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:

• The key to your new home.

• Map of new town and directions to your house.

• The telephone number of the moving company – Kelly Moving, Inc.  (864) 468-5059

• Cash or traveler’s checks.

• Documentation related to the sale of your home.

• Box with a label “Moving Day Items” in red.

• Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number.

• Your current address book or personal planner.

• Prescription and non-prescription medicines.

• Enough clothes to get through your first day at new home.

• Any important personal records and documents.

• Back up copies of important computer files.

• Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home.

• Personal hygiene items (for example, toothpaste, soap, razor.)

Arrival Day

• Show movers where to place furniture and boxes.

After the Move

• Relax. Take a break. Breath.