Moving Tips & Tools

These pages are great tools to help you move and help you remember everything you will need to do. Another way Excel a North Carolina Moving Company offers peace of mind!

Moving Calendar

5 Weeks Before Moving Day
  • Contact Excel to make arrangements for moving day
  • Remove items from your attic, basement, and all storage areas
  • Start using things you can’t move such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies
  • Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new city for local information
  • If moving at an employer’s request, verify which expenses/responsibilities are covered and which are yours North Carolina’s Chamber.
  • Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on tax-deductible moving expenses irs.gov
  • Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can be sold? Donated? Tossed?
  • Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
  • Locate all auto licensing and registration documents.
  • If some belongings are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your move coordinator can help.)
  • Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
  • Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office; fill out the cards, and return. moversguide.usps.com
  • Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
  • Contact service companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) to disconnect/connect services at your old and new addresses. However, be sure to keep your phone and utilities connected through move day. moveutilities.com-newspapers.com
  • Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners or renters, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage changes in your new location.
  • If you’re packing yourself, stop by Excel to purchase materials. Pack items that won’t be needed in the next month.
  • Plan a garage sale to help lighten the load.
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
  • Make travel arrangements and hotel reservations for your moving trip. However, don’t make plane reservations for the same day that you’re moving. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations often arise.
  • Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.)
  • Arrange to close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new city.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
  • Have your car serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) for the type of weather conditions you’ll be traveling in. weather.com
  • If you’re moving out of or into a building with elevators, schedule use of the elevators on moving day.
  • Contact your move coordinator to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.
Moving Day
  • Make sure that someone responsible is at home to answer questions.
  • Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
  • Make special arrangements for pets and small children to keep them safe on moving day.
  • Read your Bill of Lading and inventory record carefully before you sign them. Keep these-and all related papers-in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.
  • Get driver contact info.
Upon Arrival
  • Call your destination agent to make final delivery arrangements.
  • The driver will contact the destination agent 24 hours prior to his arrival so the agent can notify you.
  • Unless previous arrangements have been made, the driver must, by law, collect payment (cash, approved credit card, certified, cashier’s, or traveler’s checks or money orders) for your move before unloading. Personal checks are not accepted.
  • Have a floor plan drawn out or in mind to expedite the unloading process.
  • Driver and crew will re-assemble any items that they disassembled at the point of origin.
  • Check off items from inventory, as they are unloaded, noting their condition. If an item appears to have been damaged or is missing, make a note on the inventory record and notify your destination agent.
  • If you have contracted for unpacking services, your destination agent will arrange them for time of delivery (including packing material removal).

Residential Moving Tips

Moving Tips
  • Clear out unwanted goods-hold a garage sale.
  • Get rid of flammables-paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
  • Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
  • Clothes-do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
  • Separate books-disposable, family reading, valuable.
  • Check all electrical goods-will they work in the new home?
  • Start making up your change of address list.
  • Arrange to have mail forwarded.
  • Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers.
  • If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, see if you still have their original boxes.
  • Have rugs cleaned.
  • If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
  • Round up personal documentation-marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
  • Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
  • Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
  • With regards to family pets-make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
  • Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
  • Shops, schools, theaters, life styles-it’s never too early to find out about your new home.
  • Start running down freezer stocks.
  • Arrange your finances-close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.
Packing Materials
Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials. Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your grocery or liquor store. Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items. *WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores. Here’s a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:

  • Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
  • Foam peanuts, styrofoam pellets or “popcorn.”
  • Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
  • Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
  • Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
  • Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
  • Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
  • Scissors and/or sharp knife.
Packing Pointers
Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

  • Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
  • Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
  • Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
  • Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
  • Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
  • Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
  • Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule to remember on carton size-the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.
Packing Dish-ware
  • Select a medium-sized carton (or mover provided dishpack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
  • With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
  • Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate. Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
  • Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
  • Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
  • Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
  • Seal the bundle with packing tape.
  • Place the bundle of dish-ware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge
  • Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.
Packing Glasses & Stemware
  • Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
  • Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
  • Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dish-ware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.
  • Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side.

No matter what you’re packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there’s a gap. All boxes with “fragile” items should be marked accordingly.  

Specialized Packing Tips
The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.

Bureau Drawers

Don’t overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food

Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don’t attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

Frozen Foods and Plants

Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.

Clocks

Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.

Drapes and Curtains

Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.

Flammables and Combustibles

Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.

Lamps and Lampshades

Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.

Medicines

Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.

Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures

Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.

Personal Computers and Video Recorders

Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is “parked” and ready for transport.

Silverware

Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.

Tools

Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.

Waterbed Mattresses

Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.

Cars and Motorcycles

Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.

Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks

Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks cannot be moved. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

How to Select Coverage Options

Extra Care Protection (ECP)
When the full replacement protection of ECP is desired, you should select the level of protection that covers the total value of your belongings. At a minimum, the value you declare must be equal to $5.00 per pound. Replacement, if necessary, is at today’s full replacement cost, not a deprecated value. Deductible options are available.
Basic Liability
There is no charge for basic liability protection. However, it provides repair on replacement up to a maximum of $.60 per pound per article for interstate moves and up to $.30 per pound per article for local moves.
Is the Minimum Level Enough?
The level of protection you actually need for you household belongings may be greater than minimum levels based on your total shipment weight. Consult your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy for recommended coverage levels. If you desire full replacement coverage, you must request Extra Care Protection in writing on the Bill of lading in the valuation section.

Transit Guide

Standard Delivery
A 4,500 lb. shipment traveling 1,100 miles. The first available load day is 6/10/05. This shipment requires one (1) day load spread and a delivery spread four (4) to eleven (11) days after loading.

Load: 6/10
Delivery: 6/14-6/22

The first day of delivery is calculated by adding four (4) days to the first day of the load spread. The last day of delivery is determined by adding eleven (11) days to the first day of the load spread plus one additional day due to a Sunday (6/19) falling within the delivery spread.

Determination of load and delivery spread dates is based on the weight of the shipment including cars.

Optional Delivery
Using the example of shipment from above and applying optional delivery from the delivery schedule, an optional delivery spread of four (4) days may be offered.

The earliest possible day for the optional delivery spread is 6/16. This is determined by adding six (6) days to the first day of the load spread. The latest possible day of the optional spread is 6/20 and is calculated by adding nine (9) days to the first day of the load spread plus one additional day due to a Sunday falling within the spread.

In this example, any consecutive four (4) day period between 6/16 and 6/20 may be chosen as the optional delivery spread. However, the delivery spread cannot end on a Sunday or a holiday. Therefore, 6/19 cannot be the last day of the optional delivery spread.

Loading Schedule
Due to the current driver’s hours of service rules, two days may be required for loading shipments weighing 18,000 lbs and over.
Weight Days
4,000 and over 1
3,000 to 3,999 2
0 to 2,999 3
Delivery Schedule (In Days) (Peak & Non-Peak Periods)
Miles > 1-500 501-800 801-1200 1201-1600 1601-2000 2501-2500 2501-2500 2901 & UP Opt Del
Weight
15,000 & over 1-5 2-6 3-6 4-7 4-8 5-9 6-10 6-10 1
Optional Del none 3-5 4-5 5-6 5-7 6-8 7-9 7-9
9,000-14,999 1-6 2-7 3-7 4-8 4-10 5-11 6-12 6-13 2
Optional Del none 3-6 4-6 5-7 5-9 6-10 7-11 7-12
9,000-14,999 1-7 3-9 4-10 5-11 6-11 7-12 8-15 8-16 3
Optional Del none 4-7 5-8 6-9 7-9 8-10 9-13 9-14
4,000-6,999 1-9 3-11 4-11 5-12 6-12 7-14 8-16 8-18 4
Optional Del none 4-9 6-9 7-10 7-10 8-12 9-14 9-16
2,500-3,999 1-11 3-12 4-13 5-14 6-15 7-16 8-17 8-17 6
Optional Del none 4-10 6-11 7-12 8-13 8-14 9-15 9-16
0-2,499 1-11 3-12 4-13 5-14 6-15 7-16 8-17 8-18 0
Optional Del none none none none none none none none

 

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