(AND ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR UNEXPECTED REPACKING!)

Most moving companies have policies about what they will carry on their truck and what they will insure if they do not do the packing for you. Save time and the potential for having to repack boxes and bins, or even leave things behind, on your move day by keeping these things in mind.

• During the weeks prior to your move, clean out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Do not make any large purchases that you can put off until after your move; only purchase what you need. Refrigerated and frozen foods can be packed, but in many instances you are responsible for their transportation and you will need to be certain that they are kept fresh and/or frozen in the process. Also, as you pack your pantry’s nonperishable foods, take the time to dispose of any items that are out of date.
• Movers typically do not like to transport plants or liquids – especially wine and other liquor. Make arrangements to transport this on your own as well. Check with your mover. Sometimes, if it is essential that they transport liquids for you, they may want to pack these items themselves.
• Label your boxes so your mover can place them in the appropriate room in your new home. That will save you the trouble of searching for boxes later and unpacking will be easier and faster!
• For ease in unpacking, label which boxes belong to which piece of furniture, i.e., dresser, night stand, etc. as well. Provide your mover with a floor plan so they only have to place your furniture once!
• Be sure to use packing tape to secure your boxes throughout your move. Do not rely on folding flaps! I have seen too many disasters when boxes are not properly taped!
• If you are packing on your own, reduce breakage by properly insulating breakable items with paper, bubble wrap, foam, peanuts, whatever you need. Better yet, leave breakables, computers, electronics, lamps, etc., for the professionals to pack!
• If you have any jewelry that needs to be moved with you, it’s better to carry that yourself. If you must pack it, try to place it in an appropriately sized box (whether a small amount or an entire cabinet) and label it so only you know what is contained in the box. NEVER label it “jewelry.” This is true for items that are of high value, such as silver, coin or other collections. Have a code word that is meaningful to you but does not specifically identify the contents.
• Do not pack keys, money, check books or other personal documents that you do not want to lose. Carry those with you!
• Do not pack medication. You need to carry this with you! While we assume that everything will go smoothly, sometimes they just don’t and you do not want to be without medication that you cannot afford to miss taking. You also don’t want it to be in a box that has not been unpacked and find that you cannot locate it.

Remember that the movers want your move to be as easy for you as possible and they will work with you to make that happen. To further ensure a stress-free move, bring in a move manager to handle the details and manage the packing. You can then sit back and relax!