Pets on Moving Day

Animals can become confused and frightened during a move. Consider leaving your pet(s) with a friend on the day of the move.

Keep these packing materials handy for a smooth move

• Markers and labels for labeling boxes
• Foam peanuts
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
• Tape & tape dispenser
• Scissors or a knife

Packing Tip #6 - Cushioning

Create cushioning to avoid damage. Pack 2-3 inches of loosely crumpled packing paper at the bottom of boxes and leave room at the top for more crumpled paper. Fill in empty spaces with more crumpled paper to prevent shifting.

How to save money on your move

The best way to save money on a move is to prepare as much as possible for moving day. A couple things you can do to speed up the move (thus cut costs) are:

• Pack all your items into boxes and do not use garbage bags. Boxes are faster and easier to move than plastic bags on the verge of ripping.
• Place the boxes near the main door or a garage, so the movers can quickly grab and load the boxes into the truck.
• Move smaller items yourself and leave the bigger, heavier items for the movers.
• Save or reserve a nearby parking spot for the moving truck. A closer parking spot means less time spent walking to and from the truck.

Moving Checklist - After the Move

• Turn off the utilities at your old address.
• Walk and drive around your neighborhood and community to orient yourself.
• Get new driver's licenses, library cards, voter registration cards, and bus passes.
• Order checks with your new address
• File your moving receipt. Some moving expenses are tax-deductible.
• Check your mail at your old home. Make sure mail is being forwarded to your new address.

Things to carry with you

• Keys to the new home
• Directions to new home
• Map of new town
• Money, cash, or credit card
• Documentation related to the sale of your home
• Insurance policies and agent's phone number
• Address book or personal planner
• Pets
• Jewelry & valuable items
• Prescriptions & medicine
• Important records & documents
• Photo albums
• Back up copies of important computer files
• Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home
• Personal hygiene items e.g. toothpaste, soap, and razor

Moving Checklist - Moving Day

• Plan to be home for the entire time it takes the movers to get packed and loaded. Be present to answer questions and give directions to the movers. Stay until they finish.
• Check that the Starving Students truck that shows up has our U.S. Department of Transportation number USDOT 318223 painted on the side.
• Accompany movers as they inventory your household goods and resolve any questions regarding the condition of materials being moved.
• Return garage control opener to apartment manager or new residents.
• Before the moving van leaves, take one final look throughout the house to make sure nothing is left behind.
• At your new home, show movers where to place furniture and boxes.
• Check inventory to make sure everything was delivered before signing delivery papers.
• Note any damages on the inventory sheet.
• Sign and keep a copy of the inventory sheet.
• Unpack valuable items first, such as silver, art, jewelry.