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Great Home Movers-Minneapolis Moving Company
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Great Home Movers-Minneapolis Moving Company

Moving Tips

Notifications
Packing Tips
Electronics
Box Labeling
Moving with Kids

Timeline

Two Months Prior to Moving Day:

  • Start a file for all of your moving paperwork. (Notes, receipts, copies of transfers, etc.)
  • Moving is an ideal time to de-clutter and eliminate the excess. Gather things you no longer need, want, or use for recycling, disposal, donation, or moving yard sale. (Don’t forget about the attic, basement, garage, junk drawers, and other storage areas.)
  • Get organized before you pack to streamline your move, make unpacking a breeze, and save money. Start organizing the contents of each room so items that belong together are easier to pack together.
  • Create a floor plan for your new home. (This will help with labeling boxes when packing.)
  • Make your new home move-in-ready. (Contact carpenters, plumbers, roofers, locksmith to change locks, etc.)

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Order packing supplies including packing boxes, packing paper, plenty of tape, and large black markers.
  • Contact post office to fill out a change of address card.
  • Medical: chiropractor, acupuncturist, dentist, doctor, pediatrician, eye doctor, OBGYN, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist (Get year-to-date expense summary for taxes, ask for referrals, obtain medical records, and put in your moving file.)
  • Inventory freezer and pantry. Throw out anything that is old or expired. Make plans to use food you have and only purchase food you know you will use before your move.
  • Use/dispose of cleaning and household supplies, garden chemicals, and flammable liquids that are unsafe to move.
  • Start packing things you won’t use in the next few weeks and label boxes clearly. (See packing tips page)
  • Paper can be heavier than you think. If it’s not needed, do not move any outdated documents or magazines, junk mail, or unnecessary paperwork. Start to eliminate these items and shred anything containing sensitive information.
  • Continue to get rid of what you no longer need, want, or use. Don’t clutter your new home with your old homes clutter. If you touch something and it brings you joy keep it… if it doesn’t bring you joy then it may be time to move on from it.
  • Recommended documentaries on Netflix:
    • The Minimalists
    • Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  •  Schedule utility services disconnection the last day in your old home, and schedule connection of utility services for the day before you arrive in your new home. (Electricity, heat, gas, water, trash and snow removal, yard management, sewer, cable/dish, internet, security, phone land line)
  • Continue PACKING and LABELING boxes. (If desired, get a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed. See packing and labeling sections.)
  • Contact your insurance representative to provide your new information to ensure coverage is in effect at your new home. (If moving out of state, prepare auto coverage and registration for transfer.)
  • Contact Chris Hanson at 763-227-2041 or submit an estimate request at Great Home Movers Estimate to reserve your move.

Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Arrange for child/pet care for moving day. Your attention will be needed for the nuts and bolts of the move.
  • Have your moving yard sale or post items in the Facebook Marketplace [much safer than Craigslist and more popular, too!] Then pack up and deliver things not sold for donation or disposal, or arrange for them to be picked up.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Cancel or change address for deliveries (Newspaper, newsletter, and magazine subscriptions.)
  • Make a file folder for the owner of your new home (schematic to the fuse box, owner’s manuals, referrals, etc.)
  • Run errands: return library books and rented equipment or furniture and pick up dry cleaning items.
  • Back up your computer to an external hard drive or to the cloud.

One Day Prior to Moving Day:

  • Disconnect major appliances to be moved and dismantle beds and larger furniture. Tape a zip-top baggie of the nuts, bolts, screws, etc. to a large piece of the item so they don’t get lost, but not directly on wood so it doesn’t ruin the finish.
  • Pack a bag for car travel/immediate go-to and “Open me first” boxes. (See under packing and labeling sections)
  • Confirm with your movers the job time and location.
  • Check all drawers, cabinets, and closets for anything that may be left behind.
  • Make sure all items are out of the dishwasher, washer and dryer.
  • Use the camera on your phone as an extra set of eyes for hard to reach places such as mantles, top kitchen cabinets, high shelves, etc. so you don’t have to lug a ladder around.
  • Check the garage, yard, deck, shed, and neighbors for any forgotten items.

Moving Day:

  • Note utility meter readings and put in your moving file.
  • Make sure everyone involved in moving day has each others cell phone numbers, including the movers.
  • Have address, directions, and a map ready for anyone who will be driving between your old place and your new place.
  • As soon as you arrive at your new home, hang signs on each of the rooms that correspond to the rooms on your boxes so the movers will know where to put them.

Unpacking

  • Prioritize Rooms – Focus on “Open Me First” boxes in the bathrooms and kitchen first.
  • Trash and Recyclable Boxes – Keep at least one trash bag (for the real trash) and one large emptied box (to hold used packing paper and biodegradable “peanuts”) available in each room BEFORE you start the heavy unpacking. Flatten packing paper and break down boxes as you go. Make sure any small items do not get lost in the paper.
  • Time Limits – Set an objective of unpacking a certain number of boxes each day until all the boxes are all unpacked.
  • Completely unpack a box so you don’t have half-unpacked boxes scattered throughout the house.
  • If you unpack an item and don’t know why you still have it, start a donation box instead of letting unwanted items clutter your new space.

Two Months Prior to Moving Day:

  • Start a file for all of your moving paperwork. (Notes, receipts, copies of transfers, etc.)
  • Moving is an ideal time to de-clutter and eliminate the excess. Gather things you no longer need, want, or use for recycling, disposal, donation, or moving yard sale. (Don’t forget about the attic, basement, garage, junk drawers, and other storage areas.)
  • Get organized before you pack to streamline your move, make unpacking a breeze, and save money. Start organizing the contents of each room so items that belong together are easier to pack together.
  • Create a floor plan for your new home. (This will help with labeling boxes when packing.)
  • Make your new home move-in-ready. (Contact carpenters, plumbers, roofers, locksmith to change locks, etc.)

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Order packing supplies including packing boxes, packing paper, plenty of tape, and large black markers.
  • Contact post office to fill out a change of address card.
  • Medical: chiropractor, acupuncturist, dentist, doctor, pediatrician, eye doctor, OBGYN, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist (Get year-to-date expense summary for taxes, ask for referrals, obtain medical records, and put in your moving file.)
  • Inventory freezer and pantry. Throw out anything that is old or expired. Make plans to use food you have and only purchase food you know you will use before your move.
  • Use/dispose of cleaning and household supplies, garden chemicals, and flammable liquids that are unsafe to move.
  • Start packing things you won’t use in the next few weeks and label boxes clearly. (See packing tips page)
  • Paper can be heavier than you think. If it’s not needed, do not move any outdated documents or magazines, junk mail, or unnecessary paperwork. Start to eliminate these items and shred anything containing sensitive information.
  • Continue to get rid of what you no longer need, want, or use. Don’t clutter your new home with your old homes clutter. If you touch something and it brings you joy keep it… if it doesn’t bring you joy then it may be time to move on from it.
  • Recommended documentaries on Netflix:
    • The Minimalists
    • Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  •  Schedule utility services disconnection the last day in your old home, and schedule connection of utility services for the day before you arrive in your new home. (Electricity, heat, gas, water, trash and snow removal, yard management, sewer, cable/dish, internet, security, phone land line)
  • Continue PACKING and LABELING boxes. (If desired, get a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed. See packing and labeling sections.)
  • Contact your insurance representative to provide your new information to ensure coverage is in effect at your new home. (If moving out of state, prepare auto coverage and registration for transfer.)
  • Contact Chris Hanson at 763-227-2041 or submit an estimate request at Great Home Movers Estimate to reserve your move.

Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Arrange for child/pet care for moving day. Your attention will be needed for the nuts and bolts of the move.
  • Have your moving yard sale or post items in the Facebook Marketplace [much safer than Craigslist and more popular, too!] Then pack up and deliver things not sold for donation or disposal, or arrange for them to be picked up.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day:

  • Cancel or change address for deliveries (Newspaper, newsletter, and magazine subscriptions.)
  • Make a file folder for the owner of your new home (schematic to the fuse box, owner’s manuals, referrals, etc.)
  • Run errands: return library books and rented equipment or furniture and pick up dry cleaning items.
  • Back up your computer to an external hard drive or to the cloud.

One Day Prior to Moving Day:

  • Disconnect major appliances to be moved and dismantle beds and larger furniture. Tape a zip-top baggie of the nuts, bolts, screws, etc. to a large piece of the item so they don’t get lost, but not directly on wood so it doesn’t ruin the finish.
  • Pack a bag for car travel/immediate go-to and “Open me first” boxes. (See under packing and labeling sections)
  • Confirm with your movers the job time and location.
  • Check all drawers, cabinets, and closets for anything that may be left behind.
  • Make sure all items are out of the dishwasher, washer and dryer.
  • Use the camera on your phone as an extra set of eyes for hard to reach places such as mantles, top kitchen cabinets, high shelves, etc. so you don’t have to lug a ladder around.
  • Check the garage, yard, deck, shed, and neighbors for any forgotten items.

Moving Day:

  • Note utility meter readings and put in your moving file.
  • Make sure everyone involved in moving day has each others cell phone numbers, including the movers.
  • Have address, directions, and a map ready for anyone who will be driving between your old place and your new place.
  • As soon as you arrive at your new home, hang signs on each of the rooms that correspond to the rooms on your boxes so the movers will know where to put them.

Unpacking:

  • Prioritize Rooms – Focus on “Open Me First” boxes in the bathrooms and kitchen first.
  • Trash and Recyclable Boxes – Keep at least one trash bag (for the real trash) and one large emptied box (to hold used packing paper and biodegradable “peanuts”) available in each room BEFORE you start the heavy unpacking. Flatten packing paper and break down boxes as you go. Make sure any small items do not get lost in the paper.
  • Time Limits – Set an objective of unpacking a certain number of boxes each day until all the boxes are all unpacked.
  • Completely unpack a box so you don’t have half-unpacked boxes scattered throughout the house.
  • If you unpack an item and don’t know why you still have it, start a donation box instead of letting unwanted items clutter your new space.
NOTIFICATIONS

PROPER NOTIFICATIONS

People to notify BEFORE your move
  • Accountant/tax preparer
  • Alumni associations
  • Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, credit bureaus, home equity, IRA’s, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account, PayPal)
  • Book groups, library, hobbies, clubs and organizations/memberships
  • Cell phone provider
  • Child care/daycare
  • Courts/Attorney/Lawyer, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes
  • DMV for change of address on passport, license, and state ID, voter registration
  • Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
  • Education: student loan office, Parent-Teacher Association. Get copies of transcripts.
  • Employer, old and new (human resources department/payroll). Order business cards and return address labels with new address.
  • Family members and friends
  • Health clubs, gym, and pool memberships
  • House cleaning service
  • Insurance provider (home, auto, life, health, business, workers comp, retirement, mutual funds, etc.)
  • IRS (form 8822)
  • Landlord: last month’s rent, security deposit, turn in keys
  • Lawn and garden care
  • Medical: chiropractor, dentist, doctor, pediatrician, eye doctor, OBGYN, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist, etc. Get year-to-date expense summary for taxes.
  • Medicare, Medicaid
  • Newspaper, newsletter, magazine subscriptions, professional journals
  • Place of Worship
  • Post office
  • Retail stores where you have a rewards card or are on their coupon/sale mailing list
  • Social Security Administration
  • Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing)
  • Veterinarian and pet care: Get vet records and recommendations.
  • Utilities: electricity, heat, gas, water, trash and snow removal, sewer, cable/dish, internet, phone land line, fuel: oil or propane
  • Accountant/tax preparer
  • Alumni associations
  • Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, credit bureaus, home equity, IRA’s, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account, PayPal)
  • Book groups, library, hobbies, clubs and organizations/memberships
  • Cell phone provider
  • Child care/daycare
  • Courts/Attorney/Lawyer, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes
  • DMV for change of address on passport, license, and state ID, voter registration
  • Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
  • Education: student loan office, Parent-Teacher Association. Get copies of transcripts.
  • Employer, old and new (human resources department/payroll). Order business cards and return address labels with new address.
  • Family members and friends
  • Health clubs, gym, and pool memberships
  • House cleaning service
  • Insurance provider (home, auto, life, health, business, workers comp, retirement, mutual funds, etc.)
  • IRS (form 8822)
  • Landlord: last month’s rent, security deposit, turn in keys
  • Lawn and garden care
  • Medical: chiropractor, dentist, doctor, pediatrician, eye doctor, OBGYN, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist, etc. Get year-to-date expense summary for taxes.
  • Medicare, Medicaid
  • Newspaper, newsletter, magazine subscriptions, professional journals
  • Place of Worship
  • Post office
  • Retail stores where you have a rewards card or are on their coupon/sale mailing list
  • Social Security Administration
  • Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing)
  • Veterinarian and pet care: Get vet records and recommendations.
  • Utilities: electricity, heat, gas, water, trash and snow removal, sewer, cable/dish, internet, phone land line, fuel: oil or propane
  • Accountant/tax preparer
  • Alumni associations
  • Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, credit bureaus, home equity, IRA’s, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account, PayPal)
  • Book groups, library, hobbies, clubs and organizations/memberships
  • Cell phone provider
  • Child care/daycare
  • Courts/Attorney/Lawyer, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes
  • DMV for change of address on passport, license, and state ID, voter registration
  • Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
  • Education: student loan office, Parent-Teacher Association. Get copies of transcripts.
  • Employer, old and new (human resources department/payroll). Order business cards and return address labels with new address.
  • Family members and friends
  • Health clubs, gym, and pool memberships
  • House cleaning service
  • Insurance provider (home, auto, life, health, business, workers comp, retirement, mutual funds, etc.)
  • IRS (form 8822)
  • Landlord: last month’s rent, security deposit, turn in keys
  • Lawn and garden care
  • Medical: chiropractor, dentist, doctor, pediatrician, eye doctor, OBGYN, orthodontist, pharmacist, physical therapist, etc. Get year-to-date expense summary for taxes.
  • Medicare, Medicaid
  • Newspaper, newsletter, magazine subscriptions, professional journals
  • Place of Worship
  • Post office
  • Retail stores where you have a rewards card or are on their coupon/sale mailing list
  • Social Security Administration
  • Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing)
  • Veterinarian and pet care: Get vet records and recommendations.
  • Utilities: electricity, heat, gas, water, trash and snow removal, sewer, cable/dish, internet, phone land line, fuel: oil or propane

Packing Tips

  • PACK A BAG
  • For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation. (Changes of clothes, cash, cell phone charger, snacks, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc.) Keep the bags separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car or at your workplace, so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.
  • "OPEN ME FIRST"
  • Pick one or two boxes per room as “Open Me First” boxes. Put in them the things you’ll need first at your new location. Mark the sides and tops of the boxes so you’ll know which ones are which.
  • THE 30-POUND RULE
  • It’s best to fully pack most of your boxes between 30 and 50 pounds. Boxes over 50 pounds tend to break and crush other boxes. Note that a few 10 or 20 pound boxes are great for packing on the top of the load. Fully packed boxes prevent things inside from sliding or being punctured. Each box should not have any give to it on top or sides when sealed.
  • OFF THE FLOOR
  • Instead of the floor, use a completely cleared-off table top or counter in each room for packing boxes. You’ll find you get much more accomplished.
  • TRACKING SMALL PARTS
  • When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, securely tape a Zip-Loc bag with the screws and other small parts to the underside of the item. You’ll always know where to look and save time putting things back together.
  • SMALL ITEMS
  • Place small items in Zip-Loc bags before placing them in a box to make unpacking easier, or wrap in bright tissue paper so they don’t accidentally get thrown away.
  • SAVE SPACE
  • Use towels, pillows, and t-shirts as extra padding around fragile items. It will save room in your boxes.
  • CLOTHING
  • Keep clothing in dresser drawers.
  • DISHES
  • When packing dishes, wrap each item, then wrap bundles of 4-6 items together. Wrap cups, then stack 3-4 together and wrap. Pack dishes on their sides, not flat like in the cupboard.
  • TAPE
  • Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together with a couple pieces of tape.
  • STACKING
  • Stack boxes with the heaviest on the bottom, lightest on top to prevent crushing.
  • CLEANING SUPPLIES
  • Keep cleaning supplies you will need before you leave your old house in an “Open Me First” box so you will be able to find them when you get to your new house.
  • IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS
  • Do not pack important documents or financial records. We recommend taking these with you in your suitcase.
  • FRAGILE
  • Label fragile boxes in red or with bright labels.
  • "THIS WAY UP"
  • Draw an arrow indicating “this way up” on all four sides to prevent a box from being placed upside down.
  • AVOID "MISC" LABEL
  • Avoid packing and labeling “Miscellaneous” boxes. Assign a room, or at least list the contents so movers know where to put them and you know what is inside.
  • ONE AT A TIME
  • Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized.
  • SCALE
  • Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the majority of the boxes between the weight limits.

Packing Tips

  • PACK A BAG
  • For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation. (Changes of clothes, cash, cell phone charger, snacks, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc.) Keep the bags separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car or at your workplace, so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.
  • THE 30-POUND RULE
  • It’s best to fully pack most of your boxes between 30 and 50 pounds. Boxes over 50 pounds tend to break and crush other boxes. Note that a few 10 or 20 pound boxes are great for packing on the top of the load. Fully packed boxes prevent things inside from sliding or being punctured. Each box should not have any give to it on top or sides when sealed.
  • "OPEN ME FIRST"
  • Pick one or two boxes per room as “Open Me First” boxes. Put in them the things you’ll need first at your new location. Mark the sides and tops of the boxes so you’ll know which ones are which.
  • OFF THE FLOOR
  • Instead of the floor, use a completely cleared-off table top or counter in each room for packing boxes. You’ll find you get much more accomplished.
  • TRACKING SMALL PARTS
  • When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, securely tape a Zip-Loc bag with the screws and other small parts to the underside of the item. You’ll always know where to look and save time putting things back together.
  • SMALL ITEMS
  • Place small items in Zip-Loc bags before placing them in a box to make unpacking easier, or wrap in bright tissue paper so they don’t accidentally get thrown away.
  • TAPE
  • Tape boxes along the seams where the flaps meet together with a couple pieces of tape.
  • CLOTHING
  • Keep clothing in dresser drawers.
  • DISHES
  • When packing dishes, wrap each item, then wrap bundles of 4-6 items together. Wrap cups, then stack 3-4 together and wrap. Pack dishes on their sides, not flat like in the cupboard.
  • SAVE SPACE
  • Use towels, pillows, and t-shirts as extra padding around fragile items. It will save room in your boxes.
  • STACKING
  • Stack boxes with the heaviest on the bottom, lightest on top to prevent crushing.
  • CLEANING SUPPLIES
  • Keep cleaning supplies you will need before you leave your old house in an “Open Me First” box so you will be able to find them when you get to your new house.
  • IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS
  • Do not pack important documents or financial records. We recommend taking these with you in your suitcase.
  • FRAGILE
  • Label fragile boxes in red or with bright labels.
  • "THIS WAY UP"
  • Draw an arrow indicating “this way up” on all four sides to prevent a box from being placed upside down.
  • AVOID "MISC" LABEL
  • Avoid packing and labeling “Miscellaneous” boxes. Assign a room, or at least list the contents so movers know where to put them and you know what is inside.
  • ONE AT A TIME
  • Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized.
  • SCALE
  • Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the majority of the boxes between the weight limits.

ELECTRONICS

Packing Electronics Safely
  • A PICTURE IS WORTH 1000 WORDS
  • Use your smart phone camera to take pictures of how complicated wiring (computer cords, speaker wires, etc.) is hooked up. Be sure to use plenty of light and careful focus so the pictures will be clear. Print each picture and put it in the top of the box holding the item. This will make hooking up the items in your new place much easier.
  • ORIGINAL IS BEST
  • Always use the original packaging when available. If you do not have the original boxes, find the closest size and substitute.
  • DOUBLE BOXING
  • For especially fragile/expensive electronics, pack them first in a box with an excessive amount of packing paper. Pack that box in a larger box filled with packing paper. This two-box system seems like a pain, but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts.
  • NO LOOSE ENDS
  • Wrap each cord carefully with cable organizers, heavy twist ties, or heavy rubber bands. Don’t throw unwrapped cords into boxes, or they’ll get tangled and caught on other items.
  • CORD LABELS
  • Consider getting a label maker, or use masking tape and label the end of each cord. Then you’ll know exactly which cord you’re seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together.
  • THE TWO-INCH RULE
  • Use at least 2 inches of bubble-wrap around each side of fragile items.
  • A PICTURE IS WORTH 1000 WORDS
  • Use your smart phone camera to take pictures of how complicated wiring (computer cords, speaker wires, etc.) is hooked up. Be sure to use plenty of light and careful focus so the pictures will be clear. Print each picture and put it in the top of the box holding the item. This will make hooking up the items in your new place much easier.
  • DOUBLE BOXING
  • For especially fragile/expensive electronics, pack them first in a box with an excessive amount of packing paper. Pack that box in a larger box filled with packing paper. This two-box system seems like a pain, but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts.
  • ORIGINAL IS BEST
  • Always use the original packaging when available. If you do not have the original boxes, find the closest size and substitute.
  • THE TWO-INCH RULE
  • Use at least 2 inches of bubble-wrap around each side of fragile items.
  • CORD LABELS
  • Consider getting a label maker, or use masking tape and label the end of each cord. Then you’ll know exactly which cord you’re seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together.
  • NO LOOSE ENDS
  • Wrap each cord carefully with cable organizers, heavy twist ties, or heavy rubber bands. Don’t throw unwrapped cords into boxes, or they’ll get tangled and caught on other items.

BOX INVENTORY & LABELING

  • "FAT" IS IN
  • Use the thickest, darkest marker you can find for labeling boxes. Pencils and pens are too thin and are hard to read from a few feet away.
  • TWO SIDES
  • Label each box on top and at least one of the broadest sides so you can easily identify its contents. This system helps movers on truck while unloading and shaves off labor time and energy.
  • ABBREVIATE ROOM NAMES
  • Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for “second bathroom, 6th box.” You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely. Once the boxes are labeled by room, mark them “Open Me First” and “Fragile” when needed.
  • IDENTIFY CONTENTS
  • Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as “Medicine Cabinet” or “Linen Closet-Towels and Washcloths.” More detail will make unpacking much easier.
  • BOX INVENTORY
  • Keep a clipboard or notebook and write down each box’s room, box number and contents (graph paper is great for keeping things recorded neatly).

"Open Me First" Boxes

Room Contents
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: THE KITCHEN
  • - Disposable/Paper plates, silverware, and cups
    - Trash bags
    - Dish detergent
    - Dish rag/towel
    - Paper towels
    - Coffee maker and coffee (don’t forget the filters!)
    - Quick meals
    - Frying pan and spatula
    - Pet food and bowls
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: MAIN BATHROOM
  • - Bath mat
    - Bath towels
    - First-aid kit (pain reliever, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
    - Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser, soap, and loofah
    - Shower curtain and rings
    - Toilet paper
    - Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: TOOL ROOM OR DRAWER
  • - Duct tape
    - Pliers
    - Flashlight
    - Flat-head & Phillips-head screwdriver
    - Hammer
    - Level
    - Picture hangers
    - Tape measure
    - Utility knife
    - Scissors

BOX INVENTORY & LABELING

  • "FAT" IS IN
  • Use the thickest, darkest marker you can find for labeling boxes. Pencils and pens are too thin and are hard to read from a few feet away.
  • TWO SIDES
  • Label each box on top and at least one of the broadest sides so you can easily identify its contents. This system helps movers on truck while unloading and shaves off labor time and energy.
  • IDENTIFY CONTENTS
  • Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as “Medicine Cabinet” or “Linen Closet-Towels and Washcloths.” More detail will make unpacking much easier.
  • ABBREVIATE ROOM NAMES
  • Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for “second bathroom, 6th box.” You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely. Once the boxes are labeled by room, mark them “Open Me First” and “Fragile” when needed.
  • BOX INVENTORY
  • Keep a clipboard or notebook and write down each box’s room, box number and contents (graph paper is great for keeping things recorded neatly).

"Open Me First" Boxes

Room Contents
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: THE KITCHEN
  • - Disposable/Paper plates, silverware, and cups
    - Trash bags
    - Dish detergent
    - Dish rag/towel
    - Paper towels
    - Coffee maker and coffee (don’t forget the filters!)
    - Quick meals
    - Frying pan and spatula
    - Pet food and bowls
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: TOOL ROOM OR DRAWER
  • - Duct tape
    - Pliers
    - Flashlight
    - Flat-head & Phillips-head screwdriver
    - Hammer
    - Level
    - Picture hangers
    - Tape measure
    - Utility knife
    - Scissors
  • OPEN ME FIRST BOX: MAIN BATHROOM
  • - Bath mat
    - Bath towels
    - First-aid kit (pain reliever, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide)
    - Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser, soap, and loofah
    - Shower curtain and rings
    - Toilet paper
    - Toothbrushes and toothpaste

MOVING WITH KIDS

  • HAVE A TALK
  • Talk to your child about what the move will be like and what they might experience. Change can seem scary to people of all ages, but change is the only thing in life that is constant. This is a good opportunity for growth, learning and acceptance of it.
  • GET A BOOK
  • Get a children’s book on moving for smaller kids. Consider “The Berenstein Bears’ Moving Day.”
  • ALLOW A DECISION
  • If appropriate, let the children pick their room and/or a decoration (poster, light switch, name banner, etc.) for their new room.
  • SPECIAL ITEMS
  • Pack a kid’s sized suitcase and let each child pick out a special toy to keep with them and a special outfit to wear on “New Home Day.”
  • "OPEN ME FIRST"
  • If the child has a special dish or cup, include it in the kitchen “Open Me First” box so familiar items await them at their new home.
  • UNPACK THEM FIRST
  • Consider unpacking the kids’ rooms first, or at least their “Open Me First” boxes to help them settle in.
  • HAVE A TALK
  • Talk to your child about what the move will be like and what they might experience. Change can seem scary to people of all ages, but change is the only thing in life that is constant. This is a good opportunity for growth, learning and acceptance of it.
  • "OPEN ME FIRST"
  • If the child has a special dish or cup, include it in the kitchen “Open Me First” box so familiar items await them at their new home.
  • ALLOW A DECISION
  • If appropriate, let the children pick their room and/or a decoration (poster, light switch, name banner, etc.) for their new room.
  • SPECIAL ITEMS
  • Pack a kid’s sized suitcase and let each child pick out a special toy to keep with them and a special outfit to wear on “New Home Day.”
  • GET A BOOK
  • Get a children’s book on moving for smaller kids. Consider “The Berenstein Bears’ Moving Day.”
  • UNPACK THEM FIRST
  • Consider unpacking the kids’ rooms first, or at least their “Open Me First” boxes to help them settle in.