Prepare for Moving Day

Start the day off on the right foot

As you prepare to move to a new home, there are a million details to track.  Let us help with important guidelines to know prior to your move — including what not to pack when moving.

Get Ready for Move Day:

• You or an authorized representative (at least 18 years old) must be present during packing, loading and unloading. Provide the Move Manager with your/your representative’s name and mobile phone number.
• Items to be moved should be readily accessible. For example, remove items from a crawl space or attic; remove art, mirrors, window treatments and other items that are bolted to your walls.
• Place items you do not want Interstate to move in one area and clearly mark them as “do not move.” If possible, remove these items from your home before the movers arrive.
• Large appliances (e.g., washing machine, refrigerator) must be empty, clean, dry and disconnected prior to move day.
• Disconnect electronics and computers and band their power cords/cables together.
• Drain the oil and fuel out of gas-powered equipment (e.g., lawnmower, chain saw).
• When shipping vehicles (e.g., car, motorcycle, etc.), drain the fuel to a quarter tank or less. The only belongings allowed in the vehicle are emergency road-side equipment. Similarly, ensure the fuel is completely drained from other gas-powered equipment (e.g., lawnmower) prior to move day.
• Notify your Move Coordinator in advance of items that need special care (e.g., items that can’t fit through standard doors, extremely heavy items).
• Items of exceptional value must be listed on the Articles of Exceptional Value or High Risk/High-Value form provided by your Move Manager or Move Team.
• If Interstate is packing your home, advise the Packing Team of your preferred box labeling.
• Ensure that walkways to your residence are clear of obstacles, including snow and ice.
• Provide adequate space in front of your residence for the truck on move day.
• If moving long-distance, ensure medication, important documents and personal items are separated and secured before the packing team or movers arrive. 

Helpful Packing Tips:

• On one end of every box, note this information in black marker: your full name, general contents and the room where the box should be placed in your new home.
• If available, use the original manufacturer’s packaging to pack computers, electronics, TVs and other fragile items.
• Pro tip: use soft items (e.g., towels, blankets) as cushioning when packing fragile items in boxes.
• Remove and wrap lamp harps and finials, then label and secure them to the wrapped lamp.
• Use zip-top bags for mounting brackets and hardware, and secure the bag to the appropriate piece of furniture or artwork.

What Not to Pack When Moving

Make sure to read this list of some of the more common items we don’t suggest packing in your moving boxes (your Move Consultant or Move Coordinator can advise you on other items not on this list). For safety reasons, we cannot pack or load the following items onto our trucks.

Flammable items, like aerosol cans,

ammunition, matches, batteries and propane tanks.

Chemicals, like bleach, ammonia,

pesticide, industrial cleaning fluid, oil and gas.

Perishable items, like fresh food,

medicine and live plants.

Liquids in glass containers

(these can expand, contract or freeze in extreme temperatures).

Liquids in opened plastic

containers, like partially-used household cleaners.

Valuable and irreplaceable items,

like jewelry, cash, vital documents (e.g., passport, car title) and credit cards.

On the go? Download our Preparing for Moving Day PDF.