Moving Tips

Moving Advice:
It is important to book your moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date.

Important documents and possessions, such as wills, deeds, jewelry, photographs and home videos are impossible to replace. It's wise to consider moving these and other important belongings to a safety deposit box while you move.

Remember to contact your local post office and fill-out forwarding address forms. Additionally, leaving a small welcome card with your forwarding address for the people moving into your old home is a nice way of asking for any additional pieces of your mail to be redirected.

Do not have your phone disconnected until after loading day.

DON'T polish your furniture! This makes the furniture slippery for the movers or yourself, also when we wrap pads around the furniture it can leave marks on the furniture where the pad was placed, do to buildup of cleaning residue!

Reserve ample parking for the truck. If parking is to be on a city street, it is your obligation to tell the movers of any meters that need to be capped by the city. In the winter, be sure to have the parking area and walkways clear of snow and ice.

Prepare an "Unload First" carton with essentials that you'll need immediately at your new home (Essential Items). Include a bag filled with hardware from disassembled items, such as dresser mirrors and beds.

Try to keep boxes to 50 pounds or less and always lift with your legs. Tape the bottom of all boxes to make certain they will hold your belongings.

Pack books flat, not standing on end (which may cause damage to the spines). Books are extremely heavy, so don't pack too many in one box.

Items that can't be moved with us include: flammable items, combustible items, aerosol cans, hazardous materials (Items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive)

Moving Pet:
As you prepare for your move, you should plan on preliminary preparation for your pet so they too can be well prepared. There are many things you can to do make the move less stressful for your pet. This guide will help make your pet's transition into a new home much easier.

Get the Facts

• Once you've made the decision to move to a new home, you will need to do some research. Certain localities may have stringent requirements or restrictions regarding pet ownership. You may need permits or registrations.
• Don't forget to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet should have a check-up before moving. Be sure to attain your pet's veterinary records so that they can be forwarded to your new veterinarian.

A Short Move

• For local moves, it probably makes the most sense to transport your pet in the car with you on moving day.
• Remember to make sure that your pet is safe. Keep your pet in an unused room, or perhaps even outside. And of course, as always, your pet should have plenty of fresh water, and enough toys to occupy their time.

Moving Fish

• It's wise to visit your local Aquarium or Pet Shop and ask for special fish containers to safely transport your fish. They should be able to offer suggestions on what's best for different types of fish.

Other Bits and Pieces to Consider

• If your new home will be rented, prepare a pet resume for prospective landlords. Your vet may agree to write a referral letter.
• Always remember to get a new pet ID tag with your new address and contact phone numbers.

Moving Appliances:
Moving appliances from one home to another requires know-how and a great deal of coordination.

A moving company will do all of the heavy work - the actual transporting of your appliances from your home into your new residence. However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule.

Be sure to properly prepare for the transportation of major appliances and other home furnishings. Depending upon the item, special precautions may be required. It's your responsibility to:

• Disconnect appliances (ice maker, washer, dryer, etc.) or reconnect them in the new residence.
  
• Disconnect utilities.
  
• Repair appliances.
  
• Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas.
  
• Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.

Responsibility for Servicing:
The appliance service company representative prepares the appliances for safe handling prior to transit and/or shipment.

The gas company service representative disconnects gas lines and caps the pipes.

The moving company provides personnel for careful, efficient handling of appliances during a move. Every effort is made to ensure that appliances reach your new destination safely.

The owner assumes responsibility for having appliances properly serviced, both at origin and destination. It is best to have a reputable service representative prepare appliances for moving at least one day before they are to be loaded on the van.

Preparation of Major Appliances
Thorough cleaning and drying of appliances, particularly the refrigerator, freezer and range, are necessary. This is especially important if they will be in storage for any length of time.

Cleaning instructions are included in the owner's manual which accompanies new appliances. If no instructions are available, use a mild detergent solution. Or use a solution of three quarts warm water and one tablespoon of vinegar. Do not use harsh abrasives that will scratch or ruin finishes. A soft cloth or vacuum cleaner will remove excess dust. Soft rags make excellent drying and polishing cloths.

Packing Advice:
If you decide to pack your shipment yourself, plan on at least six weeks to pack and get ready for your move. Super Movers offers the following packing suggestions:

• Before you start packing, determine the items you want to throw away, donate or sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of items you no longer need. You will save money and have less to pack and unpack. Give yourself enough time to make these decisions.
• Don't just start packing - plan how you will pack. Pack items you seldom use first. Pack items of similar size and weight together. Don't make any carton too heavy to easily lift.
• Always use proper packing cartons and wrapping materials. Use professional packing tape, which is a wide, strong, clear or brown tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to support the weight of a fully-packed carton. Tape all cartons closed on the top and bottom - don't just fold the end flaps closed. Use crumpled, unprinted newspaper to pack items in boxes.
• Label the contents on the outside of all boxes, along with the rooms to which they should be delivered to in your new home. When packing fragile items, clearly mark "fragile" on the outside of the box, with arrows on the sides to indicate the correct upright position.
• Indicate boxes holding essential items such as cooking utensils, bedding, linens and toiletries that need to be opened first by writing "open first" on the box and making sure these are the last boxes to be loaded onto the moving van.

Packing Fragile Items
Figuring out how to pack your delicate, breakable and/or valuable possessions can be one of the most challenging parts of moving. However, if you pack your fragile items properly, you can ensure they make the journey safe and sound.

First of all, begin by putting some kind of packing material in the bottom of the moving box you plan to use. For packing materials, you could use bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing peanuts, newspaper, or even towels, sheets, blankets and pillows. If you choose to use newspaper, use caution with valuable items because the print may rub off onto packaged items. As an alternative to newspapers as packing material, consider purchasing packing paper, which is designed for this very purpose.

Next, carefully wrap each fragile item in the packing material. Put especially fragile items into small individual boxes before placing them into the moving box.

When you are putting items into a moving box, put the heaviest items on the bottom, and stack the items progressively lighter. Be very careful not to pack anything on top of something that may break. Do not pack heavy items like books with fragile objects. After each layer, fill all the gaps with packing material. Once the box is packed, put more packing material on top before closing the box. This will keep the items from shifting while they are being moved, and will also help keep the moving box firm.

Write "fragile" on the outside of the moving box, and make sure to write which side of the box should be kept up so that the heavier items on the bottom don't end up on the top and crush the lighter items. Label the outside of the moving box with what is inside and what room it should go to in your new home.

Pack any electronic equipment back in their original boxes, if you have them. If you do not have the original box, find a moving box that is slightly larger than the item while still allowing a little room for whatever packing material you are using. Wrap or box each item or pieces of items separately.

If you are moving mirrors, framed artwork, or pictures, put packing tape over the glass in an x or star pattern, so the glass will stay in place if it should happen to break. Wrap unframed artwork in bubble wrap packing material. Pack your mirrors, artwork and pictures in flat picture/ mirror boxes that are only slightly bigger than the item. If you still have the original boxes for your mirrors, use them, along with packing material. As with other fragile items, make sure to put fragile on the outside of the moving box.

Using these packing tips will help keep your fragile items safe, and hopefully make your move smooth and easy

United Van Lines Checklist:

Six to eight weeks before moving day Working with the mover:     Call your United agent. Set a date for the agent to visually survey your home and prepare an     estimate.   If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services     the mover will be authorized to perform.   Do you want to do any of the packing -- or will you have it done by our experienced packers? Your     agent will be happy to discuss packing services with you.   Show the agent everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are     added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding     estimate.   Read the "Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual" (for full-service moves) to make certain     that you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability.   Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each     section. If you have any questions, ask your agent to explain.   Keep the phone number and name of a your salesperson or move coordinator handy.

Four to six weeks before moving day Back to Top    Places to notify:   Notify the post office that you are moving. An online Change of Address form is available on the     United States Postal Service Web site.   Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms and others who should be notified of your     move. The following checklist will be helpful:

Utilities Personal Accounts     Electric     Pharmacy     Gas     Dry Cleaner     Water     Lawn Service     Telephone     Bank/Finance Companies     Sewer District     Credit Card Companies     Trash     Laundry Service     Cable/Satellite     Auto Finance Company     Fuel (Oil/Propane)     Health Club     Sewer District    Professional Services Publications     Doctor(s)     Newspapers     Dentist     Magazines     Accountant     Newsletters     Lawyer     Professional Journals     Broker        Insurance Agency                               Government Offices     Department of Motor Vehicles     Social Security Administration     State/Federal Tax Bureaus     City/County Tax Assessor     Veterans Administration

Miscellaneous:   Have a "garage sale" or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items.   Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations. Obtain receipts     showing the items' approximate value for possible tax deductions.   Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only     what will be used before moving.

Two to three weeks before moving day Back to Top    Working with the mover:   Notify your agent if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any     changes in dates. Be sure to supply your agent with destination address and phone     numbers where you can be reached.   Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main     pickup or delivery points.   If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a suitable loading site. Also be prepared to     pick up your car at a suitable destination location.   Preparing the family:   Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.   Have a going-away party for the children and their friends.   Have some fun for yourself...an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue. Keep it simple.   Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.   If driving, have your car serviced for the trip (check tires, brakes and windshield wipers, fluids,     belts, etc.)   Preparing household items:   Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids,     matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed     killer. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used     cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable     or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak. Please read the complete     list of non-allowables.   Discard propane tanks which are used for barbecue grills.   Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for     shipment — or have your agent send someone out who is authorized to perform     this service.   Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep utilities in     service through moving day.   Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the     cleaners.   Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify value. Avoid waxing or oiling     wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving because some products might     soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.   Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture could cause mold if     furniture must be placed in storage.   One to two weeks before moving day Back to Top    Pet and plants   Decide what to do with house plants. United cannot safely move your plants because they may     suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. Alternatives:   Give them to friends or relatives.   Donate them to a hospital or other organization.   Include them in a garage sale.   Some states permit the entry of all house plants; others admit them in accordance with specific     rules and regulations. Ask your agent for a copy of our "Moving With House Plants" booklet.   Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations.     See that identification and rabies tags are securely attached to your pet's collar.   Arrange for transportation of pets. Take them in the car or send via air. Consider boarding pets     either at destination or at a kennel near your present home until you are settled in the     new city. Ask your agent for a copy of our "Moving With Pets" booklet.   Other important details:   Collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, etc.).     Empty your locker at the club, bowling alley or gym.   Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you     may have loaned.   Day before moving day Back to Top    Working with the packers   Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any     items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the     van arrives at destination.   If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon     arrival, the van operator will check to see if boxes have been properly packed.   Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children's toys, and place in     separate groups.   Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions,     so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers,     stereos, and audio/video equipment.   Last minute details:   Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.   Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.   It is your responsibility to see that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly     serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van at your expense.     If you have failed to have an article serviced, the van operator may load and haul     it but will mark the inventory sheet "Not Serviced." Request a copy of the     "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings" booklet for more information.   Moving day Back to Top    Working with the mover:   It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until     loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory. Get     your copy from the van operator and keep it.   Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which     your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure to complete and sign     the declared valuation statement.   Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not items of extraordinary     value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual)     Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading, if applicable to your shipment.   Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be sure to let the van operator     know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household     goods.   Last-minute details:   Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish last-     minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.   Take a last look around:   Water shut off?   Furnace shut off?   Light switches turned off?   All utilities arranged for disconnection?   Windows shut and locked?   Old house keys surrendered?   Have you left anything?   Delivery day Back to Top    Working with the mover:   Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult     to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.   On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an     appearance at residence if he is unable to reach you. If you are unable to accept delivery of your     shipment within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) after notification of arrival at destination,     you may request waiting time until delivery can be made.   Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the     property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note     discrepancies on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet,     you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your     salesperson or move coordinator.   When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of     rugs and setting up any beds disassembled at origin. However, mattresses will not be     unpacked, and appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at     an additional charge, your salesperson or move coordinator can arrange for this service.     The mover is not obligated to rearrange your furniture.   Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, which the movers can use to determine     where each piece of furniture should go.   Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification     of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.   To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances     should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room     temperature.   One week after move Back to Top    Settling in:   Check with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.   Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver's license.   You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county,     and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments,     insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes, etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as     residence in the new state and city is established.

"We're Moving the, Right Way!"