When you move as many homes and offices as we do, you learn a few things about how to make moving day easier and less stressful. Here is a list of 15 moving tips that we hope will help make your move easier. Why not print it out and use it as a moving day checklist?
- When you are packing for your move, use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobes and other special items. Try to avoid food boxes from your local grocery store. Even if they seem clean, the scent can be very inviting to unwelcome critters.
- Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. Before removing the cables, take pictures of the backs of the units so you can hook everything back up the same way. If removing screws, tape them to the equipment they are removed from.
- Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box. Pack heavier items like books into many smaller boxes instead of one big box. Remember the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
- Speaking of books, pad them tightly on end in small boxes. lf they are musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the books before packing. Leave them stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
- Label each box on the top and sides, and indicate which room it should go in; whether it is fragile; and if it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
- Cushion contents with packing materials such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
- Don’t pack important documents, money and jewelry in the moving truck. Pack them separately and take them with you. If you are moving yourself, keep that box up front with you, not in the back.
- If you have kids, make sure to set aside a box of their favorite toys, games or other special items. Put this into the truck last to keep them busy during the move. This way it can come out first when you get to your destination.
- Remember to pack a box of basic household supplies that you may need on moving day (tools, paper towels, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.) Be sure to have it packed last as well so you can do your last minute tidying. This will also make it readily available at your destination to give things a quick once over before you load your belongings.
- Double-check all closets, drawers and shelves, in addition to the attic, garage and any storage sheds or lockers to make sure they are empty.
- Don’t pack paint, bottles of bleach, gas cans or other flammables. It is against federal law for movers to transport flammable and combustible materials.
- Have rugs and draperies cleaned before packing them for your move, and leave them in wrappings for the move.
- Pack medicine in a plastic re-sealable zipper storage bag or leak-proof container.
- Check the weather forecast for your move day. If it’s going to be hot, be sure to have a cooler with lots of bottled water and sports drinks on ice. If cold, thermoses of hot coffee and hot chocolate will be a welcome treat.
- Call your moving company (you are using TWO MEN AND A TRUCK right?) the day before your move to get a contact number for the crew in case you need to contact them en route. Make sure your mover has your cell phone number and be sure to fully charge your cell phone the night before your moving day.