101 Moving Tips

People generally believe moving as a very delicate task to head with. But actually it isn’t if you plan and organize it in a proper way and also well advance to your move. Avoid last minute rush by prioritizing your moving needs such as deciding on the appropriate moving services, packing, moving day and so on. The following 101 tips will serve as effective guide in directing you how to organize a stress- free move.

1. It is better to start earlier 1or 2 months prior your actual move in packing items that are least used by you.
2. Prepare checklist of all things you need to do, separating it as 2 months, 1 month, 2 week, a week and 2 days before the move.
3. Get referrals from your friends who have moved recently or from any moving agents regarding the quality of moving company.
4. Take time to research on moving companies and only hire movers those are licensed and insured.
5. Make sure you contact the-automover or other moving companies' earlier by 60 days because movers get very busy especially in summer months.
6. It is better to get direct on-site estimates from moving companies rather relying on phone quotes.
7. Do not stick with one estimate, contact multiple companies in getting their quotes so that you could analyze on the best price quote.
8. Visit every room and sort things which you need to move/purge.
9. If you have a separate room for storing your used items, reference books, old stack of newspapers try clearing out those items first.
10. Check out whether any items will require special packing and extra insurance cover. Donate your unused things to charities instead throwing it for no cause.
11. If you are packing your own things purchase packing boxes in advance or ask supermarkets to set aside some boxes for you.
12. It is recommended to buy separate wardrobe packing boxes than to stuff all under a single box.
13. Use boxes that are of same size so that it will be easy to fill in, load and unload.
14. To make the boxes more secure, you should tightly seam the bottom and this can be done by running a tape perpendicular to that seam.
15. Pack smaller items in large boxes and large items in small boxes in order to avoid crashing of the heavier items.
16. Follow 30-pound rule; keep each box below 30 pounds so you can avoid the hassle of items being getting dropped.
17. It is better to pack similar items together, supposing if you are packing medicine items; try to stuff the box with the same related components. Don’t add any kitchen utensils to it.
18. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and leave extra space above to pack highly brittle items.
19. Wrap each item with paper or a plastic sheet and once filled in a box, label it with its contents and your name.
20. Make sure to label the box at its sides and not on the top.
21. Label the boxes containing brittle items as fragile or handle with care.
22. Point necessary arrow marks on boxes to which direction the boxes have to be opened.
23. Before packing the utensils or other items, make sure they are not wet.
24. Sign the boxes that have electronic appliances in them.
25. Keep your child’s things in a separate suitcase on the moving day in which they can put their school assignments, toys, records and other materials.
26. If you have pets, start packing the pet materials one or two days before the move.
27. It is very important to segregate the files and records in order of their year and have it under your direct care.
28. Don’t let the important files be packed with other items.
29. Have your bank account materials, Passport, cheque books and other important documents in a separate portmanteau.
30. When you have organized your things, you can better arrange for moving sale, online sale or donating the items.
31. Make sure you don’t pack certain items that are forbidden for moving like flammables and dangerous substances.
32. To reduce expense some people try to move at their own cost but hiring a professional mover will reduce your stress.
33. Check reviews on moving companies.
34. Hire moving services that operate near in your locality as it could save you some extra expenses.
35. Read the terms and policies before you sign a deal.
36. Remember to ask whether the company charge for extra services like packing, if in need you leave packing the items to movers.
37. Be alert on hidden moving costs.
38. Note that there is a huge variation of cost between moving locally and moving long distance.
39. Also, there is a difference between hiring a broker and hiring a moving company.
40. Plan quite earlier the day that is convenient to make your move and intimate the same with the moving company.
41. Clean your car both inside and out making it free from dirt.
42. Remove coverings such as spare tire cover, grill cover.
43. Have a written record of any dents, scratches or other cosmetic damage.
44. Take pictures of your car from several angles so that you can make a claim in case of damage.
45. Ensure to mark the records and photographs with appropriate date.
46. Ensure you don’t keep any personal belongings in the car which is being shipped.
47. If you want to load your personal items then you are doing at your own risk no company will take responsibility for missing items.
48. Check the level of fuel in your vehicle.
49. It is recommended to have only ¼ tank of gas before your car is getting hauled.
50. In case there is more fuel than suggested make sure to run down the extra fuel.
51. Turn off the security alarm system in the car.
52. Provide written instructions of how to turn off the alarm in case it is triggered.
53. Secure all loose parts such as spoilers, fog lights, mirrors and antennas.
54. Remember to get an inspection report from the car shipping company.
55. The inspection report must contain the sign of both the owner and driver of the concerned company.
56. The report will help to acquire claims in case of damages.
57. Ask the transport company a copy of their insurance coverage to know whether your vehicle is insured against damage and theft.
58. Do not pay the entire amount until you receive back your vehicle at the specified place.
59. Do not pay the advance/deposit more than 25% of your total payment.
60. Pay your due amount only after you receive your vehicle in a proper condition.
61. Check the tire pressure, battery condition and antifreeze levels of your car before being getting shipped.
62. Car leaking fluids such as oil, transmission fluid should be fixed.
63. If you have a convertible make sure to secure the top in order to prevent damage from debris, air and moisture.
64. Add extra protection with a wind-resistant tarp if could not secure the top.
65. The odometer readings should be noted at pickup and delivery of the vehicle.
66. Be clear on the type of method you are going to opt for- open trailer transport/ enclosed trailer transport.
67. Decide the course of delivery - door-to-door/ terminal-to-terminal/port-to-port.
68. Ask driver any last minute questions about the shipping process.
69. If you are moving regionally make sure the driver has a proper record of your contact details.
70. Confirm the terms of the contract once again when your vehicle is about to get shipped.