Picture this - crews dispatch at 8 a.m. and arrive at their respective job sites around 8:15 to perform their moves. 8:20 the phone rings. It’s the crew lead for one of the jobs. “Boss, this customer is not move-ready. I’m going to text you some photos.” Ping, ping, ping, the photos start arriving. What we see are garbage bags full of clothing, plastic bins with no lids stuffed with items that are not wrapped, an array of untaped boxes such as grocery store produce boxes, shoe boxes, partially crushed boxes, and a number of items not boxed or packed at all. So we get on the horn to the customer, who by this time is overwhelmed with stress, sleep-deprived and often an emotional wreck. It’s at this moment we realize that the term “move-ready” is not fully understood by everyone.

You might be thinking that being move-ready would simply be common sense, but as it turns out, most folks don’t move very often, some not at all, and there are several things people simply don’t think about until the day of the move when there’s a flurry of activity and no time left to prepare!

Over this last year, more than ever before, our crews have arrived to perform a move only to find that the customer was really not ready. So, in an effort to help our customers and relieve some of move-day stress, we came up with a move-prep checklist, including tips and suggestions to help the move go smoothly.

The following are the most important excerpts from our Moving Guide & Checklist and Move Day Tips & Reminders. For a full list of tips starting one month before your move, visit us online at https://www.eliterelocationservices.com/moving-guide--checklist.html.

Label, Label, Label - Clearly mark every box and container with the room it’s from, its contents, what priority it will be to unpack, whether there’s anything breakable and whether the box is heavy. Use different colors and a consistent format to help identify each box at a glance. Example: Kitchen, Pots and pans, High (priority), or: Office, Books, Low (priority), Heavy. Label cords to electronics or take photos of how they attach so reconnecting them in your new home will be a breeze.

The Cleaner, The Better - Clean dust and debris off of furniture and appliances, especially the tops of items that may not get regular cleaning. We pride ourselves on providing clean equipment and pads. We don't want to bring someone else's dust into your home on our pads and do not want to take yours with us to the next move.

Clear The Way - Make sure walkways are clear and have a rough idea of where you would like furniture placed in your new home.

Do Double Duty - Pack breakables in packing paper or clothing, towels and bedding. Pack lightweight clothes, towels or linens in dresser drawers. If your dresser is antique, fragile, made of composite material such as particle board or is in an area of your home that is difficult to maneuver out of, the extra weight in drawers may put unusual torque on that dresser, so we suggest all drawers be empty.

Be Box Smart - Be sure to use appropriate boxes for their contents. Boxes made for moving and packed well can make all the difference in the protection of your belongings. Containers to avoid as they may not withstand stacking and/or the rigors of transport are: plastic totes, garbage bags, shoe boxes, used boxes that are partially crushed and/or have been exposed to moisture. Make sure boxes are taped along all seams. Find the perfect fill. Don’t overstuff a box, and don’t make it too heavy to safely lift and carry. Try to pack contents firmly so items don’t shift and so the box can be stacked without crushing inward. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes. Lighter items can go in bigger boxes.  Heavy boxes are hard to carry.  Trust us.

Avoid Spillage - Pack items such as toiletries, soap containers, jars, etc. in plastic bags, and make sure to stand them upright in a box, then clearly mark the box as containing liquid items, and note which end must remain up.

Take it Apart - For anything that has to be disassembled, keep all the parts together. Put screws, bolts, brackets, curtain rings, etc., in plastic ziplock bags and pack them in a box marked "Parts Box" so that all of your parts will be easy to locate. Furniture with glass shelving should have the glass removed and boxed if possible.

What We Can’t Haul - Plan to haul flammable or caustic liquids or combustible items such as household aerosols, weapons and ammunition yourself.

Pack a Suitcase - Pack a bag with all your daily essentials as though you were going on a trip or vacation. That way you’ll have a change of clothes and all your necessary toiletries, medications and personal items handy when you get to your new place, without having to rummage through boxes.

Mind Your Littles - Make any necessary arrangements for your children or pets on move day. Line up babysitting or daycare for children and boarding or pet-sitting for pets the day(s) of your move. If children and pets are onsite during your move, (for their safety and the safety of the crew) please ensure they are safely away from movers, trucks and equipment.

Be Available - Make sure someone is at the house while the crew finishes loading. If you leave before everything is loaded, you won’t be able to do a final walkthrough to make sure everything that should be moved is on the truck.
Paying for Your Move - Payment is due when your items are delivered to your new home.

With these tips, you’ll be more than ready for your move and move day will be stress-free!