Residential Moving Guide

What to Expect Before Moving to Your New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting but the process can be overwhelming. Having a plan in place will help your transition go much more smoothly.

Our team of professional movers at Nilson Van & Storage will happily guide you through the entire moving process. They will even pack your items and unpack them at your destination.

To get you started, here are some helpful insights for your residential move.

Get on Schedule

A smooth and successful move takes planning.

Below is a suggested timeline to help you through the moving process.

• 6-8 Weeks Out: Go through your possessions and begin to decide what you will keep and what you will discard. Make arrangements with the moving company.
• 3-6 Weeks Out: Dispose of any items you have decided not to take with you, either by selling them or by donating them to a charitable organization. Begin to pack any non-essential items if you are packing yourself.
• 1-2 Weeks Out: Finish packing the bulk of your items and notify the moving company if there are any changes to your plan. Begin to notify utility and cable companies of your move. Complete travel plans for your family.
• 3 Days Out: Do a thorough walk-through of your home, making sure to check drawers and empty the refrigerator and freezer. Make any special arrangements for high-value items you are taking with you. Pack your suitcases for the move.
• 24 Hours Out: If you have hired a moving company to pack for you, this is typically done the day before your move. If not, double-check that all items are packed and ready to be loaded when the moving company arrives. Make sure your utilities are on at your destination.
• Move-Out Day: Make sure one adult is available when the movers arrive to walk through and take inventory with them. You will receive a copy of this. Turn off all lights, water, and furnace. Secure all windows and doors before leaving.
• Move-In Day: Have an adult available when the movers arrive for delivery. Boxes and furniture will be unloaded as directed. Check the condition of your items upon arrival.

How to Prepare

Organizing your items to be moved is, by far, the largest step in the moving process. Below are a few considerations for some of the most commonly moved items.

Dressers and Cabinets
Light clothing, such as t-shirts and blouses, may be left in drawers. You should pack heavy items, like bedding and towels, separately. Tape any keys, screws, or other hardware inside so they are kept with the correct piece.

Clothing on Hangers
Clothes that you wish to be left on hangers should be packed in “hang-up” wardrobes. Separate these items from the clothes you would like to be packed in boxes.

Pictures and Mirrors
Be sure to wrap pictures and mirrors in bubble wrap or other packing material to protect them from breaking. If you are hiring movers to pack for you, please remove any items from the wall to be packed.

Kitchen Items
Be sure to set aside essential items you will need for the last few days at your old home and first days at your new home. All other items can be packed ahead of time. Use cell boxes for glasses and stemware, and make sure to wrap any fragile items in paper or bubble wrap.

Perishables
It is best to try to use all perishable items before you move. If you must move them, you will need to pack them in special refrigerated containers.

High Value Items
You should take any items of high-dollar or sentimental value with you personally. These can include anything from jewelry and financial documents to family photos and medical records.

Appliances
If you are planning to take your appliances with you, you will need to plan accordingly. Unplug freezers and refrigerators at least 24 hours before your move. Placing unused coffee grounds in a sock inside can help absorb unwanted odors. Don’t forget to secure the doors shut.

Items Not Recommended
The following items are not recommended for being packed on the moving truck. You should either arrange to take these with you personally or discard of them prior to your move.

• Produce and frozen foods
• House plants
• Pets
• Flammables (matches, kerosene, propane, motor oil, etc.)
• Chemicals (paint, paint thinner, fertilizer, aerosols, bleach, etc.)
• Fireworks
• Batteries
• Important documents (financial records, medical history, passports, deeds)
• Open containers (shampoo, soap, beverages)
• Candles

Notify These Places of Your Move

In addition to packing and arranging for your possessions to arrive at your new home, you must also make sure to notify several places that you will be moving. Contact the following places before your move to make them aware of your leave.

• Utility companies – current and at destination
• Cable company – current and at destination
• Doctor’s offices
• Schools/daycare
• Gym or other local memberships

You will also have to notify several places of your address change. Filing a change of address form with the US Post Office is a good start, but don’t forget to notify these places as well:

• Banks
• Credit card companies
• Magazine/catalog subscriptions
• Insurance companies