A Packing Schedule Will Keep You on Track and Ready for Moving Day.

You’ve evaluated the available space in your new home and know what furniture, household, and personal items will fit comfortably. You have successfully sorted through your possessions and have decided what you will be taking with you. It’s now time to pick a move date, hire a moving company, and begin packing.

Unless you’re up against a tight deadline, select a move date that allows you plenty of time to pack. Use a calendar to set up a schedule with your target completion date being a day or two before your actual moving day. Assess all the available days and don’t forget standing appointments or engagements you’ll need to work around. Do your best to write down what you would like to accomplish for certain days or weeks throughout the schedule.

When putting your plan together it’s important to be honest about any limitations you may have and to set realistic and attainable goals. Keeping on track without a basic plan or schedule may be just as difficult as trying to work against a schedule that’s impossible to achieve. If you find yourself needing help, ask friends or relatives, or hire professionals to assist you.

Hiring a Moving Company.

Once you’ve decided on a company or companies to interview, schedule a walk-through with a company representative. This will give them the opportunity to accurately assess everything being moved and will give you the chance to review the company’s business information such as insurance liability, licensing, and general policies or restrictions. It’s also wise to obtain references of past customers.

If the company is not familiar with where you are moving, be sure to give them any information they may need. Keep in mind some retirement communities may have a few move-in guidelines that your mover will need to be aware of. Once you’ve received your quotes, you’ll make your decision and then sign a contract for services. The moving company will then put your date on their schedule.

A note about tipping. Is it customary to tip the movers if they have carried out their duties in a professional and timely manner? We believe it is, however we suggest you inquire about this policy and its handling with the moving company you hire.

Packing Up. Supplies and Tips.

Large boxes should be used for lighter-weight, non-breakable items such as linens, bedding, pots and pans, or kitchen miscellaneous for example. It’s best to avoid boxes that are so large that they are cumbersome and hard to manage. As boxes are packed, write the general contents and room destination on the top of the box with a large chisel tip marker. If the box is packed with fragile items, be sure to write “Fragile” on the sides as well. Having all boxes clearly marked will make unpacking and getting organized much easier.

Do not purchase wardrobe boxes for moving your clothing. These boxes are expensive and most moving companies will furnish them or rent them to you for temporary use. Each wardrobe box holds approximately four feet of closet rod space (clothes hanging). Keep this in mind when calculating the number of wardrobe boxes you’ll need and be sure to tell your mover how many you’ll need prior to moving day.

Invest in a tape dispensing gun with a handle and plenty of packing tape to securely close all boxes. Use small bubble-wrap around fragile items for protection. Rubber bands are perfect for closure around wrapped items and they eliminate the hassle and need for tape. White or unprinted newsprint is also a good wrapping paper as it won’t rub off and leave imprints on items like newspaper. For packing between or around fragile items in a box, we recommend using tightly wadded newspaper. The newspaper keeps the contents of the box from shifting and is far less expense and more protective than packing peanuts.

Check with your mover regarding the need to empty drawers in desks or dressers as some companies, if not most, will allow you to leave the contents in place. They will secure the drawers using shrink-wrap, large rubber bands, or straps for example to keep the drawers from opening during the move. Of course you’ll want to remove all valuables and fragile items prior to the move. Generally, valuables should be kept with you or placed in your safety deposit box and fragile items should be packed with other breakables.

Moving Day.

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