Geiger Transfer & Storage Planner

Packing Tips:

• Mirrors and pictures should be bubble-wrapped or paper wrapped and secured in a carton specially constructed to prevent damage to these fragile items.
• Books should be placed flat, alternating the spines for extra protection. As with all cartons, book cartons should be packed tight to prevent shifting during transit.
• Handling lampshades by the wires protects the shade surface. Lampshades may be nested to conserve space, and generous amounts of paper provide cushioning. Large shades should be packed seperately.
• Dishes should be individually wrapped and placed vertically in the carton for safe transport. Fill the box to limit movement and be sure to pad both the bottom and top for added insurance. Place heaviest items on the bottom.
• Use a sturdy wardrobe box for clothing suspended on hangers. Your clothing will arrive at your new residence as clean and wrinkle-free as when packed. Use a linen box for other clothing.
• High value and fragile items such as computers, televisions or appliances should be wrapped in the original packaging. If that packaging is no longer available pad wrap these products for extra safety.
• Some of your belongings have unique needs. Large items such as chandeliers and grandfather clocks can be crated and doubly protected with packing material to ensure their safe transit and arrival. Our Relocation Specialist can help advise you on these items.

 6 Weeks before Moving:

• Contact Geiger to start getting the details of your move organized as soon as you can. Ask for our Pre-Planned Moving Guide.
• Create a "move information" file. Using a brightly colored organizer folder with interior pockets makes it easy to store important information and collect receipts for moving related expenses.
• Ask the Internal Revenue Service for information about tax deductions on moving expenses and what receipts you’ll need to keep. Give your previous employer your new address so that a copy of your W-2 form can be forwarded.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
• When organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
• Contact any clubs or associations you are associated with for information on transferring, selling or ending you memberships.
• Wills, stock certificates and other one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos, and home videos) are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.

4-5 Weeks before Moving:

• Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Books you’ve read and will never read again? The pan with the broken handle or the children’s long-forgotten games? Remember – extra weight costs more money. Consider having a garage sale to lighten the load.
• Sit down and start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to leave behind, items for moving company, and items you’ll move by yourself. If you haven’t done so, consider taking a household inventory for your records and to determine the declared value of the shipment.
• Prepare a list of friends, family, business firms and others who should be notified of your move. The post office and any billing company should also be made aware of your move.
• Make arrangements to move any one-of-a-kind or special items. Often times they may require packing materials and procedures that are best left to moving professionals.

2-3 Weeks before Moving:

• Make final packing decisions. Start preparing for the move those items you don’t use often.
• Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
• Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, weed killer, etc.
• A complete list of "non-allowables" is available for your reference.
• Plan meals that will use up food in your freezer.
• Backup all of your computer files and take the backups with you in the car, since software is sensitive to temperature extremes.
• Arrange transport of pets and plants. Secure all records from the veterinarian and see that rabies and identification tags are attached to the pets collar.

1 Week before Moving:

• This is the week to tie up loose ends. Check back through your planner to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything.
• Arrange to have your gas, electric, cable, phone, etc. turned off at your current residence the day after you load, and turned on at your future home before the moving van arrives.
• Mark boxes requiring special attention, fragile handling, and load last preferences.
• Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number where you can be reached until you get into your new home.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer and clean your stove at least 24 hours before moving.

Move Out Day: back to top

• Strip your beds and make sure the bedding goes into a "load last" box.
• Be on hand when the movers arrive or make arrangements for someone to be there as your representative.
• Pack your vacuum last so that you can clean before the furniture is unloaded.
• Review all paperwork and details with your agent.
• Take a last minute walk-through to make sure doors and windows are locked, lights are off, old keys and garage door openers are left for future residents, and that you haven’t left anything behind.

Moving In: back to top

• United Van Lines will contact you 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time in order to make plans for unloading.
• Be on hand when the movers arrive to answer any questions or note any change in the condition of your furniture or goods.
• Have payment on hand for your moving charges. Personal checks cannot be accepted.
• Confirm that utilities are turned on.
• To prevent possible damage, wait at least 24 hours before turning on major electronics, allowing time for them to adjust to the change in temperature.
• Examine everything as it’s unloaded, so you can note its condition on the driver’s copy of the Inventory Form. Check off each item on the inventory.
• On the Move-In Day you will be asked to sign the following documents:

Inventory of Goods – Prepared prior to loading, this document is a description of the condition of your belongings. You’ll be asked to sign it to acknowledge receipt of your goods upon loading. Be sure to check off every item as it is unloaded.

Bill of Lading – This is the shipping document that establishes the legal terms of the service. You must declare the amount of value for your shipment on this form.

Pack/Unpack Certificate – This is used to verify the "accessorial services" we performed during your move. Please examine it carefully before you sign it, making sure that you understand what your being charged for.

More Moving Tips from Geiger Transfer and Storage

If you intend to pack yourself, here are a few packing tips which you may find helpful.

1.Keep boxes below 50 lbs.

- if someone has to lift it and it is too heavy, the bottom may open up causing damage. Make sure the carton is taped securely with packing tape. Do not use masking tape.

2.Pack boxes to the top

- Use unprinted newspaper, if possible, to prevent ink stains to fill the carton to the top. Old cardboard is also useful. Half filled boxes tend to crush.

3.Mark your cartons well

- Identify what box is going in what room of the new home. Keep in mind that when the boxes are loaded on the truck, it may have to be packed on its side. Watch for bottles of perfume or other items that will spill. It would be a good idea to prepare a "First Day" box which contains a few dishes, soap, towels, toilet paper, toys, a lamp, drinking glasses, pop, first aid, paper towels, etc.

4.Watch what you pack and how you pack it

- Point cup handles and pitcher spouts towards the middle of the box and never next to the side of the box. Pack books in small cartons so the movers can lift it safely. Avoid packing liquids with lids that may come loose in transit. Ask yourself "will this freeze in transit?". Do not pack flammables such as bleach, propane, aerosols, corrosives, gas from lawnmowers, plastic squeeze bottles, etc. It is best to discard or take these items in your car. Food boxes and medicines should be taped shut and marked accordingly. Be sure to pack dishes on end -- side by side on the bottom.

5.What to do with the clothes in the dressers

- Providing your dressers are not overly heavy to begin with, simply leave your clothes in the dressers. In cases that the dressers are too heavy, the drawers can be taken out and covered with newspaper.

6.Separate belongings you want to keep

- Before the movers arrive, keep the boxes separate so that they won't be loaded on the truck by accident. Some like to place stereo equipment, computer equipment, TV's, etc. in their cars for peace of mind. Mark such items "DO NOT MOVE".

7.What to do with the kids

- For the comfort of the children, it is often helpful to have them stay with a friend or relative during the move.

8.Hazardous Materials

- You must be aware that no mover can transport the following hazardous items: Full or empty propane tanks, acids of various forms, materials needed for loading firearms, ammonia, charcoal briquettes, lighter fluids, flammable paints and stains, portable torches, varnish remover, gas & oil products, turpentine, welding equipment, and fire extinguishers.

Your checklist on moving day!

• Disconnect all Appliances - Turn off gas and water, drain all hoses (dishwasher and washing machine), and disconnect the icemaker. Make sure the freezer has time to defrost.
  
  
• Please ensure that the appliances are empty of clothes or breakables. - Ensure that your dishwasher and washer and dryer are empty.
  
  
• Disconnect cords - Unplug cords on your TV, VCR, computer equipment, stereo, speakers, lamps, etc.
  
  
• Reserve Elevators - Place elevator on service and make sure it is padded. Make sure the movers park close to the elevators to save on time.
  
  
• Telephone disconnection/reconnection - Arrange to have your telephone disconnected at one home and reconnected in the new home. If possible, keep your telephone active on moving day.
  
  
• Bank Accounts - If you are moving across town, you might consider to change your bank account location. Does your bank handle multi-branch banking? You may not have to open a new account. Either way, you must decide what is more convenient for you.
  
  
• Change of Address - The Post Office has forms you can send to various people and companies. Together with a change of address can ensure that you will get your mail at the new address.
  
  
• Extra Storage - If you have too much furniture, you may need storage. Geiger can arrange for safe storage of your items for limited or extended periods of time.