2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

1. If you have young children, you might want to arrange for a baby-sitter on moving day to ensure they remain safe during the loading process.
2. Remember to return library books and anything you have borrowed. Collect items you have loaned out.
3. You may NOT want to pack your valuables in the moving van, think about taking them with you.
4. Plants - Do you have a safe way to transport your plants? Plants could be given to friends or even a local charity.
5. If you are traveling by car, you may want to get your car serviced prior to departure.
6. Start packing items you don't currently need. If renting a storage unit, determine which items go to storage and which items go to your new home.
7. Don't forget anything in basements, attics, and closets. Don't forget about clearing out safety deposit boxes.
8. Disassemble your computer and backup important computer files. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
9. Dispose of flammable items like fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets and other hazardous items.

1 Week Before Moving

1. Make sure your items are labeled: 'fragile', 'load first', 'load last', and 'do not load'. This is important to ensure the safety of your items. U-Haul sells specialty tape that works perfectly for labeling your boxes.
2. It is important to empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least a day before moving.
3. Make plans flexible, make arrangements in case of delays. Confirm travel arrangements and keep items you will need while the rest of your belongings are in transit.
4. Pack a box separately with the things you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home. For example- snacks, disposable plates and cups, bathroom items and trash bags.

Moving Out Day

1. Thoroughly check your closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to make sure nothing is left.
2. Turn off all the switches and lock all doors and windows.
3. Be around throughout the loading process. Inspect the premises and see to it that nothing is left behind.
4. There must be someone to direct the Moving Helpers.
5. Be patient if you reach your new home before your mover.

Move-In Day And After

While unloading, make sure there is no damage and no item is missing. Make sure utilities are connected. Carry traveler's checks or cash for quick payments. Plan out placement of major items in your home. If moving to a new state, you will need to renew your driver's license and revise your will and other legal papers. Locate the hospitals, police stations, and fire stations near your new home.

Packing tips

• Use strong boxes and containers that can be stacked.
• Fill boxes completely to keep them from collapsing and damaging belongings.
• Pack books and heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting.
• Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
• Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items.
• Label each box on several sides and indicate if it is fragile and what room it should go in.
• Disassemble furniture for easier moving and storage.
• Stand sofas on end, if possible.
• Take advantage of the tops of dressers and the like to stack boxes and other items.
• Stand mattresses on end and break down bed frames.
• All stored items should be clean of food stains and particles.
• Save money and room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing; remember to fill the bottom of the wardrobe box with shoes, pillows, or other light items.
• Protect furniture with shrink-wrap, blankets, or pads to avoid damage.

U-Haul: Your moving and storage resource