Initial Steps
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Call the moving company to see what items they cannot ship.
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Organize before the movers come, and put like items together. A small amount of work will go a long way.
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Purge, donate, or get rid of items you won’t need.
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Be prepared to ship guns. Know your gun laws.
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Take photos of all of your household goods. Ensure the photos are time stamped.
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Take a video of TVs or electronics working and serial numbers.
General Advice
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Put items that can spill in a Ziploc.
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Use Ziploc bags to keep small items together, i.e. legos, decorations, etc.
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Consider taking the batteries out of everything, the heat of the summer can destroy them and the item they are in.
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Consider using space saver/ vacuum bags to keep towels, sheets, and blankets from smelling like the moving truck.
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Consider using garment bags and pre-pack hanging clothing in them to protect the clothing from moisture/dust/box smells/bugs.
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Keep the parts attached to the furniture (tape it to the furniture) or take the parts box yourself. It’s a nightmare when the movers lose parts.
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Consider using a wrap-all-the-way-around mattress or allergy protector for your mattress to protect it from getting wet/having moisture issues.
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Pack silverware and utensils in Ziploc.
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Prebox valuables, sentimental, and irreplaceable items.
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If it can’t be replaced and you’ll be upset if it’s lost/broken, pack and move it yourself.
Last Minute
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Empty, clean, and group together your trash and recycling bins. The movers will pack trash that is in the bin.
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Unhook all of your electronics yourself and bag and label all cords.
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Take everything off the wall and put it all in a pile.
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Unhook all furniture and anything attached to the wall.
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Determine the room you will use as the “DO NOT PACK/NO MOVERS/DO NOT TOUCH” room and room to keep pets safe.