Sannhet Realty

Packing

• If you are packing, start packing several cartons each day a few weeks before your move; then the job won't be so overwhelming.
• Pack on a room-by-room basis and do one area of the room at a time.It's best not to mix items from different rooms into one box.
• On the top and front of each carton, write a general description of the contents and indicate the room it will go in your new home.
• Don´t pack: paint, varnish, gasoline, oil, cans, kerosene, bottled gas, aerosol, polish/remover, ammunition, cleaners, or detergents.
• Pack an "Unload Me First" box including toilet paper, telephone, personal toiletries, snacks, coffee/coffee pot/filters, soap, basic tools, flashlight, can opener, paper plates/cups, utensils, pans, and paper towels.
• Transport the following items yourself: photos, financial documents and policies, legal documents, wills, passports, money, jewelry, collections, medical and family history records.

Moving Essentials

Pack a box with the following essential items (things you may need to utilize upon arrival at your new residence) in one place.

• Telephone
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Cups
• Paper Towels
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Utensils
• Can Opener
• Flashlight
• Soap
• Light Bulbs
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pliers

Hiring Movers VS. Doing It Yourself

There are several factors you should consider when deciding to hire movers or to do the move yourself. Below are some things to consider when making the move yourself.

Time and Space:

Your time is the most valuable thing to you and on average you will need one or two days to pack and one or two days to unpack. You will also have to consider drive time to your destination. You must also consider how much space you will need for your things and how much space you have available to move your items. Professional moving services are more adept at maximizing their available space.

Rental Charges:

The charges are based on how far your destination is and availability of trucks. Rates are typically higher during the months of May - September. Keep in mind, Rental Companies use the theory of Supply and Demand and will charge more if trucks are sparse.

Mileage Charges:

Most often your rental agreement will include mileage charges. You may get stuck with additional mileage charges, which typically run $.40 per mile driven.

Gasoline Charges:

Your rental vehicle will be full of gasoline and must be returned in the same manner. If it is not, the rental service will charge you a higher rate per gallon of gasoline then the normal price. With this in mind, figure out the miles per gallon the vehicle you rent receives and estimate how much it will cost in gasoline to get to your destination.

Automobiles:

Will you be towing your vehicles behind the truck or driving them to your new destination? Do you have enough people to drive all your vehicles? If you are driving the vehicles you may want to consider the expense of gasoline and wear and tear on the vehicle.

Pads & Dollies:

You will want to protect your items so you will have to buy padding. This can add up quickly if you have a lot of items to move. Also, you will need a Dolly to move larger items and each dolly you rent typically ranges from $5.00 to $10.00.

Other Considerations:

You must always protect yourself, so if you have any physical conditions, then you will want to hire professional movers. It can be very easy to have a back injury or pulled muscle if you do not lift properly. You may have to call on friends to help you move, but keep in mind there time is valuable too and you may have to work around their schedule.

Hire Professional Movers or Do It Yourself? (The answer is up to you.)

Miscellaneous

• Designate one dresser drawer for sheets and towels so you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
• Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him (and your move coordinator) a phone number where you can be reached. Get the van foreman's cell number too.
• Schedule cleaning and other home services for the day after loading, as things will be hectic on move day and the different service providers will stay out of each other's way.
• Have your utilities shut off the day after loading to avoid being "left in the dark" while you´re trying to move out of your house!
• Begin by looking at your possessions. What can be sold or donated to charity? What hasn't been used within the last year? Give away those items that you will not be moving.
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
• Contact schools, doctors, lawyers, the vet, etc. to obtain copies of your personal records; ask for referrals. Collect other important documents (DMV records, stocks, wills, etc.).
• Contact utility companies for service disconnect/connect; remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home until the day after moving. Here´s a start: gas, electric, water, telephone, cable TV, trash collection.
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners or renter's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
• Arrange to close your accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.
• Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared for the type of weather conditions you'll be traveling in.