Moving Day
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.
-
Move potted plants and planters from front porch, walkways and driveways.
- Remove all door and floor mats.
- Remove all rugs. The crew will protect the floors with a specially designed floor covering that does not slip.
- Remove low hanging items such as wind chimes or hanging plants.
- Disconnect the spring on the screen door so that it stays open during the loading process.
- 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.
-
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.
- Advise the driver and crew where to locate the drinks and food so that they do not have to ask each time.
- 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.
Practical Tips for Moving Day
Include:
- Mark boxes to identify in what rooms they're to be unloaded. This helps the movers be more efficient, and helps you know which boxes to unpack first.
- Pull out a few items upon your arrival at the new destination to provide instant familiarity. Label these boxes "Last in/First out."
- Put children's rooms in order right away to make them feel at home the first night.
- Prepare an easy-to-serve recipe like chili, soup or a casserole ahead. Then take a break from moving for a pleasant meal.
- Designate a room in your new home where you can go to relax. Clear the room of clutter and boxes and set up some of your familiar belongings. Set realistic goals. Give yourself permission not to get all of the unpacking done the first day.
Contact Country Ranch GMAC Real Estate Today for your Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Golden Valley or any of the other Mohave communities Real Estate Needs
If you are thinking of buying a home, selling a home, or want to talk with an expert Real Estate Agent with detailed knowledge of Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Golden Valley or any of the other Mohave communities, please feel free to contact us. Simply call us at 928.758.8811, or e-mail us at broker@countryranchgmac.com. We’ll be glad to talk with you, and help you with all of your Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Golden Valley or any of the other Mohave communities Real Estate needs.
