If your old home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, notify the police.
Make arrangements to take the moving day off from work.
Return library books and other borrowed items. (remember your neighbor’s lawnmower!)
Notify banks, credit card companies and insurance companies of your change of address
Contact friends and family members
Notify electric, gas, oil, water, cable television, alarm, internet and telephone providers. It is helpful to have telephone service on at the new and old locations on the day of the move, in case the moving company needs to reach you.
Think about your new home’s layout and where you’ll place your furniture. Create a floor plan of your new home. This reduces the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home. Sometimes you won’t know exactly where a piece will look best in your new home until you try a couple different places. Of course our movers will be happy to rearrange a few items at the end of your move.
Notify the registry of motor vehicles.
Make arrangements for baby sitters and pet sitters on the day of the move.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Take down all pictures and wall hangings. Remove drapes from windows. Pack these items carefully in the proper boxes. You can always refer to our packing tips section for additional assistance.
Remove fragile items from dresser drawers.
Pack lamps and lampshades safely in separate boxes.
Finish packing any nonessential loose items.
Call and confirm with the moving company.
Give the moving company your new phone number, cell phone number and email address.
Remember, preparation is the key to a fast and efficient move.
ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE
Drain any waterbeds.
Clear the walkway and driveway of snow, if necessary.
Finish any last minute packing. Be sure to clearly label each box with the destination in your new home. Bed linens and a few other essential items may be packed on the day of the move.
Our team of experts will come fully prepared with tools. They can take apart and reassemble most any furniture that requires disassembly to be safely transported. It is not generally necessary to disassemble any pieces prior to the moving day. (There are a few exceptions, such as those mentioned earlier in the guide.) However, to save time and money, some people choose to take apart items such as the crib and beds prior to moving day. This does speed things up a bit and can be reflected in the bill at the end.
Place essential items such as credit cards, passports, checkbooks and keys in a place where they will not be lost or mistakenly moved.
Disconnect propane tank from gas grill.
Consolidate the fragile boxes in each room, making sure each one is clearly marked.
Clearly label any items not being moved.
ON MOVING DAY
Be sure to be present when the movers arrive. The person responsible for paying the bill must be available to sign the bill of lading before any work can begin. The movers will usually start with a tour of your house to see everything that is being moved. Please point out any furniture that is especially fragile or has been previously broken so extra care can be taken.
Smaller plants are generally safer in your car. The truck tends to be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. This is not usually the healthiest atmosphere for household plants. Of course, some plants are too large for the backseat of a car. We will take care to transport these as safely as possible in the truck.
Please be available at the new house to show the movers where each piece of furniture should be placed. It is generally advised that you work closely with the movers in this aspect to avoid unnecessary work at the end.
Placing pets in the bathroom keeps them safe while the movers work.
AFTER MOVING DAY
Rain City Services offers unpacking services, as well as packing. We can pick up used boxes after the move, provided they are empty and flattened.
Call the department of sanitation to find out what day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your new community.
Register to vote in your new city.
Relax and congratulate yourself on a job well done!
