Remember to check the attic. Many folks forget that they have things stored in the attic or overhead storage area, and these things end up being left behind. Don’t leave valuable heirlooms or keepsakes for the next person to find—double check to make sure you’ve got everything! Bring them down to be packed up, so your movers can load them for you. Make sure your mover sees this during the walk thru, this is a key factor in the price going over. Better yet, plan to have your mover come the day before the move to help you pull these items down.

Take everything down. For movers to pack and ship items from the walls and ceiling, it is up to you to take them down. If you are taking light fixtures, ceiling fans or drapery rods with you when you move, take them down from the wall or ceiling to signal your intent to the movers. The same goes for paintings and portraits! This makes the process much faster and easier for everyone involved, ensuring your move goes smoothly. Remember to put the hardware in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the item.

Keep ‘em clean. Most movers will require that refrigerators and freezers be emptied and defrosted before loading day. This is because movers cannot transport frozen or perishable foods. To save time, make sure your fridge is cleaned out before moving day arrives. It is also important to keep trash cans and barbeque grills clean, so be sure to wash them out! Disconnect and drain your ice maker as this can cause damage to your possessions during transport. Remember to donate your non-perishable food items to Move for Hunger, Midwest will pick up & deliver free the day of the move.

Prepare in advance. One of the best moving tips is to prepare as much as you can before the actual day of the move. This includes change of address forms for the Post Office, so all your mail and subscriptions are forwarded. It also includes notifying your insurance company and utility companies so they know your last day of residence. If you have children, their records need to be forwarded as well. Discuss your insurance coverage for cargo liability, movers do not cover the replacement value of your possessions by law, you must pay for additional coverage.

If you have any questions, we’re happy to help! Give Midwest Moving a call for more helpful moving tips. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about making your move quick and easy.

Packing Tips:

During packing, it can be tempting to simply throw everything you see into a box, but this method wastes space, makes it easier for things to break, and results in disorganized unpacking. You will never regret staying organized in your packing from the very beginning. By working out a little strategy, you can successfully pack the items in your space. By thinking outside of the box beforehand, you can make sure everything stays in its proper box during the move and can be found when you need it.

1. Divide and conquer. Make a mental map of what you will pack with what. Generally, it makes the most sense to keep related items that live in the same room together during the move.

2. If you’re moving on your own, make sure that you keep your boxes manageable. There’s nothing worse than filling a huge cardboard box with books only to realize the box is too heavy to be lifted. Either split the load between two or more smaller boxes, or invest in plastic boxes that are easier to grip and can be used for storage in your new location. Make sure you reinforce your boxes with tape so they don’t spill during transportation.

3. Label your boxes. Don’t just think about labeling the room the box will go to, consider other labels as well. Does the box contain fragile items? Which box did you put the cat food in? You can get creative and write things like “put this box in truck last” to make sure that your most essential items are easily accessible no matter who’s handling the box.

4. Give yourself enough time. No one likes to pack up too early and be left without access to essential things. But having to stuff everything into boxes, then into vehicles, on the night before a big move means guaranteed exhaustion. Start packing things like decorations, picture frames, and kitchenware that gets little use first.

Moving Tips:

1. Ask for help. Whether you hire a moving company or just call a few friends, you will thank yourself for getting help. Many hands make light work, but too few hands could result in those hands getting hurt. Moving on your own is extremely straining physically and can be back-breaking (or straining). If you have a big drive ahead of you, it’s especially important that you feel rested and focused.

2. You’ve probably let your friends know your new address, but does the post office know? How about the DMV? Make sure to schedule the transferal of medical records and school transcripts as well.

3. Stay nourished. You’ll be moving around all day and it’s important to take in enough calories to fuel your movement

4. Keep directions and maps accessible. If you’ve never been to your destination, make sure to keep your directions on the dash of your car, in your pocket, or on your phone, and ensure that everyone who will be making the journey will have those directions too–in case you get separated.

Good luck with your move! For more information on how you can make your move easier, contact MidWest Moving.