Moving Companies - Questions for the Movers

1.     Registration Number

The moving company should have a registration number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), called a USDOT number (US Department of Transportation Number). If a company only travels within one state, than they may not be registered. You can check online with FMCSA.

2.    Rates and Estimates

Ask the company what there rate is; most companies will provide a rate per pound and a distance rate. If the company offers a quote based on cubic feet, do not hire them. A company estimate must be based on weight if you're moving long-distances. For short-distances, some companies will charge a per hour rate. Both the hourly rate and that poundage rate will not change, whereas the estimate can depending on the type the carrier provides. Keep in mind that the moving company must give you an estimate in writing and they must provide you with a copy. The estimate must include all charges and both you and the mover must sign it for it to be an agreement. The estimate must also indicate the method of payment and be dated. You can read more detailed information on estimates by going to the articles on binding estimates and non-binding estimates.

  3.    Subcontractors

Some of the larger movers subcontract to a smaller company. If this is the case with the company you are thinking of using, ask for the subcontractor’s name and if the company uses several subcontractors, ask for a complete list. If the mover is uncertain, ask them to find out and get back to you. This information should be readily available and should not be withheld. If subcontractors are used, make sure you check out the drivers to ensure you'll still receive good service. Most subcontractors are local movers who have purchased their own truck for transport. We've worked with subcontractors before and have had very good service.

4.    Additional Fees

Find out if there are any additional fees or when additional fees apply. Some companies will charge extra for awkward items, or if the destination does not have easy access, or if the load has to be hand-carried over a certain distance. To avoid such costs, note any larger items and pre-arrange where the truck can park, if there are any stairs, and if you are moving to a condo or high-rise, investigate any possible obstructions such as elevator usage and load restrictions. These extra charges are called flight charges and long carry charges and they should be discussed with your mover ahead of time. If you're well organized, have arranged for parking and elevator usage, these charges should not apply.

If your old or new residence is not accessible for a large carrier truck or van, you may need to have the mover arrange for a shuttle service, which will also incur additional costs.

Additional costs may also include fuel surcharges or transportation surcharges if you are moving to a remote area. In addition, if your belongings cannot be unloaded on arrival, they may need to be stored. Storage-in-transit fees will be charged along with warehouse handling charges. Try to avoid either by ensuring your new residence is ready on time.

5.    Additional Transfers

For long distance moves some companies may transfer your belongings from one truck to another. Additional transfers increase the possibility of damage and loss. Keep this in mind when you are choosing your carrier and ask beforehand. Also, if you are moving during the winter or rainy season, find out if the company protects against water damage.

6.    Insurance

Ask detailed questions about insurance. The moving company will provide insurance at an additional cost. Insurance is usually based on weight, so you will need to assess the value of your goods versus what the insurance policy will provide should your belongings arrive damaged or not at all. Standard coverage is 60 cents per pound and is usually not enough to cover the true cost of the damaged item. Before you purchase more insurance, look into your home insurance to see if they offer additional coverage for moving.

·  Packing/Storage Services

Find out how items are protected and labeled. Most companies will shrink-wrap your sofa and provide a free blanket wrap service; smaller companies may charge for this service. Ask how items are labeled and how they will be identified on arrival. Make sure you keep an accurate list of all your items, number of boxes, single pieces and odds and ends. In addition, ask up front if the moving company expects appliance service charges, and if they do, ask about their policies for preparing appliances for transport to see if you can either do it yourself or find someone who'll do it at no cost. In most cases, companies don't charge for standard major appliances, but will for any extra item.

If you require storage, ask the company if they provide storage service. Usually, the larger companies do and this can save you time and money by having the truck drop off your items for you. It's a good idea to check out the storage facility beforehand.

·  Complaints and Claims

Ask the company if they have any unresolved complaints or claims against them. Most will give you a history of complaints and claims, and if they were resolved satisfactory for the client. Details won't necessarily be provided, but if there are some outstanding issues, ask for more information about why and the nature of the complaint and claim. Also, ask how many claims and complaints they've had; this is a good indication of their incident record.

·  Ask for Referrals/Recommendations

Most reliable companies will automatically provide you with letters of happy clients. And although anyone with a printer and computer could generate supportive documents, you can usually assume they are legitimate and factual.

Funny Moving Stories? Have one of your own?

Moving can be stressful. Sometimes in all of the rush and details of a move, perfectly rational people can do some pretty funny things. Take a minute to laugh a little and read some funny moving stories. Submit your own, below.

A cat was accidentally shipped from Southern California to Salt Lake City. The curious kitty snuck into the trailer when no one was looking. In the rush of the move the poor customer didn’t realize her kitty was missing for three days. After a frantic call, the kitty was recovered without injury. It did take an hour or so of coaxing by the driver to get the scared kitty to come out of the trailer, though.

A request was submitted to move a car and a goat.

A customer reserved one month of storage for a ReloCube^®. As everything was being finalized, the customer asked if it would be OK if he and his dog could live in the ReloCube while it was in storage.

An aquarium was packed and shipped. Not unusual right? Except that it was shipped with the water and fish still in it! The customer then filed a water damage claim.

A woman called to inquire how many days it would take for the trailer to arrive at the destination. When she was told 4-5 days she was concerned. She was worried that the food she had left in the freezer might spoil.

While in the process of quoting a move for a very nice gentleman, a quotation analyst could hear a woman talking and asking questions in the background. Suddenly the nice gentleman calmly said, "I am getting off the phone now, my wife is annoying me."

One customer asked to ship her pets in the trailer. When told that this could not be done because it would be harmful to the pets, she asked, "But what if I put them in cages?"

A request was submitted for an iguana to ride out of its cage in the front seat of the truck with the driver for the duration of the transit.

Are You Prepared for a Do-It-Yourself Move?

Are you ready for a DIY MOVE?

Moving yourself is a great way to save money and be in control of your moving experience. Before you back up the moving truck, ask yourself a few important questions to make sure you are fully prepared for a do-it-yourself apartment move.

Have you booked everything you need?

A self-service move requires managing a number of details yourself. One of the first steps in planning your move is to make necessary reservations.

If you are renting a moving truck, you should call in advance to reserve a truck that is large enough to hold all of your belongings and is available for the time you are designating to move. If you are saving money by borrowing a truck or other vehicle from friends, be courteous and make a “reservation” with them, as well.

It is a good idea to check with your apartment manager to see if you need to make reservations in your new community for a loading-zone parking spot or a freight elevator. (You will also want to reserve parking spots and the elevator at your old address for the move-out.)

Are you prepared to pack?

You’ve made the necessary reservations, and transportation is secured. Now it’s time to pack!

Before moving day arrives, gather all of the tools you will need to securely pack up your apartment. Collect free boxes from grocery and package stores, or buy boxes from a local moving company. In addition to boxes, you’ll need packing materials to protect items inside the boxes. Save your newspapers, or ask neighbors to donate theirs. You might also purchase packing peanuts from your moving truck rental company or from office supply stores, such as UPS.

Plan for packing efficiency by securing fragile items like dishes and glassware with soft t-shirts. Set aside a pile of blankets to wrap delicate furniture, such as mirrors and lamps. Finally, grab a few rolls of packing and masking tape to ensure boxes are extra secure for the move.

Who’s going to help?

You’ve done your homework, and you are ready to pack up and move out. But who’s going to help you carry your sofa and entertainment center?

Just as you reserved a moving truck, you will need to reserve your moving help in advance. Be sure to give friends and family advance notice so they can mark their calendars for the big moving day. Also, reward them for their efforts with a nice post-move dinner or individual gift cards.

The more organized you are, the more quickly your move will happen. Once you enlist help, make it easy on your helpers by following an action plan. You won’t want to leave a bunch of eager workers wasting time and energy trying to figure out what to do next. Give everyone assignments, and assign people to certain rooms or certain types of items.

What have I forgotten?

An important detail that might slip your mind is how to care for your children and pets during the move. The hustle and bustle of moving can be extra difficult with little ones underfoot, so hire a babysitter for small children or consider putting your dog or cat in a kennel for the day. This will cause less stress for them and for you!

It’s a challenge to remember everything involved in the move-yourself process, but advance planning and a moving checklist should help you cover the bases. Now that you’re ready for your self-service move, why not plan to take the money you are saving and treat yourself to a great housewarming party once you’ve moved in to your new apartment?

10 Tips For Managing A Moving Sale

1. Donate What You Don't Sell

Of course, you're hoping that everything sells and that at the end of the day, you'll be left with only a few empty clothing racks and card tables. While you might luck out and have this happen, it's good to be prepared just in case it doesn't. Make a game plan for what to do with what doesn't sell. Maybe your friend Ginger wants your old skis. And maybe Fred wants that elliptical trainer. If the friends who have been helping you want some things, let them have it. If they don't, you can still give away what's left by donating it. Before the sale, go online to find drop-off locations for nonprofits that are accepting donations of the types of items you're selling. As soon as the sale's over, pack up everything that didn't go and take it to a drop-off center. Better yet, some organizations will even come by to pick up items.

2. Be Ready for Early Birds

The ads and all the signs and flyers you've posted clearly state that the sale starts at 8:00 a.m. You've even included a line that reads, "No early birds." It doesn't matter. As long as there are yard sales, there will be early birds. So you need to be prepared to sell from the moment the first yard sale item is placed on your lawn, even if it is only 6:30 a.m. To avoid any errors or lost sales, make sure everything is priced the night before. Ask your friends to arrive early -- you can greet them with fresh-baked scones, coffee and hot cocoa. And if you're still setting up, don't be shy -- ask the early birds what they're looking for. If they're there, you might as well try to sell them something.

3. Be Prepared to Make Change

On the day before the sale, go to the bank to get plenty of smaller bills and some coins so that you'll be prepared to make change. Figure out how many people will actually be helping you sell items. That will help you decide how much money you'll need for change making. Stop by the local hardware store and pick up a few free aprons. Set up a bank of change for each of your assistants accompanied by an apron, some extra price tags, a black marker, some masking tape and a small calculator. You'll also want to have some shopping bags, a few empty boxes, and some newspapers and maybe even some twine on hand for packing up purchases.

4. Let the Kids Help

If you have kids and they want to help, let them. You can encourage children to get rid of old toys and belongings by letting them keep the money from the sale of their possessions or letting them know that the proceeds from the sale are going toward something for the entire family, like a flat panel TV for the new house. If they want to help on the day of the sale, let them set up a small concession stand. They can make lemonade and sugar cookies or brownies to either sell or give away to shoppers. To avoid any accidents, avoid ingredients that can provoke extreme allergic reactions such as peanuts. And make sure that there's an adult or an older, teenaged sibling on hand to sit with the younger kids while they work.

5. Delineate Your Yard Sale Space

If your house is on the market, you might want to see if you can host your yard sale in the neighbor's yard. Not only will this keep your house available for prime weekend appointments, it will also keep you from having to conduct (or deny) impromptu showings of your house to yard-sale shoppers. No matter whether you're having the sale out of your garage or the neighbor's, you want to delineate your sale space. Put away any items that are not for sale. You don't want your son's new snowboard to end up going with your old skis by mistake. Estate sales, which are often held on prime yard sale days, generally let shoppers into a home. Keep all doors locked and rope off or block entryways into your home to prevent confusion.

6. Put a Price Tag on Everything

Garage sales can get busy, fast. Even if you have two or three friends on hand to help you hawk your wares, you won't have time to stop and come up with a price each time someone wants to purchase something. Whether or not you want to allow customers to negotiate the price is up to you, but tagging everything before the sale will save you the hassle of trying to come up with a price on the spot. As you're pricing things, keep your goal in mind. You're moving. While you do want to make money, your bigger goal is to get rid of all this extra stuff. Rather than putting a price on each individual wine glass, price them together; if you have a dozen, sell all 12 for $4 or offer six for $2. Pick one price for paperbacks and one price for hardbound books and make signs to indicate pricing.

7. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise

If you have a lot of things to sell, consider taking out an ad in the local newspaper. You can also post your yard sale on Craigslist. In your advertisement, be sure to state the location, date and hours. Most yard sales are conducted on Saturdays. But in some areas, sales are common on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, too. Briefly list what you have for sale so that shoppers will know what to expect. If you have mostly clothes and exercise equipment, say so and list what sizes the clothes are. Also, be honest. Perhaps you're selling a kitchen table your parents passed on to you. Just because it's 30 years old, that doesn't make it an "heirloom antique." And don't forget local advertising. Be sure to post flyers and signs around your neighborhood.

8. Organize Your Sale in Department Store Style

When you go shopping, do you want to walk into a giant warehouse with a mass of unorganized items? Probably not. Think about it -- how would you find what you're looking for? Take a hint from the big department stores, and organize your stuff as they would. Group everything by room or category. If you have the space, do a little staging. Put the baker's rack by the big freezer, and set up a table filled with kitchen gadgets, cookbooks and countertop appliances nearby. Group all the exercise equipment together along with those roller blades and your old skis. And if you have time, sort books, CDs and DVDs by genre. It will make it easier for a shopper to leave with several items instead of just one.

9. Do Your Homework

It can be easy to look at a collection of stuff you no longer want and wonder who's going to buy it. But instead of treating your old stuff like a big pile of junk, look at it like undiscovered treasure. Take a little time to give everything a good cleaning. If you still have the original packaging for an item, put it all together. If you still have all your owner's manuals, tape them to the gear they came with. Do whatever you can do to make something look as appealing as it did when you purchased it. And, to be sure that you're bringing in top dollar for your treasures, take a look online to get an idea of how you should price everything.

10. Invite a Few Friends to Help

Sometimes it's difficult to look at our own things with an objective eye. One way to solve this problem is to invite a few close friends to help you. They'll know you well enough to understand that there's no way you're going to part with your decorative tin collection. But they'll also know you well enough to realize all those fitness gadgets you have shoved under beds and tucked into closets will never replace your love of the gym. With your friends' help, you'll be able to sort through your stuff with an objective eye. The process will be a lot quicker, too.

Moving Tips - Change of Address Form - Moving Checklist - Useful Links

Your spouse may accuse you of worrying too much, but a few extra steps now will prevent a lot of headaches throughout your moving process.
Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.
1. USE A MOVING BINDER.
A binder with folders would be ideal to keep everything related your move in one place. Appointments, receipts, phone numbers, quotes, contracts, your home inventory list...your checklist! You'd be amazed how quickly details and paperwork amass. Do you ever find yourself asking...Where did I put the xxxx? Get a binder.
2. USE A CHECKLIST.
Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, during, and after your move. There are too many details to remember them all. We've provided one I compiled with my favorite ideas from a lot of sources.
3. GET RID OF CLUTTER.
Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.
4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE.
Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.
5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET.
You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.
6. BOX IT.
Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.
7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.
Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.
8. WRAP IT.
You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.
9. MARK IT.
Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.
10. LABEL IT.
As you're packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you'll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding colored sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.
11. LIGHTEN UP.
Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you're packing.
12. ROOM BY ROOM.
Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.
13. PACK EARLY.
Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS.
Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.
15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT.
Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it's too late to unpack or the movers didn't show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.
16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS.
If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more.
17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE.
Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.
18. MAKE IT PET SAFE.
If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.
19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL.
Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.
20. DEVISE A PLAN.
Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.
21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND.
One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.
22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM.
It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.
23. GET READY FOR BED.
As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you're really tired.
24. LET EVERYONE KNOW.
Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.
25. GET ACQUAINTED.
Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering.

Packing Tips

Packing is almost always the most time-consuming aspect of a move. And, as with many things, proper planning will go a long way to making this part of your move go smoothly.

Much of the real payoff for following these tips is on the backend. You’ll arrive at your new home knowing where everything is, you’ll have all essential items you need with you, you’ll ensure your items will have arrived safely as possible, and you’ll know where everything goes in your new home…reducing the amount of time it takes to get unpacked.


Packing Supplies

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE BEFORE YOU START!
Boxes: You’ll need more than you think. Purchase or find (liquor stores or book stores may be tossing boxes designed to handle heavy objects, or ask your realtor who has moved in recently…they will probably give a great price on their boxes) high quality boxes. Don’t skimp here, you’ll regret it.
Boxing tape and dispenser: Having good tape and a tape dispenser will save you a lot of time and trouble.

Plenty of Packing Material: Newspaper, bubble wrap, biodegradable peanuts, cardboard… don’t forget dish towel/potholders, regular towels and pillows can be used to line boxes or wrap/pad fragile items…and then you won’t need another box for them!
Thick Magic Markers: Ideally multiple colors. RED for FRAGILE. Write in big, bold, block letters/numbers.
Scissors/Utility Knife: Essential for cutting packing materials to size.
Tools: For disassembling furniture, electronics, etc.
Zip-Lock Bags: for keeping wiring, furniture hardware etc organized.
Digital camera: Taking pictures of the back of assembled electronic components, computer cords/speaker wire(SO YOU CAN PUT IT ALL BACK TOGETHER QUICKLY!!!).

Bathroom scale: You’ll want to keep all boxes under 50 pounds, and ideally around 30 pounds. This will minimize injuries, and drops. Weigh the boxes as you’re packing them.

General Packing

1. Start Early – The earlier the better. Start with out of season items.

2. Reduce the clutter. This is a great time to get rid of items you haven’t seen or used. You’ll be paying a mover to move it. The less you have, the less it will cost you!

1. Have a garage sale…and during the last hour, put up a “free stuff” sign in the yard …GET RID OF IT!
2. Give away house plants.
3. Have a “use up the liquor” going away party.
4. Donate unwanted clothes and furniture to Goodwill or another like organization.
5. Sell large items that won’t work in your new home…outdoor items, wall units, lawnmowers, etc….on Craig’s list or EBay.
   

3. Create “Open Me First” boxes- Pick one or two boxes per room as "Open Me First" boxes. Put in them the things you'll need first at your new location. Then mark the sides of the boxes so you'll know which ones are which.
   

4. Pack a suitcase- For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation, including changes of clothes, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc. Keep the suitcases separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car, at your new workplace, etc. so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.
   

5. Pack your valuables and essentials separately and plan on keeping these items with you.
   

6. One at a time- Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized. Label your boxes.
   

7. Tracking small parts- When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, securely tape screws and other small parts securely to the underside of the item or put them in a zip-lock bag. You'll always know where to look and save time putting things back together.
   

8. Leave light weight linens and clothing in their drawers
   

9. Criss-cross tape- Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape, forming a cross.

10. Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with packing tape. Fill each box to its capacity, using paper or fillers to eliminate empty spaces. The top and sides of each box shouldn’t bulger cave in when closed.
11. Stacking- Stack boxes with the heaviest on the bottom, lightest on top to prevent crushing.

Packing Electronics

• Original is best- Always use the original packaging when available. (I realize that most of us don’t have the original packaging for much of anything, but I thought I would bring it up anyway).
• Double boxing- For especially fragile electronics, pack them first in a box with an excessive amount of biodegradable packing peanuts. Then pack that box in a larger box filled with biodegradable packing peanuts. This two-box system seems like a pain but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts.
• No loose ends- Wrap each cord carefully with cable organizers, heavy twist ties or heavy rubber bands. Never throw unwrapped cords into boxes- they get tangled and caught on other items.
• Cord labels- Consider getting a label maker and labeling the end of each. Then you'll know exactly which cord you're seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together.
• The two-inch rule- Use at least 2" of biodegradable packing peanuts around each side of fragile items.

Box Inventory and Labels

• “Fat” is in- Use the thickest, darkest marker you can find for labeling boxes. Pencils, pens, tin or light markers are almost impossible to see even just a few feet away.
• Two sides- Label each box on the two broadest sides, opposite one another. That way if a box gets turned, you can still identify its contents.
• Abbreviate room names- Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for "second bathroom, 6th box." You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely.
• Label "Open Me First" on boxes where it applies.
• Mark "Fragile" where appropriate.
• Identify contents- Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as "Medicine Cabinet" or "Linen Closet- Towels and Wash Cloths."
• Box Inventory- Keep a clipboard and write down each box's room, box number and contents (graph paper is great for keeping things recorded neatly).
• Verifying delivery- When unloading, check off each box as it gets unloaded at your new place. Then you'll know everything arrived safely.
• Labels out- Ask movers to stack boxes in your new place with the labels facing out so that you can easily spot a specific box.

Packing Major Appliances

• Clean and dry all appliances at least 24 hours before your move date.
• Consider using empty space in your appliances to move lightweight or crushable items.
• Remove broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs.
• Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Immobilize the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the tub and sidewall.
• Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed.

Packing Dishes and Glassware

• Wrap breakables in Bubble Wrap and use newspaper to fill extra spaces in boxes.
• Pack plates in dish protectors and pack them on their edges in dishpack boxes.
• Consider using pot holders and dish towels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes.
• Wrap fine silver in cloth or silver paper.

Packing Lamps and Decor

• Packing bulbs and shades in sturdy cartons labeled "fragile" will protect them from breakage.
• Wrap each wall hanging individually with bubble rap, furniture pads, or towels. Pack flat items on their edges.
• For large mirrors or pictures, cover both sides with bubble rap and heavy cardboard, and bind with tape.

Packing Lawn and Garage Items

• Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment.
• Strap long garden tools together into a bundle. Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.
• Poisonous, flammable and corrosive items cannot be shipped. Please see the moving list for a list of items that fall into this category.

Moving Tips - Change of Address Form - Moving Checklist - Useful Links

Your spouse may accuse you of worrying too much, but a few extra steps now will prevent a lot of headaches throughout your moving process.  Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.

1. USE A MOVING BINDER.

A binder with folders would be ideal to keep everything related your move in one place. Appointments, receipts, phone numbers, quotes, contracts, your home inventory list...your checklist! You'd be amazed how quickly details and paperwork amass. Do you ever find yourself asking...Where did I put the xxxx? Get a binder.

2. USE A CHECKLIST.

Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, during, and after your move. There are too many details to remember them all. We've provided one I compiled with my favorite ideas from a lot of sources.

3. GET RID OF CLUTTER.

Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.

4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE.

Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.

5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET.

You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.

6. BOX IT.

Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.

7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.

Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.

8. WRAP IT.

You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.

9. MARK IT.

Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.

10. LABEL IT.

As you're packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you'll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding colored sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.

11. LIGHTEN UP.

Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you're packing.

12. ROOM BY ROOM.

Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.

13. PACK EARLY.

Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.

14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS.

Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.

15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT.

Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it's too late to unpack or the movers didn't show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.

16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS.

If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more.

17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE.

Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.

18. MAKE IT PET SAFE.

If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.

19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL.

Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.

20. DEVISE A PLAN.

Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.

21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND.

One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.

22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM.

It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.

23. GET READY FOR BED.

As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you're really tired.

24. LET EVERYONE KNOW.

Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.

25. GET ACQUAINTED.

Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering.