your old home to your new destination. This will be especially helpful if you move into temporary housing.
Keep a record of important prescriptions and make sure you have an ample supply to carry over until you can visit your new physician.
3. Get help
Consider having a packing party with friends. This is a chance to make memories with friends and get help at the same time. Hire a maid service to clean your old home once it is emptied of furniture and boxes. Hire a lawn service to maintain your yard the last few weeks before you move. Your energies will be needed elsewhere…and your lawnmower will need to be emptied of gasoline for the move!
4. Make memories
If you have children, a sleep over party before moving could be the source of great parting memories. Consider giving each child a disposable camera. Encourage everyone to order double prints to be exchanged with each other by mail after you have moved. Buy an oversized tee shirt or pillowcase for your child. Allow classmates and friends to record their names and messages to your child in permanent marker on the fabric.
Make a list of friends and collect their e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers and birth dates before you move.
5. Pack properly
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes that can easily be lifted. Clearly mark boxes as to where they should be unloaded. Be cautious about packing liquids, mark these boxes “This End Up”. Tape down the lids of liquid medicines, glues, craft supplies, cosmetics, etc. Most movers will not transport paints, aerosols, ammunition and many cleansers. Make sure you check with the mover before packing questionable items.
Empty all loose articles from drawers. Light clothing and linens can usually be left in furniture drawers.
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This page is reprinted with permission from napierera.com. |
6. Facilitate the process
Make a floor plan of each room in your new residence. Determine in advance where furnishings will be placed. Mark the location of furnishings on your floor plan. Clearly label each room and accurately describe each piece of furniture. Post a copy of the plan at the doorway of each room before the movers arrive. This is the best planning you can do to greatly eliminate confusion for yourself and the movers when furnishings are unloaded.
Hire a babysitter during the loading of the moving van. If you have pets, consider boarding them.
Carry your copy of the Bill Of Lading with you. Assign someone to check off each item as it enters your new home. Make note of obvious damages or missing items.
You and your moving van driver should exchange itineraries and phone numbers for each other before the truck departs. Be sure to arrange a date and time for the driver to contact you with the estimated time of arrival at your new home. You or your representative will need to meet the truck.
7. Plan ahead
Pack a box of necessities to be the first opened at your new home. You should consider hand carrying this box, as well as your jewelry and small valuables. If you can’t carry it yourself, make sure it is the last on and first off of the moving truck. Include items such as a first aid kit, pain relievers, coffee maker and coffee, telephone, baby food, paper towels, paper plates, toilet paper, soap, disposable hot and cold cups, light bulbs, pet food, alarm clock, flashlight, batteries, pen, paper, tape, Swiss army knife, can opener, screwdriver, small hammer and nails, and even a surprise toy or book for children.
Spend some time planning your first at home meals. Make a list of groceries and cleaning supplies to purchase upon arrival at your new home.
Utilize the ERA Bill May Realty Co. moving day checklists to help you prepare.
8. Be safe
Teach children their new address and phone number.
Carry a cellular telephone en route to your new home. Know your cellular access code in the event it is required for service in metropolitan areas. Contact your phone company for information or a new code.
Exercise caution at roadside stops and rest areas.
Review policy coverage with your insurance agent. Make sure you have adequate coverage for the contents of the moving truck and the items you hand carry.
9. Enjoy the trip
Pack some entertainment for the trip. Magazines, books and music will help. Bring a book light for night travel. Children will enjoy a new game or toy. Pack batteries for long trips.
Obtain brochures from interesting and fun places in your new location. Let children participate in choosing where to visit. This will help them to feel involved and will add to their enthusiasm.
10. Unpack with care
If an item or box arrives damaged, immediately make note on the mover’s Bill of Lading. Be careful to keep boxes upright that are marked "This End Up."
Don’t unpack more than you can put away, especially if children or pets are underfoot.
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