MOving Tips

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A. List of Things to Do Before Movers Arrive

Declutter and Organize

  • Go through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need or want. Donate, sell, or dispose of them.
  • Separate items you are taking with you from those the movers will handle. This includes valuables such as jewellery, important documents, and electronics.

Label Everything

  • Label all boxes with clear descriptions of their contents and which room they belong to in the new house.
  • Use a color-coding system (stickers or markers) for easy room identification.

Inventory Checklist

  • Make a comprehensive inventory of all your belongings to ensure nothing gets lost or damaged during the move.
  • Take pictures of valuable items to document their condition before the move.

Prepare Fragile Items

  • Pack fragile items separately and ensure they are well-padded with bubble wrap, foam, or blankets.
  • Mark these boxes as “Fragile” so movers know to handle them with extra care.

Disassemble Large Furniture

  • Disassemble furniture like beds, tables, and shelving units to make it easier for movers to carry and pack them.
  • Keep screws, bolts, and other small parts in labelled bags taped to the furniture for easy reassembly.

Pack Essential Items

  • Pack a separate bag with essential items (clothing, toiletries, medications, chargers, etc.) for use during the first few days in your new home.
  • Keep this bag with you, not with the movers.

Prepare Appliances

  • Defrost and clean your refrigerator 24-48 hours before the move to avoid leaks and bad odours.
  • Disconnect and clean all appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, etc.) ahead of time.

Parking and Access Arrangements

  • Ensure there is a clear parking space near your home for the moving truck.
  • If required, get parking permits from local authorities in advance.

Clear Pathways

  • Ensure hallways, doorways, and stairs are clear of obstacles.
  • Remove rugs or other tripping hazards to make it easier and safer for the movers.

Confirm Details with the Moving Company

  • Confirm the arrival time, parking requirements, and any other details with the movers a day or two before the move.
  • Provide clear instructions about what to move, what to leave, and any special handling instructions.

B. List of Things to Do After Movers Have Finished Their Job

Inspect All Boxes and Items

  • Check every box and item as it comes off the truck. Ensure nothing is missing or damaged.
  • Cross-check against your inventory list to ensure everything has arrived.

Document Damages

  • If any items are damaged during the move, take photos immediately and report them to the moving company.
  • Document any scratches, dents, or breakages and keep all records for insurance claims.

Unpack Essentials First

  • Start by unpacking the essentials box with toiletries, beddings, chargers, and a change of clothes.
  • Set up your kitchen with basic items such as plates, cups, and utensils.

Assemble Furniture

  • Reassemble the larger furniture that was disassembled, such as beds and tables.
  • Ensure that screws and bolts are fastened securely, and everything is stable before use.

Set Up Appliances

  • Connect and test all major appliances such as the refrigerator, washing machine, and oven.
  • If necessary, hire professionals to help with setting up complicated appliances or systems.

Organize Rooms One by One

  • Start with the bedrooms and kitchen, as these are the most essential spaces to settle into first.
  • Gradually work your way through the rest of the house, taking time to arrange each room properly.

Dispose of Packing Materials

  • Flatten boxes and recycle them or save them for future use.
  • Safely dispose of packing materials like plastic wraps, bubble wrap, and foam.

Clean the New Home

  • After everything is unpacked, do a thorough clean of the new house.
  • Focus on high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms.

Update Your Address

  • Notify the post office of your new address.
  • Inform banks, insurance providers, subscription services, and any other relevant parties of the address change.

Thank the Movers

  • If you were satisfied with the movers’ service, consider leaving a tip or providing a positive review online.

C. List of Things to Do if Not Hiring Removalists (Pre-Move, During Move, and Post-Move)

Pre-Move Activities

Declutter and Minimize

  • Sort through your belongings and get rid of or donate items you no longer need.
  • Create categories for items to be packed, donated, sold, or thrown away.

Gather Supplies

  • Collect or purchase all necessary packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, labels).
  • Consider getting wardrobe boxes for clothes and specialized boxes for fragile items like dishes and glassware.

Enlist Help

  • Recruit friends or family to assist with packing and moving heavy items.
  • Rent a moving truck or van of appropriate size for your belongings.

Create a Packing Plan

  • Pack one room at a time and start with items you use least frequently.
  • Label boxes by room and list their contents for easy unpacking later.

Disassemble Furniture

  • Disassemble beds, tables, and large items to make them easier to move.
  • Keep all screws, nuts, and bolts together in labelled bags taped to the furniture pieces.

Organize Valuables

  • Label boxes by room and list their contents for easy unpacking later.
  • Create a personal essentials bag with clothes, toiletries, medications, and other immediate necessities.

Clean the Old Home

  • Clean rooms as they are emptied.
  • Leave your old home in good condition, especially if you're renting and want to recover your deposit.

During Move Activities

Load the Truck Efficiently

  • Load heavy items first, such as furniture and appliances, placing them at the back of the truck for balance.
  • Place lighter, more fragile items on top and ensure everything is secure to avoid shifting during transit.

Protect Doorways and Floors

  • Place padding or blankets on doorways and cover floors with drop cloths or cardboard to prevent damage while moving in or out.

Double-Check Each Room

  • Before leaving the old house, do a final walkthrough of each room to ensure nothing is left behind.
  • Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas.

Communicate with Helpers

  • Coordinate with friends or hired helpers to ensure everyone knows their tasks and timelines.
  • Keep a watchful eye on fragile or heavy items to avoid accidents or breakages.

Keep Essentials with You

  • Carry your essentials bag, including any valuables, important documents, and items you’ll need immediately, in your own vehicle.

Communicate with Helpers

  • Coordinate with friends or hired helpers to ensure everyone knows their tasks and timelines.
  • Keep a watchful eye on fragile or heavy items to avoid accidents or breakages.

Post-Move Activities

Unpack Room by Room

  • Start by setting up the kitchen and bedrooms.
  • Gradually unpack and organize the rest of the house, ensuring each box is placed in the correct room.

Assemble Furniture

  • Reassemble furniture and larger items, ensuring everything is put back together securely.
  • Test each item, such as tables and beds, to ensure they’re safe and stable.

Inspect for Damages

  • Check for any damages to furniture, appliances, or walls during the move.
  • Address any issues right away and make repairs if necessary.

Clean Your New Home

  • Once everything is in place, give the new home a thorough cleaning.
  • Pay special attention to the floors and high-traffic areas that might have gotten dirty during the move.

Dispose of Unwanted Packing Materials

  • Break down boxes and recycle or dispose of them properly.
  • Safely dispose of plastic wraps, foam, and any other packing materials.

Update Important Information

  • Change your address with the post office and update your details with utility companies, subscriptions, and banks.
  • Inform friends, family, and service providers of your new address.