The Best Moving Checklist

Part of the reason people become stressed about moving is because there are so many things to track, organize and remember. If you’re relocating out of state, with children or pets or on short notice, there’s even more pressure to have the move go as smoothly as possible.  A detailed checklist for each stage of the move is invaluable. Here are some of our top tips to help making moving day a success:

  Choose your movers as early as possible. This is always the number one item on the list. No matter how much preparation you’ve done, unreliable movers can ruin the whole operation. Contact at least three moving companies and check the reviews on their own websites or impartial ones like Angie’s List. See if they’re endorsed by the Better Business Bureau and find out how long they’ve been operating.

All Jersey Moving & Storage is the most trusted moving company in New Jersey and the surrounding states. Our company provides superb service at an affordable price and detailed quotes so there are no hidden surprises. We’ve been in business since 1956.

  Notify your insurance agent, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, credit card company, bank and utility company about the move. Arrange with your current utility company to have your services disconnected the day after you move and with your future utility company to provide services a day or two before the move. Get copies of your dental and medical records and prescriptions and ask for references for new health professionals, if necessary. Obtain change of address forms from the post office.

  Start packing items you don’t need currently and organize a garage sale or charity pick up for unwanted possessions. Without the clutter, it’s easier to calculate how much packing material you’ll need and how many boxes you’ll fill. Make a more detailed inventory for the boxes you pack early as you could forget what’s in them down the road. Try to sort toys and artwork from school when children aren’t around.

  Decide whether you’re taking fine china, paintings, antiques and musical instruments. Sometimes a move is a chance to start afresh with a more modern look for your residence, or your new home can’t accommodate an item like a piano. If you are planning to take any of the above listed items along, notify your mover. Once again, it pays to use an experienced moving company, especially for heavy but delicate items like pianos. All Jersey Moving & Storage will pack your fragile possessions quickly and securely. Unlike many moving companies, we have extensive experience moving pianos.

  Record serial numbers of electronic equipment and photograph for insurance purposes. When you disassemble electronics, place colored stickers on each cord and the place where it connects to the device. Draw a diagram as a reminder of how to reconnect pieces.

  Get area rugs cleaned ahead of time and roll up. This ensures they won’t have muddy footprints if you have workmen in the house and means you can unroll them as soon as you arrive, making it quicker to set up furniture in your new home.

  Reserve the elevator if vacating an apartment. Remember that you’ll also need to reserve it if you have charities or movers coming ahead of time to take away large items.

  Remember to disconnect appliances ahead of time. Defrost your fridge and freezer. Clean the interiors of all appliances and leave them open to dry. Hire a professional to disconnect and reconnect all gas powered appliances. Remove the glass turntable of your microwave and pack it separately.

  Clear your safety deposit box and make copies of any important documents.

  Create an “open first” box. This will contain items like a change of clothing, toothbrushes, a kettle, tea bags, can openers and dish detergent. Make sure that your children’s favorite toys or blankets are easily accessible.

  Last but not least – don’t underestimate the time it takes to pack. You’ll be stressed enough about moving without having to stay up all night frantically filling boxes. Your mover shouldn’t just be someone who arrives on the big day but your helper and partner throughout the process.  All Jersey Moving & Storage understands that even the most organized customer can encounter unscheduled delays. We offer fast and expert packing and unpacking assistance that’s surprisingly affordable.

Although we can’t promise to have a crew available at the last minute, we try our utmost to go above and beyond for our clients. As part of our personalized service, we monitor messages after regular business hours. Call us at 1-800-922-9109 or fill out an online form.

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