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Our members have compiled a list of moving tips- Here they are!
To take pictures of all your valuables!
(The military lost my couch so this came in handy)
And also to have the movers ITEMIZE everything
(I heard they hate doing this)
Let the movers pack and inventory your things. It saves you so much stress..they get paid to do that so let them.
Be sure to go through all of your belongings, and get rid of unecessary things
-Offer the moving men drinks throughout the day.
-If they are there during lunch time or supper...offer them something to eat. This helps when it comes to them being friendly and knowing that your stuff isn't just going to be thrown in a box
-Watch your moving company closely, but don't make it appear as tho' your watching their every move. Just make sure to take notice of how they are packing things.
-Don't be afriad to tell them you would like something packed differently (just be nice about it).
-Make sure to have your cabinets and such cleaned out before they get there. This saves on stress because you may end up leaving a whole cabinet of stuff behind.
-Make sure everything is clean and dust free before they get there. This will save on any trouble of them not wanting to move it...and you won't have to clean it once you arrive at your next DS.
-Make sure that you write down serial numbers from electronics (TVs, DVD players, computers etc) keep this list with you. The moving men will also write them down, but its better to be safe than sorry
Put anything that is not going in this group such as hold baggage or storage items in a totally seperate area before the movers get their and mark the area off using a sign or tape on the door.
Clean out and remove stuff before the movers get there. Once they are in the house it is difficult to ensure that junk you really don't want doesn't get packed.
If you have carpet, have them place cardboard boxes across the main walk areas and hallways. This will keep them from getting so dirty from all the foot traffic.
Have them pack the tv and dvd player last! It will keep the kids occupied up until the last minute. They will many times leave the couch cushions for last for them to lay on.
If having food brought in, ask the movers if they have a preference. Tracie had alot of Hawaiian movers so we brought them Soon's which they liked alot more than a burger and fries. My movers in Oklahoma, I had BBQ dropped off for them by a friend so I didn't have to leave the house.
If you have valuables such as jewelry, carry it with you and don't have it packed.
Ensure you have all bills and paperwork such as birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses,medical records; that you might need, in a bag that you carry with you. Do not have the movers pack it with household goods.
Do not stand over the movers and act like they are going to steal you blind. This will cause them to start shoving things into boxes without it being wrapped well among other things.
Let the movers on the receiving end unpack the big stuff and set up beds! This is part of what they are paid for.
Ensure all crates are sealed
After the packers have packed everything, make sure that every piece of furniture and every box has a sticker/number on it. Last move, they didn't label my daughter's bunk bed headboard/footboard and gouged teh heck out of it. Because it wasn't labelled, I couldn't claim it.
Designate one marked box for all hardware (or a ziploc baggie if you don't have much). Place the hardware to all beds, cribs, other pieces of furniture in the box/bag. Hand carry it if you're really worried about it.
If you have the original box/packing materials for an item, pack it but leave it open/unsealed so the packers can verify that it is packed properly.
Take down all pictures/artwork/wall-hangings ahead of time. Either group them by room or all together.
Keep a close eye on HOW they are labelling the boxes. I've had movers label everything in my kids' room as "TOYS" even though the boxes were full of clothes, bed linens, books, etc.
If it is something valuable or breakable, ask that it be packed in it's own box.
The stand up wardrobes (IMO) are MUCH better than the lay-flat wardrobes.
For a stateside move, you CAN request a crated/Class II move and it won't cost YOU extra if it doesn't cost the military extra. Ask transpo to run a check and see. You have nothing to lose.
We are always extra nice to our movers - we have water, juice, and sodas on hand. We get donuts or bagels in the AM for when they get there. We order lunch for them in the afternoon.
Empty all trash BEFORE the packers get there. I've had trash packed.
Before the packers leave at the end of the day, do a quick walk-through of each room and make sure they packed each cupboard, closet shelf, drawer, etc. We had packers almost forget an entire bathroom once!
Record serial numbers of all expensive items
Keep the stuff needed at your dh's job seperate like clothing, books, equipment and so on. That is considered professional so it does not count towards your weight allowance.
You can ship a motorcycle as part of weight allowance, if you have one ask about it first before booking the move.
Make sure you vacuum out the sofas, couches, loveseats and chairs before the movers come so there isn't any surprises.
Make a list of all DVD's, CD's, Tapes, VHS and games. So that if one or several go missing you can claim them.
Take pictures or video tape all Tv', computers, stereo's, and other big electronic equipment working so that you can prove it was not broken previously.
Ask about extra insurance. If something is broken you aren't given the replacement value but the depreciated value of things. You will pay out of pocket but not that much and it is worth it.
Take down all pictures from the walls, remove all batteries from kids toys and anything else before the movers come. Ask if they are allowing liquids , light bulbs, and batteries. Some movers will pack these things while others do not.
Make sure you walk through all the rooms, check all the closets and so forth BEFORE the movers come, so that you know what is going to be packed and what is staying behind for now. Take out anything that you don't want moved and put it in one bedroom or closet that isn't to be touched. Mark that room so the movers don't go in it.
If you are moving from a building that is more than 1 story make sure that there is a person on each floor with the movers, so that a mistake isn't make in packing something that isn't suppose to be packed.
Arrange childcare if you can for your kids either in a seperate room in the house that won't be touched or at a friends house. Not having to worry about the kids definitely helps to reduce the stress.
If you can move your belongings early so that they are waiting for you at the next station, do it. It is easier to borrow from friends and family around you now than at the place you are going to that you might not know anyone. We have done this with our 2 big moves and it has helped big time.
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