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PACKING TIPS

�  Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbors, and stores.
�  Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, styrofoam pellets, 
furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers, 
and small towels to use as padding inside boxes.
�  Create a "portable packing kit" with marking pens, a tape measure, 
packing tape, twine, and scissors. Carry it with you as you pack up items 
around your home.
�  Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength.
�  Label each box with the name of the room in your new home where 
it should be placed.
�  List the contents of the box on the side of it.
�  Number the boxes and keep a list of which boxes go in which room 
in your new home.
�  Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
�  Place china in plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat.
�  Pack your TV, stereo, and computer in their original boxes whenever possible.
�  Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less.
�  Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items 
together into larger boxes. (Don't pack all your books into one box!)
�  Don't move flammable, combustible, corrosive, or explosive items such as 
paint, gasoline, and ammunition.
�  Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of 
clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find 
place when you pack.

GENERAL MOVING TIPS

�  Disconnect and bundle cords on television and stereo components. 
Label each cord with masking tape and a description of where to connect it.
�  Plan and measure where your furniture will be placed in your new home. 
It's helpful to draw a layout of your new home and sketch in the major furniture pieces.
�  To save time on moving day, move your boxes from the basement, upstairs, 
or attic to the main floor prior to the move date. Consider carrying items from the 
back yard to the front yard or garage ahead of time.
�  Keep your phone connected through moving day to stay in touch with friends, 
family, and the moving company.

PACKING LIST BY ROOM

KITCHEN

�  Cupboards
�  Closets
�  Drawers
�  Box numbers for kitchen:

DINING ROOM

�  China cabinet or hutch
�  Light fixture and lamps
�  Furniture: table and chairs
�  Box numbers for dining room:

LIVING ROOM

�  Bookcases and contents
�  Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on
�  Knickknacks and artwork
�  Lamps
�  Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables
�  Box numbers for living room:

FAMILY ROOM

�  Entertainment center and contents: stereo, TV, CDs, videotapes, and so on
�  Knickknacks and artwork
�  Furniture: couch, chairs, and tables
�  Lamps
�  Box numbers for family room:

MASTER BEDROOM

�  Closet
�  Dressers and contents
�  Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk
�  Box numbers for master bedroom:

BEDROOM #1

�  Closet
�  Dressers and contents
�  Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk
�  Box numbers for bedroom #1:

BEDROOM #2

�  Closet
�  Dressers and contents
�  Furniture: bed, dressers, night stands, and desk
�  Box numbers for bedroom #2:

BEDROOM #3

�  Closet
�  Dressers and contents
�  Furniture: bed, dressers, nightstands, and desk
�  Box numbers for bedroom #3:

STUDY/OFFICE

�  Computer equipment: CPU, monitor, and printer
�  Desk and contents
�  Bookshelves and contents
�  File cabinets and contents
�  Box numbers for study/office:

BATHROOM

�  Cupboards and contents
�  Linens and towels
�  Knickknacks and wall hangings
�  Box numbers for bathroom:

ATTIC

�  Trunks
�  Boxes
�  Box numbers for attic:

GARAGE

�  Yard equipment and garden tools
�  Home maintenance equipment and tools
�  Box numbers for garage:

BASEMENT

�  Cupboards and shelves
�  Box numbers for basement:

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU MOVE

TWO MONTHS BEFORE MOVING

• Sort through your belongings to reduce the number of things you move.
• Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need to charity.
• Decide whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Make reservations 
  with a moving company or truck rental company.

  Tip: Call three companies for estimates to compare.

• Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, felt markers, 
  and scissors.
• If you're moving a long distance, make travel arrangements with the 
  airline, hotel, and rental car agency. If you're driving to your new home, 
  get maps and plan your travel route.
• Save all moving receipts, because some moving expenses may be 
  tax deductible. Check the current tax code for requirements.
• Place your legal, medical, financial, and insurance records in a safe and 
  accessible place.
• Purchase insurance coverage for valuables to be moved.
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ONE MONTH BEFORE MOVING

• Start packing items that aren't regularly used such as off-season 
  clothes and decorations and items in storage areas (garage, attic, and closets).
• Make travel arrangements for your pets.
• If you're driving, get your car tuned up.
• Get medical records from your doctors, dentist, optometrist, and veterinarian.
• Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to the cleaners.
• Back up important computer files to floppy disk.
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TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

• Contact your utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable, trash collector, 
  and local phone service providers) and notify them of your move.
• Sign up for services at your new address.
• Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move.
• Call friends and family and recruit help for the moving day if necessary.
• Confirm your travel reservations.
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. Pick up items 
  from safety deposit box.
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• ___________________________________________

ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING

• Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops, or friends.
• Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, and so on to 
  carry you through the day after arrival in your new home.
• Finish packing all boxes minus what you'll need in the final week.
• Inform the post office of your upcoming move. Send change-of-address 
  cards with your new address and phone number to:
• Friends and family
• Banks, insurance companies, credit card companies, and other financial institutions
• Magazines and newspapers
• Doctors, lawyer, accountant, realtor, and other service providers
• State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed
• Workplace, schools, and alma maters
• Voter registration office and motor vehicle bureau
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THE DAY BEFORE

• Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocket knife, and rope.
• Pad corners and stairways of house.
• Lay down old sheets in the entry and hallways to protect floor coverings.
• Remove hanging fixtures.
• If moving yourself, pick up the rental truck and a hand truck or dolly to 
  move heavy boxes.
• If you're driving, check oil and gas in your car.
• If you're traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other 
  essentials.
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MOVING DAY

Carry with you:

• The keys to your new home.
• Map of new town and directions to your house.
• The telephone number of the moving company.
• Cash or traveler's checks.
• Documentation related to the sale of your home.
• Your insurance policies and agent's phone number.
• Your current address book or personal planner.
• Prescription and non-prescription medicines.
• Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late.
• Any important personal records and documents.
• Any items of great personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable 
  (for example, a photo album).
• Back-up copies of important computer files.
• Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home.
• Personal hygiene items (for example, toothpaste, soap, razor)
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• ________________________________________________

ARRIVAL DAY

• Show movers where to place furniture and boxes.
• Check inventory to ensure that everything was delivered before signing 
  delivery papers. Note any damages on the inventory sheet.

  Tip: It's helpful to have the movers read off the inventory numbers on 
  boxes and furniture while you check the inventory list.

• Unpack any valuable items, such as silver, art, and jewelry, upon arrival.
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AFTER THE MOVE

• Walk and drive around your neighborhood and community to orient yourself and your family.
• Get new driver's licenses, library cards, voter registration cards, and bus passes.
• Enroll children in school.
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