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.
  • 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.

 

Moving Day

  • Eat breakfast (you may not have time to eat again until evening.)
  • Try not to prepare any meals at home except for a small breakfast.
  • Use disposable plates and cups for drinks and snacks.
  • Put coffee, tea kettle, snacks, soda, and can/bottle opener, first aid kit and a few tools in the “DO NOT PACK” closet.
  • Packing and pick up for shipping and storage will probably take two to three days. Movers usually arrive in the morning (depending on their location) and may be there until late at night, so plan your dinner around their schedule.
  • Give FIRM instructions to packers that they do not begin packing up a room until you have given them specific instructions for each room as to what to pack, store, etc.
  • Send children and pets to babysitter or arrange for sitter to come to your home.
  • Check the water and utilities and drain the hot water heater if no one will move in soon.
  • Leave a list of instructions for the new occupant which includes:
    • Name and contact of property manager (if applicable)
    • A list of the names of the utility companies (gas, electric, and water)
      • Map showing what is planted in yard that may not be presently showing
    • Plumber /Handyman contact
    • Pest control contact
    • Garbage service and day of collection
  • Leave a list of instructions, warranties, keys, garage door openers, etc. on a kitchen counter where they will be easily found.
  • Plan to be at home or have someone there for the entire day to make final decisions.
  • Double-check closets, drawers, and shelves to ensure they are empty before signing the Bill of Lading; this gives your approval that everything is satisfactory. Keep a copy of the Bill of Lading and take it with you to check off at unloading time.
  • Do a last minute clean-up; consider staying overnight to get a fresh start in the morning.