Moving Guide
Central Self Storage would like to help make your move less stressful. Organization is the key to a successful move. Follow the guidelines below to make your moving experience a positive one.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving:
1. Decide where your items are going.
Make a list of items you plan on moving to your new home and items you wish to take to Central Self Storage for safe keeping. This is a great time to “clean house” and determine the items you want to give to charity and the items that you could sell at a garage sale or at your local Consignment Center.
2. Decide if you are going to hire a professional moving company or move yourself.
If you are hiring a professional moving company, be sure to get several quotes, discuss packing, timing and costs. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.
If you decide to move yourself be sure to contact your local Central Self Storage location to reserve the “Free Rental Truck” for the day of your move and pre-order packing supplies.
3. Many moving expenses are tax deductible
Maintain a file with important information and receipts for moving related expenses. Go to www.irs.gov and print Form 3903-Moving Expenses to determine if your expenses are tax deductible.
4. Prepare a New Home layout
Create a floor plan of your new home and start thinking of where you will place the furniture. Give the floor plan to your moving company so they know where to place each piece of furniture when they arrive.
5. Moving to a new community
Request information about the schools, parks, recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau.
4-5 Weeks Before Moving:
1. Change of Address
Go to your local post office and fill out a US postal change of address form or submit your change of address online at www.usps.com.
Provide your new address to your telephone company, disposal company, cable, water, electric company, internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies and any other utility companies.
2. Register your children in their new schools
Most schools will need proof of your new address so be sure to give them your change of address documentation.
Get your kids involved in the moving process. They can help pack their toys and items from their room. Make it fun for them to move!
2-4 Weeks Before Moving:
1. Contact Utility Companies
Contact your current electricity, gas, phone and other utility companies for disconnection after your scheduled move out. Schedule to have utilities connected to your new home.
2. Return and Retrieve
Return any library books and anything you have borrowed. Retrieve any items you have loaned out to neighbors and friends.
3. Start Packing
If possible, pack one room at a time, starting with the rooms that you don’t need to use for the next few weeks. If renting a storage unit, determine which items go to storage and which items go to your new home.
Mark all your boxes with content information, whether it is for storage, charity or new home and which room they should go in. Label boxes with “Fragile” or “Open me First”.
4. Disassemble your computer
Back up important computer files to a disc or thumbdrive before disconnected.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Pack the hard drive upright and wrap the monitor in bubble wrap to ensure it does not get scratched. Wrap all the wires and cables with rubber bands or twist ties.
5. Dispose of flammable items
Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans and other hazardous items. Drain the fuel from your lawnmower and any machinery.
1 Week Before Moving:
1. Defrost the Refrigerator/Freezer
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least a day before moving.
Plan simple meals for the last week so you can pack your kitchen. Use disposable plates, cups and utensils to avoid having to do the dishes on the last day.
2. Pack a Suitcase
Pack a suitcase with a change of clothes, toiletries and items you will need the day after moving. Take this with you in your car, along with any valuables and important documents you do not want the movers to have access to.
3. Contact your Movers
Verify with your moving company or anyone that is helping you move they know the date and time you will start the move, have directions to and from your location.
4. Contact Utility Companies – yes, again
Verify with all utility companies that they will be disconnected and connected service on the correct dates and at the correct locations. If possible have service turned on one day in advance at your new home and disconnect service one day after you move out.
Moving Day
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Make sure the movers know which items are going in the moving van, which boxes to pack first and where to unload each item at the new home. If possible, have someone available to direct the movers.
Have someone go to your new home and make sure all services are on, and be ready for when the movers arrive to ensure items are being placed in the proper rooms.
Have someone thoroughly check your closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to make sure nothing is left.
Make a final tour of your home. Turn off all the switches and lock all doors and windows.
Have plenty of water and snacks available to keep everyone hydrated and energetic.
If possible, hire a cleaning company to clean your home when it is empty, that way you can focus on your new home and not have to go back to clean.