Moving is rarely a positive experience. Although a new job, house, and city may be a much needed change, actually packing all of your property and making the move is far from enjoyable. However, there are certain moving tips you may utilize to make the process a little easier on you and your family.
Many of us are not naturally organized people. We may be perfectly happy with a mass of chaos on our desks and about our houses. However, the moving process will be considerably smoother if you commit to some sort of order and do not procrastinate.
On that note, the first tip in having a smooth relocation is to proceed in an orderly manner and have some sort of schedule set forth. If you plan to move on the last day of the month, the process should begin well before the first day of the same month or even as much as three to six months if you plan to sell your house. However, for this purpose, we will assume you have already sold your house and made new housing arrangements.
The most logical and most overlooked moving tip is to not wait until the last minute to pack your house! Begin the process well in advance by sorting through your belongings and decide what you need to get rid of. There is no point in packing things you do not want or need. Set these things aside to have a garage sale, give to charity, or throw away if applicable. Once you have an idea of what is left, begin boxing up these items weeks in advance. Keep out only necessities and pack the things you will not need. Another good idea to keep in mind while packing is to keep items together that will go in the same rooms or locations in your new house. This may seem like common sense, but oftentimes, people are in such a rush to get everything in a box that it is all thrown together. This makes for a disaster when it comes time to unpack.
You may also want to consider using plastic bins to pack instead of traditional cardboard boxes; they are considerably more sturdy, last forever, and actually are not that much more expensive than cardboard boxes (if you have to buy the boxes). However, if you choose to use cardboard boxes, try collecting them well in advance if you want to avoid purchasing them they are somewhat expensive and will more than likely end up in the trash.
Another common sense moving tip fill out your change of address form three to four weeks before you move instead of three weeks after you move. This does not only apply to the post office change of address forms, but also be sure to change the addresses on all of your bills as well; especially credit card bills as they can be used fraudulently.
And finally, the most useful tip of all have a television and plenty of cartoons available to keep any children occupied when you are moving. If you did not hire a moving service and are lugging boxes yourself, having them occupied is worth the world. Moving is difficult enough without a child dragging on your leg.
Pack Right
Preparations
Here are a few general suggestions that will make packing
easier:
Plan how you will pack. Pack
items first that you dont use often.
Start packing as soon as you find out youre moving.
Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items.
Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and
bottom to provide good cushion.
List contents and room on the outside of the carton.
Clearly mark Fragile on the outside of cartons.
Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use
them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items.
Clean newsprint paper is available from your local agent.
Write Open First on cartons containing essential items such
as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
Separate breakables and non-breakables.
Pack all cartons tightly.
Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isnt strong
enough to support fully packed cartons. Packing tape is
available from your local agent.
China
Carefully wrap china in sheets of clean newsprint paper.
Place newsprint paper in the bottom of a Dishpak for cushioning.
Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle
with a double layer of paper. Place these bundled items in the
carton in a row on edge.
Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave
no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on
top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the
next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in
keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls
can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as
larger items.
Silver
Silver is nested together and wrapped. The nested packs are
cushioned in the silver chest. The chest is then wrapped in
clean paper.
Stemware
Stemware is individually wrapped with protective paper
inserted into the goblet and around the stem. Each goblet is
cushioned by a thick wrapping and placed stem up in a specially
tiered Dishpak.
Soft Goods
Soft goods like pillows and bedding are packed in lined
cartons separated by layers of clean paper.
Shoes
Pack shoes in their original shoebox, if possible, and place
in a carton. If shoeboxes are not available, individually wrap
them to prevent abrasive damage.
Clothes
Clothes are left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe
cartons.
Lamp Shades and Bases
Handle lampshades by their wire frames only and place in a
carton lined with paper. Surround the shade with protective
paper. Shades can be nested inside each other, as long as they
are separated by paper. Mayflower has cartons specially designed
for packing lamp bases. These cartons are also good for golf
clubs, floor lamps and garden tools.
Stereos and other electronics
If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. As
long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap,
newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.),
electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
Start by padding the bottom of
the carton with a generous amount of packing material.
Wrap electronic with paper and place in carton.
Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent
damage.
Firmly seal the carton.
Label the carton as Fragile Top Load.
Note: When you unpack your electronics, let them reach room
temperature before plugging them in.
Books
Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open
side of the book. Place a piece of paper between books to
prevent them sticking together. Because books are heavy,
Mayflower has a small book carton to make them easier to carry.
Statuary and Figurines
Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble wrap, then snuggly wrap
with clean paper. If bubble wrap is not available, use clean
paper to wrap the article until it is adequately cushioned.
Bottles
Bottles are taped shut and wrapped in clean newsprint. For extra
security, place bottles in a resealable, watertight bag before
wrapping and placing in carton.
Mirrors and Glass
Wrap the picture or mirror in a generous cushion of clean paper.
Place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton. Carefully
tape and seal the carton. Always stand glass, pictures and
mirrors on their edge. Do not lay flat.
Computers
If possible, pack computers in their original cartons. As long
as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint,
foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), computers
can be safely packed in sturdy boxes.
Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous
amount of packing material.
Wrap computer parts generously with paper and place in carton.
Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent
damage.
Firmly seal the carton.
Label the carton as Fragile Top Load.
Be aware of special considerations for the internal workings of
the computer. Discuss safe transportation with your Mayflower
professional.
Packing Materials and Crates
Your Mayflower agent has all the materials you need to properly
pack your belongings. Unprinted newsprint, acid-free tissue,
tufted paper padding, bubble wrap and packing tape. Items such
as antique furniture, marble and glass top tables, trophies and
chandeliers are best transported in custom-made containers.
- Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.
- Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.
- Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.
- Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
- Cancel the newspaper.
- Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
- Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
- Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
- Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
- Have a first open box with the things you'll need mosttoilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
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Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
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Get copies of children's school records for transfer.
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Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
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Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
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Let a friend or relative know your route.
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Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.
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Empty your safety deposit box.
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Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather.
The following suggestions will aid you in preparing for your office move and allow a quicker set-up at your new location.
4-weeks
prior to moving:
- Establish a Move Coordinator to liaise with the departments involved e.g. Telecommunications, Facilities, ATUS, etc.
- Request packing boxes, tape, & dispensers from Space Administration x5479.
- Pack all books, files, documents, folders, etc that will not be required until after moving.
- Empty only lateral file cabinets. Letter & legal size cabinets can be moved full.
- Color tag all boxes and furniture with names and new room numbers. Different colors for each new location makes moving easier.
- Use a scaled drawing to lay out your new office with positions of desks, tables, file cabinets, etc. This will assist us in setting up your office.
- Sequentially number all multiple pieces of furniture.
- Advise the Physical Plant of any fixtures, furniture, pictures, etc that will require disassembly on the day before moving.
2-weeks prior:
- Request additional packing boxes if necessary.
- Continue packing books, documents, folders, files, etc.
1-week prior:
- Pack all personal and desktop items, empty all desk drawers.
1-day prior:
- Pack your keyboard, mouse, speakers, telephone, small plants, & transport them to your new location together with personal and fragile belongings e.g. the macaroni picture frame, or the urn with Aunt Phoebes ashes!
- Ensure that the Physical Plant has disassembled fixtures and furniture.
The day of:
- Tape a copy of the office lay out on the door or entrance wall of the new office.
- Wait at your new location to unpack boxes as they arrive. Flatten empty boxes and set aside for Transport Services to pick up at a later time or date.
Planning
Ahead
A little planning can save you a lot of
hassle when you move. There's no doubt about it. Moving takes a
fair amount of work, and there are multiple details to remember.
At the same time, moving can be an exciting adventure, full of
possibilities.
Here are a few suggestions to help you work through the details,
along with a six-week schedule of what to do and when to do it.
Your circumstances may vary, of course, but these tips can put
you on your way to a smooth move.
Six weeks before moving
Complete a change-of-address form at the post office,
effective on your moving day. As bills and magazines come in,
send in the change-of-address forms. Some magazines now offer a
toll-free subscriber number where you can call the change in.
Keep a file of important papers you'll need over the course of
the move. You can use a portable plastic file cabinet, an
accordion file or a three-ring binder with pocket dividers to
group items by category. Be sure to keep all your receipts. You
may be able to deduct moving expenses from your taxes.
Call at least three moving companies for estimates, and check
with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints. The peak
months for moving companies are May through September, so plan
accordingly if your move is scheduled for the summer.
Call the chamber of commerce in your new city for a new
resident information package. Most chambers or Realtors offer
one, and you'll find it to be an invaluable resource when
settling into your new home.
Five Weeks
Choose the moving company and confirm the date for your move.
You can save money by packing items yourself. If the movers are
doing the packing, they generally come the day before your move.
Get rid of everything you don't need or won't ever use again.
Clean out closets, cabinets, garage, attic and basement. Have a
big garage sale or donate anything you don't want to charity. Be
sure to save the receipts from any donations to deduct from your
taxes.
Make an inventory of your valuable household items. Include an
estimate of their value and when purchased if possible. Many
insurance agents recommend photo or video records as well.
Start packing the items you won't be using before you move,
such as books, off-season clothes, tools and yard equipment. You
don't want to live with moving boxes all over for the next few
weeks, so designate a spare room or the garage for storing them.
Consider shipping some items such as glass or valuables by
registered mail or UPS; it may be cheaper than putting them in a
moving van.
Four weeks
Get your financial, legal and other affairs in order. You can
handle some of these items on your own, but for more complicated
matters, you're better off consulting with an attorney,
insurance agent, accountant, and/or your Realtor. The trouble
you'll save is well worth the money you'll spend on professional
assistance.
Financial items that may require your attention include:
Closing out utility service at your old home and setting up
service in your new one.
Transferring bank accounts and credit cards. If you have
investments with a national firm, ask your broker for a contact
in your new city.
Transferring polices for homeowner, automobile, medical and
life insurance. Your current agent should be able to refer you
to an agent in your new city.
Making arrangements for transferring wills, trusts and other
financial or legal documents you may have in a safe deposit box.
Have your pets examined by your veterinarian and get any
necessary shots. Pick up their records as well, and ask your vet
for a referral in your new city if possible. If you're flying to
your new home, check with the airline about any traveling
restrictions for animals. Some states have quarantine
restrictions on pets.
Three weeks
Pick up your medical and dental
records as well as your children's school transcripts. Ask you
doctor and dentist for a referral, if available, in your new
city
Fill any prescription you might have. Ask your doctor for a
copy of the prescription you can take to the pharmacist in your
new city.
Pick up any items you've dropped off to be repaired. Also pick
up any dry cleaning or items on layaway.
Two weeks
Go back to your list of address changes. Be sure you've
notified everyone.
Map out your route if you're driving to your new city, and
make motel reservations for your trip along the way. Don't plan
to drive more than 400 miles per day, especially if you have
small children or animals. Collect games and books for the drive
to keep your kids occupied, and have your car serviced.
If you're flying to your new city, make your reservations.
Most airlines have restrictions on changes or refunds. If you
choose the lowest fare, you won't be able to change your tickets
later on if you need to.
Check the owner's manual on your major appliances to see if
they need service.
Start saying good-bye to friends and neighbors and verify
their addresses for writing letters. The last few days in your
old house will go quickly, and you may not have a chance to see
them again before your leave.
Try to use up the food in your kitchen before you move.
Return any library books or other items you may have borrowed.
Be sure to get back any items you've loaned out.
Arrange to send children to a friend's house on moving day if
possible. It will keep them out of the way and give them a
chance to say good-bye.
Stop your newspaper subscription effective on your moving day.
Call the utility companies to schedule turning off service the
day after you move.
Arrange to have utilities turned on in your new home the day
before you're scheduled to arrive.
Drain the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and other gas
powered tools into an approved container.
The day before you move
Pack a box of essential items such as toiletries, cleaning
supplies, canned or dry food and light bulbs for easy access
when you arrive at your new home. Load this box with personal
items in your car.
Go to the bank and close out your account or, if possible,
transfer your account to a bank in your new city. Get traveler's
checks for the trip as well as a cashier's check for the closing
on your new house if necessary. You may also need a cashier's
check to pay the movers because some do not accept personal
checks.
Finish packing any kitchen, bathroom, or personal items.
Moving Day
Strip the beds if they haven't
already been dismantled. Pack the dirty linens in a box to be
washed when you arrive at your new home.
Mark the contents of your boxes and the rooms they go in
before they're loaded into the moving van.
Be available to the movers if they have questions, but try to
stay out of their way. Check the inventory carefully.
Make sure the movers have your new address and phone number
and give them a map to your new house. Also give them the number
of a friend or relative with whom they can leave a message if
necessary while you're en route.
Check all rooms, closets, cupboards and drawers for items you
may have forgotten. Check the attic, basement and garage as
well.
Empty the trash, and borrow a broom, or vacuum cleaner from a
neighbor to pick up any remaining debris.
If you're leaving any appliances behind, leave the owner's
manuals and warranty information with them. Leave your new
address as well so the new owner can send any of your mail that
isn't forwarded.
Give the house a final check. Leave the key and garage door
opener with the neighbor, Realtor or other designated party.
When You arrive at your new home
Try to arrive at your new home early, at least a day before
the moving van comes.
Make sure the utilities are connected.
Unpack the box of essential items. Clean anything that needs
it before the movers arrive with the rest of your things.
When the movers arrive, give them a floor plan sketch to
indicate where you want furniture placed.
Check items off the inventory list as they are unpacked. Check
for any damage before signing a receipt.
After the movers have finished unpacking, start putting
everything else away. Take your time and put things where
they're most convenient.
Settle in and enjoy your new home!
Let's make moving easier
If you're considering a move, your Realtor can help you market
your current home and negotiate the best available selling
price. And if you're moving to a new city, he can refer you to
an agent who can find the home that's just right for your
family. Call your Realtor to start your move off right.
- Tape a copy of the office lay out on the door or entrance wall of the new office.
- Wait at your new location to unpack boxes as they arrive. Flatten empty boxes and set aside for Transport Services to pick up at a later time or date.
Remember to pack up common facilities e.g. meeting and break rooms etc. Transport personnel will do weekly follow-ups to monitor progress and to provide help and suggestions as required. Transport personnel will also be happy to assist in moving furniture around in the new offices after the whole move has been completed. We look forward to working with you and making your transition as smooth and stress free as possible.
