Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Please share this with everyone because everybody knows somebody who is moving or going to be moving.
Moving Guide Part 1
I highly recommend that before considering a moving company, you weigh the options to do the moving yourself! The advantages are saving a lot of money and also, you have have much more freedom over your items. Plus, you won’t have to rely on possible delays with a company. If you need a moving company, be sure to get quotes for moving rates from at least several different moving companies.
Moving from one place into another can be very easy and time efficient when done correctly and you have a well thought out plan. However, if you have not thought out precisely what you want to accomplish, moving can become a nightmare!
This little guide is dedicated to the millions who move each year and the millions who are getting ready to move in the future.
Here is a website that can greatly aid you in finding a new apartment. It is FREE to join and apartments are available in the Continental United States.
Before choosing a moving company here is a website that will show you a comparison of the moving companies:
When getting your blue print together you should start at least 6 to 8 weeks before your actual move. Of course there are circumstances when you are forced to move but for now we will consider the move is according to your time constraints.
The first part of the guide will go over the physical components that will help you move fast and proficient.
What you will need to make this as smooth as possible.
The first step is to decide what you do NOT want to take with you. This will make the load of items easier to work with. Donate these items to The Salvation Army or sell them in a garage sale. Contact local charities to help you and if you go that route pick a good two weeks before your move date. Neighbors may be willing to put together a little out door type sale where you could get rid of things and still make a little money.
Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do your own packing or partial packing.
Strapping Tape made by 3M is recommended to seal cardboard boxes.
General strapping, reinforcing, bundling, box closing and appliance securing tape. Tensilized polypropylene backing provides excellent resistance to nicks, abrasion, moisture and scuffing.
Find this in most Staples, Kinkos and stationary
stores. I don’t like the freezer tape or other weak weak weak holding tapes. Always remember to seal bo both ends of the carton.
Nylon string is the strongest to wrap your items up but there are several type strings or thin ropes that will also do the job. Prefer a thin rope when tying things up on the outside.
Depending on the moving company you chose, you could find the packing materials there or if you decide to use your own, you will find the materials in many stores that sell moving or packing material. It should be noted that you need the proper size boxes and also they have to be reinforced and regular supermarket type cartons may not be strong enough for some of your items.
Bubble Wrap is what you should get for wrapping glassware. You could use peanut paper also known as Styrofoam peanuts. The bubble wrap is much better however for wrapping dishes in because of its uniformity and evenness. I like to tape bubble wrap over my monitor screen and television screen and then put a simple blanket or runner over the glass screens. This way you are double protecting your valuable. You can find bubble wrap in the stores that sell strapping tape.
Another tip that may be common sense but many people overlook. When marking the cartons do NOT use a regular ink pen. Always use the Magic Marker and favor Black as the color. Ink pens can smear and if moisture is in the air, you may have a difficult time reading what you wrote.
While we are discussing markers and writing I have to mention something that is very important and could also save you a lot of time and possibly money.
I highly recommend that you use an invisible marking of your valuables.
An invisible marking of your valuable goods can save you in the event that someone steals something while moving and you need to show proof of ownership.
Here is a company you can buy from online if you are unable to find in stores.
Police departments will tell you that sometimes to identify your own items before could save you in a court of law, these are the only identifying marks that will prove ownership. It is a good idea to mark your things even if not moving but sometimes you may run into a situation where the item is lifted or stolen during a move. Better to be safe than lose something of yours that is valuable to you.
Moving Dolly also known as a hand cart. Generally all moving companies have their own obviously but if you are moving your own things with friends or family, you will need a hand cart. If you use a company like Budget, they will have a dolly in the truck or moving van.
Trust me when I say do NOT think you won’t need a need a hand cart at some point during your move move. I never knew someone who didn’t need a dolly while moving. You can find them for around around $40.00 at stores like Sears. They will come in handy for many jobs besides just moving from place to place.
Like I said, you will find them in the many trucks or moving vans but regardless if you don’t have one and you are moving, best to get one.
Foam Furniture Protection is definitely a great protector for your desks, tables and chairs. It is too easy for tables and heavier items to slip and slid which can cause them to bump against things which could wind up damaging your furniture. We want to make sure we have these things well covered so any moving around will not damage our furniture.
This acid free foam furniture protector is great for protecting furniture items made from wood, use it on chair legs, dining tables, bedside tables and other wooden items. Remember to secure it using shrink stick so you don’t end up with stubborn sticky marks or missing varnish! If you can not find in local stores, get it here.
Huge Multi Purpose Rubber Bands are important to help stabilize the bigger items on the moving vehicle. You should be able to find these in most packaging stores. You can also use a strong rope in place of the large rubber bands but the rubber is more versatile than rope.
Moving Blankets protect your tables, chairs, dressers, and any other large piece of furniture you cannot fit in a box. 72″ x80 ” moving blankets are general size and are made of a strong, woven fabric. 3″ non-woven binding with finished corners. They can be used over and over again and are very strongly made for long term storage.
If you can’t find them in a local store, get them at the company Movingbox in California.
Moving Paper Pads perfect for protecting your furniture from dirt and scratches. These triple-cushioned protective pads pads can be taped down for a perfect fit on all sizes of furniture and appliances.
You will find these at the same store above.
Styrofoam Peanuts can be used for protecting your smaller valuables and also monitor screens and cameras for example example. You all have seen these little ‘peanuts’ when you open a box shipped from Fed Ex or UPS. The carton has them underneath the item as well as on the top.
Cartons/ Boxes Maybe more important than any of the above are the shipping boxes you use to hold the majority of your things. Don’t skimp on the construction of your boxes that you put your things inside. I would highly recommend you pay for these cartons rather than rely on supermarket type cartons.
The biggest reason is the durability factor, especially related to your computer or larger electronics and kitchen appliances. Unless you still can use your computer box that came with the PC, you will want strength over saving a couple bucks!
The best place to get these heavy duty cartons is from a UPS Store or maybe Staples and a few other stores carry them. Here is a very good source to get all kinds of boxes and their service is excellent too.
Here is an Easy way to change your postal address online, it will save you time, rather than having to go down to your post office.
Moving Guide Part 2
Checking Your Calendar
Obviously the timing of your move is very important and if the ability to make that move is left up to you, it is definitely easier to move when the weather is warmer as opposed to frigid temperatures and or high winds.
Providing you choose a moving company, certain times of the year are more busy and you will need to make a request with that company well in advance. 8 weeks is not too soon to call a moving company and set up a date
Remember that the time is very important on moving day.
For example, if you have a water bed, it is likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before. Extra heavy items may need to be taken apart such as huge furniture would also have to be separated.
Don’t Make Avoidable Mistakes
When looking for properties, don’t forget to measure the space for your refrigerator and other kitchen or laundry appliances. Too many times people have to leave something behind once they get to a new apartment. Don’t make that mistake by not planning it all out and taking a measuring tape.
Find out if your homeowners or renter’s insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
If you are moving into grounds that have a spa or swimming pool, make sure of all the safety requirements available for protecting your small children.
It’s a good idea to compare all measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home. Many have had to leave things as a result of the insufficient space.
If at all possible, try to be to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move.
Bills and Expenses are easy to overlook as you tend to concentrate more on what you can plainly see and move or store. Make sure you make your bills and paper work a priority as that could save a massive headache later on.
For example it is very important to figure out your finances in the event you need immediate cash. There are always unexpected situations that creep up on us and we need to be prepared for any thing that happens unexpectedly. You may need to cover more moving related expenses than you originally planned on.
Whenever you can it is a good idea to have your banking and direct debit and billing links ready in advance in case of any changes regarding your move. The key is too have it all organized and available when and if called upon.
It is recommended to have a reserve cash bank that is specifically for little items or expenses that can arise. Perhaps your new home does not have a water hose and you need one right now to clean up a mess. Better be prepared is your motto.
You should have gotten several quotes for prices on moving companies and you definitely want to go with the lowest price but also the company with a solid reputation is also a most important selection. I only deal with the companies that have an honest reputation.
Keeping an item or letting it go?
A general rule of thumb is if something hasn’t been used in over 12 months, seriously consider selling or donating it. Help from a family member or friend will ensure you remain objective.
Things that you have a hard time parting with, but which will inevitably be stored in a garage, storage facility, or shed after the move should be packed in stackable containers that are rodent and dust proof.
Take Care of your Food
You can easily overlook this most obvious part of your move but you certainly would hate to forget planning the food issue. Be prepared to order take out food or eat in a restaurant for the first couple days or nights. It takes a little time to unpack things and you don’t need worrying about unpacking dishes and silverware etc. Not to mention that your kitchen appliances could be packed in a huge carton and you would be too tired to look for it and set it up.
Frozen foods should never be taken with you as they can not be refroze. If you are moving around the corner it is different so for any move over an hour or so, throw out the frozen food or better yet, give it to a friend or neighbor.
Make sure you clean all your belongings before you move for that will save a lot of time of having to do when you get to your new destination.
You may want to take videos of your new move and include your friends or neighbors when you can. It will be memories in years to come.
Up beat music can help you in your new move when packing or unpacking. It is easy to get feeling low and out of energy for moving can become stressful.
Doing Right by the Buyers
You are always well advised to be upfront with new or prospective buyers. List everything that a new buyer may be getting when they move into your old home that you are moving from. Tell them what is included such as a refrigerator or new storm windows.
Obviously, you should always shut and lock all windows and doors as you leave your old home on moving day.
A little tip in marking your new home for delivery of furniture and household items. Use colorful tags to show where each item is to go. This will save you a lot of time and make it much easier for the movers and possibly save you cash for faster moving time.
Use colorful tags to indicate each destination if your furniture and household items are being delivered to different locations.
Here is a simple Moving Checklist for the important part of moving that many people will definitely need and some usually will forget one of any number of these. You may want to print this out.
Before You Move To New Home/Apartment
* Make sure your post office has new forwarding address for your new address.
* Charge accounts and credit card accounts are up to date
* Subscriptions need to be canceled or if renewed – forward address
* Don’t over look getting new address to friends and relatives
* Your Bank - All Funds should be transferred and means of cash or check cashing set up
* Credit and credit references should be made
* All insurance companies should be notified of any address changes
* Utility companies such as water, gas, heat, electric and phone carriers should be contacted and any refunds should be finalized.
* Delivery services notified that you are moving so they can stop deliveries.
* Doctors – Dentist – Pharmacy – Medical Records
Ask the doctors and dentists for referrals for they will be happy to advise you in most cases.
* Transfer all needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays.
Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.
Pets
* Make sure that all pets are taken care of and that the regulations and vaccination laws and guidelines in your new moved to area are understood.
* Also, check out laws regarding tags and any other possible changes. You would be surprised but areas have different rules regarding pets.
Incidentals but important
* Before leaving your home for the last time, take several minutes to make sure you have taken everything out of your freezer and refrigerator. Taken all your appliances.
(Some of these only apply if you are leaving the appliance).
Televisions, cable and any antennas should have been taken care of.
CHILDREN
* Every aspect of your children’s schooling and their special needs must be gone over and arrangements made
On The Day Of Your Move
* Carry enough checks and or traveler checks to cover any expenses and moving costs. Not recommended to carry large sums of cash
* Leave keys with real estate agent or apartment
* Carry jewelry and documents yourself or hire a certified and insured company to move it. Best to make sure you have a safe place like a safe deposit box ready to place smaller valuables in it
* You may want a relative or very close friend to know the route and or directions you are taking to move. They could become your go between when you are in the midst of traveling to new destination.
* Pets are not that fond of traveling and it may be best sometimes to transport them separately.
* Finally the last thing before moving from your old residence is to double check all the drawers and closets and any other places where you may have left anything you are taking with you.
When Arriving At New Home
* Have certified checks, cashiers checks or any other payment available to close purchase of your new home
* Check on any utility companies that you will be using and make sure they know you are moved in and ready to begin their services.
* Where applicable – Check that the pilot lights are on for stoves and furnaces and hot water. It is also a good idea to have the gas company check your appliances.
* Check with your new post office to see if forwarded mail is working and if they are holding any of it now
* You will need to change address on drivers licenses – This is often overlooked but could save a headache if you are stopped by police officer
* In line with drivers licenses you have to register your vehicle if moving into a new state and abide by new inspection laws for your vehicles
* New states will require you obtain new registration for car or truck
* Your children need to be situated and registered for a new school district
* Find city offices and sign up to vote
* All medical facilities and services that you may need should be noted in case of emergency
All Rights Reserved: Free to distribute but no changes to be made. David Mark 2009
