Moving Tips

There are several things you will want to take care of before you move. That’s why we put together a helpful list of things to consider before and during your moving process. As a professional moving company, it is our desire to make your move as easy as possible. This comprehensive list contains key things that shouldn’t be overlooked while you plan your move, no matter where your final destination may be.

Before you schedule your move

Buy packing materials ahead of time

Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can usually all be purchased from your moving company. Make sure you purchase these supplies ahead of time, so you don’t need to stop packing and run to the store. Apex provides free used moving boxes for our customers when available.

One room at a time

It’s more efficient and less stressful if you pack one room at a time. Be sure to label each box appropriately (on the top and the side) with a description and perhaps more importantly, a destination.

Whose room or what room does it belong to? Boxes containing breakable or sentimental items should always be labeled as “fragile.” Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.

Set aside time for decluttering

Not only will decluttering save you time on packing, but it will clear out your home so there is less to move.

While you’re packing, think long and hard about each item you’re taking with you. Do you really need it? When is the last time you used it? Is there room in your new home? Does it “spark joy”? If not, toss or donate the item.

Consider a staging area

If you have the space, you’ll start to feel better if you can empty one room at a time. It helps to make you feel like you’re making progress and speeds up your moving day considerably. If you can, put the contents of your rooms in a central staging area.

This assures that rooms are empty and clean and ready for the next family. A garage is a great place to store things temporarily. The more you have in the garage, the better. It’s faster, less stressful and can save you a lot of time and money.

Empty all drawers of breakable items or anything that might spill. It can also be a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, and other small items in one container so they won’t get lost or damaged.

Pack your items properly

If you are doing your own packing, do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil-based paints and certain cleaning fluids.

Wrap each item individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the box or carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper. When wrapping glasses, carefully put paper in the glass.

If you don’t have enough paper, blankets, towels, or rugs can do double duty by wrapping fragile items.

Tips for packing things for storage

If you plan to store your items before, during or after your move, make sure your boxes are firmly packed with the heavier items on bottom. It’s a smart idea to pack according to the season (i.e., “summer clothes,” “winter decorations”) which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes appropriately.

A note from the chiropractor

Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to carry. Remember to lift with your legs and not your back.

When packing the truck

Make sure the items you need first are loaded last (e.g., kitchen items, telephone and radio). Use common sense, keep in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes.

Pack a separate bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, etc., for the first couple of days after your move and take this bag in the car with you – don’t pack it away in a moving truck.

You should keep important documents like birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses and other documents with you during the move. Many people opt to place these items with their overnight bag in their car on moving day.

Plan ahead for no-go items

When hiring a moving company, there are things that most moving companies will not move:

You’ve scheduled your move. Now what?

There are several things you will want to consider before you move. That’s why we are breaking things down into a timeline to help you through your moving process. As a moving company, we understand the desire to make your move as easy as possible.

Here are some key things to do that shouldn’t be overlooked.

6 weeks before you move

Get to know your new city

If you’re moving to a new neighborhood or nearby city, you should try to become familiar with your new community and spend some time there before your move.

Go at different times and check out local shops, restaurants, parks, or anywhere else that interests you. You can get information on schools, community programs, and recreation activities from the local Chamber of Commerce while you’re in the area.

Schedule travel arrangements

If you need them, now is the best time to make your travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.) for your move. Try to keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.

Save your receipts

Keep all receipts for moving-related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible.

You can get an IRS Change of Address form (Form 8822) online at www.irs.gov. You can download and print Form 8822 and most other IRS tax forms; e.g. (Form 3903) to help deduct moving expenses.

Important records and valuables

Insurance, medical and dental records should be placed in a safe, accessible place. Also include prescription and vaccination records. Plan on taking all vital documents such as: wills, stock certificates and other one-of-a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos, etc.) separately.

4 weeks before you move

Notify your landlord

If you live in an apartment or condo complex, contact your landlord, property or building manager and inquire about your move date and time. Sometimes, buildings may have date or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.

Do the paperwork

Before your move, you need to fill out a change of address form with the United States Postal Service.

You should transfer any banking accounts to branches close to your new home, and close any accounts that cannot be transferred. If you have a safety deposit box, make sure to empty it.

Notify your insurance company of your move and transfer all insurance to your new home.

Schedule utility disconnection and set up a possible refund. Since you will want to have your utilities still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected the day after you are moved out. Once you set that up, call the utility provider for your new home and schedule utilities to be turned on at your new home.

2 weeks before you move

Remember the unseen places

Don’t forget the small spaces – go through drawers, cabinets, closets, basements and attics to make sure there isn’t anything left behind. This also applies to hiding spots – if you have hidden any valuables or keys around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.

A quick note about house plants

Some state laws prohibit residents and moving companies from moving house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.

Miscellaneous to-dos

• Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you’re traveling to your new destination by car.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of all non-transportable, flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawnmower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

1 week before you move

This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Double-check to make sure you have everything you need.

Confirm travel arrangements

Pack your suitcases and confirm your family’s travel arrangements to your new destination. Print out tickets and boarding passes if you are flying.

Your new address

Contact us and make sure that we have the correct address and phone number where you can be reached if you are not going directly to your new home.

Prepare for your first night

It’s a good idea to have a box or a suitcase that carries the essentials for living so that, come the next day, you can find essentials easily without unpacking any boxes.

Think about what you’re going to need first thing the day after moving and be sure to set that aside or in your car so you can find what you need when you need it. You should pack things like toiletries, food, water, coffee, some clothes, shampoo, medications, toilet paper and baby supplies (if there is one).

Settle into your new home

Congratulations on your move! Take your time unpacking, if needed, and settling into your new home.

Apex Moving & Storage have been in the moving industry for over 20 years, so trust us when we give you advice – we see these things all the time.

Contact us with any questions, concerns, or start your move today by filling out our online form or by calling us at (800) 643-8896.