Here are some steps to take that will make your move go more smoothly, quickly.

What to Do!

• Break the job into pieces. Share the workload. See visual proof of progress.
• Discard. Ask yourself: “Will this fit / look good in the new place?” It may be time to let go of some things, sending them packing, off to the trash heap.
• Dispose. Properly dispose of all chemicals, paints and other hazardous materials.
• Donate usable items to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. Keep donation receipts for tax deductions. Some charities will pick up your donations.
• Reserve elevator/loading dock if moving from or to high-rise in advance.
• Prepare written plan of the layout of furniture, etc. at new location.
• Address Changes. Transfer all utilities. Advise all offline and online vendors, credit card companies, banks, etc. of your new address. USPS.gov and Post offices have free change of address forms.
• Get plenty of packing supplies (markers, labels, etc.) and lots of tape in advance. A tape gun speeds things up. Mama’s Movers staff is available to assist with packing and unpacking with moving boxes and supplies at reasonable rates.
• Have cooler(s) on / near fridge, ready for filling with food stuffs.
• Keep separate box of cleaning supplies.
• Set aside paper plates, cups, utensils, etc. for move day and new home meals.
• Board pets. Moving is extremely stressful for pets. Consider boarding them the night before and on move day. This makes it safer for all concerned.
• Hold aside valuables (cash, jewelry, photos, etc.) and basic essentials (keys, current bills, important papers, etc.) and move them yourself so you will have instant access to them (so they don’t get buried on the truck).
• Keep moving day clear of appointments, errands, etc.

Proper Packing is Key

Clients tell us that packing / unpacking are the hardest parts of the move.

• Generously cross-tape boxes, top and bottom.
• Label the boxes in large dark letters. Mark their contents, special handling (Fragile, This End up, Heavy, etc.), and desired room location.
• Do not overload boxes. 50 lbs. maximum is preferred.
• Special divided boxes are available for packing kitchen dishes, glasses, etc.
• Wardrobe boxes are functional time-savers: clothes go from the old closet to the boxes to the new location’s closet quick and easy. The bottoms are great for belts, shoes, purses, and other loose items.
• Make full use of suitcases, backpacks, etc., filling them with various items.
• Use lots of packing materials (bubble wrap, newsprint, peanuts, etc.) when packing knick-knacks and other breakables. Pillows, bedspreads, blankets, linens, and stuffed toys make terrific packing materials. When in doubt, use more padding.
• Empty all drawers, desks, file cabinets, etc.
• Make sure all yard machines (mowers, edgers, trimmers, etc.) are empty of fuel. Movers should not transport flammable liquids, explosives, gas, etc. Transporting hazardous materials (HAZMATs) such as fuel, paint, etc. requires special precautions, often longer routes, etc., complicating the move.
• Empty charcoal / gas grill(s) of ashes, coals, etc.
• Dust and wash emptied china closets shelves for better display at new location.

Remember! The more you move, the more it costs you in time, stress, money, materials (boxes, packing materials, etc.) and work at both old and new locations.

Moving Day

• Be ready when the movers arrive.
• Make sure the new location is ready for you to move in.
• Reserve or block off space(s) for moving truck(s) at both locations.
• Have a responsible party at both locations the day of the move, someone with authority to make changes.
• Keep moving day clear of appointments, errands, etc.

Mama’s Movers staff is available to assist with the packing and unpacking. We have access to all kinds of moving boxes and supplies at reasonable rates.

Attitude is everything!

Make moving a challenge and see how well you do.

Let the adventure begin!