Essential Moving Tips and Guide
Easing the Transition to Your New Home
Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced
cartons. Although the packing boxes you can obtain from your
neighborhood supermarket or liquor store may be free, they
are not nearly as strong or padded. They are more susceptible
to causing damage to your valuables in transit.
Pack your items carefully
It is imperative for you to buffer and separate fragile
objects with sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Fill in
empty spaces to minimize movement during your move. Pack plates
and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you've
packed fragile items, especially if those items are valuable.
The mover will advise you on whether those valuables need
to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.
Facilitate the transit
The heavier the item, the smaller the move box it should
occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton
easily, it's too heavy. Label all boxes so you can find everything
you need the first night in your new home.
Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the
activity on moving day.
For your family's safety and comfort
Teach your children your new address and phone number right
away. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons.
Pack your phone book since you may need to call old neighbors
or businesses from your new home.
Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature
before plugging them in.
The all-important "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons
These move boxes will consist of the essential items your
family will undoubtedly need for the first night. Fill two
cartons with snacks, instant coffee/tea bags, medicine, towels,
various toiletry items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap,
and toilet paper. Other essential move items include flashlights,
can openers, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, screwdrivers,
scissors and pliers. Why the second box? It will serve as
insurance in the event that your movers experience delay getting
to your house.
Work hand in hand with your mover
Give the mover's foreman your reach numbers and email addresses
so you can stay in contact.
Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to
explain anything you don't understand. Make a note of your
shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading
handy.
If you're moving long distance, be aware that your property
might share a truck with that of several other households.
For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture
and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover
whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered.
If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse
for security, organization and cleanliness.
How much should you tip?
Tips differ depending on the size and difficulty of the
move as well as the efforts put forth by the movers. An honest
day's job should not go unnoticed. The average tip for local
moves is 7-12% of the total bill. The average tip for long
distance moves is $3-5 per hour based on the labor. It is
best that you compensate each mover separately to acknowledge
the hard work by everyone involved in the relocation.
A More Complete Listing of Things to Do Before A Move
To
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