Organizing your move and moving boxes

Planning Your Move and Packing Moving Boxes

     Organize and budget your move

q       Create a list of items you will need for your move whether you are moving on your own or hiring a company.  You may either obtain bids for moving or research cost of materials to do it yourself.

q       Start going through your home to determine which things will go with you, donate, garage sale and throw away.

Order moving boxes, moving box kit and packaging supplies

q       Order moving boxes and packaging supplies.  Depending on your size home and items you need to pack a moving box kit may be your best value.  Decide how many moving specialty boxes you will need such as dish boxes, lamp boxes and appliance boxes then place your order.   Be sure to compare costs due to some companies include shipping.

Packing and organizing your inventory

q       Keep moving boxes at 40 lbs or less for easier lifting.  Stack boxes for organizing and faster loading the same size with heavier boxes on the bottom.  It will be easier to load moving boxes on to the dolly.

q       To save time make a plan for moving day the items needed to be loaded into the truck first to last.  This way you will have an idea how the items will be removed from your home.

q       Label all corrugated boxes on four sides so when stacked you will be able to see contents at destination home.  For further organizing you may color code all corrugated boxes and provide details for movers.

q       Decide what items you will be packing in the car such as breakables, important documents, plants, medication and “care box”

q       Keep moving documents handy along with the names of the people moving your belongings.  In addition keep important maps and phone numbers handy.  Have a couple of copies of maps and directions to new locations on hand just in case.

q       If using a moving company inspect all furniture and boxes to make sure there is no visible damage. 

q       If moving with pets and children see if friends or relatives could help out on moving day.  If not, find a room where they can keep entertained during the move for safety reasons.  Be sure to pack necessary items in your “care box” for moving day.

Moving Checklist

q       Notify the post office 2-4 weeks ahead of your move to forward your mail to your new address.

q       Provide your address change to credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, banks, and health related businesses for outstanding bills.

q       Create a list of relatives, friends, and colleagues to send your new address.

q       Notify utility companies of cut-off dates and prepare for new utility companies service in your new home.  See White Fence services to save you money and time.

q       Cancel or forward magazine subscriptions and newspapers.

q       When hiring a mover check the insurance policy to see what items are covered by the moving company sometimes there are conditions to be met in the contract.  

q       Moving companies charge for weight of moving load.  It is wise to decide well in advance the items that you would like to take to your new location.

q       If you are moving from a condominium check with the condo board for any rules pertaining to your move such as reserving an elevator, padding that must be used etc…  

q       Pack a care box for the items you will need most upon arrival such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, hammer, screwdriver, pencils, paper, eating supplies, refreshments, scissors, toothbrush and toothpaste. 

q       Clean appliances, drapery, and bedding to prepare them for moving.

If you are moving out of town:

q       Obtain copies of your medical and dental records for you and your pets.  Find out from the pharmacist  your outstanding prescriptions and they will be handled.

q       Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.

q       Try to meet the neighbors prior to your move.

q       Use pet carriers for moving pets.

q       Map out a route to provide family and friends.  Take a cell phone or calling card in case of emergencies.

q       Empty your safety deposit box.

q       If you are moving on your own you may pack plants with holes in boxes.  Moving companies will not load plants into moving trucks.

q       Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.