Here is a list of suggestions that we hope will make your moving day go smoother from start to finish. These moving tips have helped many families over the years especially those who plan to do all or some of their own packing.
Before Packing
- PURGE!!! Clean out your closets, attic, and basement.
- Donate, throw away, or sell items that you don’t need anymore.
Good items to donate are:
… if you haven’t worn it in over a year.
…if an appliance still works but you have not used it in years. - Cancel utilities ahead of time to avoid paying for the services when you’re no longer there.
- Carefully inspect any items that have been stored outside before packing them for egg masses. Pests, such as Gypsy Moths are a serious threat in the Northeast. For more information, please visit the USDA’s: http://www.yourmovegypsymothfree.com
- Notify everyone possible ahead of time with your address change (read, “Who to Notify When You Move” for a printable checklist).
- Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors before your busy move day.
Packing
- Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.
- Do not pack items you need to bring with you like medications and phone chargers. See our “Moving Day Checklist” for details
- Put a special mark on boxes you want to unpack first when they arrive at your new home like bed sheets, kitchen utensils, and drinking glasses.
- Don’t pack away children’s favorite toys before the move.
- Use plenty of paper to help cushion and absorb shock while in transit.
- Never use newspaper to pack, the ink can rub off onto an item.
- Avoid overloading boxes, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting.
- The top of the box should close easily without force, but should not bend inward.
- Watch out for storage bins with cracks or boxes that have been damaged. Damaged boxes or bins can lead to crushed items.
- Avoid using trash bags to pack anything including clothing because the bags can rip easily and are not stackable.
- Always put heavier items in smaller boxes, lighter items into bigger boxes.
- Use enough tape (on the bottom and top of the box, do not just fold the top in) to make sure it is completely sealed and no items can break through the bottom of the box.
- Label all boxes as you pack them with what’s inside and what room they will be going into.
- Sandwich bags are handy for keeping hardware for TV, furniture, etc. together.
- Take pictures of how electronics are connected so you can easily put everything back together.
- Have a separate box for chargers, remotes, wires etc. ONLY
- Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack.
- Use reusable movers blankets (low-cost ones are available at places like Harbor Freight, or use old heavy blankets) to wrap around furniture to protect them from bumps and scuffs.
- Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
- Pack papers and books into a book box (a small box). Boxes filled with books get heavy quick!
- Always use dishpack (a type of box) when packing china and dishes. They have a thicker cardboard to protect your dishware. Crumple a layer of paper or bubble wrap on the bottom to cushion the edges. Pack plates vertically, like records. It keeps the box tighter and helps to prevent them from breakage.
- If you choose to leave packing of fragile items to our professional packers, please be sure to let us know ahead of time so we can bring extra wrapping materials.
- Wrap sharp pointy items carefully and cover the edges. Label which end is sharp to help you avoid cutting yourself when unpacking.
- To avoid broken makeup, place a cotton pad or ball into your solid powder cake cosmetics to keep them from breaking. Do not pack these items if you are moving long distance or going to storage. They are likely to spoil.
- Wrap shoes in clean paper sheets (or individually in their shoe bags) to keep them from rubbing and getting scuffed.
- Place items like pump soap and shower bottles into plastic Ziploc bags and seal closed to prevent spilling.
- Never pack flammables, combustibles or pressurized containers (aerosols). These are non-allowable hazardous items.
When it’s time to move / Loading day…
- Save for last your packed box of moving day essential items that you and your family will need immediately after the move. By making sure it’s the last thing added to the truck so it will be the first thing off the truck.
- Don’t use boxes without tops, without tops it makes it impossible to stack the box properly in the truck or a portable storage container.
Unloading day at your new home…
- Inspect boxes carefully for any damages before picking up.
- Always squat when lifting or lowering an item. Do not try to bend, twist or reach while carrying something
- When opening boxes, do not use a kitchen knife because most are too thin and can break. Use scissors or a box cutter instead.
- Always flatten boxes and separate all paper to ensure all items have been removed from out of the paper.
- Unpack fragile items on a flat padded surface to avoid damage.
