Moving Tips

Easing the Transition To Your Triangle Home

As your local relocation experts, The Jim Allen Group is often asked to recommend simple moving tips to make our clients relocation easier. With that goal in mind, we have included this short list of helpful moving tips to help reduce your stress during your move to the Raleigh, Cary, Durham or Chapel Hill area.

Pack Right!

If you utilize the services of a professional moving company, they will always use sturdy, reinforced cardboard cartons to move your family’s personal belongings. If you’re packing your items yourself, the boxes you secure from your local supermarket or liquor store might be free, but are they strong enough to protect your valuables from harm when they are in transit? Take these protective measures for peace of mind and protection of your belongings:

• Pack household items in sturdy, reinforced boxes for maximum protection
  
• Don’t skimp on packing materials. Use sufficient bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the boxes during transit
  
• Stack fragile plates and glass objects vertically, rather than laying them flat separating each item with packing material

Fragile Items

If you utilize a professional mover, be sure to identify which boxes you packed and make sure those boxes are marked as fragile personal items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable . The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. Note: some movers will not insure boxes you have packed, if you have purchased insurance. Heavier items require smaller boxes. If you can't lift the carton easily, it's too heavy. Label your boxes and designate where each box will go when off-loaded. This is especially true for those boxes containing sheets and towels. Make sure you have those readily available for your first night in your Triangle home.

Protecting Your Family's Safety and Comfort

For older children, a good idea is to teach your children your new address. Have them practice writing it on their packed boxes of toys and clothing. Get rid of any toys or personal items that may not be used recently. A good rule of thumb – if you haven’t used it the last 6 to 8 months – chances are you don’t need it anymore and it’s taking up valuable space. Host a yard sale or donate the unused items to a local charity.

Essential Household Items – Open Me First

Make sure you clearly mark two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing essential items you will need when you first arrive at your new address. Items you should include in these two boxes will be toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes, prescription medicine, toiletry items, snacks, instant coffee and tea bags (make sure caps are tightly secured). Be sure to have a simple toolkit handy. Primary components should be a flashlight, screwdriver and pliers. Important household utensils to include are a can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can't do without. Request these boxes be loaded last, so they will be readily available when you arrive at your new home.

Pets & Other Odds and Ends

• On moving day, keep your pets away from the loading and packing activities for the safety of all concerned.
• Upon arrival at your new home, allow all electronic devices like computers, TV’s, home theater systems and other similar items to return to room temperature before you plug them in.
• Have an old phonebook handy in case you need it. Take along any important phones numbers and contact information from previous neighbors and businesses.
  
• Make sure the mover has all of your contact information including cell phone number just in case they need to contact you in route. Obtain their information as well!
• Carefully review the shipping manifest and ask questions if anything seems irregular. Maintain a copy for your personal records.
  
• Note your shipment's registration number and always keep your Bill of Loading with you.
  
• For long-distance moves, always ask if your belongings will be sharing the truck with other households. It’s possible your mover will have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for a few days. Ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they are to be stored, request to check the storage warehouse for cleanliness, organization and security.

Following these simple tips, your belongings will be moved more efficiently and your move will be less stressful and easier to manage. Are you relocating to the Triangle? If so, contact us, The Jim Allen Group for all your relocation needs!