Moving sure can be stressful – but it doesn’t have to be! Take it from the professionals. After more than 20 years of moving experience, we know a thing or two that might help you out. So read on, for some of the tricks of the trade.
Choose a mover: Make an early, informed decision and then lean on them, so they can help you throughout the process.
Plan your move: Create your “move book” by using a large notebook or binder to bring together all the details of your move in a single place. It should carry any estimates you receive, lists you make, contact information, and the contents of any boxes you pack – this is where you’ll keep your Move Plan.
Prepare: Contact your building management offices at both your current and new home so you can reserve freight elevators and make sure your chosen moving day works equally well for both locations. Reassure yourself that your mover has the proper insurance coverage to meet building requirements.
Create an inventory: Now is the time to take stock of your belongings. We’ll help you create a detailed list that can be used to help value your belongings for insurance coverage and keep your packing organized.
Declutter: Now that it’s clear what you have, Why pay to move things you’ll never use? Discard unnecessary items and donate gently used clothing and small housegoods to a worthy cause with our UPCYCLE program.
Moving Apps: There are a lot of moving apps out there and a few of them can help make the moving process seamless. FlatRate has an industry leading app that you can use to manage your move from start to finish.
Get the whole family involved: Give the kids a pack of stickers so they can identify their own boxes and make a game of organizing their new rooms.
Make the kids feel secure: Show them the attention you’re devoting to moving their special possessions, such as stuffed animals, favorite toys, and trophies.
Plan an outing: Give your family a positive introduction to its new neighborhood by planning an excursion the kids will love.
Enlist help: Plan ahead so you’ll have a babysitter, friend, or relative on hand to help with the kids so you won’t be frazzled by all the demands of moving day and settling in to a new home.
Move on an “off” day: Movers are busiest at the beginning and end of the month and weekdays are busier than weekends. If you have flexibility, a mid-week, mid-month move can save hundreds of dollars.
Book well in advance: Book your movers as early as you can since moving companies quote prices based on availability. If you lock in your reservation early, you’re more likely to get a better price.
Pack yourself: While it’s wonderful to have professionals do the job, it’s possible to do it yourself – especially with our advice and the packing materials available in our box store. Let our relocation specialists estimate the number and types of boxes you’ll need and deliver them a few days before the move.
FlatRate Packing Services: If you are short on time we can pack for you.
We can send a specialized team to fully pack your belongings safely and efficiently.
Order boxes: Be sure to have enough boxes and supplies for your big day! Our relocation specialists can suggest the appropriate style and number of boxes, and can have them delivered right to your home. Or order your supplies at our box store. Give yourself plenty of time to pack with the proper materials – and remember that FlatRate is happy to pack and unpack for you.
Cushion china: Start by placing plenty of crumpled newsprint at the bottom of a box, then carefully wrap larger pieces of china with newsprint. Place each bundle standing upright to form a row. Do not lay them flat. Surround each bundle with plenty of crumpled paper. Layer more crumpled newsprint on top to support the next row. The upper row should be comprised of smaller items to keep the box properly weighted.
Each piece of stemware: should be wrapped by stuffing newspaper into each goblet and then wrapping it around the stem. Cushion stemware with a final thick wrapping of paper, and then place the item in your container with the stem up.
Stay organized: Label boxes clearly on several sides. Color code your boxes so movers will know which room to put them in. List general contents on the outside for quick reference.
Put together an ‘Essentials’ bag: Include a change of clothes, toothbrushes, toiletries, medications, and the children’s favorite toys or games, so that your first night in your new home will be enjoyable without hunting through boxes.
Take photos of wired connections and label cables: Consider using colored ties from a container store or office supply store. Bundle all wires and cables together with their components, for quick reassembly
Stay calm on moving day: Keep important items with you – place essentials in a designated suitcase or bag. Make sure that your Move Book and your jewelry, prescriptions, phones, chargers, etc. are accessible.
Save your receipts: In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.
Let people know your new address: Complete a U.S. Postal Service Change of Address form online. Notify credit card and utility companies, newspapers, and Internet and cable providers. Find out if you need to return your old cable box or get on an installation wait list.