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Moving Tips and FAQs

Read our collected moving FAQs to be prepared to your move. Save money and time!

Packing Tip from Nationwide Relocation Center

Pack as much as you can into boxes. This will provide greater protection for your belongings and will make loading your trailer much easier. Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult.
Appliances
Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. You can pack several small appliances to a box. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Make sure the inside and outside of all appliances are clean. You can stuff the inside of some appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, with towels or linens. Tape down any parts that could come loose -- the burners on your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely. Artmork & Mirrors
You'll need:
1.Packing Tape
2.Blank newsprint and cardboard or bubble wrap
3.Styrofoam peanuts for sculptures
4.Boxes (flat and/or sized to fit) for each piece of artwork

Spending a little time to pack an artwork well will ensure it will arrive safe & damage free. Here are some great tips for packing artwork to prevent damage during & after transport
Framed prints
-Wrap them individually in newsprint and then Packing Tape cardboard around them. Also may use bubble wrap.
-Put them in flat fitted picture boxes. If they still fit loosely in their individual boxes, fill in the -spaces with lightly wadded blank newsprint or bubble wrap.
-Tape the box shut and You're done!
Mirrors
Put Packing Tape across the front of the mirror like an "X" to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks. Wrap in bubble wrap or blank newsprint with cardboard Packing Taped around them. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded paper or carboard. Put in a flat picture box, seal, and mark "Fragile - Mirror." Picture Box 40�x32�x4� Original paintings
If your painting is framed with glass you can mark the front like an "X" with masking Packing Tape. Cover the framed painting or canvas with bubble wrap using Packing Tape. Build custom size box to fit that is slightly bigger than the painting, or purchase one. If you're packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again, Packing Tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first. Double boxing is a guarantee against other sharp objects puncturing the box and canvas during the move. Picture Box 40�x32�x4� Sculptures
Choose a valueless object with a simple surface area such as a toy doll or a ball. Wrap the object completely in clingwrap Tape over it with packing tape. Using a pair of scissors (or a razor knife), make an incision in the tape cast and cut a seam to allow for the original object's release Once the cast has been removed, remove any excess cling wrap from inside. Reseal the cast with packing tape. Done!
Books
Use only small boxes for books - they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space. Book Box 17�x12�x13� or File Box 24�x15�x12�
Clothing
Clothing such as sweaters, shirts, bed and bath linens should be packed in the 3.1 or 4.5 cubic foot moving boxes. Comforters, pillows and any light bulky articles can easily be packed in the 6.1 cubic foot moving boxes. After the box is assembled, line the bottom of the box with packing paper. Neatly place the clothing or linens into the boxes. Never jam or overstuff clothing into the box. This could result in time-consuming ironing after you unpack. Pack your hanging clothes straight from your closet onto the metal hanging bar of this wardrobe box. Makes unpacking a breeze and clothes stay virtually wrinkle free through the move. Tall wardrobes are great for dresses and long coats. These handy boxes are also excellent for clothing storage in the attic or basement after the move. Size 24" x 24" x 40" w/Bar
Electronic equipment
Use special boxes for your electronic equipment if the original boxes are unavailable. These boxes are heavier and stronger than other types of moving boxes and frequently have several layers of corrugation to protect your fragile electronics. Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids closed. Size 24" x 18" x 10"
Furniture
Moving blankets are your best moving insurance! They will prevent nicks, cuts and scratches during transportation. And they are reusable! Do not use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces. Remove legs from furniture if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture. Coat fine wood furnishings with wax to protect against scratches. Place sofa cushions and pillows in bags to use as pads or fillers in the trailer. Move dressers with contents in drawers to avoid repacking. Secure drawers from opening during transit. If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it.
Kitchenware
Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Pack plates on their edges. Consider using pot holders and dish towels to cushion the bottom and sides of your boxes. For greater protection, consider purchasing "dish packs" sold by packaging stores. Fine silver should be wrapped in cloth or silver paper. China Box 28�x18�x18�

Budgeting Your Move

It is important to establish a budget for moving expenses as soon as you decide to move. List all the expenses that might occur before, during, and after the move.
If you decide to hire a professional moving company you need to estimate the cost of your move. - The cost of moving when you hire a professional mover depends on several factors:
- The weight of your move. The more weight, the more cost.
- The number of miles you're traveling and the states of your old home and your destination. (Some carriers only serve certain states)
- The time you decide to move.
- How easy is the access to your home or apartment.
- Packing and unpacking requirements.


You should expect paying more for your move during peak times. Moving industry is usually busier during:
1.The summer. It is usually cheaper to move between October and April
2.Holidays
3.Last week of each month (especially last day) and first two-three days
4.Weekends
5.During the summer middle of the month is also a busy period
When planning the budget for your move, don't forget additional costs that you might incur. Those costs include:
hotel room, if you will need a place to stay while your belongings are en route car rental if you will be shipping your car utilities fees for shutting off or turning on existing or new services a tip for the movers

How to save on your move

Here are some tips on how to save on your move:
Self Movers: The more work you are willing to do, the less your move will cost. For instance, if you are willing to pack and load and unload your belongings onto and off of the truck, there are movers who will handle the driving and will charge you considerably less than a full-service mover who will handle all the aspects of you move from packing and loading to driving and unloading.
Cash Back Bonuses: Credit cards or bank accounts with cash back bonuses can help save you money on your move.
Moving Supplies: You can reduce the cost of your move by saving on moving supplies. Here are some suggestions:
Get affordable packing supplies by ordering them online.
Ask friends who have recently moved to give or sell you their boxes.
Try using crumpled newspaper as an alternative to bubble wrap to pad breakables.
Shop around for the cheapest deal on packing tape and other supplies.
Instead of renting moving blankets from the truck rental company, use your own blankets, linens and area rugs for padding. However, most moving companies offer free blanket wrapping of the furniture. Make sure to check it with the company representative.
Own Packing: You can reduce the cost of your move by doing your own packing. Consider a "you pack, we drive" arrangement, in which you pack boxes, and the moving company loads, moves, and unloads your belongings. Make sure you study the Packing Tips section of the moving guide.
Flexibility: You can save on your move if you don't mind to wait for your belongings for a while. Moving companies sometimes give significant cost reductions if they can short-term-store and consolidate your moving items with other customers' belongings.
Get Rid of Things: Save on your move by eliminating as much as possible. Walk through your home carefully in advance with an eye toward finding things you really don't need or want. Your house probably contains a lot of things that you no longer use, and have probably even forgotten about. Whether the cost of your move is going to be based on weight or time, it will cost you to move things you can really do without.

To do before your move

4-6 Months before Moving Day
Contact Mary Jane to help to guide you through this move at 847-353-8052. Start a "Moving" File to keep all of your records and receipts in one handy location Select a realtor to sell your home and to purchase the new one. Then of course a mortgage lender and an attorney for closing. Allow us to assist you in the de-cluttering process. It will make your home more appealing to the prospective buyers and makes moving day easier. 3 Months before Moving Day

Allow us to assist you in getting estimates from professional movers and select one. Assist you in sketching the floor plan of your new home and furniture placement 2 Months before Moving Day

Contact insurance carrier. Establish insurance needs for your new home. Have antiques and other valuable items appraised for insurance purposes. If you need to change health care professionals, ask your present caregivers for referrals closer to your new home. If moving a distance, make the necessary travel arrangement to your new home such as airline tickets, etc. Be sure to include your pets. Complete the change of address cards provided by the post office. This can also be done on line. Send your new address to relatives, friends, credit card companies, clubs and periodical publishers, etc. Notify former employers, pension funds, social security administration of your move. This will simplify obtaining information for tax purposes. If you have furniture that needs to be repaired or reupholstered, send it out now and have it delivered to your new home. 1 Month before Moving Day

We will contact the utility companies to transfer service, discontinue service, or initiate new service. Transfer newspaper and magazine deliveries. Arrange to discontinue regular services such as garbage, lawn service, snow removal, etc. Begin to scale down by holding a garage or estate sale. Donate unsold items to your favorite charity. We order the packing boxes and materials. We do the packing of items you will not need until after your move. We arrange to have your present home cleaned after you have vacated the premises. 3 Weeks before Moving Day

Dispose of items that cannot be moved such as anything flammable, paint, oil, gasoline, tec. Contact your local municipality for pick-up and drop-off information. Make child care arrangements if necessary for moving day. Begin to use up frozen food and perishable items since they cannot be moved safely. Put aside all delicate fragile items that will travel with you in your car so they won't be put into moving van, i.e. plants, china, treasured heirlooms, etc. 2 Days before Moving Day

Defrost the refrigerator and freezer and leave doors open Pack a suitcase to help you through your move. Include two changes of clothing, nightwear, toiletry and medications. Moving Day

We will be at your house to greet the movers and oversee the move to ensure that it is in accordance with your wishes. We will direct the moving company to new home and greet them at new home, and supervise the unloading directing the movers on furniture placement. We will review to ensure that all of the boxes and furniture have been delivered and carefully look at movers bill of lading to verify that everything has been delivered.

To Do after a move

When the dust has settled, you'll need to take the time to fill out the paperwork for the many transitions you'll be making.
1. Add safety gates and secure pets. When you get to your new place, your first step should be to secure it. If you've got infants or toddlers, setting up safety gates is a must -- you won't have time to watch them near stairs and doorways, and you don't want them underfoot while you're moving large furniture. Also, find a safe place for your pets to stay while the house is being unpacked -- you don't want them to escape in a strange neighborhood (and possibly hoof it back to your old house)!
2. Set up utilities. If you haven't done so already, contact utility providers in your new location and arrange for service at your new home. These may include gas, electric, cable, phone, water, and garbage.
3. Switch schools. Check with your children's new school about what records and transcripts they'll need. Arrange for transfer of the records -- the current school may be able to send them directly.
4. Change your address. Get a change-of-address kit from the post office, and have your mail forwarded to your new address. Then send change-of-address notices to any organization or business from which you receive mail. Make sure you change your mailing address with every company from which you receive a bill (or risk a ding on your credit report when you don't get a bill paid within 30 days). Don�t forget to change your mailing address for your accounts at online stores. Many organizations now allow you to change your address on the phone or online, and email is a good way to give your family and friends your new address.
5. Update your insurance. Talk to your insurance providers about new rates and procedures in your new location. You'll for sure need to change your homeowners' policy or renters' policy, but you may be able to keep other existing insurances (for example, vehicle insurance and health insurance), depending on how far away you move.

Moving with children

1. Explain where you are moving and why you are moving. Be short and to the point when trying to explain the move to younger children. Use words they can understand such as, "Daddy got a promotion at work and we're moving to where his new office will be", or "Since your grandfather got sick, Grandma needs our help. We're moving to be closer to them", or also "We need a much bigger house and we've found a place that has what we all need." 2. Highlight benefits of moving that your kids can understand.

For example, if you say that that you're moving to another town because the schools there are better, may likely not have much meaning to younger children. However, pointing out that the new schools will have more activities your child will enjoy, such as more sports programs if your child likes sports or a band if your child plays an instrument (or wants to), are reasons that your kids can comprehend and look forward to. 3. Use maps and pictures as illustration to make the move more concrete.

If your children can understand maps, have one that shows your new community where you are moving to. Together, locate where you will be living and places of interest around your new place. If you are moving far, have a map that shows where you are now and where you're moving. Help them trace the distance and even plot out a route you might take when moving from here to there. If possible, have photographs of the community and your new home that your kids can appreciate. 4. Reassure them that their life won't change dramatically.

Do point out the things that you know will be basically the same in their new home and community, such as having a backyard to play in and going to school. Explain that pets and favorite toys or belongings will go with them. If there are lessons or other activities your kids enjoy now, assure them that you'll find new instructors or similar programs for them in your new community. What you have to take with you during moving process

Here's a checklist of things to take in the car with you:
Baby
Suitable clothing Diaper or utility bag Blankets Disposable diapers Nursers with plastic throwaway liners, nipples and pacifiers Baby food, formula, fruit juice, water and a cap opener Favorite cuddle toy Baby toiletries such as powder, lotion, oil and cotton balls Safety-approved infant car seat First-aid kit (Discuss with your pediatrician any medications you should have on hand. Include a thermometer, baby pain reliever and a small hot water bottle, which also can be used as an ice bag.)
Toddler
Collapsible stroller Child's portable car toilet Safety-approved car seat Favorite small toy
Elementary to Preteen
Children in their elementary and preteen years are easier to keep content during a long trip. Provide them with a few travel games, coloring books and comic books. Let them visit the local variety store for ideas.
Teenager
Teenagers probably will have their own ideas of travel entertainment, but might enjoy favorite books or travel games. Many just enjoy watching the scenery.

Moving with pets

As you prepare for your move, you should plan on preliminary preparation for your pet so they too can be well prepared. There are many things you can to do make the move less stressful for your pet. This guide will help make your pet's transition into a new home much easier.

Here are some other pre-move suggestions to help with the move: Make sure that your pet�s medical records are up to date. Bring copies of your pet's medical records with you. Depending on where you're moving, know that your pet may need a health certificate or additional vaccinations. Discuss this with your vet. Bring a recent photo of your pet in case he or she gets lost. Purchase a sturdy, comfortable transport carrier, if needed. Purchase a new ID tag for your pet as soon as you know your new address. If you'll be staying in a hotel, find and book pet-friendly hotels in advance.
Pet Moving Tips
If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs in carriers large enough to accommodate food and water bowls. Stop about every two hours to give larger pets some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to keep animals calm and well protected, and remove water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.
Bird Moving Tips
Birds and small pets such as hamsters can travel by car in their cages, provided the cage is stable, properly ventilated, and protected from drafts. Covering the cage will often help to keep your pet calm.
Moving Fish
It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.

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