Phase 1: Clean Out
- Prepare a designated area at your home to use as a storage spot for when you clean out each room. This area could be the garage at your house or storage area at your condo. Define two areas: one for items to toss out and another for items to donate
- Put an empty box and a few trash bags in every room.
- Go through one room at a time. Put all give away items in the box and any items to toss out in the trash bags. Bring them to the designated area. Complete one room each day. This will keep the task from being overwhelming. Save your bedroom for last, as this may take the longest.
- Place all high-value items together in one area of the room. Make a List of each high-value item. Include the item name, brand, make, style name, etc.
High-value items need to be inspected by the mover before the box is sealed. If you are packing yourself, put the high-value items and an empty box with packing paper next to the high-value items. The mover will list each item on the “High-Value Form.” The mover will then wrap each item, pack it into the box, seal, and label the box “HV.”
The mover will list each item on the HV inventory sheet. At your destination, the mover will bring all boxes labeled “HV” to you. Together you will open and inspect each item. There is no extra charge for this. - Pack any personal high-value items, including important papers inside a box labeled ‘personal,’ and put them in a closet. On packing or moving day, remove them from the closet and put them in your car or the truck. Be sure to lock your car.
Phase 2: Get Estimates
Moving estimates are good for 90 days. Make sure the quote is binding with a weight credit. If the weight goes under the estimate, Mayflower automatically sends the customer a ‘weight credit’ refund.
Phase 3: Packing
- If you are packing your own belongings, use the survey with the moving estimate to determine the number and sizes of boxes you will need for each room.
- Buy or obtain moving boxes from your mover. These boxes from your moving company are specially rated for moving, unlike those at big box stores. Your belongings will be more protected during the move with boxes obtained through your mover. Keep in mind, if boxes obtained from an outside source crush during transit, the movers aren’t liable unless carrier mishandling is proven.
Steer clear of using plastic totes for moving boxes. They are not moving industry compliant. They are made to be stacked on a stationary shelf in a climate-controlled atmosphere. They’re not meant to be packed and stacked inside a moving truck that will be subjected to road and temperature conditions. - If you’re packing your home yourself, pack up one room each day. Continue packing one room a day and save your bedroom for last. Be sure to label every box.
Phase 4: Appliances, Special Services, Disassembly
Call to schedule third party services for all belongings that require professional attention. This includes things like preparing front load washing machines, disassembling grandfather clocks, pool tables, and exercise equipment, and removing TV and surround sound systems from the walls.
Phase 5: Pack Day
If you hired the moving company to pack — sit back and relax! The packers will pack and inventory each room. The basic contents of each box will be labeled on the box and inventory sheet. The moving crew will know where to put every box when they arrive at your new home.
Phase 6: Move Day
The driver and crew arrive. They put down floor protection, and pad wrap other areas of your residence to avoid damage.