How To Prepare For A Move

There are many things to do when moving, so it can get overwhelming and disorganized very quickly. Isaac’s is here to help with a checklist for different thing to remember and plan before the big day starting 4-6 weeks before and up to the day before the move.

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4-6 Weeks Before The Move:

Plan what to take

Determine how much space you will have in your new home, so you can plan what belongings you can bring. Take an inventory of your current possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what can be sold or given away, and what can be trashed or recycled.
Order Packing Supplies

If you are going to be packing everything yourself, make sure you have all the materials you need like boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. If you having us do the packing for you, coordinate which day the crew will be coming to help.
Begin to pack

It’s never too early to start sorting through items and packing anything you do not use regularly. Remember to label everything well – What is inside the box and what room does it go into for the movers.
Create a moving file

Make a file of important documents related to the move such as contracts, receipts, rental agreement, insurance information, etc. Also keep a notebook of to-do lists, any notes from phone conversations, and any other things you consider important to help with organization.Remember, many moving expenses are tax deductible, so you should save all receipts.
Start interviewing and selecting a mover

For more on How to Select a Mover click here
If you are moving long distance, make air, hotel, or rental car reservations
Start notification of your new address

Make a list of people and organizations that you want to inform about your new address. You can forward mail by registering at the post office or online. (also remember to fill out change of address forms for banks, credit cards, organizations, bills, magazines, etc.).

2 Weeks Before The Move:

Set aside a packing space

Use an extra bedroom or a free space in your house as a work area to pack boxes and keep empty boxes and supplies. As you pack move/store packed boxes in an accessible area so the movers can get to them and get to the larger items like furniture.
Arrange a babysitter

If you have young kids, then it would be a good idea to have someone watch them on the actual day. Also arrange a place for your pets to go during that day.
Contact your utilities supplier

Arrange the disconnection and re-connection of gas, electricity, cable, telephone, and internet.
Keep school and work informed

If you are remaining at the same job, remind your employer about time off. If you are moving to a new company, confirm your arrival date is noted. If your children are changing schools, make sure both schools are informed. Have the old school transfer your children’s records to the new one.
Start interviewing and selecting a mover

For more on How to Select a Mover click here
If you are moving long distance, make air, hotel, or rental car reservations
Start notification of your new address

Make a list of people and organizations that you want to inform about your new address. You can forward mail by registering at the post office or online. (also remember to fill out change of address forms for banks, credit cards, organizations, bills, magazines, etc.).

1 Week Before The Move:

Confirm arrangements with Isaac’s

Check on the details like pick up time, delivery date and time and the addresses of your old and new home so you are sure when your belongings will be delivered to the new place and what time to expect the movers.
Make payment arrangements

Know what method you are using to pay the movers whether it is cash, check, or credit card
Plan your meals

Decide what you will be eating for the next week, so you only buy what is necessary in order to avoid throwing away too much food. Plan to use up all remaining food items including those in refrigerator/freezer.
Pack a travel suitcase or bag.
Set aside any essentials you want to take with you during the travel such as toiletries, clothes, a good book.
Put together a supply box.

Make a box of things you will need as soon as you get to the new house- bed linen, towels, plates, utensils, tools etc. Either carry these things with you or have the box easily accessible in the truck.
Pack some more

By now you should have packed a lot of your stuff, make sure the boxes are secure, appropriately labeled, and not too heavy.

If the mover is doing the packing for you on or before move day, begin making sure that the items to be packed are organized.

1-2 Days Before The Move:

Finish laundry.

Have all laundry done, so you can pack all of your clothes.
Disconnect equipment.

Disconnect any appliance and electronics, and remove bulbs from any lamps. If you are unsure how to disconnect something, call a professional.
Defrost freezer and fridge

Make sure both of these are defrosted and dry before being transported.
Prepare food.
Have food prepared for moving day, so all kitchen appliances can be packed.
Finish packing.
Make sure everything is packed if you are doing it yourself. Click here for packing tips.
Make sure you have the following ready:

Your moving file and all the keys you need
Directions and/or a map for you and the movers to find your new location
Any essential items you may need while your goods are in transit

Move Day

Be around throughout the entire move to answer any questions the movers may have.
Click here for more on What to Expect on Move Day

Moving With Children

It can be tough for children to adjust to all of the changes that come with moving. Here are some tips to help:

Tell them about the move early and be as open as possible
Have your children help pack a special box with their favorite possessions. They can even decorate that box, so it is easily identifiable when you unpack
Ask for input on decorating and rearranging their new room
Continue your child’s current activities (sports, Scouts, etc.) in the new community to help make a smoother transition
Most important, ask for thoughts and feelings, and listen

Moving Plants

Provide plants with extra sunlight for several weeks leading up to the move
Reduce feeding to minimize growth, and do any pruning of overgrown leaves/branches a month before
Give the plant plenty of water the day of the move
Pack is a stable carton

In general, moving companies do not accept liability for safe transport of plants. Additionally, some states have rules about transporting certain plants. Check with a consultant at Isaac’s to see if your plants can be a part of the move.

Moving With Pets

Having a pet while moving can become an added challenge. Here are some things you can do to alleviate some of the stress:

Before leaving schedule an examination and obtain copies of health and vaccination records.

If you are traveling by car:

Get your pet comfortable with riding in a car by taking them on short trips around the neighborhood
Do not feed them to close to travel, but do bring a container of fresh water with you during the trip
Never leave the pet in a car alone
Make sure pets are welcome if you will be staying in a hotel
Birds and small pets can ride in cages that are stable and well-ventilated

If you are traveling by air:

Get in contact with the airline well in advance to check regulations and services
Try to get a direct flight to minimize the time your pet will be confined
Get a kennel that allows for your pet to stand and move around. Let them get accustomed to it before the trip
Mark the kennel with “Live Animal” and include pet’s name, new address, phone number, and any special instructions for handling

Moving Vehicles

Isaac’s provides a wide range of transport solutions to ship vehicles. Ask your consultant for more details about your specific vehicle:

Any vehicles should have one quarter or less fuel in the tank
Check vehicles for any oil, battery acid, or radiator fluid leaks
Boats, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, snowplows etc. should be drained of all fuel and oil