Packing

General Information

• Use good quality, strong moving boxes, and be certain the bottoms are secure.

• Don't get overwhelmed. Concentrate on one room at a time. Be sure every box is clearly labeled by room and item.

• Any items you don't need for daily living should be packed first.

• Keep boxes to 50 lbs or less. Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in big boxes.

• Buy clean newsprint to wrap items, and bubble wrap for padding.

• Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.

Big Things

• Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Label pieces for easy reassembling.

• Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.

• Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.

• Appliances: Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags.

• Computers, TVs, and Electronics: Use original packaging or buy electronic-specific boxes.

Small Things

• Books: Pack flat in small cartons, alternating bindings.

• Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.

• Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates and saucers on edge, with cups and bowls placed around them.

Moving

One Month Before:

• Fill out change of address order form for post office.

• Fill out an IRS change of address form.

• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.

• Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.

• Set up a checking account in your new city.

• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.

• Make arrangements for transporting pets.

• Start using up food items so there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

One-Two Weeks Before:

• Schedule switching of utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.

• Arrange for help on moving day.

• Confirm travel reservations.

• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.

• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.

• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing and carry them to your new address.

• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.