Packing Tips

1. Pack a suitcase for each member of the family. Keep suitcases separate from other items scheduled to go onto the moving truck. This way you will have what is needed at hand upon arrival at your new destination
2. Mark the moving boxes with the room they are to be placed in and with a number 1, 2 or 3 in the order which they need to be opened
3. Use your move as a way to clean out items for yard sales, donations or recycling center. If you donate items be sure to take pictures for tax deductions
4. Use a counter or table top for packing boxes
5. Save space and money by using towels, wash cloths, sheets and pillow cases as stuffing for breakable items
6. Be sure to tape your boxes on the seams and perpendicular to the seam for added support
7. Stack boxes with heaviest on the bottom to prevent tipping and crushing
8. Weigh the boxes to keep them at 30 to 35 lbs max for easy lifting and moving
9. When taking beds, tables, mirrors etc. apart be sure to place the screws/bolts in a zip-lock baggie and tape the baggie to the item
10. Be sure to take a picture of complicated wiring to computers, tv's etc. so that hooking them up at destination will be easy. Again, place cords and plugs in a zip lock bag and clearly mark where and what they belong to

Inventory/Labeling

1. Label your boxes on top and bottom. Be sure to ask the movers to place them at your new home right side up
2. Keep a list of how many boxes come from each room so you can count them as they are placed in the correct rooms at your desitnation
3. Mark "Fragile" when needed
4. Mark your boxes appropriately, such as Master Bedroom - 1 of 4, 2 of 4, etc.

Change of Address

1. Doctors, Schools, Post Office, Friends, Family need to know your change of address
2. Be sure to have copies (or originals) of medical and school records with you when moving to your new address
3. Don't forget to notify health clubs, lawn care, auto, health and/or life insurance, magazine/newspaper subscriptions, electric, gas and phone companies, brokers, etc of your new address

Moving with Children

1. Pack a child sized suitcase and let each child pick out a special toy to play with
2. If the children have favorite cups or dishes pack them in boxes to be opened first at your new home
3. Unpack the childrens rooms first so they will have their space to help them settle in
4. If possible, buy a book on moving for smaller children to help them understand the transition

Moving Day

1. Almost all professional movers will want payment in full BEFORE they unload the truck. Make sure your payment has been made
2. Have directions available for drivers from your previous home to your new home
3. Make sure all drivers are able to contact you via cell phone. Don't forget to give your number to the drivers
4. If you have a reliable sitter for the children have them stay with them during the actual box and furniture loading day(s)

Unpacking
Have a plan for unpacking. Prioritize which room you will want to focus on first, i.e. kitchen and bathroom. Be sure to have a trash bin for disposable items in each room. If possible, set an objective for unpacking so many boxes each day until you're through.