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Thursday, 17 November 2005 |
Moving Day Checklist
Planning the move - Measure the clearance in doorways, stairwells, and elevators to make sure you can get large furniture through.
- Reserve a moving truck 2-4 weeks in advance. Be sure to ask for rates and rental & mileage.
- Reduce what you need to move by having a yard sale or donating items you don't need to charity. (it's also a pretty good tax deduction!)
Buy packing materials - Boxes: Some truck rental companies sell regular boxes, as well as specialty boxes for wardrobes.
- Bubble pack.
- Marking pens.
- Packing tape and scissors.
- Wrapping paper. Don't use newspaper as the ink will rub off on your possessions.
- Furniture pads or sheets.
- Rope or bungi cords.
Pack everything up - Pack one room at a time. Start by packing things that are not used as often or are off-season.
- Pack and label one box of clothing, bathroom and kitchen items you think you'll need right away.
Kitchen: - Wrap plates and saucers in paper or bubble pack. Don't stack them flat, but on-end in well padded boxes.
- Wrap cups, bowls, and glasses; nest them and cushion with towels, pot holders or bubble pack.
Clothing: - Leave clothing in drawers. Take advantage of the "cushioning" in the drawers and wrap fragile items loosely in clothing.
- Use wardrobe boxes as "mini closets" - they're a lifesaver for packing.
Appliances and Electronics - Pack your appliances in factory boxes if possible. Cushion them with bubble pack, wadded paper or towels.
Furniture: - Beds: take apart and mark each piece for easy assembly. Tape bed rails together and protect mattresses with fitted sheets or mattress covers.
- Chairs: wrap arms and legs with clean paper or bubble pack and cover with furniture pads.
- Tables: remove table legs and pad and tie together. Put hardware in plastic bags and tape these under the tabletop.
- Lamps: pack lamp shades in boxes with bubble pack. Wrap lamp bases in paper or bubble pack and pack in boxes
DO NOT PACK: - Valuable personal items like jewelry, checkbook, collectible, money, and important papers - these should be kept with you.
- Paint, alcohol, solvents or insecticides. They are dangerous to move so dispose of them before you move.
Load the truck: - Load one quarter of the truck at a time, packing as solidly as possible from floor to ceiling.
- Load the largest items first. Place the heaviest items forward in the truck. Put heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Place mattresses, sofas, and tables on edge against truck walls and tie down.
- Tie large mirrors and picture frames upright to truck walls or place between mattresses.
- Place oddly shaped items along the walls or on top of the load. Roll rugs and place in the center of the truck.
Notifications and transfers
Change of address notification - Postal Service.
- Credit card companies - when you next pay your bill.
- Magazines & periodicals - some require 4-6 weeks notice.
- Notify all utility companies for new or transferred services
Get Copies of: - Legal, medical, and insurance records and put in a safe place.
- School records or have them transferred to your children's new school.
- Pharmacy prescriptions or have them transferred to a local pharmacy.
OTHER ITEMS - Notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles of your new address. If you've moved from a different state, get a new driver's license and register your vehicle(s) in this state.
- Cancel (or transfer) memberships to any clubs or facilities. Ask about partial refunds
Moving Day Tips - Have cash, credit cards, checkbook, & a phone card on hand for incidentals & emergencies during the move.
- Pack a special box of things you will need immediately upon arrival - toiletries, medicine, first aid kit, and a phone.
- Save your moving receipts. In some situations, moving expenses are tax deductible.
After the move - Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for information.
- Locate the nearest hospital, police & fire stations. Write down their phone numbers and post near each phone.
- Get Renter's Insurance to be sure your valuables are covered.
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