Moving Week 

Home

• Give away houseplants and any freezer items not being used.
• Complete sorting and packing for the trip.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator 2-3 days before leaving. Leave the door open and put a "KEEP OPEN" sign on door. If there are children in your home, take extra care to assure that the doors cannot be closed tightly, causing children to be trapped.
• Establish an area or closet to gather last minute cleaning supplies and first-aid kit for the final van load. Label the closet "DO NOT PACK."
• Take local contact information with you, this may be useful in your new home.
• Throw away unwanted items you will not move, if it is there, the movers will move it.
• Dispose of gasoline, flammables, light bulbs, batteries, and aerosol cans. These items cannot be packed or shipped.
• Unplug television sets 24 hours in advance so they are room temperature on moving day.
• Apply a coat of paste wax to furniture to protect it from dirt, fingerprints, and water damage. Use only a good quality paste wax without an oil base.
• Label "DO NOT PACK" any items that will remain in the house.
• Arrange for a final pick-up by charity for items you wish to give away.
• Label items clearly according to type of shipment: air, sea, storage, or do not pack.
• For storage, soft goods can be packed in drawers or trunks.

Personal and Official

• Pay outstanding bills. Arrange for payment of final bills.
• Put together an arrival kit of the items you will need first.
• Arrange for refunds on any deposits (telephone, apartment rental, etc.).
• Remove contents of safety deposit box, if applicable, which will accompany you in your “Essentials Box.”
• Pack carry-on bags with underwear, cosmetics, and essentials for 24 - 48 hours in case baggage is lost/delayed. Take snacks to accommodate the change in meal schedules. Have gum and hard candy to relieve air pressure on take-off and landing. 
• Inform a relative/close friend of your schedule, including stopovers. Use them as a message center.