Quck Tip: Never wrap oil paintings in regular paper - it will stick. For pictures framed behind glass, make an X with masking tape across the glass to strengthen it and to hold it together if it shatters. Then wrap the pictures in paper or bubble wrap and put them in a frame box, with a piece of cardboard between each framed piece for protection.




Get organized and get motivated with 175+ pages of the most
vital household moving information ever compiled!

Quick Tip: Be aware of hidden costs, such as insurance for the rental truck,
gas, and the rental or purchase of special equipment you’ll need, like dollies
and quilted furniture covers.

• Research the business practices of the movers you’re considering. The Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, www.movingscam.com and www.ripoffreport.com could be helpful.

• The official change of address form is available online: moversguide.usps.com.

• Consider in investing in a huge roll of brown packing paper (unprinted newsprint) instead of regular messy newpsapers that transfer ink onto your items. It is often the most economical and versatile material for protecting everything - plus you can recycle it.

• Order address labels before you move to indicate a change of address on anything instead of re-writing it over and over. Leave a few behind for the new owners so they can forward mail for you. Leave a few bucks for postage, just in case.

• Create a home for your paperwork. A binder with pocket dividers for move-related papers: contracts, packing lists, wallpaper samples, paint chips, new address labels, information on your new neighborhood, etc. Being able to find important papers will save you time.

• Don’t leave pets alone for long periods in your new home. Give them extra attention and a new toy to occupy them. Feed them well before traveling so food has time to digest and give them water right away when you arrive. Put two bowls with small amounts of water far away so they don’t gulp too quickly.

• Make the first night a special one for your family. Have a fun picnic on the floor with favorite foods; popcorn and a movie; have a slumber party together; or relax and play a favorite game.

• Set up one room right away to use as a quiet, clean retreat. This will serve as a place where you can kick your feet up, relax and get away from the unpacked boxes and mess!

• When taping boxes, use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams, then use one of the movers’ techniques - making a couple of wraps all the way around the box’s top and bottom edges, where stress is concentrated.

• As you pack your dishes, put packing paper around each one, then wrap bundles of five or six together with more paper. Pack dishes on their sides, never flat. And use plenty of bunched-up paper as padding above and below. Cups and bowls can be placed inside one another, with paper in between, and wrapped three or four in a bundle. Pack them all in dish-barrel boxes.

• Pack the ABC way. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.