Self Storage Plus’s Moving Guide

Moving to a new home is exciting but can also be stressful if you’re not properly prepared. Whether it’s a major family move or you’re going alone, it’s important to stay organized. Preparation and planning will help put you closer to an easy, successful move, and with the help of our moving guide, you can relax knowing you have everything under control from start to finish.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving

  1. Make a list of everything you plan on moving into your home and what you’ll be putting into storage. If you’re renting a storage unit from Self Storage Plus, you can reserve your storage unit in advance so it can be ready for you when you need it. Determine what items need to be handled by a professional mover and what you’ll take care of yourself. Sort through your belongings and sell or donate what you no longer need or want. 
  2. If you’re using movers, contact multiple companies to get several estimates.
  3. Research and select a professional moving company to help you move. After making your decision, discuss costs, packing, timing, and other necessary details.
  4. Many moving expenses, including donations of household goods, are tax-deductible, so assemble a file with important information and receipts for moving-related expenses.
  5. If moving to a new community, find out about the schools, parks, recreation, and community programs from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau. 
  6. Transfer medical, property, fire, and auto insurance through your insurance agent.
  7. Place all medical records in a safe place. Do not forget prescriptions, vaccination records, and other important information. 

Four to Five Weeks Before Moving

  1. If you’re packing some or all of your belongings yourself, start collecting necessary moving and packing supplies. Along with several other property features, Self Storage Plus facilities sell supplies in our office for your convenience. 
  2. Contact the post office and fill out a Change of Address form. Provide your new address to your telephone company, disposal company, cable/satellite provider, water company, electric company, internet provider, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, clubs, local government agencies, and any other utility companies. 
  3. Register your children in their new schools, and let your kids be involved in the moving process, as moving can be especially challenging for them. They can help pack their toys and things from their room. 
  4. Contact utility companies (i.e., gas, electricity, and phone) for disconnection after your scheduled move-out, and call ahead to have utilities connected to your new home scheduled for your move-in. 
  5. If you have pets, make arrangements for transportation. Find out if there are specific requirements for pet ownership in your new township and obtain veterinary records.

Two to Four Weeks Before Moving

  1. If you have young children or nervous pets, you may want to arrange for a sitter or have them stay with a friend or family member on moving day to ensure they remain safe and calm. 
  2. Return library books or other borrowed materials.
  3. You may have valuables you don’t want to be put into a moving truck, such as particularly fragile or sentimental items you own. Consider packing them separately and setting them aside to take in your personal vehicle.
  4. If you’re moving a considerable distance and are traveling by car, you may want to get the vehicle serviced to avoid surprise issues on the road.
  5. Begin packing away items you don’t currently need and can live without for a few weeks. The more you break the process up into smaller chunks, the less exhausting it will be. 
  6. Clearly label all boxes as you pack them. Try not to overload your boxes or pack them too heavily to avoid damage or injury. Learn more about how to pack like a professional with the help of our packing guide.
  7. Don’t forget anything in basements and attics, and remember to clear out safety deposit boxes.
  8. Dispose of inflammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, and other hazardous items.

One Week Before Moving

  1. If you’ve hired movers, label your items “fragile,” “load first,” “load last,” and “do not load.” This is important to ensure the safety of your items.
  2. Double-check that your moving company knows the correct address of both your current and new home. Or if you’re receiving help from friends or family, make sure they know where to be and that they’re still available to help you. 
  3. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator at least a day before moving.
  4. Keep plans flexible and make arrangements in case of delays. Confirm travel arrangements and pack personal bags of items you will need while the rest of your belongings are in transit, such as a change of clothes, bathroom essentials, and a phone charger.
  5. Pack a box or suitcase separately with what you know you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home—for example, snacks, disposable plates and cups, bathroom items, trash bags, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and prescriptions.

Moving Day

  1. Have plenty of water for everyone helping you pack and move. Consider providing snacks as well.
  2. Thoroughly check your closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage for anything that may have been missed.
  3. Be around throughout the loading process. You may want to have someone you trust along with you to help direct the movers.
  4. Once the house is emptied, turn off all switches and lock all doors and windows.
  5. Verify your movers have your contact information and that you have theirs so you can communicate with them in the event of a problem.

Getting Moved in

  1. Check that all utilities are functioning properly. Test all faucets, outlets, and appliances. Note any issues or damage that you may need to address. 
  2. Plan out the placement of major furniture.
  3. Be present to direct movers where specific boxes and furniture need to go.
  4. While unloading, make sure there is no visible damage to boxes and furniture and that no items are missing.
  5. Have cash ready to tip your movers.
  6. If you do find damage, document it with pictures to file an insurance claim.
  7. Settle in and enjoy your new home.

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P.O. Box 25523

Washington, DC 20027

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