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MILWAUKEE/NARI OFFERS TIPS TO PREPARE FOR MOVING DAY
May 26, 2009

About one in six Americans move each year - some just across town and others across the country. Moving, although naturally stressful, doesn't have to be chaotic.  The key lies in planning and organization, beginning as early as possible before a move, but at least six to eight weeks prior.  The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area's leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 47 years, offers some tips to help homeowners keep their move smooth.

Make A Master List and Keep a File - You'll have a million things on your mind, so putting the important stuff in writing is invaluable.

Keep track of estimates, receipts, and other important information related to the move.  Outline everything that needs to be done before and after the move.  Use a sturdy clipboard or three-ring binder so it's not just one more piece of paper to shuffle.  If you're more comfortable doing it electronically, a computer generated list or word document on your desktop will do as well.  The important thing is to remember is that the list will keep you organized and will help keep your sanity.

Clear the Clutter - Why take up valuable truck space (and storage space in your new home) with unused, broken, or items you will never use again?  Have a garage sale or donate gently used furniture and clothing to donation centers.  If time is a factor, then de-clutter as you pack.

Have several boxes and bags for trash in the garage, and a box in each room for items that can be donated.  Recycle whenever possible and properly dispose of hazardous chemicals such as paints, varnishes, insect poisons, weed killers, and the like.

Pack Early - Get a start by packing one or two boxes a day of nonessential items from garages, attics, basements, and linen and china closets.

Pack What You Can Manage - There's no point in trying to get an entire case of books, all your sporting goods, or old record albums into one box.  It will be too heavy to pick up and increases the chance for the bottom dropping out. Instead, use smaller boxes with less in them.  They are easier to stack and won't be so overwhelming to unpack.  Clear plastic garbage bags can be used for a variety of items and clothing.

The clear makes it easy to see what is inside and you won't accidentally toss it with the trash.  For furniture and appliances, arrange to have a dollie and hand cart on the day of the move.

Know What's in Those Boxes - Place a number on every box you pack and create a corresponding number in your master list.  Record what is inside the box on your list - everything doesn't have to be included.  A simple notation such as Bathroom/Medicines or Kitchen/Spices will do.

Carry through this labeling to the box itself, which will save you time and energy when the moving truck gets unloaded.  It may seem time consuming when you are in a hurry to get everything done, but you'll thank yourself later.

Cushion the Breakables - Use newspapers, tissue paper, and packing paper or bubble wrap available from truck rental companies.  You'll need lots of packing materials, not just for wrapping, but for tucking around corners so your breakable objects don't get jostled around.  Rental companies also sell sturdy dish barrels, made of heavier cardboard for additional cushioning of delicate items.

Seal Securely - Have plenty of packaging tape to securely seal the boxes.  After taking the time to pack and label contents, what you don't want is to have them strewn all over your moving vehicle.  Note: Masking tape and duct tape does not stick to cardboard.

Paper Trail - About four weeks before the move, notify your insurance agent of your new address and make any adjustments to the policy.

Discuss insurance coverage of the household items in transit.  Notify financial institutions, credit card companies, and magazine subscription departments.  If moving to a different state or metropolitan area, make sure you have your medical and dental records, including prescriptions and shots.  Arrange to have your children's school records transferred.

And get copies of any legal or financial records you may immediately need.  Get a change of address form from the post office or do it online at www.usps.com

Fido and Tabby - Make sure the pets' vaccinations are up to date and they wear identification tags.  For extra security, have your vet implant an identification chip in the animal.

De-Stock the Cupboards - Begin to use up food or perishable items and cleaning supplies such as bleach and aerosols that are too dangerous to move.  Don't replenish unless it's necessary.

Utilities Connect and Disconnect - About four weeks before you move, get in touch with the local utilities for start and stop dates, and where final bills should be sent.

Protect Your Valuables - Keep important financial and personal documents with you.  These include birth certificates, school records, recent bank records, current bills, closing papers, and essential contact information. Include fine jewelry or treasured family heirlooms if there is room.  If not, put them in a box and give them a 'fake' label, such as dog toys or pantry misc.

First Night - Once you get to your new house, apartment or condo, you won't feel like unpacking and organizing everything at once.  But you will need items that will get you through the night and the next morning
- toothbrush, soap, towels, toilet paper, bottled water, flashlight, change of clothes, coffee pot or tea kettle, and simple breakfast fare that doesn't have to be cooked.  Prioritizing can be done by a number, letter, or color system.  Label the box 'Essential' along with the room it should go in. Don't forget your pet's needs when you are planning for this.

Prioritize the Bedroom - As soon as the beds are set up, put the linens on so you, after an exhausting day, can get a good night's sleep in preparation for the next day's duties.  If this is not possible, have pillows and blankets or sleeping bags in your First Night kit.

Don't Assume - If you have hired a moving company, don't assume everything will naturally be in order.  Check for insurance coverage, payment schedule, shipping documents, arrival times, and work to be completed before the truck arrives.  A reputable company will not hesitate to answer these questions.  Also, it is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on site until loading is complete.

On Delivery Day - Be on hand to accept the delivery.  Check goods as they are unloaded.  Any discrepancies should be noted on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet.  This is necessary if you should file any damage claims against the moving company.  By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI - the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council's goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation's largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, "Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide," call (414) 771-4071 or visit the Council's Web site at www.milwaukeenari.org.