ORGANIZING YOUR MOVE

• Purchase boxes and packing supplies directly from the manufacturer
• Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of contents and its destination.
• Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won’t have to rummage through boxes for these essentials.
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes.
• Double box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.
• When everything is packed and ready to load, make sure the items you need least are loaded first.
• Prepare for the first night in your new home by packing essential items in a separate bag and carrying it with you. Include a change of clothes, a towel, prescription drugs, a toothbrush and other personal items for each member of your household.
• Protect your memories. If it’s irreplaceable, take it with you.
• Plates should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
• Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
• Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
• Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
• When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves might scorch.
• Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to room temperature before plugging it in.
• An important component in every move is the need to bring closure to your personal matters and relationships in your old community and create attachments in the new one. The list of tasks at both ends of the move varies with each family and move.
• Transfer funds and anything you have in your safety deposit box. Because many banks are regional, long-distance moves may require choosing a new bank. If possible, open an account in your new community before closing the account at your old bank.
• Choose new health care professionals by interviewing them over the telephone and asking for credentials, specialties, philosophy and working style.
• Transfer medical records and prescriptions to your new location. However, bring a couple of months’ worth of prescriptions with you.
• The Golden Rule of moving is to leave your old house as clean as you would like to find your new house. Clean as much as you can before moving day, and then make a final check after everything is out.