Important Tips

Packing and General Moving Tips

Gather boxes of all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.
Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, foam, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspaper, and towels to use as padding inside boxes.
Create a “portable packing kit” with items such as markers, tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors, and packing list.
Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.
Label each box with the room name of your new home and where it should be placed.
List the contents on the side of the box.
Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
Keep boxes to 30 pounds or less.
Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes.
DO NOT pack all of your books into one box. Use small boxes for books.
Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks.) Keep this in an easy to find place when you pack.
Make a special bag for your children. Pack their favorite toys, books, crayons, and paper etc, to help occupy them and make moving easier for you.

Two Months Before Moving

Sort through your belongings.
Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need to charity.
Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, markers, and scissors.
If you are moving a long distance, make travel arrangements with the airline, hotel, and rental car agency. If you are driving to your new home, get maps and plan your travel route.
Save all moving receipts, because some moving expenses may be tax deductible. Check current tax code for requirements.
Place your legal, medical, financial and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.

One Month Before Moving

Start packing items that are not regularly used such as off-season clothes and decorations, and also items in storage areas (garage, attic, and closets.)
Make travel arrangements for your pet.
If you are driving, get your car tuned up.
Get medical records from your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian.
Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to cleaners.
Back up important computer files.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Contact your utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable, trash collector, and local phone service providers) and notify them of your move.
Sign up for services at your new address.
Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move.
Call friends and family to help with moving day if necessary.
Confirm all travel reservations.
Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. Arrange to pick up items from safety deposit box.

One Week Before Moving

Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops, or friends.
Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, and so on to carry you through the day after arrival in your new home.
Finish packing all boxes minus what you’ll need in the final week.
Inform the post office of your upcoming move. Send change-of-address cards with your new address and phone number.

The Day Before Moving

Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocket knife, and rope.
If you’re driving, check oil and gas in your car.
If you’re traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.
Pack all last minute items. .
Check attic, basement, and other areas to make sure you didn’t forget anything.

Moving Day
Carry with you:

Arrival Day

After the Move