Anyone have any moving tips?

[NeverlandClub23]

Our biggest tips are, take pictures of everything you are having moved, so if anything gets damaged/lost durning move, you have proof of it's condition pre move.

When I moved to Cincinnati with my fiance (of the time) the Army moved us (well not the Army personally, they hired a moving company). Taking pictures is great advice! We actually took them while the people were there and you could see them in the background packing up stuff (to prove the pictures weren't taken at an earlier date). We had a lot of stuff damaged in the move (including a big screen TV).

 

[undertheradar]

We did a move like this 7 years ago. First, verify all of the things that the movers won't move. Many cleaning products, paints, gas powered tools. Get rid of everything that you can replace on the other end of the move. Have each kid choose 2 reasonable toys that they can bring and box the rest. Give away excess foods and kitchen spices to neighbors, food banks, or shelters. As others have stated, packers are paid to pack, not ship. They will pack anything that is within sight. Prepare to wash your vehicles, as you will inspect them with the movers before they are loaded for the move.

 

[malibuconlee]

We've had 6 professional moves. I say pack what you need for the time you are going to be without your belongings. Even with a large house if the truck driver can put another small load on with yours he will. (We haven't had it happen in a LONG time tho). Take those things OUT of the house if possible, otherwise designate a spot in the house and show EVERY SINGLE packer that it's off limits. Take out the trash. Really, we were told our nursery would be done last, so we hadn't emptied out her trash. The diaper genie got packed FULL!! Luckily I noticed it and he knew which box it had gone into.

Put together you cleaning kits because you'll want those things last in your current house and first in the new house.

They can pack your house in a day and a half. It will take you at least twice as long just to get the house in order, but you'll still have boxes for awhile.

Our dog does well with the movers being there. She won't run off, but if your pets will definitely put them somewhere they can't get out. The doors will be open A LOT. We did end up leaving our dog at the neighbor's house where we slept the last couple of nights we were there for part of the time.

Figure out what will fit in the vehicle(s) you are driving. You'll have a lot of stuff with you. Clothes, toys, cleaning stuff, your propane tank from your gas grill. They won't take that even if empty. That's why we won't ever have a spare tank like some do, we just don't have the room to take it with us each move!!

Designate a neighbor/friend who you will "gift" all the stuff the movers won't take...lawn fertilizer, any aerosols that won't fit in your vehicle.

Get the kids rooms set up quickly. Our daughter's took awhile, we figured she could sleep in her pack and play...big mistake - we all slept better once she could sleep and nap in her own crib.

Good luck.

 

[RNMOM]

Ahh yes, nothing like unpacking a trash can full of trash in your new house.

Remove your coffee grounds from the pot because they too will go.

When we moved back and forth across the country a few times, they would not take cleaning solutions and such. They were not able to transport anything flammable like solvents, alcohol and such and left even the vanilla extract behind. From then on I put those things in a box in my car or gave them away. I don't know if this is still the case.

I haven't moved in 12 years! Yay! I really like my house and hope we stay here a long time. What I would suggest is to pack clothing like you are going on a trip. Use your suitcases you have left for those things you will want to find easily like linens and easy to prepare food. I like the idea of the paper products in a box but the suitcase could be handy for this too. Have some easy meals thought out ahead and the basics you need for them so all you will have to buy is milk, eggs and butter or such for a few days.

Most of all, be nice to the movers. It is amazing how much work they can get done quickly and if you are nice to them they will bend over backwards to help you. My last move was only 50 miles but DH's company paid for it. I had pneumonia and fell asleep in the sofa while I was watching them work. I woke up 3 hours later to an empty house and them waiting for me to wake to put the sofa on the truck. They even did some vacuuming in the basement for me before loading the vacuum.

I usually get muffins or donuts and coffee in the am and I often go pick up sub sandwiches for lunch if they don't bring their own. The are always very appreciative of this. I need to eat too so it isn't a big deal.

Most of all, relax. They will give you suggestions when they arrange your move. They are professionals and act like it too. At least that has been my experience.