Tips for moving

Moving is one of the major stresses of life. Following the timeline below as well as reading through the list of suggestions can save time and hassle.

2-4 weeks before:

„h Notify all utilities: electrics, gas, water, cable, telephone, as well as any others that you may have, of your move out/in date.

Most movers can give you an estimate over the phone based on an accurate description of your belongings that will be moved. It is highly recommended NOT to hire anyone by the hour.

„h Purchase or start collecting boxes and wrapping material:

-Small boxes for heavy items such as books and CD¡¦s, tools or delicate items such as glassware and antiques

-Medium boxes for bulky or larger items that are lighter such as small kitchen appliances, children¡¦s toys or stereo systems

-Large boxes for things such as bedding, clothing or curtains

1-2 weeks before:

„h When grocery shopping, remember to buy only what you will need for the remaining time in your old home, especially frozen and refrigerated items.

„h Send change of address to: Post Office, place of business, and subscriptions as well as friends and family, which you can get from your address book or holiday greeting card list.

„h Pack everything that you do not use on a regular basis.

1-3 days before:

„h Pack everything except what you will need as far as clothing and toiletries for one week.

„h Launder all other clothing, bedding, curtains, rugs, etc.

„h Check all cupboards, closets, storage spaces and walls for items you may have missed.

„h Pack up computer and video games.

„h Make sure you have the number for pizza delivery in your new home or easily prepared food to take to eat on moving day. Paper plates and plastic cups will save you a lot of time also.

„h Return all library books and rental videos.

„h Have cash and money orders on hand. Remember to include a tip for the movers.

Moving day:

„h Unhook TV and wrap carefully in bubble wrap or blankets. Make sure to retrieve all your cables and remote controls.

„h Don¡¦t forget to unplug and take your telephone after the movers arrive.

„h Pack refrigerator and freezer items into a cooler and take them with you in your car so that you can put them away as soon as you arrive in your new home.

„h Watch the movers carefully, but stay out of the way. If they offer to, or just start to pack something, ask if they are charging you to do so. They usually do. They will also probably charge you for things that they have packed in the truck. Just make sure you are as clear as possible at the beginning.

„h When you arrive in your new home, direct the movers to read the labels on the boxes and place them in the rooms they are marked with. Also tell them where you want furniture to be placed.

„h When you begin unpacking, put the bedding on all the beds first. Next, unpack the bathroom and kitchen, making sure to unpack the items first that you use all the time.

Helpful hints:

„h If you have children, color code their boxes so that they can easily find their belongings. Make sure to keep track of special items such as teddy bears or blankets.

„h Remember to box everything possible, even if you don¡¦t have a box to fit the items exactly. Tape together things such as loose shelving or mops, brooms and shower and curtain rods. Movers will charge you to pack anything that you may have missed.

„h Pack any liquid items and spray cans in a clearly marked box, or take them with you in your car.

„h List on the top and two sides of each box what it contains for easier access later.

„h Keep out such items as hammer, pliers and screwdrivers, which you may need when dismantling various items for easier packing.

„h Use bubble wrap or biodegradable peanuts to carefully wrap breakable items. Newspaper will not prevent breakage unless you scrunch it into balls and use a lot of it.

„h Have extra packing materials on hand in case the movers think that something needs to be packed differently in order for them to move it.

„h If you are moving out of state and are using movers, remember that it can take up to several weeks for your belongings to arrive. If you will be staying in your new home sans your belongings, take along an air mattress and sleeping bags.

„h If you are packing the truck yourself, put larger furniture in first, then pack around it with boxes, securing everything carefully. Pack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.