Home & Moving Tips

Planning ahead for your move will make it less stressful and a more positive experience. Although this is not always possible, here are a few tips and techniques to make your move easier.

• Get the Bed Ready
  Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
  
  
• Prepare your fridge
  After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.
  
  
• Keep your Phone Book handy
  Take your current phone book with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.
  
  
• Packing tip
  Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
  
  
• Give out your Phone Number
  Before the driver leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can't be reached.
  
  
• Protect Your Memories
  If it's irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don't want regrets later). But if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
  
  
• Know how to Pack Plates and Records
  Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
  
  
• Don't Forget the Bare Necessities
  Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
  
  
• Unscrew Bulbs
  Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
  
  
• Tag your Items
  For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.
  
  
• Give the Kids an Exercise
  Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town. Allow them to help by packing their toys.
  
  
• Make it easy on your Pet
  Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
  
  
• Treat your plants with care
  When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.
  
  
• Let your electronics settle in
  Upon arrival at your new home, let your electronic appliances (computer, DVD or VHS player, home stereo, television) adjust to room temperature before plugging them in. If you are moving in the cold, then let the appliances sit in the house for at least 2 hours before using them. Otherwise they may be damaged by condensation.
  
  
• Enjoy the Help
  Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move.
  
  
• Keep an eye on things
  Make sure to be present when the packers are handling your stuff.
  
  
• Label it properly
  Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled on both the top of the box and on at least one other side of each box. Be sure the boxes are clearly labeled with which room they should go into. If you are using movers label the bedrooms at the new house the same way you labeled the boxes.
  
  
• Tie up loose ends
  If you have any friends or family that have borrowed any of your items this is the time to ask for them back. This would also be a good time for you to return any items that you have loaned from family and friends.
  
  
• Bookworms
  If you have lots of books, consider either packing them in lots of small boxes or spreading them out among your furniture, such as cabinets and drawers.
  
  
• Tie drawers shut
  If you are using drawers to move things, tie them shut so that they do not fly open while moving. Using tape is not a good idea because it may strip paint or varnish. When using rope to tie drawers shut, place some soft folded up material (or cardboard) on each corner of the furniture under the rope. This will prevent the rope from damaging the finish. If possible, also use a soft nylon rope.
  
  
• Secure panes of glass
  Use thick tape and make a big "X" across mirrors and picture glass so that if the glass is accidentally broken during the move there is less glass to clean up.
  
  
• Getting rid of glue left behind by tape
  To remove sticky residue from tape and other adhesive products you can use mineral oil, baby oil, meths oil, eucalyptus oil, or goop remover. Always test the removal agent on a non-visible area and ensure that it does not damage the finish. Never use a harsh chemical or solvent.
  
  
• Preparing appliances
  Before you pack any of your appliances please clean them thoroughly and let them dry completely. Especially tip all the crumbs out of the toaster.
  
  
• Find the important things in your new neighborhood
  Look around your new neighborhood to find out where the local hospital and police station is. Check for resteraunts (incase you need to eat out).