Moving

Planning to move?

The thought of moving can be stressful, let’s face it!

You need to transfer medical records, host a garage sale, discontinue the utilities — oh, and pack up all your earthly possessions and get them ready to move from Point A to Point B. It is possible to get it all done without getting overwhelmed!

Stepping Stones Organizing is here to help you on your way! We guide you through this challenging and exciting time by providing you with expertise step by step support to make your transition as smooth as possible.

 

** Breakdown:

Sort. We will walk through every room and open every drawer deciding what to take to your new home and what to get rid of.

Taking inventory of items that will require insurance and extra care with packing.

 

Hire movers. Research moving companies. Always asking for the mover’s U.S. Department of Transportation license number; whether the company is bonded; and whether the company is licensed for interstate moves, if you’re moving out of state. Request in-home estimates to receive the most accurate pricing.

Remind you to contact your children’s school. Notify the school that you’re moving, and obtain copies of your children’s records. Contact new schools for enrollment and record-transfer procedures.

Order packing supplies. Purchase standard boxes in various sizes; bubble wrap; packing paper; packing tape; and specialty containers, such as wardrobe and dish-pack boxes.

Remind you to contact your doctors. Obtain copies of medical records for all family members, or have the records sent to your new physicians.

Remind you to contact your insurance agents. Find out whether your move necessitates changes in your medical, dental, vehicle or personal property insurance.

 

Start packing. We begin with items you use only rarely/seasonally and save items you use frequently until just before moving day. Photos of valuables will be taken and then packed separately; you’ll carry those items with you.

Label, label, label. Marking each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for will insure smooth unpacking  in the new house. The only exception: Don’t list contents on a box that contains valuables, to avoid theft.

 

Inventory. We make sure to help you keep a running list of each packed box, its contents and what room it belongs in. Later, you can match this against your moving company’s inventory sheet.

Measure. Making sure that all of your belongings can make it out of your old home and into your new one… So there are no surprises on moving day.

 

Make arrangements for pets. Book or care facility or a pet sitter for moving day. If you’re moving out of town, We help make travel plans for your pets and ensure your veterinarian has authorized your pets for the journey.

Contact utility companies. Call existing utilities to disconnect services the day after your move, and have new utilities install services at least a day before you arrive.

2 Weeks Before

Confirm the movers. Contact the moving company and make sure the insurance in place is enough to cover your valuables.

Clear out. empty out storage units, and any other off-site storage spots.

 

Remind you to: Empty your safety deposit boxes and pick up any last minute dry cleaning.

Clean the rugs. Have area rugs cleaned. This way they arrive rolled and wrapped from the cleaner, ready to unroll at the new house.

1 Week Before

Finish packing. Our goal is to complete the general household packing a couple of days before moving day.

 

Pack your bag. Your last bag should contain at least two change of clothes per person, as well as all of the basics. (Phone chargers, toilet paper, medications, pet food if needed!)

Gathering  what you need to survive for a few the days, while items are on the moving truck. Moving out of state will increase what and how and what you pack.

 

Remind you to visit the pharmacy. Time to refill any prescriptions you’ll need for the next month, and arrange to transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new community.

A Few Days Before:

Confirm the movers … again!

Get the keys. Arrange for you to receive the keys to your new home, or schedule the realtor/ landlord to meet you on moving day.

Donate food. If you’d prefer to move fewer boxes, we can donate non perishables to a local food pantry of your choice.

Disassemble furniture. Placing screws, brackets and fasteners in a small plastic storage bag, labeling them, and taping the bag to the furniture’s underside.

 

The Don’t Pack List

These items should be kept off the truck and close to you on moving day:

Important documents (e.g., passports, marriage license, birth certificates, any records containing bank account information or Social Security numbers)

Checkbook

Credit cards

Medication

Phone and charger

Laptop and charger

Toilet paper

Changes of clothes

Snacks and water (for kids and pets)

A child’s special toy or blanket

Jewelry

Flashlight

Tape measure

Toolbox

Trash bags

Paper towels

Cash

Any other valuables, heirlooms or irreplaceable items

 

Cleaning: Broom cleaning top to bottom

 

Moving Day:

Keep valuables with you. while still in your current home, be sure the movers don’t mistakenly load boxes containing your laptop, jewelry, passports and other irreplaceable items. These items should keep near you at all times.

 

Saying goodbye. It is important to take time to say a proper “Farewell ” to your old house before things get hectic. Children, in particular, benefit from some kind of closure: Walk through the house recalling fond memories you have had, and talk about all the fun you’ll create in your new home.

 

Make a final walk-through. Locking your old home’s windows and doors, turning off lights and ceiling fans and make sure nothing’s left before you leave.

New home:

 

Do an initial clean. We will arrange to have your new home vacuumed and mopped before you set down your furniture, as well as wipe down countertops and do a deep clean of tubs, showers and toilets.

Meet the movers.

Show the moving crew around. Pointing out specific rooms so boxes end up where they belong.

Supervise the load-in.

 

Watch for damaged and missing items.

 

Get it in writing. Before the movers leave, have them sign the inventory sheet — and make sure the mover in charge signs it as well. Keeping a copy for your records.

Assemble furniture. Time to grab your toolbox as we help assemble furniture… All hands on deck!

Start unpacking. If we notice any damage to your boxes, we will set them aside until the moving company can return to inspect them. We will take photos of the damage for your records.

 

Create sanctuary. Now is the time to manifest the space you have been envisioning! We will be placing items where you will instinctively find them later when needed, and creating a calming environment to enable you to be more productive, and enjoy the things in life that you cherish most!

 

*** Gift Certificates Available