• For substantial discounts on cross-state moves, make sure to take advantage of our Select Consumer Services. 

Moving and packing tips

• Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in larger boxes

• Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so they’ll be easily available the first night in your new home

• Place a sock or nylon stocking in your refrigerator with a cup of baking soda, charcoal or fresh coffee to keep the interior smelling fresh

• Pack your current phone book – you may need to call residents or businesses in your former hometown

• Records and plates should be packed on end vertically, rather than stacked

• Make sure medicine and other toiletries have lids on securely prior to packing

• Remove bulbs from lamps before packing

• Clearly label each carton with room number plus contents

• Ask a friend to keep your children and pets when packing and on moving day

• If packing yourself, pack several cartons each day rather than all at once

• Pack on a room-by-room basis. Don’t mix items from different rooms in one box

• Allow children to pack their favorite toys. This gives them a stronger sense of belonging

• Be cautious with boxes from grocery or liquor stores. They may not be clean and may not have the strength to withstand the weight of items you’re packing

• Hazardous materials may not be moved

  • Paint

  • Varnish

  • Gasoline

  • Kerosene

  • Oil

  • Bottled gas

  • Aerosol cans

  • Nail polish/remover

  • Ammunition

  • Explosives

• Pack a “survival” kit which you carry in your car, or have first off the truck

  • Basic Tools – Hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.

  • Bathroom products – soap, toilet paper, towels, etc.

  • Kitchen items – Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, etc.

  • Cleaning products – Cleansers, broom, dustpan, sponges, etc.

• Load your plants in the moving truck last, and unload them first – check with the U. S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants.

• Meet as a family, discuss the move and plan to make everyone part of the move

• Ask friends, neighbors and relatives for recommendations of moving companies

• Plan a house hunting trip to your new location

• Notify your real estate specialist of the dates you’ll be in the new location to house hunt

• Start your mortgage pre-approval process Next . . .

• Make a house hunting trip to your new location and bring maps, notebooks, etc.

• Decide what to move and what not to move. Consider a garage sale!

• Get estimates from several moving companies

• Subscribe to the local newspaper in your new location (to be mailed to you)

• Get information on schools and businesses in your new location

• Take pictures of your new home

• Start collecting packing boxes and material

• If moving at your company’s request, find out what they will pay for

  1 Month+ before the move . . .

• Request records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental x-rays and vaccinations

• Obtain your children’s school records to make for an easier transfer

• Draw a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed. This will eliminate confusion for you and your movers

• Pay existing bills and close out local charge accounts

• Record expenses incurred during your house hunting trips and continue throughout your move

• Read information given you by moving companies and ask questions on any parts you do not understand

• Start packing anything you won’t need for at least six more weeks

• Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved

• Begin notifying credit card and other companies of your change of address

• Check homeowners insurance for coverage while moving. Transfer fire, theft, personal property insurance to your new home

• Transfer personal insurance records

• Give notice of resignation to any clubs, organizations or volunteer activities to which you belong

• Give day care center proper notice of withdrawal

• Arrange for transport of pets or automobiles, if needed

• Take one night off to relax!!

  2 Weeks before the move . . .

• Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take

• Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale or call a charity for pick-up

• Clean out club lockers, pick up dry cleaning

• Complete travel arrangements for trip to your new location

• Have vet prepare pet health certificates

• Arrange, if possible, to have utility service established in new city

• Arrange for disconnection or changeover of utilities in the house you’re selling

• If driving, have your car serviced for the trip to your new location

• Clean out cupboards and plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don’t need.

• Make sure you have an adequate supply of medications and they are with you for the trip

• Transfer prescriptions and medical records

• Take time off with the family!

  1 Week before the move . . .

• Reconfirm travel reservations

• Make an inventory list of all items going with you in the car

• Confirm arrangements and dates for

  • Auto transportation

  • Pet transportation

  • Hotel reservations

  • Temporary housing arrangements

• Inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address. If our phone service doesn’t start immediately, arrange for a temporary voice mail box – some long distance providers will offer this service

• Drain gas from lawnmower, snow blower, etc.

• Drain water hoses

• Clean out and defrost the deep freezer

• Check contents of drawers for liquids or breakables

• Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner

• Put together your “survival kit” for the move.

• Check and close your safety deposit box

• Pack everything you’ll need for several days after you arrive at your new destination

  1-2 Days before the move . . .

• Close bank accounts

• Make sure certain boxes are marked for “Load Last, Unload First”

• Purchase traveler’s checks for the trip, if long distance

• Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home

• Unplug TV’s 24 hours before move so they are at room temperature on moving day

• Disconnect computer and secure

• Have a first-aid kit available, just in case

• Contact the moving company’s agent and inform him where and how you can be reached

• Make certain the house is ready for occupancy when the van arrives

• Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly

• Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely.

• If not yet done, get in touch with the utility companies and make arrangements for service

• Be on hand to accept delivery of your furnishings. Appoint one person to supervise the move

• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is any change in condition, note changes and/or missing items on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. Personally report any loss/damage to the mover’s agent immediately

• Be prepared to direct where each piece of furniture is to be placed

• Allow the children to help. Let them feel needed. Assign them light, but important, duties such as unpacking and arranging their own toys and possessions

• Make the beds so you can get a good night’s rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow

• Make your first room to unpack the kitchen. At least you’ll be able to make a cup of coffee and have a snack!

• Take a break every couple of hours

• Hook up your TV and VCR and watch a familiar “feel good” movie the first evening

• Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on “moving-in” day.

• Take a few minutes to relax!