15 Things You Should Know Before Moving

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It's safe to say that moving is pretty high on most people's lists of things they hate to do.   Uprooting your family, especially to a new town or state, is never easy. But we'll let you in on a little secret: Procrastination is what will really make you miserable. Trust us -- there's nothing worse than frantically dumping your stuff into trash bags as the movers wait (and the clock ticks). If you don't keep on top of things, there will inevitably be all kinds of odds and ends that you'll be  forced to reckon with on moving day. And that is never fun.

Packing up an entire household -- no matter what size it is -- can seem like an insurmountable task, even if you've done it before. But fear not, movers -- we've put together a timeline and a ton  of handy tips that should ease some of your stress.

Most experts (and by "experts" we mean "people who have done this many, many times") say that you should start the moving process about two months before the big day. So, here goes. Eight to six weeks before you move you should:

• Go through all your stuff and decide what to purge. When that's done, then you're ready to start packing up everything you can live without for the next few weeks.
• Gather packing supplies. At a minimum, you'll need boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers.
• Make a moving budget. Are you going to do it all yourself or hire movers? And if you do hire movers, are they going to pack for you?
• Get estimates for movers or rental trucks and hire one.
• Talk to (OK, maybe butter up) your friends and family to persuade them to help you on moving day.

Start preparing at least 1-2 months away from moving day. Moving is a lot more time-consuming than you may think. Think about your kitchen alone. How many cabinets and drawers you need to pack up? Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack. Plan ahead.

One of the easiest ways to start packing is to start with the clutter. Clean off countertops. Clean out closets. Get rid of your things that won’t be making the move first. 

Moving day is a month away -- you might be starting to feel the crunch, but don't panic. Decide what you want to keep and what you will not be keeping.

You might want to donate items or perhaps hold a garage sale for the items that will not be making the move to your new home.

While you're not packing, now's the time to:

• Fill out a change of address form with the post office -- and notify all your credit cards, banks, doctors, schools, utility and insurance companies of the move.
• Arrange to disconnect the utilities at your old place and connect them at the new one.
• Have a garage sale if you're so inspired. Remember all that stuff you decided to purge last month. If you can, try to sell it -- you might just recoup your packing supplies expenses.

Make sure you have plenty of boxes in various sizes. Big boxes for clothing and bedding since they tend to be light weight, smaller boxes for the heavy items like dishes and books. Check your local grocery store for free boxes.  

Moving day is just around the corner. Although you are in the homestretch, you're not quite finished yet. Here's what to do in the final two weeks:

• Confirm that your new utilities accounts have been set up and that electricity, heat, water and internet will be up and running when you arrive at your new place.
• Finish up the major packing about a week ahead of time -- just leave yourself a suitcase with enough toiletries, clothes and other necessities for a few days.
• Designate a few "open first" boxes so you don't have to search for things like glasses and silverware.
• Refill any prescriptions you might need over the next couple of weeks.
• Plan meals so you use up whatever's in your fridge and cupboards.
• A couple of days out, confirm with movers and/or your moving helpers.
• Make sure that everything is clean and in place at your new home so you don't run in to any disasters when you open the door for the first time.
• Give everyone your new address!
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Purchase plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap. It takes time to wrap everything, but it’s better than having to replace items after you move.

Don’t forget to purchase packing tape, scissors and permanent markers (have extras of everything). Even if your movers are doing the packing for you, it's probably a good idea to handle anything especially fragile or valuable yourself. No matter how careful the movers are, accidents can happen -- you'll have more peace of mind with your valuables in your own hands. 

OK, so you know you need to start packing early and pack, pack, pack until everything is done. Sounds simple enough, but where do you start? And how do you keep things under control and organized? A good packing job will not only make your life easier while you're packing, but also while you're unloading in your new home. Here are some pointers:

• Start collecting boxes and supplies way ahead of time -- chances are you'll have to go back for more at some point.
• Pack by room, and try not to put things from multiple rooms in one box.
• Label boxes by room.
• Pack clothes in special boxes for clothing. They have a bar inside to hang the clothes on.
• Put heavy things in small boxes and light stuff in big boxes, with the heavier items always at the bottom of each box.
• Pack dishes on their sides, never flat. Be sure to wrap them individually -- whether you're using old newspaper or those fancy foam sleeves.
• Use towels or wadded-up paper to fill empty space in boxes – try not to leave a box half-full.
• Leave out a small toolbox and first aid kit for moving day.

Moving blankets are great for covering large furniture in the moving truck so things don’t get scratched. Also useful for large paintings, mirrors, and televisions. Once you unwrap items, you can use the blankets when moving furniture so you don’t damage your door frames. 

A checklist will help you keep track of all the tasks if you’re able to write them down and cross them off as you complete each one. 

Sometimes you can’t transition smoothly from your old place to your new home. Check into pricing of PODS or local storage units and compare. Also check online for coupons and see if one place will honor a competitor’s pricing. Worth asking at least! 

Make sure you do this at least two weeks ahead of your move. Sometimes it takes utility companies some time to schedule the beginning of your service.  

It will help your movers know where to place furniture if you draw out a floorplan of your new home prior to moving day. Sketch where the couches, end tables, beds, etc. will go. You can always tweak it later, but at least it’s a starting point. 

Your mother-in-law might want to try and “help” you unpack boxes. Get your helpers on track by labeling the cabinets and drawers (plates, cups, mugs, silverware, etc.). 

I’m sure you labeled all of your boxes with “Sammy’s Bedroom” or “Office”. Make sure you put a sign on the door of the rooms so everyone knows what goes where. 

You just closed on your new house and you can’t wait to move into your dream home on this rainy afternoon. You will want to protect your flooring and carpeting. The best idea is to invest in some carpet protection tape. You’ll be glad you did.  

Make sure you tell all of your friends and family members way ahead of time when you’re moving (so they’ll have no possible excuse not to be there, right?). If you're having friends and family members help with your move, then make it as easy and organized as possible for them. Don't expect them to pack boxes for you. Have all the boxes packed before they arrive, so all they have to do is pick up a box and carry it to the moving van. You can even decide beforehand which friend will be assigned to which furniture and boxes. Be sure to have plenty of beverages and snacks on hand. And send out for food if the moving encroaches on lunch or dinner. They deserve it.

No matter who is moving your things -- professional movers or friends -- they don't want a barking dog or a rambunctious child running around while they're carrying heavy boxes and furniture. It's distracting for the movers and it's unsafe for the children and the pets. So, it might be a good idea to have a friend babysit the children the day of the move. And the same goes for your pet. If you take them out of the equation for the day, you'll be able to focus on getting the move done. 

Consider hiring some professional movers. It can be a bit pricey, but it might just be worth it! That’s what they do. 

Be sure to get an “on-site”  written proposal that includes a “NOT TO EXCEED PRICE”.  Otherwise they may take their sweet time and then charge you for all the wasted manhours.  

Details to Include In Written Proposal:

• What is the “Not To Exceed Price”?
• Insurance cost for any damaged property?
• What is the deductible?
• What is the limit of their liability?
• How many workers they will have on the job?
• What time will the crew start?
• When will the crew be done?
• If they don’t finish “on-time”, how much will they deduct from the cost of the contract?
• Is it just a “drop shipment” or will they disassemble furniture and then re-assemble the furniture at your new house?
• Will they be packing your boxes or do they expect you to have that done for them?
• Do they move flammable items, (i.e. Lawn mower, motorcycle, etc.)

If they won’t provide you with these critical details in their written proposal, don’t hire them!

Most moving companies will take advantage of you when you are paying them by the hour. They have no incentive to get the job done in a reasonable timeframe. The longer it takes, the more money they make. In fact, paying them by the hour gives them incentive to work slowly.

If you have a lot of things to move, a two-man crew most likely will not be enough to get the job completed in one day. If the company is experienced and ethical, they will know exactly how many crew members to assign to your move, how long it will take, and what it will cost. Be sure that you agree in writing about how the move will go.

 Important tips to remember:

• Tip your movers 10 to 15 percent, more if it's a difficult move and they do a great job.
• Have plenty of bottled water on hand and buy food and drinks for your movers or your moving help.
• Be prepared and organized and treat your moving crew as professionals, with respect and kindness. They have all your worldly goods in their capable hands.

If you've hired movers to pack, pick up and deliver your furniture and boxes, then you need to be on hand when they're doing the packing and picking up. The movers will issue you an inventory of all items. Look over the list carefully and make sure the inventory list is correct and legible before you sign it. If an item is lost or damaged, you don't want to find out later that it's not on their list of inventory.

• Make a "Move" file folder to keep track of documentation and records of the moving process. 
• Set up a calendar for your move to mark deadlines and reminders. 
• Hold a garage sale to rid yourself of furniture, clothes and other items you'd prefer not to move.
• Contact a local charity to donate any unneeded furniture and items not sold in the garage sale.
• Collect boxes, tape, rope, wrapping/padding material and other moving supplies.
• Line up a moving company (or make reservations to rent a moving truck if you plan to move yourself).
• Gather doctors, dentists, other medical and school records.
• Put together (and keep accessible) all financial, tax, and employment documentation that may be                 needed during your loan process.
• Contact your insurance company to transfer your policies (life, auto, homeowners). 

• Set a cutoff date with your current utility providers (this can include telephone, gas, electric, water, garage, and cable).
• Establish a start date for utility services at your new home.
• Let friends and relatives know of your upcoming move.
• Donate canned goods and other non-perishable food items to a local charity to save the expense of moving them.
• Verify your Voter Registration information and make any necessary changes in light of your move.
• Register your new address with your subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and association memberships.
• Complete a change of address card with your local post office. 
•  Research and keep record of tax deductions on moving expenses. 

• Transfer stocks, bonds, bank accounts, and contents of safety deposit boxes to a trusted financial institution near your new home.
• Organize the clothes you will be moving; separate them into suitcases, keeping those you need readily available.
• Review the moving checklist so far, making sure you are still on track for the move. 

• Drain outdoor equipment: water from hoses, propane tanks from barbecue grills, and gas and oil from lawn mowers.
• Discard any aerosol, paint, oils, and all flammable and/or toxic chemicals.
• Label items you need to easily access and place them in a separate room or closet.
• Schedule a pest control company to service your home before moving -- especially on new construction.
• Clean your refrigerator and let it air out at least 24 hours before moving. 

• RELAX
• Load items and boxes that you'll need first last. (Those items packed last will be unloaded first.)
• Conduct a final walk through of your home once everything is out of the house; check cupboards, closets, behind doors, attics, stairwells, overhead in the garage, outside the home, and any storage sheds. 

• Prepare your new home before the moving trucks arrive; have it clean and be prepared to instruct where you'd like items placed.
• Take some time, sit back, and enjoy your new home!