Helpful Tips

While getting ready for your move consider the following:

If possible, get a floor plan of your new residence. Try to fit your furniture in, and if it doesn’t fit, don’t take it.

Consolidate your library as much as possible. Consider the cost of mailing our treasured volumes verses the cost of moving them. A special postage rate for books may save money.

Find a new home for your plants. They can not be moved with your moving company. If you’re moving large planters or a sandbox, fill them with miscellaneous items in stead of dirt. The money you save will more than replace it at the other end.

Frozen and perishable food can not be moved, so eat up. Use up canned goods and food staples, and don’t replenish! Plan meals with what’s in your cupboards. The weight of these items adds up. Empty your refrigerator and freezer, clean thoroughly, allow to completely dry. This will prevent odor problems.

If you haven’t used it or worn it in quite sometime, don’t move it. Can the tread mill be replaced at the other end? How long has it been since you’ve used the pool table? Do you dust the piano more then you play it? All of these will save you money on your move. Sort through your things, have a garage sale, donate items, or give them away.

IS IT SAFE TO MOVE?

Do not under any conditions move flammable items!

Empty all fuel from lawn mowers, power tools, or kerosene lamps. Do not take paints, bleach, cleaning fluids, lighter fluids, matches, ammunition, or any other kind of combustible. Butane or propane tanks can not be moved. If you’re not sure, don’t move it! Aerosol cans may seem harmless, but they can explode and endanger your entire shipment, and your driver!

HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?

Do not move items of extreme value. Consider taking with you, or sending insured mail jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents, coin collection, stamp collections, important computer diskettes, etc.

PACKING FOR A BETTER MOVE

Having your mover pack you can add up quickly, but it often pays for itself in convenience and safety. Even if you have the time to pack, you may want to consider having your mover do the fragile or delicate items. Remember, your mover is not responsible for the contents of boxes you’ve packed yourself.

Don’t us newspaper for packing. It fades easily and could ruin items it was meant to protect.

Pack toiletries and medicines separately in small boxes. Be sure the caps and lids are on tight.

Don’t pack too compactly. Give your fragile items breathing room to avoid breakage. Use more paper for cushioning. You can also use linens as filler or cushioning.

Put heavy items on the bottom and fill with lighter objects. Use smaller cartons for books, cast iron cookware, and canned goods. Fill boxes full, but don’t over fill. Boxes should be able to stack on top of each other. Mark the boxes with items packed inside, and if possible, mark which room it is to be placed in at the other end. Indicate on the outside of the box if the contents are extremely fragile.

Combine items you’ll need immediately upon arrive to your new home. Mark “unload first” on the box. Fill with items such as toilet paper, paper towels, cups, can opener, soap, etc.

IS IT TAX DEDUCTABLE?

If you donate any thing, get an itemized receipt.

Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses, including transportation, hotels, and meal. If you’re moving because of a change of employment, such cost may be tax deductible. Check with your accountant or the IRS

Keep a record of the costs of improvements made in your home throughout the years, and any expenses associated with the sale of your home, including realtor fees, or classified costs.

WHAT IS IT WORTH?

Now is the perfect time to make check your homeowners insurance. Do you have enough coverage? List your possessions and their approximate value. Photograph or videotape your items room by room. You’ll probably be amazed to realize what our possessions are really worth. Talk to your insurance agent if you have any questions. It can save you money moving, and afterward. Keep your inventory in a safe place, and then if you ever have extensive household damage in the future, you can establish an accurate, comprehensive insurance claim.

DON’T BE SOLD BY A LOW ESTIMATE. Estimates are exactly that. The actual cost of your move will be determined primarily by weight and distance, plus the cost of any extra services you may require. So if one estimate is significantly lower, be suspicious.