Moving | Tips, Links, Articles, and Resources to help plan your move | RE/MAX North-San Antonio | 210.695.4850

This page is for those people who know they are moving and need some information to help in organizing the process.

Any household move--whether across town or across the world—can be a stressful time for all. Even pets undergo anxiety.

And don’t forget…When your move is finished, give yourself a treat. You deserve it!

On this page you will find information on:

Moving Companies

Moving Articles

Moving Resources

Calculators

International Moves 

When You Pack And Move Yourself 

Moving Checklist

Moving Companies

Allied Van Lines
American Red Ball
Bekins
North American Van Lines
U-Haul
Air Animal - Pet Moves by Air
Center For Mobility Resources - Discounts on Moving
Auto Transport Directory

Articles

Moving an Aquarium
Packing Your Valuables
Unpacking Services:  Are They Worth the Cost?
Questions for the Movers
All About Moving Fees 

General Moving Resources

U.S. Postal Service Mover's Net - Tips and other useful information
U.S. Postal Service Address Change - On-line change of address

Calculators

How Far Is It - From Here to There
Cost of Living Comparison Calculator
Packing Calculator – How many boxes will you need?

International Moves 

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Tips:  When You Pack And Move Yourself

• Start well in advance of the moving day and avoid the last minute packing, rush, and strain
• Use only boxes with lids. This allows better packing of the moving truck and greatly reduces the possibility of damage.
• If necessary, purchase boxes and packing materials from a moving company. Use linens and towels to cushion fragile items
• Label all boxes with a list of contents, and which room they will be moved to in your new residence. If a box has fragile contents, boldly mark the outside of the box "FRAGILE". Label both the top and the side of each box.
• Leave clothes in drawers.
• Use about four inches of crumpled paper in the bottom of every box loaded with fragile items. Wrap each item individually and add paper cushioning around it.
• Wrap plates, saucers and china individually, then bundle in groups of three or four. Stand them on end in the carton; never lay them flat.
• Wrap cups and glasses individually and pack them rim down in the box. If items are particularly delicate, pack one box inside another.
• Don't use newspaper to wrap fine china and other items that can't be easily washed. Newspaper ink smears easily.
• Box stereo and computer equipment to prevent damage.
• Pack pictures and mirrors in boxes. If you are concerned about damage, have these items professionally packed.
• Check to see that caps are secure on toiletries, medicines, laundry soap.
• As you pack small boxes, move them into a staging area such as the living room or the garage. This makes moving day progress faster.
• Make sure a few hand tools are easily accessible. You may need them right away in your new house.
• Upright file cabinets with drawers can be left full. Lateral file cabinets need to be emptied as do desks and credenzas.
• Do not pack any flammable materials or aerosol products, including hair spray, shaving cream, deodorant, insecticides, cleaning products, spray paint, nail polish remover, bleach, lighter fluid, and motor oil. The temperature inside a closed moving van can reach 150 degrees, and these combustible items can trigger an explosion.
• If you are moving your belongings into a storage unit, get a unit larger than you require. This way boxes can be stacked against each wall to leave an aisle down the middle for easier access to stored items.

• Make sure your belongings are insured for an adequate amount, and carry enough cash to cover emergency situations during your move.

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Moving Checklist

 8–12 Weeks Before You Move:

1. If you own your home, contact your real estate agent to begin the selling process.
2. Establish your preferred moving dates.
3. Research your new community by using A1 Affordable Movers on-line moving tools.
4. Compare school districts.
5. Obtain free city reports.
6. Use our salary and mortgage calculators to compare.
7. Set up a house-hunting trip to your new city.
8. Find out if your employer will pay for the move, or will be providing you with a lump sum or a direct reimbursement.
9. Have a garage sale or donate goods you do not want to move. This will help you save costs on the move.

4-8 Weeks Before You Move:

1. Contact A-1 Affordable Mover's agent to schedule a convenient time for a free estimate.
2. Purchase your new home; arrange financing; establish close dates.
3. Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your move.
4. Obtain change of address cards from your local post office.
5. Check with your school on transferring your children’s school records.
6. Research driver’s license requirements for the state you are moving to.
7. Find out from the IRS or your accountant if moving expenses are tax deductible.
8. Contact your insurance agent to discuss your insurance needs for your new home.
9. Select a new bank in your new city.
10. Begin to organize your medical and dental records.

3 Weeks Before You Move:

1. Make a decision on whether you will pack yourself or utilize A-1 Affordable Mover professional packing service.
2. Begin the packing process if you are doing it yourself.
3. Compile all personal records.
4. Change your address on credit cards, magazine subscriptions.
5. If you have children, arrange for them to be at a babysitter during loading day.
6. Arrange to have your utilities disconnected after your move-out day.
7. Arrange to connect your utilities the day before your scheduled move-in day.

2 Weeks Before You Move:

1. Plan to use all the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
2. Clean your home and clear basement and attics.
3. Cancel all current delivery services such as newspapers.
4. Dispose of all flammables, cleaners, paints, aerosols, ammunition, etc.
5. Transfer all current prescriptions to your new local pharmacy.
6. Clear out your safety deposit box. Transfer bank accounts.
7. Be sure that you have packed everything in advance.
8. Drain the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower, and other power tools if they are to be moved.

One Week Before You Move:

1. Confirm your travel arrangements for your family.
2. Provide contact phone numbers for your Bekins agent so that you are accessible during your move.
3. Empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer, clean your stove, etc.
4. Only use those household items that you’ll need, such as sheets, towels, a few pans and dishes.
5. Make sure everything else is ready to be moved.

Moving Day:

1. Review all paperwork with your A-1 Affordable Mover driver.
2. Be available to check off inventory of all items moving.
3. Once moving van is loaded, double check that nothing was left in closets, basement, attic, cabinets, drawers, etc.
4. Children and pets can be a distraction for the movers, try to ensure you have sitters for both.

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