06 Mar
We know that moving is a big step for you and your family. Our goal at Herlihy Moving & Storage is to make moving day as simple and stress-free as possible. Here are a few tips to help you prepare to move out of your home or apartment.
The process of moving starts long before the movers arrive at your home. There are few things that you want to have done ahead of time.
First, if you are moving appliances, you need to make sure they’re ready to move. We recommend that you have washers and dryers serviced before your move. Also, make sure to unplug your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the movers arrive. This will allow the appliances to dry out before they are loaded onto the truck. Since you won’t have your refrigerator, consider packing a cooler for drinks and snacks to have for moving day.
Next, you want to dispose of anything that can’t be taken on a moving van. This includes items such as:
- Frozen and perishable food and plants
- Hazardous items – fuel, chemicals, many cleaning products, propane tanks and even nail polish and aerosol cans.
If you’re planning to do any of your own packing, make sure you’re finished by the time the driver arrives. It’s best to use professional packing materials such as sturdy boxes with flaps that close completely, clean newsprint paper, paper pads, packing tape and bubble wrap. Ask your Herlihy moving consultant if you need any supplies or want to arrange packing services.
Remember to label each box with the room it was taken from. Load items you won’t need first, and prepare a box of essential items to load last on the truck. These include essentials such as paper towels, toilet paper, a travel alarm clock, bottled water, a first aid kit, and anything else you might need in your new home before all of your things are unloaded and unpacked.
Be sure to set aside any items that you don’t want loaded onto the moving fan. This should include a suitcase of clothing for you and your family to wear while traveling as well as prescription medications, travel documents and sentimental and high-value items you want take with you. It’s a good idea to put these items in a closet clearly marked, “Do not pack!” This will help your movers avoid accidentally packing anything you were planning to take with you
Finally, make sure to complete your high-value inventory form. This form should list any items that are worth more than $100 per pound. Ask your Herlihy moving consultant about how to complete the form.
When moving day arrives, there are a few things you can do to help everything go smoothly. First, plan to be there when the driver arrives. Have a babysitter for small children, and keep your pets out on the way so that everyone is safe and you can give the process your full attention. It’s also a good idea to make your travel plans for the following day so you’re available for the entire process.
The driver will take inventory of your belongings before loading them on the moving van. He will take notes about scratches and any other damage to items before loading them. Talk to your Herlihy moving consultant if you have questions about the inventory form or any other aspect of the moving process.
Finally, before the driver leaves your home, do one last check for anything that may have been left behind. Be sure to check closets, attics, storage sheds, garages and basements. Once you’re done, turn off the lights, and turn down your heat and air conditioning. Make sure all the doors and windows are closed and locked. And don’t forget to leave keys and any garage openers for the new occupants.
We hope these tips put you on your way to a simple, stress-free move out of your home or apartment. If you have any questions about the moving process, please contact us today!
