How To Prepare For A Move – With Less-Obvious Tips of our Trade

“We’re moving!” We’ve all heard those words before. And most of us have been there too. Learning how to prepare for a move and everything that comes with moving day can be daunting. It’s a day filled with stress, awkwardness, and sometimes even frustration if everything doesn’t go as planned. But it doesn’t have to be this way! With the right preparation, you can save money and reduce your stress levels significantly by getting ready for Moving Day in advance. This blog post will share some of the less obvious tasks you should take into consideration when preparing for a move and making the long haul – be it 50 miles or across the 50 states.

Properly prepare appliances for a move.

Check that all of your appliances are free of moisture and are kept in a dry, cool place prior to packing. You want to be sure that in no instance will the seals and mechanics freeze, and damage the unit.

Unplug freezers, water coolers, and similar appliances to allow time to thaw or dry out inside.

Oh, and those dishes you’re putting away until settled back in? Make sure they are all thoroughly cleaned to prevent pests and decay.

How do I prepare electronic devices for the move?

For electronics, the best thing you can do is prepare for any possible damage that might happen.

• Disconnect power and data cables, removing all batteries from devices to be sure they don’t leak during transit (especially in hot or humid weather), and wrapping them securely in bubble wrap before packing.
• Unplug and unhook all electronic devices and label the wires, this will make their installation easier after you unpack.
• Backup all of your personal, important files from your computer and pack up your external hard drives in a well-padded and labeled box.
• To prevent spilling and staining, remove the ink cartridges from your printer and fax machines.
• Heat can warp CDs, so remove all CDs from your computer or stereo systems to prevent damage. Extreme heat may damage all electronics, so be sure that they are not left in storage for a long time.
• Drain the gas and oil from all your power equipment (lawnmower, edger, etc.)

What is the best way to prepare clothes for a move?

There are a few different options for how to prepare your clothes for a move. The first option is to remove all hangers from your closet and pack them individually, making sure that the garments on each hanger are not touching at any point during packing with other clothing items or objects.

For a more simple way to pack your clothes, keep them on hangars and enclose bundles in trashbags, with the ties wrapped around the hangar.

You can also prepare by removing shoes from closets to avoid crushing. You also can always have a garage sale, getting rid of everything you don’t need before you move. Or, support that local thrift store with a drop-off of your gently-used items.

Get organized now. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your move.

Make a list of things you need to do and when – and make sure you haven’t boxed up what you need to make that possible. Like, phone chargers or checkbooks. Set aside those items that you will be taking with you and clearly mark them as “Do Not Pack”. If you’re using a moving service, making sure everything is in boxes is crucial to stay on schedule. In fact, hiring movers is the quickest way to learn how to prepare for a move. Watch the professionals take care of it for you!

• Arrange to close your accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new hometown.
• Obtain a change-of-address kit from your post office or go to https://moversguide.usps.com
• Schedule house cleaning and other home services for the day after loading.
• Have your utilities shut off the day after loading (gas, electric, telephone, etc.)
• Make your travel arrangements for the day after loading. In case of weather delays or other unforeseen problems, you wouldn’t want to miss a travel-related appointment.
• Before the moving truck leaves for your destination, give the driver your phone numbers where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to get the driver’s number.

What items do I need to prepare for a move that a moving company cannot take?

So glad you asked! Be aware of items that can’t be moved with the mover. These items might be too bulky, breakable/fragile, or considered dangerous goods. As an Atlas Agent, we cannot move certain goods. These items include:

• Flammable Items
• Combustible Items
• Aerosol cans
• Hazardous Materials
• Gasoline
• Plants
• Paints
• Ammunitions and Explosives
• Jewelry
• Legal Documents (wills, financial papers, insurance documents, etc.)

No one is more prepared for a move than Ralph’s.

In conclusion, when using a mover, remember that you are the customer and the boss – but you also are expected to know how to prepare for a move and get your household goods sorted accordingly. If you have any concerns at all, contact your move coordinator immediately. Trust our above tips will prepare you for your move so that you can eliminate the stress and make the process a much smoother transition.