General Moving Tips

Our comprehensive moving guide is here to help make your move a comfortable one. We have compiled useful information from leading professionals in the moving industry to provide you with resources you can use. Browse our site to discover more about what we have to offer.

The moving industry’s “peak” season, or busiest time of the year, arrives during the summer months or winter holidays. This is when the demand for moving equipment, vehicles and workers is at its highest. If you want to beat the crowd, make moving arrangements prior to or after these dates.

There are many factors to consider once you have decided to relocate. One important question parents ask themselves is, “How will this move affect my child?” Many families make the decision to move following the school year, so as not to disrupt the child’s academics and allow them substantial time to part with friends. This is especially relevant to teenagers and adolescents. Unfortunately, the end of an academic term is a popular time for families to move and will raise your relocating costs.

Relocating for business? Being moved to a new office and city can be emotionally and physically stressful. It is recommended to investigate what advantages are offered to you for agreeing to this move. Many companies and universities who relocate employees cover some or all of the moving and shipping costs and possibly even airfare. Inquire with a boss or supervisor to see what is available to you.

Estimates are necessary when hiring a mover, so make sure you make an appointment with a relocation consultant to do a visual inventory of the items you are planning on bringing to your new home. It will save you and your consultant time and money if you prepare what items you want shipped in advance.

Make a checklist. Writing everything down will prevent future mix-ups. Get a notebook or even create a spreadsheet online that you or your family can access to mark off things that have already been packaged.

Mislabeling a box can cause you to leave needed items behind or take things you don’t really need. Your mover needs to know which items he or she can mark as ‘going’ or ‘not going’. Before you tape up each box, look inside. Did you write “kitchenware” on a box with unwanted tool supplies? If you are unsure, double check.

If you are doing your own packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damaged boxes packed by the customer. Be extra cautious with fine china or glass products. Apply double or even triple wrapping using bubble wrap, foam sheets, newspaper, etc.

Create a color chart. Assign a color for each room in your new home, such as pink for bedroom, yellow for kitchen or blue for basement. Use colored stickers to mark your boxes and place a matching sticker by each room so that the movers know where to place everything as they unload the truck. Placing notes around the house with additional directions are very helpful as well. Your movers will be grateful!

Make the necessary arrangements with plumbers, roofers, electricians, etc. so that your home is ready upon your arrival.

Take pictures or videos of the new house, schools or shopping centers. Showing your family photographs of the new house and area before you move will help raise their excitement. It is helpful for them to be able to visualize where they will be.

Someone may have lived in your new home before you and strangers may have access to a set of spare keys. Don’t forget to change all the locks and place your valuable goods in a well protected area.

You may qualify to receive compensation for your moving costs if you are moving closer to your place of employment. Inquire with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you will need to keep. Deductions are available for lodging, cost of moving and temporary storage for your household goods.

Among all the chaos, find time to research your new location. What schools are in the area? Are there any synagogues or churches you could join? Where is the nearest grocery store? You can access this information by doing a quick internet search. You will be glad you did your homework when you run out of milk.

Along with a change of location, comes a change of address. Notify your local post office (available online at, https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS), bank, cable/internet company, doctor, subscription provider and friends of your new street. This will simplify your move and allow your bills and favorite magazines to be delivered to your home on time.

Decorating your new home doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet. Just because you are on a slim budget, you don’t have to constrain yourself when it comes to style. You can rent furniture, search the web for used couches in good condition or paint rooms according to each individual’s personality. Creating an appealing and comfortable environment will make your living space somewhere you want to come home to.

Throw a party. Once you are settled in, housewarming parties are a great way for you and your children to meet new people from your neighborhood or community. Drop off flyers and invitations in nearby mailboxes or even ring a doorbell and introduce yourself!

Always apply the three "C’s" when organizing a move; remain Composed, Calm and Collected.