Before Moving

  • Make arrangements with Schaap Moving Systems with exact dates and times. Purchase specialty boxes and packing items that you may need (more below).
  • Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions from your family medical practice and place with your valuables.
  • In your new city, inquire into a new bank and even set up a checking account.
  • Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing the account, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven’t been processed.
  • While at the bank, collect valuables from your safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents and hand-carry them to your new address.
  • Make a detailed inventory of your belongings before they are packed. If possible, photograph or videotape your belongings, and make lists. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment and box in their original boxes.
  • For your pets, obtain pet carriers of appropriate size.
  • Inform the utility companies of your move and make arrangements as to how and when deposits will be returned.
  • Call on friends and family members to help on moving day with wrapping, boxing, and watching over children and pets.
  • Be sure to confirm all of your travel reservations.
  • If possible, clean rugs and clothing and have the cleaners wrap them for moving.
  • Check with your insurance agent to ensure you’ll be covered through your homeowner’s or renter’s policy during the move.
  • Defrost your freezer and refrigerator well ahead of time. After it is dry, place a box of baking soda inside to control odors.
  • Give a close friend or relative your travel itinerary so you may be reached while en-route.
  • Obtain and fill out a change-of-address form for the post office.
  • Moving Day! Give your a house a final once-over by checking the attic, basement, all closets, garage, storage sheds, and out buildings to make sure you are not leaving anything behind.
  • Hand-carry all your valuables, jewelry, important documents, etc.
  • Rather than carry cash while traveling, rely on a debit card and ATMs for instant cash.

Helpful Packing Tips

Have ready:

  • durable boxes, specialty boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items
  • marking pens for writing on boxes
  • bubble wrap for fragile and breakable items
  • newspaper
  • tissue paper
  • scissors
  • plenty of strong, 2“ packing tape

Prepare audio-video equipment by returning them to their original boxes; be sure to include all cables and remotes.

Try to limit the weight of boxes to 50 pounds.

Using your marking pen, label each box with the following:

  • Which room the box is destined for
  • “FRAGILE” or “GLASS,” if applicable

Save room and packing materials by using towels and blankets to wrap breakable items.

Carry medicines in a waterproof container.

Moving with Pets

Cats and Dogs

  • Cats and dogs should travel with you in your car. Take along the following items:
  • Sufficient food and plenty of water
  • A leash for walking your pet at rest stops
  • Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean and your pet comfortable

Animals can and do, get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Check with hotels along your route to make sure they accept pets in your room.

If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a Health Certificate, which can obtained from your veterinarian.

The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.

Your pet may need tranquilizers just before flying. The animal may feel more comfortable by having a piece of clothing nearby that has your scent on it.

Fish

Check with your local pet store for recommendations and any special precautions that should be taken, since fish do not travel well.

Before, during, and after your move…

In the event of a snow storm when moving, use sand or kitty litter instead of salt on icy sidewalks.

Recycle all cardboard boxes and wrapping materials, bundle, and take to the nearest recycling facility.

Recycle aluminum cans, paper, plastics, and appliances

Call the Solid Waste Division in your county for disposal instructions and transfer stations in your area for old cans of house paint, oils, and solvents.

Only throw away non-hazardous and non-recyclable garbage.

Automobile and Traveling

  • Keep your car tuned up; don’t run your gas tank down to empty before filling.
  • Recycle and dispose of oil safely.
  • Don’t litter; have a garbage bag in the car and keep it handy.