Home >> Moving
Guide.
IF
YOU ARE MOVING YOURSELF
If
you are renting a van or truck - make reservations
early.
Confirm vehicle size/capacity with rental company. Typical approximate sizes
are:
2
rooms or less - Cargo Van
2 - 3 rooms - 15 foot truck
4 - 6 rooms - 18 foot truck
7 - 8 rooms - 22 foot truck |
|
Be sure that you obtain these
necessary supplies
-
Loading ramps
-
Padding
-
Dollies
-
Boxes
Verify additional costs
- Insurance and deductibles
- Drop-off charges
Load Carefully
- Disassemble what you can
- Load heavy furniture first
- Pad delicate items
- Secure the load
Measure your furniture to be
sure it will fit
- Oversize beds
- Sofa
- China cabinet
- Piano/organ
- Large dressers
- Shelving units
- Appliances (refrigerator, freezer, stove,
washer/dryer)
Get measurements
of doors and hallways in your new home. Also, note if stairs have several
flights with a landing where large pieces may be hard to maneuver.
Check sofas, large chairs, and dining tables to
see if legs can be removed, if necessary.
Be prepared to remove a window to move in large
bedroom furniture. If necessary, arrange in advance for a hoist.
You may want to dissemble shelving units when packing.
Find out if and how you can take the door off a too-large refrigerator or
freezer.
SOME EASY SHORTCUTS
- Wrap sofa and chair cushions in sheets or
plastic bags to use as extra padding for other large items you transport.
- If you are moving a short distance, leave
clothes on hangers.
- Move dresser drawers without removing
their contents to avoid repacking.
- Don't mix items from different rooms in
one packing box.
- Clearly label boxes with the rooms where
they should be taken when unloaded.
WHEN YOU ARE MOVING OUT OF
YOUR OLD HOUSE
- Confirm arrival time with moving company.
- Keep important documents and keys handy.
- Make a final inspection to be sure nothing
is forgotten.
- Look through closets, basement, garage,
etc.
- Turn off lights; close and lock windows
and doors.
- Leave keys with real estate agent or
landlord.
- Leave home only after the moving truck is
on its way.
WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR NEW
DESTINATION
- Meet the Movers promptly.
- Supervise placement of cartons and
furniture.
- Check circuit breakers or fuse box to be
sure everything is on.
- Call family and friends. Let them know
you've arrived safely.
MOVING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Audio and video equipment and personal
computers require special attention for safe moving. Always consult your
owner's manuals for specific instructions and consider these basic tips.
- Whenever
possible, use the equipment's original boxes for packing. If not, pad
and pack each piece separately.
- Use tape to code wiring for easier
reinstallation.
- In hot or cold weather, allow equipment to
return to room temperature before turning it on.
When moving
a personal computer - "park" the
hard disk using the program often included on the diagnostics diskette. To
protect a floppy disk drive, put in an old or blank disk and close the
drive.
Back-up important diskettes.
When moving a stereo or compact disc player -
fasten down your stereo's tone arm, tighten turntable screws, and secure the
dust cover. For a CD player, check instructions to secure the laser. Heat can
warp compact discs, so don't move them in a vehicle which may get too hot.
For your TV or VCR - take normal precautions
for fragile items. Clean VCR heads before use in your new home. If you have
cable TV service, ask if the installer will connect your TV and VCR at your
destination.
