Moving Tips!

This page contains our handy list of general moving tips. When used in conjunction with our moving checklist, the following tips can help you to have a smoother move. Using the experience that we have gained from our previous moves as well as the research that we have done on the internet through various resources, you can now benefit from this shared knowledge. Keep in mind that not all of these moving tips will pertain to you. Simply use the tips that apply to your own particular needs and ignore the rest. The recommended method of gaining knowledge from this site is to first read through this moving tips section and then to read through and print out the moving checklist. You can then move on to the other sections of the site where you can get read about setting up new services, use our moving tools, read our articles and get some in-depth instructions for how to move right and avoid the common pitfalls than can lead to moving nightmares.

Moving Tips!

Here are our 25 moving tips. Hopefully they can save you some time, trouble and money!

1) Start a moving checklist. You can use ours or make up your own. You might even want to print out our moving checklist and then use it as a template that you can personalize so that it reflects your own situation.

2) Get your moving supplies early. Moving is stressful enough without having to run to the store for some more tape when you are right in the middle of a productive packing session.

3) As well as some good sturdy moving boxes, you can also use your suitcases, duffle bags, hampers, garbage cans and other storage devices to pack your items. If you are using a professional moving company then be sure to ask them what is acceptable.

4) Keep your valuables with you. You might have moving insurance for your possessions but some items simply cannot be replaced. These items should be inventoried and then kept with you during your move.

5) If you have the luxury of choosing your moving day, try to move during the week. Weekends are a very busy time for movers, especially around the first of the month. Also, if you move on a weekday, you can take advantage of the fact that most businesses will be open including banks, utility companies, real estate offices, etc.

6) Make sure that you will still have power, water and phone services at your old house at least through moving day. You might even want an extra day so that you can go back and clean up. When you are setting up services at your new home, go ahead and arrange for your existing services to be switched out of your name but give them the date after your moving day as your 'end service' date.

7) Before you even begin to start packing, plan and arrange for a space in your existing home where you will have the ability to stack all of your moving boxes. It's easy to just get started packing and then end up with boxes scattered throughout your house.

8) Consider color coordinating your move. You can get some colored stickers and then designate a color for each room in the house. Add a sticker to each box that you pack and at the new house, put a sticker on each door.

9) If you are going to have a garage sale, do it early in the moving process. Everybody has unwanted items. There is no sense in moving items that you are just going to get rid of later anyway. If you can't sell it then give it away! Your charitable contributions can be tax deductible. Ask your tax specialist for advice. If you are trying to give away large items then call the local thrift stores. They might be willing to have someone come to your house in order to pick up the unwanted items that you are trying to get rid of.

10) When you get your moving boxes, try to get a variety of sizes. You will need quite a few smaller boxes for heavy items such as books, dishes, silverware, weights, tools, etc. You will also need some large boxes for pillows, blankets and miscellaneous items.

11) There are special moving boxes that you can get for your dishes and glasses. They are partitioned especially for this purpose. It you choose not to get these types of boxes then carefully wrap your dishes and pack them on their sides in the box. Place bubble wrap in between each dish don't make the box too heavy. Mark 'fragile' on three sides of the box.

12) Be careful when choosing a moving company. Ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints against them. Get 3 moving estimates and then pick the moving company that has the best track record.

13) Don't get stressed out thinking that you have to do everything yourself. If you are using a moving company you can have them help you with some or all of the packing. They are your hired help so they will do just about whatever you want them to. Keep in mind that you are paying them by the hour. If you are doing your own move then you can still hire some moving help. These 'helpers' will be skilled laborers that are capable of packing and moving boxes, hooking up and unhooking appliances plus more.

14) If you are using a professional moving company then they will require that your mattresses be covered. They will bring mattress covers with them on moving day and cover the mattresses for you. You can save quite a bit of money by covering your mattresses yourself. Check your local furniture stores or general merchandise stores for mattress covers. They come in all sizes and are quite a bit cheaper if you buy them in advance and do it yourself instead of having the movers do this for you.

15) If you find damaged items after your move, you have up to 9 months to file a claim against your mover. You should file a claim against the mover as soon as possible. The longer you delay your claim, the more questions there will be in the minds of the people who work in the claims department and this could negatively affect their decision regarding your claim.

16) Make plans to use up your perishable food in advance of your move. If it is close to your moving date and you still have a surplus then consider having a 'food auction' party with friends and family. Give each person a grocery bag. You can then let them each have a turn at choosing one of your perishable items to take home with them. It can be kind of fun!

17) Make a point to send out moving announcements to friends and family well in advance of your moving date. Not only will this give them a fair amount of warning, it can also help you 'fish' for some help with your move.

18) If you are doing your own move, make sure that you have the proper moving equipment. In particular, having a moving dolly can come in quite handy. Ask your neighbors or friends if they have one that you can borrow or consider renting one.

19) If you are going to require the services of a public storage facility then make sure to get your reservations well in advance. You may be surprised by the lack of availability. Booking well in advance can help you avoid this nightmare.

20) Doing your own move usually means that you will have to rent a truck. Be sure to leave the gas tank full or at least leave as much gas as you started with. When you turn in the truck after your move they will check to see how much gas is left. If the gas gauge is not at the level that they designated, they will charge you an exorbitant amount per gallon as well as a fee. Also be sure to clean out the truck and fold any blankets that you may have rented from them. They will also charge you an extra fee for cleaning and folding.

21) You will want to arrange for services in your new city. It will give you piece of mind to know that when you arrive at your new destination, you will have power, phone, water and TV services ready to go.

22) After you move it will take awhile for you to settle in. It will be a very busy time for you. Therefore, prior to your move, it would be a good idea to get your vehicles serviced, get your hair cut, take your pet to the vet and generally take care of any weekly or monthly maintenance details so that you will not have to deal with them once you have moved into your new home.

23) You might want to consider photographing and taking an inventory of your valuable items. If any of these items have been appraised then you might also want to consider insuring them.

24) Some of the items that you should consider packing last are your tools and cleaning supplies. During the moving process you will find that you will inevitably need one tool or another for taking things apart, putting them back together, cutting and more. Once everything is moved out of your house you will need your cleaning supplies so that you can prepare the house for it's new occupants.

25) If possible, make an appointment to see your doctor a few weeks before your moving date. If you are moving to a new city then you will need to find a new doctor and your existing one may be able to give you references. He or she can also go over any prescriptions that you have and possibly extend the refills so that you will at least be able to get your medications for awhile until you have the time to find and see a doctor at your new location. The same holds true for your pets.

Final Word: Do make a checklist and start organizing your move as early as possible!

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