Moving Tips

Be prepared.


Transfer documents. Contact insurance companies, doctors, lawyers, the post office, veterinarian, etc. to get copies of your records transferred, or to notify them of your new address.

Contact utility companies. Make sure to schedule disconnect dates with your local utility company. Be sure to also tell them when to switch on the power in your new home! For all your home services needs, please be sure to visit www.homes.org or call 1-866-831-7768.

Give yourself plenty of time. If you’re planning to do any renovations in your new space, make sure to leave extra time for construction mishaps. Give yourself enough time to inspect that new paint job or make changes to that new bathroom before your movers show up.

Know the rules. If you’re moving into an apartment building or condo, check with management for the move-in protocol. Some buildings require that you reserve the elevator or loading area, and may even require you to pay a fee to have building maintenance oversee your move-in.

Gather all your packing supplies ahead of time. Stock up on permanent markers, heavy duty tape, boxes, and newspaper, and make sure to purchase extras. You can always return unused boxes or unopened tape. There’s nothing worse than being a box or two short when finding those few extra books and sweaters tucked under your bed.

Keep a supply bag. On moving day keep a bag equipped with extra tape, heavy duty bags, a maker, and a box cutter. You never know when a box might fall apart.

Stay Organized.


Number each box and keep a notebook listing which items correspond with each box. Be as specific as possible. Instead of saying “Box 1 - Kitchenware,” write out “Box 1 – 10 floral dinner plates, 10 floral salad plates, 10 black and white soup bowls.” Even if you have the amazing ability of remembering the contents of each box, most other people won’t. Having a reference list will help everyone in the household find the items they need.

Color coordinate each box according to the room in which it belongs. Label boxes that go into Sarah's room with red stickers, boxes that belong in the kitchen with green, and those that go in the living room with yellow. This process is especially helpful when you have others helping you move, since no one has to ask you where each box goes.

Be sure to double check that you have all your boxes before the movers leave. Between your numbering and color coding it should be easy to determine if a box is missing, as well as exactly which box it is and which items you must claim with your insurance company.

Be Safe.


Keep each box under 50 lbs. Remember that anything you pack and load must then be unloaded and unpacked. Moving is tiring enough without putting the extra strain on your muscles. There are several ways you can keep the weight down, such as mixing and matching heavy and light items, layering kitchen towels and placemats between your dishes, and stuffing the box with linens. This not only lightens up the box, but it also protects your dishes without the mess of bubble wrap or newspaper. Putting heavier items at the bottom will also reduce the chance of the box tipping over.

Try to keep all boxes relatively the same size. When being stacked one on top of the other, it’s easy for smaller boxes to get crushed or fall off the pile. Pack smaller boxes together into one large box.

Tape down anything that might move. Be especially careful of nuts and bolts on furniture. Securely tape the top AND bottom of all your boxes.

Clearly label boxes filled with knives and sharp objects. It’s important for whoever is unpacking to know to be extra careful. Fragile items should also be carefully wrapped and labeled.