Practical Hints To Make Moving Day Easier

The most important tip: Plan ahead! This will give you and the mover as many options as possible.

• Clear out unwanted goods - have a garage sale or donate items to charity.
• Get rid of flammables - gases, combustible liquids, corrosive liquids, explosives and flammables.
• Empty fuel from mowers, trimmers, clippers, etc.
• Clothing - this is a good time to get rid of those items that you no longer wear.
• Separate books - disposable, family reading, valuable. You may want to donate to charity or your closets library.
• Check all electrical - are they in working order and will they work in your new home?
• If you are taking electrical goods such as stereo or computer equipment, see if you have their original boxes.
• Start using your freezer and refrigerator stocks.
• Will your new home be ready? If not, you will need to make arrangements for temporary storage.
• Arrange to have mail forwarded.
• Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, telephone and other main suppliers.
• Have rugs cleaned.
• If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
• Pack in one or two containers all the items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home (paper and cleaning products, remote controls, coffee pot, ground coffee, tooth brushes, toothpaste, child's favorite sleeping toy, bedding, towels, etc.). The driver will arrange to load this carton(s) so that it will be one of the first off the truck. You may use stickers provided by your mover, which identify items (to be loaded last).
• As soon as the beds are assembled, make them so that you are prepared for the end of the day, when you may be too tired.
• Round up personal documentation - marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses, etc.
• Keep passports separate so they are not packed, if moving internationally.
• Want to take the car? Cars can be moved with your belongings or by car carrier. If moving internationally check on import regulations and the duty payable.
• Make sure family pets' vaccinations and documentations are up to date.
• Arrange your finances - close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.