How to Pick a Moving Company
- Ensure that the company is licensed and insured.
- Ask whether the movers are full-time employees or day laborers.
- Check with the Department of Transportation to see whether the moving company you are considering has a license to operate.
- Does the moving company pay workers’ compensation for their movers? Make sure that you are not liable if a mover gets injured on your premises.
- How do they charge hourly or by weight? Are there any additional fees? Do they charge extra for large items?
- What are the procedures if damage or loss occurs?
Organizing Tips
- Reduce clutter at your new home by holding a yard sale or donating to charity.
- Fill out a change of address form at the post office to forward your mail.
- Try not to buy perishable foods. Cook and eat any canned foods leftover in the cupboards to reduce the move load.
- Keep a folder for all moving documents for easy reference.
- Remember to return books on loan from the library.
- Remember to return any borrowed items to neighbors.
Packing Tips
- For boxes with delicate contents, clearly mark "Fragile" or "This Side Up" to lessen damage.
- Set aside an essentials bag with personal necessities you will need for the first night.
- Used boxes are not always sturdy enough to hold heavy items.
- Use bubble wrap and packing paper to wrap items. Beware of black ink rubbing off from newspapers.
- Label boxes with the rooms where the contents will be unpacked.
- Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and pack in Styrofoam peanuts.
- Pack dishes on the edge instead of packing flat to reduce breakage.
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