Moving can be one of the more stressful things that we will endure in our lifetime. Hiring a moving company and having your belongings packed up and unloaded at a new home sounds easy but it is not. My father in law had a saying; "three moves equals one fire". I've found a few tips that may be of some assistance.
Moving Like a Pro
Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs.
Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need before you move. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle. When you think about it, moving is an opportunity to do that sorting and clensing that yov've maybe talked about but never completed.
Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving.
Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils.
Decide what you plan to move on your own. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.
Remember, most movers won’t take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.
Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds and don’t over-pack boxes
Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.
Label every box on at least two or three sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.
Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers. JoAnn typically prepares floor plans and she can provide you with copies to assist.
Keep your moving documents together in a file and keep your address book handy. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number.
Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map.
Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.
Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.
Make arrangements for small children. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.
Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
Moving Checklist for Sellers
Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move.
Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move. JoAnn will prepare business cards with your new address if you ask!
Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, bank, etc. of your change of address.
Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home. JoAnn is on top of this question and is glad to provide information and assistance when asked.
Check insurance coverage for the items you’re moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
If you’re moving out of town, be sure to:
Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood (ask JoAnn about her “new neighbor card”)
Empty your safety deposit box.
Pet Moving Tips
Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information.
Make sure your pet’s veterinarian records are up to date.
Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency.
Keep pets in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day.
Prepare a first aid kit of things you might need nor have easy access to when traveling.
Travel with your dog in a crate and your cat in a well-ventilated carrier when traveling in a car. Make sure your pet is familiar with it before moving day!
When traveling by air, check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip.
Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital before you move.
Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc.
Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, find out about any unique pet laws.
