When compared with other cross country moving companies, we offer a full scope of moving and storage services that ensure we are the cross country movers who can accommodate your unique needs. Florida Moving Systems, Inc. – North American Van Lines has a wide range of services that include full-service packing, packing materials sale, fragile-only packing, custom crating, unpacking/uncrating/debris removal, short- and long-term storage, vehicle shipping, piano moving, third party services and so much more. We offer many more services than typical cross country moving companies, ensuring when you move your life across the nation, your move will be the last thing you have to worry about.
_____ Hire a mover. Ask friends for recommendations for movers. Get quotes from at least three licensed companies.
Be sure to ask the following questions:
Are on-site estimates offered?
How is pricing determined?
Will the movers pack items? (If so, at what additional cost?)
Is the quote binding or nonbinding?
What insurance is included?
What additional charges may arise?
_____ Request a copy of the signed contract.
_____ Contact your insurance company for additional coverage (optional).
_____ Create a binder to hold all move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts).
FIVE WEEKS BEFORE
_____ Conduct a room-by-room survey. Sort items to keep, donate, discard, and sell.
_____ Hold a garage sale if desired.
_____ Have valuable items appraised. Photograph or videotape them. Upload images onto the computer, and save them to a CD.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
Gather packing supplies, including:
Boxes (various sizes; wardrobe boxes)
Box cutters
Tape (packing, masking, blue painters’)Tape dispensers
Wrapping material (bubble, plastic, tissue paper)Labels
Colored stickers
THREE WEEKS BEFORE
_____ Pack contents of garage, attic, and storage areas, as well as other infrequently used items (books, holiday decorations).
_____ Assign a color to each room. Mark boxes and furniture with appropriate stickers (see label template).
_____ Label and number each box. Keep a master inventory list with contents of each box.
_____ Have utilities and phone/Internet services disconnected in the old home the day after you leave and installed in the new home the day before you arrive.
_____ Call a locksmith to have your new home’s locks changed on moving day or before.
_____ Arrange to have a cleaning company prepare the new home before you arrive and tidy the old home after you leave if desired.
_____ Create a binder to hold all move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts).
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
_____ Pack the bulk of your items.
_____ Complete a change-of-address form online (usps.com) or at the post office.
_____ Notify magazines, newspapers, banks, and credit card companies of your new address.
ONE WEEK BEFORE
_____ Print an information sheet for the movers. Include the old and new addresses, directions, and your cell phone number.
_____ Get a cashier’s check made for the movers if necessary. Withdraw cash for the tip.
_____ Finish packing. Set aside enough clothing for the week ahead, plus a suitcase or two for those items.
_____ Put small valuables and important documents in a box or bag. Ask a friend to hold on to it until you’re settled, or lock it in the trunk of your car on moving day.
_____ Create a last-out, first-in box with all day-to-day necessities, including any of the following that are applicable:
Bedding
Towels
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Basic tools
Cleaning supplies
Medications
Camera (to document items broken in transit)
Snacks
A few dishes and utensils
MOVING DAY
_____ Do a walk-through before movers arrive to make sure everything is packed.
_____ Make sure there are no items left behind.
_____ Give keys to the real estate agent or landlord.
_____ Arrange for someone to direct the movers at your new home.
_____ Check items off the inventory list as they are unloaded.
_____ Inspect for damages. Photograph relevant items before signing the release (sometimes referred to as a bill of lading).
_____ Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors, and security systems.
_____ Turn on water heater if necessary.
_____ Begin to unpack.
_____ Flatten boxes. Set them out for recycling, or store for future use
If you’ve taken the time to prepare, unpacking shouldn’t be too difficult. Nonetheless, you’ll still have a number of tasks ahead of you. Here are some things to consider when moving in to help everything go smoothly.
Assembling Furniture
Hopefully your couch made it over in one piece, but some furniture—like your bed—is probably best when transferred in disassembled form. If you find that you don’t remember how to put things back together again and the manual isn’t available online, you can often have instructions sent to you from the manufacturer by just making a quick call. If email isn’t an option for them and snail mail will take too long for you, often times you can convince the company to fax the instructions. A quick Google search will turn up several 30-day free trials for fax services that you can use to get your instructions and then cancel as soon as you have what you need.
Clean and Dust First
If your furniture wasn’t dusty or dirty when you loaded it into the truck, it probably is now. Before you bring it into your home it’s best to wipe it down just a little bit. You can dust more thoroughly once inside, but definitely be sure to do it before you put the furniture to use.
Use Your Closets
It’s easy to clutter up your home when unpacking because you’ll have stuff everywhere. It can become a little intimidating when you have to move it all around. If you can manage, fill your closets first—even if it’s only temporary. This will help keep clutter out of the way and leave you more room to unpack the important stuff.
Trash Disposal and Recycling
When you’re all done, you’ll have papers, boxes, and other items left over. Getting rid of boxes can be as easy a a quick post on Craigslist. You can’t pass everything along, however, and will need to dispose of it properly. If you’re moving into an apartment, it’s best to check with your building’s management before seeking out trash and recycling. The building may have un-posted policies you’re not aware of.
