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Keep a cool head with
this list that does the thinking for you
To keep moving bedlam at a minimum, we've created this
to-do list. Print out this page, and check off the tasks, item by item.
Many of the items can be done ahead, so do yourself a favor and get
organized the day before. Come moving day, you'll be ready to supervise
the whole affair, without worry or distraction.
Task One: Clearly Mark and
Set Aside Items You Don't Want Loaded
This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load as you conduct
your preload walkthrough. Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to
the move doesn't get packed and shipped with your household goods.
Task Two: Pack Special
Items for the Kids
Have the kids pack a box of their "special" items, things that they'll
want to have nearby as soon as you all arrive at your new home. Point this
box out to the driver so it's one of the first to be unloaded.
Note: You may want to arrange for someone to take care
of the kids (and pets) while the movers are packing and loading your
items. Have the caregiver bring the kids back home prior to the truck
leaving as it important for young children to understand where their
belongings are going.
Task Three: Get Rid of
Trash and Flammable Items
Eliminate as much trash as you can before moving day. Last-minute garbage
will inevitably build up the day prior to and the day of loading. Try
making a deal with a neighbor to use their trash container for your
last-minute debris.
Many items that are considered flammable are not going
to be loaded by the driver and crew. Understand what these items are so
that you are not stuck with trying to get rid of them on day of loading.
If you are uncertain what items can't be loaded, ask your estimator for a
list. Because movers can't transport most household cleaners, they will be
available for you to use throughout the day. Also remember to remove items
from inaccessible areas like crawl spaces or attics.
Task Four: Reserve a
Parking Space for the Moving Truck
If you live in a congested area, recruit some friends and park all of your
vehicles one after another in a space close to your home and do not move
them until the truck arrives. The closer the truck can get to your house,
the better your chances are of not incurring an additional charge.
Task Five: Clear Walkways
Make it safe and easy for your movers to get in and out of your house by
removing all obstructions.
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Move potted plants and planters from front porch,
walkways and driveways.
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Remove all door and floor mats.
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Remove all rugs. The crew will protect the floors
with a specially designed floor covering that does not slip.
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Remove low hanging items such as wind chimes or
hanging plants.
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Disconnect the spring on the screen door so that it
stays open during the loading process.
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If you had the moving company pack for you, work with
them to keep walkways clear for the driver and crew.
Task Six: Point Out
Special Items
Set these items aside the day before the move. Then, once the mover
arrives, point out items that are most special to you during the
walkthrough. All your items will be handled professionally but take a
moment to show them which ones need the most special care. Also, point out
the boxes you would like to have unloaded first, if they are not going
into storage. These boxes may include kitchen and bathroom items, or your
children's toys.
Task Seven: Take Care of
Your Driver and Crew Members
Consider the needs of your driver and crew members! It is not necessary to
prepare an elaborate meal, as this is the last thing you will have time
for. Still, run out and get some breakfast rolls or cookies and order
pizza for lunch. It is a nice gesture and will be warmly received.
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Keep water and pop on hand for yourself and the crew.
On hot summer days, provide Gatorade or some type of sports drink. These
men and women work hard, handling your most important possessions. A
cool drink can really help.
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Advise the driver and crew where to locate the drinks
and food so that they do not have to ask each time.
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Advise the driver and crew which restroom you want
them to use.
Task Eight: Decide on
Tipping
Should you? It is completely up to you. Many individuals do tip the driver
and let him disperse the portion to the crew that they think is
appropriate. You decide!
Task Nine: Before the
Driver Leaves ...
Make sure you understand all the paperwork before the driver departs for
your new home. If there is something that is confusing to you, ask your
driver to explain it before you sign it.
Provide the driver with your destination contact
information. Take down any information the driver can provide such as his
cell phone, pager and satellite tracking information. Ask the driver if
your shipment is the last he/she will be loading. Find out when the last
shipment goes onto the trailer. This will give you an indication as to
when they will be departing for your new home. Ask the driver about
his/her plans for delivering your items. Find out as many details as you
can prior to the driver leaving your residence.
If the driver attempts to give you a delivery date and
time, keep in mind that it is really only an estimate at the time of
loading. Many factors can change the schedule for the driver, so try to
remain flexible. Ask the driver to call you with changes so that you can
adjust your plans accordingly. If you have a delivery spread (a sequence
of two or more days that your shipment can be delivered on and still be
considered on time) understand that you can and may be delivered on any
one of those days.
Take one last sweep of the house before the driver
leaves. Look through all closets, shelves, in the garage, attic, crawl
space, storage unit, under the stairs, on the walls and any place else
things may be hiding. You do not want to find out, after the driver has
left, that something was left behind.
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