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Tips for Moving |
Before You Move
| Obtain estimates from moving companies. | |
| Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings. | |
| Advise post office and complete change of address cards to inform companies of your new address. | |
| Obtain school records for new school transfer. | |
| Check and clear tax assessments on present property. | |
| Send out all items for cleaning or in need of repair. | |
| Return those items that were borrowed and collect any items loaned out. | |
| Arrange for the shutting off of all utilities and the connection of utilities for the new house. | |
| Clean all drapes, rugs & floors. | |
| Plan and organize work that has to be completed on the new home. | |
| Obtain appraisals of personal property for the moving company in case of future claims. | |
| Make arrangements to discontinue cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers, etc. | |
| Ensure that adequate insurance for all goods are covered in transit. |
Storing & Packing
| Obtain or purchase packing paper, pads for inventory, markers, heavy twine, masking tape, boxes and containers for packing. | |
| Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors, etc. | |
| Remove all batteries from appliances | |
| Tie or tape brooms, mops & bundle curtain rods. | |
| Limit carton weight to 60 pounds. | |
| Tie or tape all boxes securely. | |
| Pack lamp shades in boxes by themselves. | |
| Using newspaper to pack fragile items is convenient, but the ink will rub off and may mark item surface. Plain newsprint or tissue works well. | |
| Do not leave shelves loose in stoves and refrigerators. | |
| Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in the bottom of boxes. Wherever possible, use the original appliance boxes. | |
| Do not pack cleaning supplies in the same boxes as food. |
| Table lamps should also be packed in boxes. | |
| Make sure that heavy china items are placed in the bottom of the box. Flat pieces should be placed on edge. | |
| Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger box. | |
| Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by the movers. | |
| Make sure all fragile and delicate items are indicated clearly on each box. | |
| Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency yourself. | |
| Avoid overloading drawers when packing items in dressers. | |
| Ensure that tops are secured for all liquids in bottles. | |
| All phonograph records should be packed upright on their edges, not flat (one on top of the other). | |
| Crate glass table tops, large mirrors & any valuable pictures. Pack all books on edge in small boxes. | |
| Mark contents of all boxes very clearly, specifying room to be placed in. | |
| Set aside things you will carry in the car in a carton marked "Do not load". | |
| Indicate which cartons you wish to be loaded and unloaded first & last. | |
| Make sure you take/keep a telephone book with you. |
On Moving Day
| If possible, make sure children and pets are elsewhere. | |
| Check and number boxes. | |
| Check each carton for loss or damage. | |
| Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles. | |
| Make sure movers are paid. | |
| Check supply of heating fuel (if applicable). | |
| Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up. | |
| Get meters read and turned on. | |
| Set up bedrooms and kitchen first. | |
| Try not to roll mattresses or rugs; leave for the movers to transport. | |
| Do not wrap or tie large articles of furniture. | |
| Dismantle large power tools before moving. | |
| Remove all fixtures that are fastened to the wall. | |
| Make sure you take/keep a telephone book with you. |