Helpful Moving Tips

To assure a smooth, safe and economical move, it is definitely to your advantage to be as well prepared as possible. Listed below are some helpful hints to assist you in this endeavor.

• Be prepared - pack early. It's usually more work than you think.
• Notify utilities and post office well in advance of your move.
• Minimize food purchases prior to moving. (It's not economical to move food.)
• Disconnect gas appliances, chandeliers, computers, etc.
• Decide beforehand what furniture is to be moved and what should remain.
• Draw a plan in the home where the furniture is to be placed.
• Measure space for problem pieces in the new home.
• Secure use of elevator and/or parking spaces for movers, if applicable.
• Use the proper packing materials small boxes for books, LP albums, and heavy articles. medium size (utility boxes) for pots, pans, clothing, etc. dish packs for fragile articles such as dishware, china, stereo, lamps, etc.
• Tape boxes shut. (Folded panels can cause an uneven stacking in the truck, and items may fall out of bottom.)
• Write 'F' on fragile boxes and the location where each box should be placed.
• Disassemble what even you can (bed, crib, etc.)
• Tie up or band together articles such as bed rails, brooms, garden tools, curtain rods.
• Take small valuables in your own car (keys, cash, checkbooks, jewelry, remote controls, etc.)
• Take improperly packed (or hard to pack) items in your own car (stereo components, ornate lamps, other valuables, etc.)
• Write the contents on the boxes or number boxes and cross reference to a notebook.
• Have small children and/or pets provided for during moving hours (their presence underfoot could be dangerous.)
• Before the movers leave, make a final check of the premises to make certain everything to be moved has been taken.
• Give explicit directions and phone number for the new place. Note that movers must take commercial routes.
• Make sure someone is on the receiving end to direct the placement of furniture and boxes.
• Tipping, although not required, is greatly appreciated. Tips are pooled and dived evenly by the foreman.
• Remove clothing from dresser drawers, remove contents of desks and filing cabinets. (two-drawer standard filing cabinets and small children's dressers are exceptions.)
• Pictures, paintings, posters, glass shelves, glass table tops get packed in mirror pack boxes - either by you ahead of time - or by us on moving day.
• Bookshelf pins (most commonly misplaced item) should be removed and put in plastic bags.
• Remember - An estimate is an educated guess as to how long a move will take. Proper preparation and organization will ensure a smooth move and save you money and stress!!

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