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.

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