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The following suggestions will help reduce the total amount of your bill on move day.
- Proper labeling of cartons with room and contents is a must. Label the side rather than the top so you can see the label when boxes are stacked. As you pack cartons, stack them away from your home's normal traffic patterns. Don't stack them in halls, passageways or near the front door. If hallways are blocked, the movers will need to move the boxes twice. They must first be moved out of the way and then moved again for top tier loading in the van.
- Outside swing sets, tool sheds, barbecue grills, etc. that need dismantling, should have the nuts and bolt sprayed daily with a penetrating oil beginning several weeks in advance of move day. This step often avoids the necessity of chiseling and cutting rusty fasteners during disassembly. It is advisable to complete this dismantling process one to two days prior to your scheduled move day.
- Empty gas from lawn mowers drain and roll garden hoses and empty and clean your barbecue grill. This will prevent a leak, which could damage other items during transport. Long-handled garden tools brooms and mops should be bound together securely. This not only keeps things neat it also allows your movers to pack several long-handled items at once thus saving you time and money.
- China cabinets and buffets should be emptied. Light linens may be left in drawers during moving. You do not need to remove clothing from dresser drawers, only items that will spill or break. Because professional movers are trained to carry furniture with drawers in place, it is not necessary to tape or tie drawers shut. In fact, some tapes will damage the finish.
- Desks should be emptied of all small, spillable items as well as any items of excessive weight such as books or papers. Vertical file cabinets can usually be left with contents intact and moved almost upright on an appliance hand truck.
- Gas ranges, gas clothes dryers, or direct wired electric clothes dryers should be disconnected by an authorized technician. Water hoses must be removed from clothes washers and the electric cords wound. Most movers are prepared to perform this task but doing so beforehand will save you time and money.
- Empty the refrigerator of all contents, drain the drip pan and disconnect the water supply of automatic icemakers. To prepare your freezer--pack all of the contents in small cartons and then return them to the freezer. On move day, the movers can then temporarily remove the boxes while handling the appliance and reload it when on board the van. This way you are able to use the freezer like a portable cooler without risk of damage.
- Stereo and electronic equipment should have all cords and wires labeled, disconnected and rolled. Desktop computers should be disconnected and packed. If you have the original catons--don’t hesitate to use them.
- Televisions normally require no servicing but the cords should be wound and antennas disconnected. Be sure to contact the cable company and have your service disconnected. Because sudden temperature changes can result in damage to electrical components, you should not operate TVs VCRs, microcomputers or stereo components just prior to a cold weather move.
- Grandfather clocks require removal of their weights and pendulum and often their gear works must also be secured. If you are not completely comfortable doing this--leave it to the professionals. Your move representative should be notified before move day so that he/she can advise you of your options.
- Pool tables, hot tubs and similar specialty items require professional servicing and should also be individually discussed with your move consultant well before move day.
- Finally--make note of any items you wish to take with you that are permanently mounted or fastened such as curtain rods, valences, chandeliers, large wall mirrors, etc. Arrangement for the removal of such items must be made in advance of move day. If you are not comfortable with these tasks-- aLocalVan Moving & Storage will be happy to provide referrals or make arrangements for you.
- Movers anticipate that they will remove headboards from bed frames, mirrors from dressers. If you wish to economize--you can do these things ahead of time.
- Don't forget to roll all electrical cords and tie open storm doors.
Remember--your time is better spent organizing and preparing for your move than trying to move items yourself
Last minute reminders and plans for the last hours prior to the arrival of your move crew.
Make up a few boxes of essentials you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Suggested items include toiletries, towels, medical supplies and maybe bed linens. From the kitchen--paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils, snack food and basic canned goods. For the nursery--diapers, formula, special toys and a couple of clothing changes. Don't forget the family pet and in winter months--flashlights and/or some form of temporary lighting is a good idea.
Attics, under-stair storage areas and other "out of the way" places should either be well marked or their contents moved to a more convenient location.
Parking in front of your home should be secured with your own car(s) or well marked as reserved for move day. If you live in a building with an elevator--be sure that the dock and service elevator have been reserved.
The tops of furniture should be cleared and the only items left visible should be those you want the movers to pack for you.
Place items you do not want the movers to handle in a designated area. This may include brief cases, medicine, keys to the new home and those boxes of essentials mentioned earlier. Set aside some empty cartons to be used for last minute cleaning supplies and a cooler or two for refrigerator items. Don't forget the coats in cold or rainy weather.
Helping the crew load your hanging clothes into wardrobes on move day is a great time saver for them and a cost saver for you.
In conclusion, as you survey your home just prior to arrival of the moving van, you should see the following scene: available parking, clear pathways, well labeled cartons, furniture clear of all small items and a stack of personal items set aside for transport in your own car.
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