Moving Tips

To ease the Transition to Your New Home Use the right boxes, and pack them carefully Professional
moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood
supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can't
shield your valuables as well from harm in transit. Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate
pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton. Pack plates and glass
objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which
you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise
you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. The heavier the
item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily, it's
too heavy. Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find
everything you need the first night in your new home.

For your family's safety and comfort Teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing
it on packed cartons. You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by
hosting a garage or yard sale. Fill two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or
tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are
tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or
two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without. Ask your van foreman to load
one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case
the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move. Keep your pets out of packing
boxes and away from all the activity on moving day. Let all your electrical gadgets return to room
temperature before plugging them in. Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from
your new home, pack your phone book.

Work hand in hand with your mover Give the mover your contact numbers and email addresses so
you can stay in touch. Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you
don't understand. Make a note of your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading
handy.

If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several
other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings
for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until
delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security,
organization and cleanliness. Thanks for visiting! Come again!

MOVING TIPS