Household Moving Tips:

Following these tips as you prepare will help ensure a smooth move.

1. Anticipate your move date as far in advance as possible and make a checklist to assess that all issues have been addressed.
2. Discard, sell or give away items you really do not need or use any more. This is probably the most difficult aspect of the move for many people, but dealing with this issue before you move will greatly reduce the stress and irritation at the other end!
3. Arrange to have your phone connected at origin through the moving day. Warning: Do not request the phone company to cut your phone off in "the evening" - it never happens, and your phone will get cut off first thing in the morning regardless of what you requested!
4. Check with your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your moving expenses. You may be able to deduct the expenses involved.
5. Get the moving kit available, at no charge, from the post office and follow the guidelines.
6. Order the new services you need for your new home as far in advance as possible -- this creates difficulties when you have no electrical service or water services on your move-in day.
7. If at all possible, arrange for children and pets to stay with friends or family on both the day of moving out and in. Small children and pets can create hazards to both themselves, as well as the movers.
8. Gather items that you need to keep with you prior to the arrival of the movers. You can put these items in your vehicle or a special area such as a closet you put "off limits" to the moving crew. Bank books, checkbooks, keys, lease, airline ticket, passport, will, jewelry, precious stones, school transcripts, medical/dental records, vehicle registration and special collections should be included in this list.
9. Pack a thermos or a cooler for the trip to the new home. You may want to include small items like drinks and medicines. These are items that you will not want to overlook.
10. Check the weather report for the destination and bring appropriate clothing.
11. Pre-pack a box or two with a few friendly items to make your new home feel immediately like home: a coffee mug, portable TV, radio, reading lamp, favorite book.

Office Moving Tips:

1. Only the people involved in the move should be present on moving day.
2. Consolidate personal belongings and keep them separated from items being moved.
3. Small items such as paper clips, staples and other small office items should be stored in envelopes.
4. Active or pending files should be packed separately.
5. Secret or confidential files should be taken care of by your staff.
6. Filing drawers should be tightened internally, locked, and taped. All keys should be tagged and kept with you.
7. Desks must be emptied and wrapped or boxed.
8. Books should be packed in cartons.
9. All office equipment should be serviced, liquids drained and wiring disconnected by qualified service personnel.
10. Office equipment (such as computers and printers) should be left unpacked.
11. All service done on office equipment shoulder be performed prior to moving.
12. Any cash or other valuables should be moved by your own people. In the case of moving offices, all prescription samples and such should be properly secured for the move.

Packing Tips:

1. White paper, tissue paper, paper toweling or newsprint (unprinted newspaper cut into 20 x 30 sheets) is good for all-purpose wrapping and cushioning.
2. Newspapers for cushioning or use as outer wrapping only. Please note, that no matter how old the newspaper is, the ink will always rub off and can even become embedded in fine china if used for wrapping. Wash your hands frequently to prevent smudges on the items you are handling. While ink smudges can be washed off, it is better not to take any chances.
3. Various sized of sturdy cartons with lids that can be completely closed.
4. Notebook and pencil for listing cartons as they are packed
5. Gummed tape and/or strong twine for sealing packed cartons
6. Felt marker for labeling cartons.
7. Scissors and/or sharp knife

Good Packing Means:

• Wrapping items carefully
• Using sturdy cartons that close
• Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward
• Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock
• Limiting cartons where possible to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier

To make your big day go smoothly, reserve a carton for last-minute items to be packed on moving day. Include such necessities as:

• Soap
• Toilet articles
• Facial and toilet tissues
• Towels

The same carton can serve as a "First Minute Kit" if you pack the thing that you might need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as:

• First aid kit
• Light bulbs
• Sugar
• Instant soup mixes
• Electric coffee pot
• Instant coffee/tea
• Powdered milk/cream
• Paper plates and cups
• Plastic knives, forks, and spoons
• Snack foods
• Screwdriver

If you have any questions about how we can meet your specific needs, you can speak with a personal representative at 770-426-1410.