Tip #12:
Personal boxes
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill their box with items they will want ‘right away’ in the new home — a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, tissues, travel cosmetic case, and so on. Make sure that the personal boxes are easily distinguishable from, say, the two dozen plastic bins you have used to store holiday decorations, board games, or other items that you do not need access to right away. Buy a different, bright color so you can find the personal boxes quickly and instruct your Austin moving company to place them in each person’s room or in a central location to avoid having them buried and inaccessible. The more organized you can make your move, the easier the transition will be.

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Tip #11:
Keep important papers with you
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, moving estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with your Austin moving company. Keep them with you! This way, you will have immediate access to them without having to dig through a dozen boxes or hunt all over your new house for the box you need. You may think you labeled your box of important papers well enough, but quite often it can be difficult to locate one particular box when you have your entire house packed into 100+ boxes spread all around. Keep in mind that although it is rare, occasionally boxes or small items are misplaced during a move. Your Austin mover will make every effort to get your mis-delivered item back to you as quickly as possible, but in the interim it could be frustrating to be without some of those essential documents. Better safe than sorry!

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Tip #10:
Safeguard valued items
It is a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as jewelry, silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled “Misc kitchen pantry”. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from your Austin moving company. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss. If you purchase additional insurance for your move, be sure to read your moving insurance policy carefully so you are aware of all conditions and exclusions of the policy. Some items will require additional packaging (for an additional cost) in order to be fully covered. Certain valuable items, such as jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash/currency/bank notes, deeds, travelers cheques, coin/stamp collections, sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, furs, plasma televisions, and firearms/ammunition, are not covered by any mover or third party insurer regardless of the policy or coverage purchased, so make sure your homeowner’s policy does cover these items if you plan to ship them with the moving company.

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Tip #9:
Use your luggage
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local Austin moves you will be able to quickly spot your green suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #97″ might remain elusive for days. Avoid packing books or heavy items in large suitcases, as these can be extremely difficult to move and may damage the luggage. Also avoid packing dishes or fragile items in suitcases or duffel bags, as luggage generally does not offer the same protection as boxes specifically designed for china and other delicate items. Be sure your Austin moving company knows that your inventory list will include suitcases and/or duffel bags. For local moves this may add to the time your move takes, and for interstate moves it will increase the weight or volume of your shipment. Either way, you want to be sure your estimate is as accurate as possible by providing your mover with the best information prior to your move.

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Tip #8:
Consolidate cleaning supplies
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags that will be left behind after your Austin moving company clears out your belongings. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as the movers empty it. If you find the job is too overwhelming to tackle yourself try enlisting the help of friends or family. Or, check with your Austin mover to see if they offer a cleaning and make ready service and/or carpet cleaning services in addition to their usual moving services. The mover’s cleaning service may do a more thorough job than a regular maid service at paying specific attention to making sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, surfaces, ceiling fans, and baseboards sparkle! They will also vacuum, mop and remove trash, leaving your old home in tip top shape and ready to become someone’s new home!

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Tip #7:
Pack ahead
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. Pack seldom used or out of season items early to avoid being rushed at the last minute. If it is summer, get your winter clothing and coats out of the way. You don’t really need 5 radios or TVs around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down dishes, cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.) The more you get done well in advance of your movers’ arrival, the less overwhelmed you will feel as move day approaches. If move day arrives faster than you realized and you are not quite done packing, don’t panic! Be sure to let your Austin moving company know the day before your move that you could use some last minute supplies and packing help. The small extra expense will be well worth it as you calmly watch the movers finish the packing instead of frantically running around dodging furniture as you throw things haphazardly into boxes on move day.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

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