At T-N-T Moving Systems we take pride in offering you exceptional service and getting you moved easily on a timeline that works for you and your family. Getting in the “groove to move” is hard for anyone. Whether you are packing up your home of 5 months or 50 years, there is much to be done. We’ve put together these tips to help you make moving go as smoothly as possible.
KEEP CALM AND PACK ON!
Break down the packing process into manageable steps-perhaps one room at a time and start early so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Pack the non-essentials first. For example, if you are moving in the summer, pack your winter clothes first.
Remember to label your boxes to ease in finding things later. Note what room and floor they should be delivered to.
Consider what you are packing. Do you still use it? Need it? Donating to local charities is easy and some even pick up larger items like furniture.
Safely recycle old paint, electronics, batteries and mattresses that you are not taking with you. Check your local municipality for guidelines and recycling locations.
Plan to take keepsake items, highly valuable, and sensitive items like medications and any vitally important documents that are difficult to replace such as passports and wills with you rather than in the moving truck.
Pets and kids will need something to keep them sustained and entertained. Whether you’re packing for Fido or Freddie, put together a special box that includes the essentials and some treats.
Prepare for your first night in your new home by putting together a variety of essential items, such as: bottled water, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, paper plates, disposable utensils, light bulbs, wet wipes, a notepad and pen, a flashlight, and a basic change of clothes. Pack these items in a box that you will keep in the car with you.
Put together a kit with first aid supplies, a weather radio, a USB/phone battery charger that you’ve charged in advance, candles, matches, and a fire extinguisher.
Pack towels, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, a shower curtain, curtain rings, and even a shower curtain bar in a separate and easy-to-find box. Chances are good that even if you are using a moving company, that a shower at the end of the day will be a welcome reward.
Figure out what to do with your plants. Are they worth keeping? Find out how best to move them. Just want to start over? Consider donating them to a local school or community center.
TACKLE ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS
Contact the post office to change your address. You would not want to miss an issue of your favorite magazine!
Advise every company you have an account with about your new address. Don’t forget insurance companies! In fact, be sure your new home is fully insured before moving in.
Locate new physicians, dentists or any other health care provider you or your family may need. Check to see if they are included in your insurance plan. If your move is due to a new job, ask the human resources department to provide information on your insurer to you so you can find new health care providers covered under your new plan.
Transfer your prescriptions to a local pharmacy or sign up to have them delivered. Do you lease medical equipment? Plan in advance to have those items delivered as you move in.
Sometimes more than dishes get broken in a move; research in advance the nearest location of an urgent care or trauma center.
Set up new bank accounts if needed.
Check in advance the steps required to transfer your vehicle to a new state if applicable.
Do you need a new driver’s license? Is there a test? Find out in advance so you can plan accordingly. States have varying rules on accepting previous licensed drivers.
Make sure you pay any outstanding moving or parking violations before you move.
Return your library books. Forgetting and packing them could result in large fines.
If you are moving for new job that requires parking in a paid lot, research and reserve a spot. Your new job’s human resources department can likely help you. Or, if utilizing public transportation, plan out your route to avoid first day of work surprises.
If renting, did you turn in your keys and document any damage? Request that your deposit be refunded?
GETTING YOUR NEW HOME READY
Contact your local utilities, water, telephone, sanitation, and cable companies to arrange billing and needed installations or home visits. Some will require deposits, be sure you have prepared for payment. If unsure about which cable company to use (versus satellite companies, etc.), ask your new neighbors for their recommendations before you sign up. Lead times vary for all these services and can vary from days to weeks. Make sure you contact them as soon as possible to make sure utilities are ready when move you in so you’re “not left in the dark!”
Get to know your budget. Gas and electric companies can provide you with the previous tenant’s or owner’s bill information, so you can budget accordingly. Some companies offer “even billing” based on an average of costs over a given time period. Cable companies offer “bundles” on cable/internet/phone. Shop around for the best deal for your needs and budget.
Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Do you have any projects you want completed before you move in? Painting, new floors, deep cleaning? Some projects are much easier in an empty house. Consider what might be done after closing but before moving in.
ON MOVING DAY
Eat something. Being “h’angry” isn’t good for anyone. Hydrate too. Muscle cramps are preventable. Check out our tips on preventing injury while moving.
Work with the movers — not against them. Your movers will arrive at the scheduled time so be sure that you are there and waiting for them. Help them by supervising the loading of the truck and let them know about any fragile items.
Keep kids or pets out of the way! Kids and pets can run around and distract you and the movers or slip out an open door. It is a good idea to keep them in a separate room so that you and the movers don’t miss something. You might want to consider a pet sitter or baby sitter.
Take one final sweep of the house before you close the door for the last time. You don’t want to forget anything and not realize until you start unpacking.
Get the movers where they are going. Double check that the movers have the accurate location of your new home and all your contact information.
SPECIAL TIPS FOR MOVING WITH CHILDREN
Relocating across town or across the country can be stressful for all ages. Children are no strangers to stress and moving can be a difficult time for them. From new schools to new friends, to saying goodbyes, they need time to adjust. If you need help figuring out how to tell the kids you’re moving, read up on what the experts say.
- Let your child take ownership of their room and let them do their own packing if possible.
- Once you arrive in your new home, work with your child to develop an escape plan (how to get out in the event of a fire), where to go during a tornado and what to do in case of a medical or other emergency.
- Register your child for school in advance (check with the school district for all forms and cut-off dates) and visit the school if possible with your child. Be sure transcripts are sent and that your child has the required vaccinations to attend. Look into after-school activities and sign up in advance if possible.
- Will your child be taking a bus to school? Find out the bus number and pick-up/drop-off times in advance and learn the route.
- Walk the new neighborhood with your child. Look for landmarks and points of interest that will make the move more engaging.
- Community groups and sports-research local groups your child can join, such as scouting organizations or soccer teams. Libraries can often be good resources-while there, get your library cards!
- Find fun! Check out local parks and places that children will enjoy, such as museums, zoos, and amusement parks. Plan some outings in advance or buy a season pass as a treat.
- Celebrate your first day or weekend in your new home with a trip to the local fun zone or a child’s favorite restaurant or ice cream shop.
SPECIAL TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR PETS ON THE GO
Pets are family too and moving can be just as stressful for them. New sounds, smells and sites can cause fear and confusion.
Before the move:
- Take updated photos of your pets.
- Visit your local veterinarian and make sure your pets are up to date on vaccines and get any needed medications as well as gather pet’s medical records. Some pets get motion sickness, discuss this with your veterinarian as needed.
- If not already done, consider microchipping your pet in case they get lost. If your pet already has a microchip, inform the company of your new address and phone number (if applicable).
- Get new tags made reflecting your new address and phone number (if applicable). Add to your pet’s collar but keep their old tag on as well until the pet is acclimated to their new environment. Keeping the old tag on will help in case your pet attempts to return to their old home to dig up a bone left behind!
- Research local veterinarians, dog-friendly parks, boarding facilities, and the proximity of the closest emergency veterinarian.
- Check in advance for any licensing requirements.
During and after the move:
- Safely move your pets using carriers and keep their food, bottled water, medication (as you would yours) in a safe and convenient location. Never leave them unattended or in a hot car.
- Keep pets in a safe, secure room while your furnishings are being delivered and when service people are coming and going. Open doors are an invitation for trouble.
- Accompany your pet any time it goes outside; remember, this is all new to them too and your presence can be very comforting!
YOUR FIRST NIGHT
Re-fuel yourself! Go ahead and order take out. You might even get groceries delivered.
Relax. You don’t have to get everything done in one day.
