Preparing To Move: Checklist of Moving Tips
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- Get estimates from moving companies and arrange method of payment.
- Sell, give away, discard unnecessary belongings.
- Notify post office and send out change of address cards to companies to inform of move.
- Get school records for transfer to new school.
- Check and clear tax assessments on your current property.
- Collect and send out all items to be cleaned and repaired.
- Return all items borrowed, and collect all items loaned.
- Arrange for connection and shutting off all utilities.
- Dispose of flammable items.
- Defrost and clean fridge one day before move; clean stove.
- Have meters read.
- Use up perishable food.
- Arrange to transport plants, pets, fish and perishables.
- Clean rugs and drapes.
- Arrange for work that has to be done at new home.
- Get moving company appraisals of items for future claims.
- Cancel cleaning woman, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removal, etc.
- Assure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.
Packing and Storage
- Get packing paper, pad for inventory, and marking pens.
- Boxes or containers for packing, heavy twine or masking tape.
- Empty gasoline from lawnmowers, outboard motors, etc.
- Remove batteries from toys, and appliances.
- Mark cartons clearly as to contents and room to be put in.
- Set aside things you will carry in car in carton marked “Do not load”.
- Mark clearly cartons you want loaded last, unloaded first.
- Take a telephone book with you.
- Tie or tape mops, brooms, curtain rods in bundles.
- Point out and mark especially fragile or delicate items.
- Carry currency, jewellery and valuable papers yourself.
- Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
- Liquids in bottles should have tops secured.
- CDs, records, cassettes and videotapes should be packed in an upright position on their edges, not flat.
- Large mirrors, glass tabletops and valuable pictures can be crated.
- Books should be packed on edge in small boxes.
- Carton weight should not exceed 60 pounds.
- All boxes should be tied/taped securely.
- Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
- Do not use newspaper to pack anything; the ink rubs off.
- Do not leave shelves loose in refrigerator or stove.
- Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in the bottom of boxes.
- Do not pack cleaning products in the same box as food.
- Table lamps should be packed.
- Place heavy china items at bottom of box; all flat pieces should be placed on edge.
- Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger one.
- Move clothes in wardrobes supplied by mover.
- Drapes can be moved in wardrobes as well.
- Do not roll mattresses or rugs; leave for mover (special cartons).
- Do not wrap articles of furniture or tie the ropes.
- Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.
- Take down any fixtures fastened to wall.
Arriving
- Have children and pets elsewhere, if possible.
- Check off numbered boxes.
- Check each carton for damage or loss.
- List claims for lost or damaged articles.
- Pay movers.
- Check supply of heating fuel.
- Get appliances hooked up.
- Get utilities turned on, or meters read.
- Get kitchen and bedrooms set up first
