Making Your Move to the Lowcountry Easy

Let's face it, moving day is not on the top of anyone's list of fun things to do.  Experience has taught us organization is the key to making your relocation to the Charleston area as smooth as possible.  By using these helpful tips your move will be much more organized and less stressful.

Two Months Prior to Moving:

• Get a few estimates from moving companies or DIY truck rentals
• Start a file for all of your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)
• Arrange to transfer school records

Six Weeks Prior to Moving:

• Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards
• Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records
• Clean all closets and drawers

      Four Weeks Prior to Moving:      

• Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of services at your new home.
• Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive.
• Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit
• Collect your important records: gather personal and family records (including medical and dental), veterinary and school records, legal and financial documents, birth certificates, passports and insurance documents
• Host a garage or yard sale to get rid of outgrown or unused items. If time prevents you from holding a yard sale, consider donating the items to a charitable organization like one of the East Cooper Goodwill Donation Centers, Habitat for Humanity Restores or East Cooper Community Outreach.

      Two Weeks Prior to Moving:

• Notify any creditors of your move.
• Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
• Change your address – One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
• Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
• Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
• Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
• Create an "OPEN ME FIRST" box containing personal essentials like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, paper plates, paper cups, paper towels, snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, flashlight, tools (screwdriver, pliers), and any other items your family can't do without. Have this box available so it can be removed first from the moving van.

Don't forget to label your boxes, especially any box that contains items that are needed immediately such as sheets and towels.  You'll need those items first when you move in.  Here are more great moving tips:

• Use sturdy, reinforced boxes, and if packing fragile items, pack them with care.
• Consider using bubble wrap or other packing material for extra cushion and security.
• If you secure free boxes at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store, just remember they are not reinforced. 
• Check Craigslist for people who have boxes to give away.
• Mark fragile boxes so movers can identify them quickly and easily. Be sure you point out to your mover those boxes that contain high-value items and secure extra insurance for those items.
• Pack dishes, bowls, plates and other glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
• Pack heavier items in smaller boxes. McDonald's french fry boxes or Staples or Office Max bulk paper boxes are the perfect size for heavier items.
• Exchange your contact information with the mover's foreman in case you need to contact each other during travel.
• Read all moving documents before you sign anything. If you don't understand something, ask for a clear explanation.
• Note your shipment's registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy during the move.
• If you're moving long distance, it's possible your household goods and personal belongings could be on a truck with someone else's goods too.
• If this is the case your mover may have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days.
• Ask your mover if your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask if you may inspect the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.