Packing

Collect plenty of moving supplies. Some of these supplies include durable boxes, strong packing tape, packing peanuts, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and newspapers. Most moving companies will have these items available for your purchase. If they don’t have any, you can always go to a nearby store and pick some up. Go through all storage rooms and closets thoroughly and decide ahead of time, which items you want to keep, discard, donate, or sell. Doing this will save you time and ultimately money. Remember, the more items you pack the more you pay for. While packing, place your more weighty items on the bottom of the box and the lighter ones on top. If you decide to make use of the provided wardrobe boxes most moving companies have, pack your clothes nice and tight so they won’t shift off the hangers during the move. This will save you time when unpacking and putting away your clothes.

Check out moving companies

Usually moving companies will indicate whether or not they have a DOT license. It is very important that you make sure the moving company you choose has this license or if you need to contact the Department Of Transportation. If there’s no indication at all if they have one, then it probably means they don’t have a license and you should continue in your search for moving companies. You may also want to see if they are listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Verify if your chosen moving company will have any insurance to cover your belongings for the duration of your move.

Planning

Make a reservation for your move a few weeks ahead of your desired relocation date. If you want to accomplish a hassle-free relocation experience, planning, timing, and lists are a must. Inform and send mail notifications to banks, healthcare providers, utility companies, employees, schools, etc., of your new address and other details. Plus, you should make a list of loans and other various monthly payments that need to be taken care of and maintained. Do this for both your new and previous locations.

Non-permitted items

It is illegal to move your plants across state lines and therefore, moving companies will not move any of them. Plants also cannot be packed effectively. Federal law prohibits moving companies from transporting certain types of items that include: fertilizers, fireworks, ammunition, weapons, poison, pesticides, acids, fuels, liquids and laundry additives (bleach and ammonia), flammables, explosives and corrosives, and household and car batteries.

Your most valuable items

Transport all of the following items yourself on moving day.

Deeds, school and medical records, financial documents, small expensive electronics, a list of important medical information about each family member and pet in the family, prescription drugs, jewelry, media with special memories, etc.