FRANK'S TIPS
One month before your move, get your boxes and supplies, thinking ahead, children, two weeks before your move, one week before your move, two days before your move, moving day, after you settle in
Before you get started there are two very important things you can do. FIRST, relax. SECOND, get acquainted with this guide. You can use a four week calendar to create a broad outline of what you are about to do.
ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE
BASIC PLANNING
Frank's Worldwide Moving will require:
- your moving date
- details on how the packing will be done (whether by his own crew or by yourself)
- your destination
- and any special needs you may have.
GET YOUR BOXES AND SUPPLIES Click HERE for box prices
Packing boxes are crucial to your move. Unfortunately all boxes are not created equal. For instance the boxes that are sometimes available from supermarkets and other stores tend to crush easily and hence won't protect your possessions. What's more, their odd sizes make loading a truck difficult. Because of this, we recommend that you call Frank's Worldwide Moving and ask about the packing boxes. We can offer you small and medium boxes, dish pack boxes and wardrobe boxes. To help you estimate how many different sized boxes you are going to need we have included a very easy to use Box Guide.
RECOMMENDED BOX GUIDE
| Bedrooms In House | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Bachelor |
| Small Box | 40 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Medium Box | 40 | 35 | 30 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Dish Box | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Wardrobe Box | 8 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Keep in mind boxes should be under packed and cushioned. Do not wrap anything in newspaper as the ink rubs off very easily. If you kept the factory boxes your electronic equipment and small appliances came in, now is the time to take them out. You should also purchase tape, packing paper and large felt marker pens.
Change your address. You should send change of address cards right now, to the organizations listed below. These cards are included in a complete change of address kit that you can get at you local post office.
Bear in mind that some groups have toll free 800 numbers: you may want to change your address over the phone. As you work your way down the list, check off the ones you have notified. .magazines and periodicals; .credit cards and charge accounts; .clubs and organizations; .insurance companies; .finance companies; .car loan company; .investment companies; .stockbroker.
COLLECT YOUR IMPORTANT RECORDS
You should gather together all personal and family records. Don't forget your medical records (and x-rays), dental records, veterinarian records, school records, legal documents and titles, banking records, certificates, passports and insurance documents. It may be best to lock these papers in a secure briefcase and keep them with you during the move.
YOUR FUTURE HOME MAY NEED ADVANCE PREPARATIONS
If you want work done on your new home before you move in, now is the time to schedule it. Contact painters, gardeners, carpet installers and shampooers, house cleaners, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, window washers, whichever services you need. And remember to arrange to have the locks changed on your new home.
HAVE A GARAGE SALE
You know which of your possessions you are going to be moving. What about the tings you don't want to move? One option is to donate some things to charity. Many charitable organizations will even pick up the goods at your home. A garage sale may be the best way to sell what you don't want. Or maybe call an Auctioneer for some advice.
YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD BE GIVEN SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Moving has become a common aspect of family life. But while adults are usually able to take a move in easy stride, children can be deeply affected in unexpected ways. It is important therefore, to give your children special attention during this period of transition. Here are some suggestions:
- Give them time to adjust to the idea of moving by talking about it now;
- Answer all their questions, giving them as many details as their age and level of maturity warrant;
- Encourage them to participate in moving chores;
- Tell them about the new schools they will be attending;
- If appropriate, let them know that their old friends will be welcome for a visit;
- Above all, let them know that you are looking forward to the move. Your positive attitude will carry the day.
NEW SCHOOLS AND OLD SCHOOLS
You may want to enroll your children in their new schools before you actually move. It is best to check with their present schools and follow official advice. Remember that some schools require you to furnish transcripts of school records. To be on the safe side, be sure to get a copy. They may also request medical records. You may also want to call ahead and ask officials at the new schools if your children can prepare for their transfer in any special ways.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Certain fee charging clubs and organizations allow you to sell unused portion of your membership, or they may offer you a partial refund. Ask.
HOW TO PACK LIKE FRANK'S WORLDWIDE MOVING
To pack quickly, efficiently and safely, follow our item by item directions:
- Use large markers to label your boxes by room, master bedroom, kitchen, etc. Mark the boxes clearly and visibly. Preferable in more than one location;
- Label only appropriate boxes fragile;
- Where needed use mothballs and other pest control products;
- Clean your home as you pack;
- Make sure all boxes are closed, and nothing is sticking out.
AIR CONDITIONERS - It is best to consult the users manual of your appliance dealer for special moving instructions.
APPLIANCES SMALL - Pack small appliances in factory boxes whenever possible. Cushion with wadded paper. Do not use shredded newspaper. It can get into the machines.
BEDS - When you disassemble the beds, mark the pieces so they are easy to put back together. Lash bed rails together with making tape. Protect mattresses with special mattress covers.
BICYCLES - Loosen, lower and tilt handlebars at right angles. Cover chains and pedals to they don't snag or soil other items.
BOOKS - Always use small cartons. Keep them below 30 pounds. Pack books flat, alternate the bindings, and cushion with wadded newspaper.
BUREAUS - Remove small, fragile items which may fall out or break. Leave clothing inside. Do not tape the drawers down, it may ruin the finish.
CLOTHING - Everything that hangs in a closet will do best in wardrobe boxes. Leave small garments in bureau drawers.
CURTAIN ROD HARDWARE - Place in a plastic bag and tie it to the rod.
DISHES - Treat everything like fine china. Wrap each piece separately in packing paper. Do not stack anything flat. Pack dishes, saucers and platters on edge. Nestle cups and bowls. Cushion with dish towels, pot holders, and paper. Pack plates and bowls on edge.
GLASSWARE - Wrap every piece separately in a lot of paper.
KITCHENWARE - Pots, pans, colanders, etc., can be stacked with a piece of paper between each piece. Cushion with more paper.
LAMPS - Pack lamp shades in individual boxes. Pad with paper. Bases should be wrapped and packed in separate boxes.
MIRRORS - Small mirrors can be wrapped in newspaper and packed in boxes. Large mirrors should be wrapped heavily in paper and then covered with cardboard. Tape the package together securely.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE - Disassemble any pieces that are screwed or bolted together. Place the hardware in plastic bags, tape to a furniture piece, and then tie the pieces together.
PAINTINGS (AND ARTWORK) - Treat them like large mirrors.
PETS - First talk to your vet. He or she may recommend a mild sedative to keep your pet calm during the trip. While moving animals should ride up front with you. Cats and small dogs should travel in a pet carrier. Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times. Animals get accustomed to the character of local water. Many vets suggest taking along a supply of water from your old home. It may keep your pet from developing an upset stomach during the trip.
PHONE BOOKS - Call ahead and order telephone directories for your new home. Remember to take your old phone book with you. It may come in handy.
PLANTS - The best thing to do is sell them at your garage sale or give them away as farewell gifts. If you want to move them, they should be stored in plastic bags with holes punched for air and then laid in boxes.
RECORD ALBUMS - Pack upright in their own jackets and cushion with a lot of paper. Place in small cartons and keep weight below 30 pounds.
RUGS - Roll up and tie with rope. Remember to vacuum them first.
TABLES - If you can, remove the legs and tie them together. Pack the hardware in plastic bags and tape them to the underside of the table tops. Extra leaves should be padded and tied together.
TOOLS (AND GARDENING EQUIPMENT) - Pack hoses in boxes along with small tools. Lash or tape together rakes, shovels, and other long handled tools.
VALUABLES - Keep jewelry and other valuables with you at all times.
Be Careful. It is very dangerous to move paint, alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid, greasy mops, or rags. These items should be properly disposed of prior to your move. Do not pack opened packages or containers of liquids. These items may spill and cause damage to your belongings.
IMPORTANT MEASURMENTS
Now is the time to measure doorways, including elevators. You may have to disassemble certain pieces of furniture. Also, if you are moving into an apartment building, it is very important to note the measurements of the doors.
Be sure to inquire about building rules and regulations regarding moving times. You may also have to reserve time on your new building's elevator.
VITAL PREPARATIONS AND REMINDERS
At this point you should work carefully through the following list:
- Get your car serviced.
- Collect deposits: you probably have "last month deposits" with certain services. Get them back.
- Notify services: do not forget to do the same thing with services suppliers: including trash collectors, insurance companies, newspaper delivery, cable television company, gardener, milkman, and laundryman.
- Close your bank accounts: leave yourself enough cash and traveler's cheques to tie you over until you are settled into your new home. If possible, have your current bank transfer your accounts to your new bank.
- Use up your food: plan meals around what you already have on hand.
- Set aside last minute items: there are things, including clothes, that you are going to be needing until the day you leave.
FINAL PREPARATIONS
By now the majority of your packing should be complete. So if it appears that you are behind schedule with your packing, use the first day of two of this week to concentrate on catching up. Be thorough and get it done now. Packing should not be left until the last minute.
Then with that behind you, work your way through this short list:
- Return all library books
- Pick up dry cleaning and laundry
- Arrange with the post office to have your mail forwarded.
- Drain all gasoline and oil from power tools.
- Reserve a baby-sitter if you are going to need one on moving day.
- Ask your doctor about transferring any prescriptions you are using.
PACK A TRAVEL KIT
A travel kit can prove might useful, especially on long moves. We suggest you pack one that includes:
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FINAL PACKING
Unload and defrost the refrigerator and freezer. Disconnect the refrigerators with the water dispensers or ice machines. Drain and disconnect the washing machine. Disconnect all the appliances, wipe and dry the interiors, remove all fittings and accessories and pack in individual plastic bags. For your washing machine, stuff towels between the machine sides and the tub to keep the tub from rotating. Then tape or tie down all moveable parts and doors.
YOUR PERSONAL PACKING
It's also time to pack a personal box or suitcase. You should limit this to items that you will need after moving into your new home; clothing, toiletries and important medicine.
Check your house. Once the movers have packed everything, take a last walk through your house. Check to be sure that the lights and stove, including the oven are turned off and that there is no water running anywhere. Be sure all windows and doors are locked. Leave a note with your future address. Make sure nothing is left behind.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME:
Once you finish unpacking and cleaning up your new home, you are ready to get to know your new town. There may be a local "good neighbour" organization that can help introduce you to your new community. Local churches and synagogues may be helpful, too. In the midst of making yourself at home, you may find this list helpful:
- Open new bank accounts if you haven't already done so, go introduce yourself to the bank. If you need to, remember to secure your valuables in a safety deposit box.
- Scout the neighbourhood. Note the locations of local schools, restaurants, markets, hospitals, barber shops, beauty salons, dry cleaners and pharmacies.
- Compile a service list. Begin to note who can supply home services.
- Send change of address notes to friends and relatives. A scenic postcard of the area makes for a nice note.
Now that you are in your new home, Frank's Worldwide Moving wishes you the best of luck.