Relocation Tips
Packing & Moving
Key Points to Remember...
- Get rid of anything you no longer need before your move. If you haven’t used an item in over a year and it’s not a cherished family keepsake, it’s likely unnecessary. Consider donating it to charity, selling it in a garage sale, or discarding it. There’s no reason to pay to move things you don’t want or won’t use.
- If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. Be sure to keep copies of all important documents like your estimate and confirmation throughout your move for easy reference whenever needed.
- Pack your boxes so they remain light and easy to handle. Avoid overloading them—if you can’t lift a box comfortably, it’s too heavy. Aim to keep each box under 50 pounds.
- Use proper moving boxes when packing, as this greatly helps ensure your belongings arrive safely. Keep in mind that plastic trash bags are never suitable for packing.
- Always use proper padding when packing your boxes. Don’t cut corners on packing paper or bubble wrap when unsure, it’s better to add extra cushioning than too little.
- Pack dishes vertically in dish barrels never stack them flat in a box. As a guideline, one dish pack should hold roughly four place settings. If you try to fit more, you likely don’t have enough padding (refer to Item 5 above).
- Never pack fragile items together with heavy or bulky objects in the same box.
- Label each box clearly with the name of the room where it should go. This will make unloading at your new home much faster. It’s also a good idea to create an inventory of the contents in each box to help you unpack and locate important items quickly.
- Keep your valuables and essential medications with you during the move, as movers are not responsible for these items.
- When packing, label each box with its contents and the room it should go to in your new home. Prepare an “open first” box for each room. For bedrooms, this might include bed linens, toiletries, toilet paper, and first-aid supplies. For the kitchen, consider including essentials like your coffee maker and supplies, drinks, and the dishes and utensils you’ll need for your first night.
- Keep all items you don’t want the movers to handle in a secure, separate space—like an empty closet or spare bathroom. This includes things like purses, valuables, plants, and pets. Make sure the movers know this area is off-limits because these items will be moved by you. Clearly communicate which belongings are to be packed and transported and which are not. Clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth and organized move.
- Whenever possible, arrange for young children and pets to be cared for elsewhere on moving day. This allows you and the movers to focus fully on the move, and it also keeps little ones and pets safe, as moving day can be hectic and potentially hazardous.
- Keep your phone service active at your current residence until your move is fully completed. Being able to communicate with your movers and others is essential for a smooth and coordinated move.
- Arrange to have utilities like gas, electricity, cable, and phone service disconnected at your current home and reconnected at your new one. If possible, schedule a brief overlap to cover any changes in your moving date. Also, notify the post office of your new address and when to begin forwarding your mail.