Important Tips
Packing and General Moving Tips
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Gather boxes of all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.
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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.
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Create a “portable packing kit” with items such as markers, tape measure, packing tape, twine, and scissors, and packing list.
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Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.
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Label each box with the room name of your new home and where it should be placed.
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List the contents on the side of the box.
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Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
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Keep boxes to 30 pounds or less.
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Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes.
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DO NOT pack all of your books into one box. Use small boxes for books.
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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.
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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
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Sort through your belongings.
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Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need to charity.
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Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, markers, and scissors.
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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.
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Save all moving receipts, because some moving expenses may be tax deductible. Check current tax code for requirements.
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Place your legal, medical, financial and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
One Month Before Moving
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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.)
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Make travel arrangements for your pet.
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If you are driving, get your car tuned up.
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Get medical records from your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian.
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Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to cleaners.
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Back up important computer files.
Two Weeks Before Moving
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Contact your utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable, trash collector, and local phone service providers) and notify them of your move.
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Sign up for services at your new address.
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Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move.
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Call friends and family to help with moving day if necessary.
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Confirm all travel reservations.
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Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. Arrange to pick up items from safety deposit box.
One Week Before Moving
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Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops, or friends.
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Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, and so on to carry you through the day after arrival in your new home.
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Finish packing all boxes minus what you’ll need in the final week.
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Inform the post office of your upcoming move. Send change-of-address cards with your new address and phone number.
The Day Before Moving
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Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocket knife, and rope.
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If you’re driving, check oil and gas in your car.
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If you’re traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.
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Pack all last minute items. .
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Check attic, basement, and other areas to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
Moving Day
Carry with you:
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The key to your new home.
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Map of new town and directions to your house.
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The telephone number of the moving company – Kelly Moving, Inc. (864) 468-5059
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Cash or traveler’s checks.
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Documentation related to the sale of your home.
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Box with a label “Moving Day Items” in red.
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Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number.
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Your current address book or personal planner.
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Prescription and non-prescription medicines.
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Enough clothes to get through your first day at new home.
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Any important personal records and documents.
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Back up copies of important computer files.
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Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home.
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Personal hygiene items (for example, toothpaste, soap, razor.)
Arrival Day
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Show movers where to place furniture and boxes.
After the Move
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Relax. Take a break. Breath.