A to Z Movers - Helpful Tips

Two Months Prior to Moving Day

· Create a moving file to keep track of receipts, estimates, change of address forms and other important
paperwork.

· Inventory all household items to be moved. Work your way through each room-taking inventory of what is
to be moved and what is to be sold or given to charity. Start planning a garage sale or contact local charities
for pick up.

· Get quotes, and budget for moving expenses. Don’t forget to check availability. If your employer is paying
for the move, check with them to see what exactly will be covered.

· If you are planning to drive a rented truck yourself make sure you have all the loading materials needed
for the moving crew to load your rented truck such as the appropriate amount of pads, and bungee cables,
and rope.

· If they will be packing for you make sure you have the appropriate amount of boxes, paper, tape, markers,
bubble wrap, scissors/pocket knife, small tool kit (for disassembly and reassembly, sandwich bags (to hold
furniture and appliance hardware).

One Month Prior to Movivng Day

· Request a transfer of all school, day care, medical, dental, prescription, and shot records to your new
address.

· Call your insurance agents to find out what changes you should expect, in your rates, after the relocation.

· Make a list of all organizations, relatives, and friends that need to be notified of your new address.

· Purchase Packing Supplies and begin packing unessential items.

· File a change of address. This can be done online.

· Contact Utility Companies to disconnect transfer or connect services. This can be done online as well.
· Return all library books and movie rentals. Pick up dry cleaning, or other items out for repair.

· Contact all contract labors, such as lawn service providers, newspaper couriers, and cleaning services.
Don’t forget about the cable or satellite.

· Make travel arrangements if necessary.

· Have your drivers license, bank accounts, voters registration changed to your new address.

· If you are planning to drive a rented truck yourself make sure you have all the loading materials needed
for the moving crew to load your rented truck such as the appropriate amount of pads, and bungee cables,
and rope.

· If they will be packing for you make sure you have the appropriate amount of boxes, paper, tape, markers,
bubble wrap, scissors/pocket knife, small tool kit (for disassembly and reassembly, sandwich bags (to hold
furniture and appliance hardware).

· Make copies of all valuable documents, and place the originals in a safe location. The copies should be
placed in another location. Items to consider are: birth and marriage certificates, medical records, military
records, school records, deeds, wills, passports, insurance binders, and vehicle registrations.

· When packing remember to label all boxes clearly and boldly.

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One Week Prior to Moving Day

· Dispose of corrosives, poisons, and flammables.

· Pack items for the kids. Have each child pack a box of their “special” items, things that they will want to
have as soon as you arrive in the new home. Label them clearly so they will be easily found at the new
location.

· Confirm travel arrangements.

· Confirm truck rentals or mover reservations.

· Pick up traveler’s checks or cash for your traveling expenses. Close or transfer accounts, safety deposit
boxes, p.o boxes, and credit union accounts.

· Do not disconnect your phone before one day after your moving day. If possible have phones on at both
locations on moving day.

· Arrange with the management of your building for use of elevators on moving day, along with reserved
parking, and gate access codes.

· Have the appropriate amount of prescriptions needed for the amount of time you will need for not only the
relocation but also the unpacking.

· Defrost, Empty, and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours prior to the moving day. Prepare all
appliances for loading.

· Drain oil and gas from your lawn mover and other motors. Empty all gas grills, kerosene heaters, ECT…

· If you will be driving a rented truck yourself remember to always keep the truck locked and in a visible
and safe location.

· If movers will be driving your load, prepare specific directions to your new home for the driver; include
emergency numbers and your travel itinerary.

· Clearly Mark and set aside boxes and other items you don’t want loaded.

· Keep kids out of harms way. You may want to arrange for someone to care for your children and pets while
the movers are packing and loading. Be sure to bring them back prior to the truck leaving because it is
important for young children to understand where their belongings are going.

· Be sure to load up on Water, Sports Drinks, and light snacks, as not only will they be valuable to you on
moving day but will be greatly appreciated by the hot and tired movers.

· Drain all waterbeds completely before the moving crew arrives. Have a box for your mattress ready. This
is a good time to purchase water conditioner to add when refilling your waterbed.

· Pack suitcases with personal essentials your family members will need until the move is complete and you
will have had time to unpack.

· Make a list of all items you will take in your car. Place those items out of the way in one room, and clearly
mark them “DO NOT MOVE”.

· Make DO NOT MOVE labels for all the items that you don’t want the movers to load onto the truck. If
you can place all those items in one room, and out of the way.

· Make sure all valuables such as jewelry, cash, and firearms are packed away to be moved by you. Movers
do not transport extremely valuable items.

Moving Day

· Clear walkways so they are safe and easy for your movers to get in and out of.

· Reserve a parking space. Often it is best to park your car in a space that is most convenient for the
movers to park in. Keep in mind most trucks or trailers are wider than your car, so you may need two
spaces. Move your car once the movers arrive so they can park in the reserved space.

· Stay in close contact with your children and pets caregivers. Pack a special day backpack with familiarizing
toys or blankets (things that will comfort your child)

· Mark all special or fragile items clearly so the moving crew is aware that it is either a family heirloom or a
very fragile piece that requires extra attention.

· Keep your movers hydrated. It is not necessary to prepare an elaborate meal for your moving crew, but a
light snack, some pizza, water, sports drinks are a nice gesture, and will be warmly received. Advise the
crew where to locate the drinks and food so they won’t have to ask each time, also advise the crew which
restroom you want them to use.

· Decide on Tipping the Crew. Many individuals do tip the crew but not all do. You decide!

· Don’t forget to get the cell phone # of your driver if the movers will be transporting your belongings.

· Stay close to the movers. They might have questions that only you can answer.

· When the loading is complete, walk through each room to make sure that nothing has been left.