PLAN YOUR WASHINGTON MOVE
The key to a trouble free Washington move is preparation
Moving & Storage Solutions is dedicated to helping you with your move. We are pleased to offer a plan to help you stay organized throughout your Washington move process. Call us with any questions. We are happy to help.
6 weeks before you move
- Confirm your move with mover and sign the deal
- Identify prohibited items and make arrangements during the move
- Prepare to handle your pets during the move
5 weeks before your move
- Remove and dispose items you don’t want to carry
4 weeks before you move
- Inform people of your new address
- Notify banks and other financial institutions about your move
- Round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation
- Order your packing supplies
3 weeks before you move
- Separate favorite toys and household articles
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
- Arrange for mail to be forwarded
2 weeks before you move
- Start to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture
- Agree upon an insurance value and terms with your mover
- Make arrangements of connection of services to your new home
- Return library books
- Find new place for your plants
3 days before your move
- Defrost the refrigerator/freezer
- Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances
- Separate luggage items you need for personal travel
- Clean garden tools, bicycles and other gardening equipment
- Empty the tanks of powered tools such as mowers
- Check you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination
- Collect travelers checks or local currency
- Arrange for someone to look after the children on moving day
24 hours before your move
- Finish packing your “first night box” and mark it “OPEN IMMEDIATELY.”
- Plan on taking the box of items you will need as soon as you arrive at your new home with you, or plan on notifying the driver that you’ll need the box upon arrival.
- Gather all items you are carrying with you (i.e., valuables, jewelry, irreplaceable items, etc.).
- Confirm that all boxes are packed correctly and marked correctly with your name, the room the box came from and the contents.
- Make sure any items that are permanently fixed to walls or ceilings (i.e., curtain and drapery hardware, lighting fixtures, chandeliers, ceiling fans, etc.) are removed. Our crews are not permitted to detach these items.
- If you are moving a vehicle:
- Make sure the fuel level is between ¼ and ½ full.
- Do not pack anything inside the vehicle.
- Wash your vehicle prior to shipment.
Day of Move
- (Winter time)If there is snow or ice on the paths the movers must use, please clear it off to the best of your ability. If this is not possible, please salt or sand these paths.
- Make sure that you are present throughout the loading process to answer any questions the movers have and to give directions. If you cannot be there, make sure someone you trust is there to act as your representative. Make sure the driver has the name and address of the person you choose.
- Accompany the driver and crew leader as they perform inventory and complete the inventory forms. Make sure that the condition of your belongings is recorded correctly on the forms.
- If you are moving a vehicle, make sure you get the keys from the driver or crew leader before the truck departs. You may want to give the driver an extra set of keys, if you have them available.
- Be present when your belongings are loaded on the van.
- Prior to the movers leaving, have the driver or crew leader accompany you on a final tour of your old home. Make sure that nothing is overlooked.
- Recheck all water lines where your washer and/or ice maker were disconnected to verify nothing is leaking.
- Sign and date the inventory forms and Bill of Lading. Verify that your new address and phone number (especially where you can be reached while your belongings are in transit) are correct on the Bill of Lading. Make sure you get copies of each form.
- If needed, give the driver directions to your new home.
- Do any last minute cleaning needed. Lock all the windows and doors and turn off all switches.
Helpful Hints for Moving Day
Getting ready for your move
- Appliances: Drain, empty, disconnect, unplug, tape doors and electrical cords (some require interior packing of movable parts).
- TV’s: Disconnect aerials and fold up; tape cords of all electrical appliances and lamps.
- Stereos: Secure arms, turn table covers, cords, and wires.
- Inform movers of: Delicate, aged, weak pieces, loose legs, broken pieces, loose veneer, etc.
- Mark Boxes: Boxes that may be fragile, delicate glass, this end up, – also mark them for proper placement in the new home. Tape bottoms and tops.
- Organize: Attics, toolsheds, and garages. These areas are very time consuming for the mover (rakes, brooms, shovels – tie or tape together). Mowers and gas cans must be drained. Notify banks and other financial institutions about your move
- Dressers, Desks, and End Tables: Should be emptied of breakables, pencils, pens, and paper clips and other items that would jam drawers. Clothing, bedding, and linen can be left in drawers.
On moving day
- Advise movers before starting of job of what will and will not be moving.
- Before leaving old residence, make a thorough inspection to be sure nothing is forgotten.
- At your new residence, it is very helpful if you direct the movers with each item for proper placement as it is brought in. Use signs or sticky notes directing furniture or boxes to specific areas.
- Elevator moves: check with building management for use and key on moving day..
Moving & Storage Solutions has excellent equipment, clean trucks and pads, and well-trained employees who will do their best to give you an excellent, careful move. Our goal is to have you as a satisfied customer.
Moving & Storage Solutions
Very Important
Please Note Carefully
This is for your protection
- The mover cannot be held responsible for items left at the residence after loading. It is your responsibility to make sure that nothing is left behind. Please make sure that you check your closets, cabinets, drawers, attics, basement, garage, and outside areas before the driver leaves origin.
- Do not ship bank bills, coins or currency, securities, deeds, notes, drafts,valuable papers of any kind, jewelry, postage or revenue stamps, stamp collections, precious stones, or precious metals. These items are not covered by any insurance option.
- The only items to be left in any drawers or furniture are clothing. No loose items such as pens, pencils, books, jewelry, cosmetics, etc.
- It is the responsibility of the shipper at the time of loading and delivery to acknowledge in writing on the Bill of Lading and/or the “Household Goods Inventory” any property damage to residence at origin or destination. Otherwise, Moving & Storage solutions, Inc. or Wheaton, Inc. will not be responsible for any damages.