Moving Day Tips

Nobody looks forward to moving an entire home full of cherished belongings. It's a monumental task, capped off by a dreaded loading and unloading of all your earthly possessions. Hopefully, these suggestions will prevent much of the worry. First, do your homework. Of course, referrals are the best way to find a good moving company, but you could also get recommendations from on-line services like Angie's List or Service Magic. You can check www.moving.org (the American Moving & Storage Assoc.) to see if the company is certified and/or licensed.

Make arrangements with the movers 4 to 6 weeks in advance of the moving day. This is especially true if you're thinking of moving during the peak summer months. Schedule the move for the middle of the month. Those dates are typically less busy, and you are more likely to get a top-notch crew.

Some moving companies will supply you with the boxes and packing material you'll need (for a price), but you can easily buy these items yourself through the Yellow Pages (under "moving supplies") or from self-storage facilities. Boxes come in 4 sizes: skinny boxes for framed pictures; small boxes for heavy things like books; middle-sized boxes for china, glassware, etc.; and large boxes for linens and light-weight items.

Label every box with a list of contents & with the room that you want it brought to. They don't know who Susie is but Bed 3 or Bath 2 is easy to find. Tape labels on furniture too. The less you confuse the movers the faster they can go. You don't want the 3rd floor entertainment center to end up in the basement.

Be present during the packing and keep an inventory of everything. And update your contact information. The mover should know how to reach you during the move in case a problem comes up. Get 2 or 3 new wheeled garbage barrels. The morning of the move pack your bed linens. Emergency kits ( flashlight, candles, snacks, drinks, soap, hand cream, shampoo, towels, batteries, large garbage bags, toilet paper, band aids, scissors, a change of clothing, the book your reading, champagne, stuff to amuse small ones, pet food, a camera, spare dog leash, soap, paper towels, sponges etc.) This is invaluable as you rush around trying to get beds in order.

I get one for every member of the household and toss their names on the outside. The barrels are great for garbage and a million other things in the new place. They go on the truck. Last and come off first.

Call the cable company now. They are sometimes booked way in advance. Before you start unloading take pictures of every room from every angle it's nice to compare it after you have done your thing.

Call a day ahead to have food delivered - in the madness of unpacking you may realize you haven't eaten at 9PM. Get writeable tape and as you unplug your electronics write down what they belong to and where they go if there are several plugs to a device. Buy wire ties. Cords have orgies when put in boxes.

Have a gift prepared for the old owners and during the walkthrough have them point out quirks...all houses have them. Have them show you the water shut offs and ask them in advance to be sure the electrical panel is labeled. Make sure you write down garbage days, bus info, street parking restrictions, etc.

Put any dirty laundry you haven't gotten to in a box labeled WASH ME. Put a few fabric softener sheets in the box in case you can't get to it for a few days. If there are any damp or wet items run them through the dryer for a bit before you put them in the box.

Ask your movers if the clothing in the drawers can be moved in the drawers it saves a lot of packing.

Put the coffee maker the coffee the sugar a spoon coffee cups and a creamer tea bags in a box. That goes with you.

Some moving companies will supply you with the boxes and packing material you'll need (for a price), but you can easily buy these items yourself through the Yellow Pages (under "moving supplies") or from self-storage facilities. Boxes come in 4 sizes: skinny boxes for framed pictures; small boxes for heavy things like books; middle-sized boxes for china, glassware, etc.; and large boxes for linens and light-weight items.

If you notice that a box is damaged at delivery, open it in the mover's presence and have them confirm the condition of the articles in the box. Note any damage on the inventory form. Even if you don't notice any damage right away, you have 9 months after delivery to file a claim. If you're not satisfied, file a Household Goods Consumer Complaint with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. The mover must acknowledge the claim within 30 days and deny it or make a settlement offer within 120 days.

Once the movers have left, unpack the essentials quickly. Then you can take your time with the rest. Don't try to do too much right away. Enjoy your new home.