Moving Tips
See reference: Housewarming Gift Baskets
I moved last month, after living in the same home for over nine years. Boy, was I unorganized for this move. I did not take enough time off of work and found myself throwing my belongings into boxes just days before the movers came. I was still packing the morning the movers came and did not finish packing during the two hours it took them to load their truck so I had to store the rest of my belongings for a day until I was able to close on my new home. My car was filled to the brim when I pulled into the attorney’s parking ramp on the day of closing.
I have been in my new home for three weeks now and still have many belongings stuffed in boxes in my garage, basement and spare bedroom. I work from home and still have not found my favorite desk phone or my business account check book and cannot set up my son’s computer because I misplaced his router which allows us to share internet access. I have a box in the garage labeled, “junk from the kitchen counter – to sort”. I have no clue what I placed in that box but will probably not find out until I unpack the rest of the boxes that clearly describe the contents. This is a very embarrassing situation. I run not one, but two, successful businesses and felt that I was an organized person. That was simply not true when it came to moving.
I would like to offer some tips to my customers who plan on moving. Hopefully, these tips will prevent you from making the same mistakes that I did.
Prior to your move:
Clean House: Walk through every room in your home, including the basement and the attic, to see which items you can live without. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of items you haven’t used in a year prior to your move. Sort items into several piles – throw out, give away to friends or relatives, donate to charity. Have all of these items out of the house prior to moving day.
Pack your valuables separately: Although the moving trucks do offer insurance, the insurance cannot replace things of sentimental value. Make sure you keep your valuables in your possession on the day of the move. These items would include important documents, jewelry, money, collections, etc. Maybe even your computer if it essential to your home or business.
Confirm your dates and services to be performed: As soon as you know your moving day or closing date you should notify your mover and contact the utility companies to schedule stop and start service orders. Utilities/services to schedule in advance of your move would include gas, electric, phone/fax, water, disposal, cable and your internet connection.
Order preprinted address labels with your new address as soon as you know it and mail out your change of address cards (obtained for free from your local post office). Places we tend to forget: Department of Motor Vehicles (your license and registration need to be updated within 10 days of your move), IRS, doctors, dentists, banks, magazine subscriptions, newspaper, auto and life insurance companies.
Don’t forget your pets! Moving is very stressful for your pets and they can become confused and frightened during the move. You may want to ask friends or relatives to pet sit during the move. If this is not possible, ask your veterinarian to refer a boarding facility for your pets. If you are moving out of state you have to make travel arrangements for your pets.
Make a list and check it twice: List items in your household. If you use a moving company they will want a complete list of items that ship on their truck. This list is essential if any items are damaged during the move. The list should include all items in boxes as well as furniture and items stored in your garage, basement and attic. The list should also include items that will need special handling including glass table tops, heavy mirrors or pictures that may need crating and antiques.
Packing: Pack a box of “essentials” so it is easily found upon arrival at your new home. This box should include toiletry items (toilet paper, soaps, shampoos, makeup, deodorant, etc.), a change of clothing, pajamas, snacks, drinks, and any other items you feel are essential during your first day and night in your new home. Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less, pack breakables carefully in bubble wrap or newspaper, line the bottom of boxes with bubble wrap for cushioning, mark your boxes carefully so the movers know where to place each box in your new home (color coding works very well), place “FRAGILE” labels on each box containing breakables and stack them separately from your other boxes.
Contact information: Make sure you can be contacted throughout your move. It is a good idea to keep your phone connected until after your home is empty. If you will be available only by cell phone or are staying at a hotel or relatives home make sure you supply that number to your movers, realtor, attorney, utility companies, and anybody else who may need to contact you throughout your move.
Moving Day:
Be there:
If at all possible, you should be present when loading and unloading occurs. This is the only way you can ensure that all services are performed to your satisfaction. Make sure you check the inventory sheet before signing it. Walk through your home to make sure the movers left nothing behind.
When the truck reaches its destination, you should be available when your belongings are unloaded. Check off each item to make sure nothing has been damaged or lost in the move. Again, walk through your new home to make sure everything has been placed in the proper room.
If any of your belongings had to be assembled for the move, make sure all parts and hardware are there.
Report damage or missing items: When you signed the contract with your mover you were given a time line in which all missing or damaged items are to be reported. Read that contract carefully. As a rule of thumb, if you are moving an auto you must inspect it immediately upon arrival at its new destination and file a claim for any damages within 24 hours. Damage to your other belongings must be reported in the time specified in your moving contract.
Happy moving and enjoy your new home!