Although the decision of moving your home can be exciting, packing is something most of us dread. By using our guide, you will feel more secure in knowing that your possessions will get to your new address in one piece.  Once you’re there, you’ll be able to find everything when the time comes to unpack and get settled.

Packing

·         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 routine should be packed first.

·         Keep boxes to 50lbs 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.