Tips for an easier move

Moving can be an unsettling ordeal. It entails enormous decision making, planning, packing, unpacking and countless other details. Here are some tips on how to make your move a little more palatable:

* Familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood by visiting city & state websites. Inquire ahead of time about local food markets, dry cleaners, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and in general try to get a feel of the place you will soon call home.
* File a change of address form with US Postal Service.
* Call your bank/credit card company and ask about changing/closing/moving your accounts.
* Close any accounts you will not be transferring (saving, checking, empty out safe deposit boxes, etc).
* Contact your family physician for medical records and possible referrals. Also call your Health Insurance Provider.
* Contact current children’s schools and arrange for transfer of student records.
* Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning/repaired or altered items have been picked up.


* Contact your utility providers and have your utilities such as phone, water, power, cable/ satellite etc. canceled - leave a gap of a day or two between move-out day and disconnection of service to allow for unforeseen delays in moving out.
* Cancel / transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
* Create a "move file" to keep track of moving company estimates, receipts and other important information.
* Begin packing of less frequently used items as much as 6 weeks prior to moving day.
* Work your way through each room taking inventory and deciding on what to keep and what to throw away.
* Properly dispose of all flammable and/or hazardous chemicals, as those will not be moved by your household mover.
* Make a list of all-important items/documents, which you would like to personally carry with you on moving day. Such items may include.
* Legal documents such as birth certificates, passports, wills etc.
* Jewelry, money or collections (coin collection, etc.).
* Stock certificates, deeds, insurance policies and other financial records.

Packing Tips
Start packing at least 4 weeks prior to moving day. Arrange all packed boxes in one designated room. Mark each box with its contents. Follow this link for a great packing tool: www.nackit.com

* Place heavyweight items towards the bottom of the container and lightweight items on the top.
* Use plenty of crumpled or shredded paper to protect your belongings in the boxes.
* Label boxes indicating what they contain. For example - if they contain fragile items, label “Fragile - This side Up”.
* After cleaning out the refrigerator or freezer, you may place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew.
* As air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be wrapped in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap.
* After removing the light bulbs or lamp harps, wrap the lamp base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint/unprinted paper.
* Do not pack lamp shades in newspaper as the ink may rub off and stain them - use unprinted paper which may be provided at cost by your moving and storage company.
* It is advisable to let moving company pack furniture and artwork, as it will be done in professional fashion.

Essentials Checklist
Pack one box/suitcase to be transported with you. In it, should be items you may require at your new home, until you begin your unpacking process, or in the event your delivery is delayed for any reason.

* Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener.
* Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels.
* Instant coffee/tea, bottled water.
* Toys and snacks for kids.
* Plastic forks, spoons, knives.
* Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer.
* Dish soap, trash bags, towels.
* Toilet paper, toiletries.
* Prescription drugs, aspirin or other pain relievers and first aid kit.
* Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file".
* Telephone, batteries, cell phone charger.

On moving day

* Check to ensure that closets, cupboards, attics and basements are empty -- it's easy to forget stuff in these places.
* Take note of utility meter readings.
* Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any ‘straggler’ mail pieces to you.
* Provide your contact number to your moving company rep., truck driver and family/friends, so they can contact you in case of an emergency.
* Relax…. If you’ve done your homework properly, it’ll all work itself out.

About The Author:
Steve A. Hadar is the owner and CEO of Alpha Relocation Services, an award winning relocation company based in Jersey City, NJ, providing Local, Long Distance, Commercial, Residential and International Moving and StorageServices.