Your Home Moving Checklist

Here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we know moving can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist of tasks that will help you complete your move in a stress-free way.

• Double check all closets, drawers, shelves, basement, attic and garage to ensure they are empty.
• Carry all important documents, money and jewelry with you.
• Pack toys, games, or special items for the kids to keep them busy during the move.
• Remember to pack a box of basics  you think you might need on move-in day (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.) Be sure to have it loaded onto the truck last so it will be the first off at your new home.
• 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.
• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobes and other special items.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten screws. Before removing cables and wires, take pictures of the back of the unit so you can hook everything back up the same way. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds in one box. This makes it easier for the mover to transport, which means a quicker move for you.
• Label each box and indicate the following: a) which room it should go in, b) whether it is fragile, c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion the contents of each box with packing material such as bubble wrap, packing paper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple months to remove the smell.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving . You can leave them in their wrappings for the move.
• Pack medicines in a plastic zip lock 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 sport drinks on ice.
• Call your moving company the day before your move to get the contact number for the crew in case you need to call them en route. Give your mover your cell number and be sure to fully charge your cell phone the night before your moving day.