One Day Before Moving/Pack Day
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.
- Remind the packers to leave open the cartons containing your high-value items for the van operator’s inspection.
- If you are not having your valuables forwarded through a bank, keep them with your suitcases and other items that are not going with you. To avoid any confusion, place these things in the trunk of your car, but only if you will be driving your car. Do not place any personal belongings in your vehicle if it will be shipped on the van or by car carrier. Another option is to put the items in a closet with a sign stating, “DO NOT PACK & DO NOT LOAD.”
- 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. See Doing Your Own Packing
- Have dishes
washed and dried. Leave the
m
in the cabinets. It’s easier for the packers to remove and pack
them from normal storage areas. - Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children’s toys, and place in separate groups.
- Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls. However, any items that have been permanently attached to the premises, such as can openers, drapery rods, mirrors, towel bars or wall-to-wall carpeting, must be detached by you in advance if they are to be moved.
- Leave beds assembled; sheets, blankets and bedspreads should be removed. If a waterbed is being moved, you or a third party should drain and disassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and proper handling.
- Unplug all television sets 24 hours in advance of a move, if possible, so they will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving a set in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage. Please note that the carrier is not liable for damage caused by climatic conditions.
- If you are doing your own packing, it must be completed the day prior to loading.
Preparing The Family
- You might want to spend your last night before the move at home. However, with everything packed, your family might be more comfortable in other quarters. Consider spending the night with friends or at a hotel or motel.
Last-Minute Details
- Check closets, cabinets and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.
- Take pets to the transportation agency or boarding kennel. If you take them to your new home in the car, be sure you have food and water dishes for use during the trip. See Moving with Pets
- Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.
- Decide whether to let friends help tomorrow. Moving day is a busy one, and too many people trying to assist will cause confusion.