Safety Tips

Moving & Packing Tips:-

Moving doesn’t have to be a hassle! One of our’s goals as your moving services provider is to make the moving process as stress-free as possible and in that spirit we are pleased to offer you this handy moving planner. Best Idea Packers Limited knows that preparation is the key to a successful move. We have compiled this collection of the most popular moving and packing tips to help make your move easier.

Determine what to toss, sell or give away

  • Go through every room in your house to sort through what will move with you and what will not.
  • Have a garage sale or online auction to dispose of any unwanted items.
  • Donate your unwanted clothing, furniture or other household goods (pots, pans, dishes, bedding, etc.) to your favorite charities in town. Don’t forget to grab receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.
  • Be sure to check the non-allowables list for items not allowed in your shipment.

Check in with your mover

  • Notify your agent if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates.
  • Be sure to supply your agent with the destination address and phone numbers where you can be reached.
  • Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points – make sure this step is listed on your personal moving checklist.
  • If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a loading site for auto transport. Also be prepared to pick up your car at your destination location; again, your agent is here to help. Do not be afraid to reach out if you have questions.

Preparing your friends and family

  • Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.
  • Have a going-away party for the children and their friends.
  • Have some fun for yourself with an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue. Keep it simple.
  • Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.

Confirm your travel plans

  • If driving, have your car serviced for the trip (check tires, brakes and windshield wipers, fluids, belts, etc.)
  • If you are flying, make sure you have your airfare and other necessary transportation booked.
  • Book any hotels or stops you’ll need to make along the way.
  • Think about what items you’ll need with you for the trip and for your first night in your new home. Set them aside so they don’t accidentally get packed.

Other important details

  • Pick up anything you had cleaned, stored or repaired.
  • Empty your locker at the club or gym.
  • Return anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors, including library books

Go back and double check this list!

  • Make sure you have not forgotten any of the critical items.
  • Have you packed or gotten rid of everything that’s not moving?
  • Have you confirmed all the details with your move coordinator?

Day before moving day

  • Point out any extra-fragile items needing special attention. If certain items should not be packed or moved, mark them appropriately.
  • Label any items or boxes you will want first when the truck arrives at your new home (valuables, electronics, etc.).
  • If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day.
  • If United is helping you pack, collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children's toys and place in separate groups.
  • Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos and audio/video equipment.

Moving day

  • Make it a point to be on hand to see that all of your goods are loaded; remain close by until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the van operator and keep it safe.
  • Check in with your move coordinator and ask any important questions about your moving services.
  • There will be some necessary paperwork on the big day:
    • High-Value Inventory Form: complete and sign stating whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment.  
    • Bill of Lading/Freight Bill: states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment.  
  • Be sure to let the moving operator know how you can be reached pending the arrival of your belongings.

Take a last look around

  • Water shut off?
  • Furnace and air conditioner shut off?
  • Light switches turned off?
  • All utilities arranged for disconnection?
  • Windows shut and locked?
  • Old house keys surrendered?
  • Have you left anything?

Delivery day

  • Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there in person, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.
  • On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will stop by your new home if he/she is unable to reach you. If you or an authorized individual cannot accept delivery of your belongings within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) you may request more waiting time, at an additional charge, until the delivery can be made.
  • Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is any change in the condition of your property from what is noted on the inventory, note discrepancies on the van operator's copy of the inventory. By signing the inventory, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.
  • When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up any beds disassembled at origin. If you would like for your mattresses to be unpacked or appliances to be installed, check with your salesperson or move coordinator beforehand. They can help you arrange for this additional moving service.
  • It always helps to have a guide. Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, which the movers can use to determine where each piece of furniture should go.
  • Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.    

Settling in after your move

  • It is time to make it official! Check in with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.
  • Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and driver's license.
  • You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes, etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.