Most Forgotten Items
Alexander Transfer suggests adding these points to the top of your moving preparation list:

• Destination Communication -- On delivery day you may want a working phone before your goods are delivered and unpacked. Be sure to have a phone with you which can be installed immediately upon your arrival - and of course, you will need to establish a new number and service with your new local phone company.
• For The Record -- Obtaining copies of your medical records, including your dentist, veterinarian and vaccine/immunization information can often be overlooked. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive the official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's procedure.
• For The Record II -- Your child's permanent school record cannot follow him or her through life if it's left behind. In addition, school records are usually required when registering your child at their new school. Often, copies will not be sufficient, and records with a raised seal will be necessary.
• Old Phone Numbers -- Pack phone books from your old town. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now, but more likely, you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.
• Taken To The Cleaners -- Remember to complete transactions with local businesses (for example, picking up your dry cleaning).
• Where You're Moving To -- In the flurry of preparing for the move, you may often forget your forwarding address -- important information when forwarding periodicals and credit card bills, as well as keeping in touch with old friends. Always keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse.
• Spic And Span -- Although your focus will be on your new home or apartment, you can't forget about preparing the old residence for your exit. Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final "once-over" before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean it for you.
• The Opener -- Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their car before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new tenants or owners.
• Remember Rover -- In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Remember to make arrangements for their transfer, as well. The U.S. Post office has provided information to help you arrange moving your pets. Click here to visit the post office.
• Bank On It -- Many people forget to retrieve important documents from their safe deposit box. It is also wise to establish a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your account.
• Keys To Success -- The collection of spare house keys can often be forgotten. Whether it means getting them from neighbors who kept them, or retrieving them from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart.

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Estimates
Alexander Transfer provides free, no obligation estimates. To request an estimate electronically, click here. If you would like to contact a representative of Alexander Transfer, please call 800-529-1811.

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Packing Tips
If you decide to pack yourself, plan on at least six weeks to pack and get ready for your move.
Alexander Transfer offers the following packing suggestions:

•	Before you start packing, identify the items you want to throw away, give away or sell.
•	Moving is a good time to de-clutter your home. It’s an opportunity to save time, money and space. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to make these decisions.
•	Don’t just start packing – plan how you will pack. - Pack items you seldom use first. - Pack items of similar size and weight together. - Don’t make any carton too heavy to easily lift.
•	Obtain a list of “non-allowables” on your moving truck – these include aerosols, batteries, fertilizer, flammable materials/substances, etc. Plan ahead to carefully pack and transport these materials.
•	Consider how you will handle perishable items. Empty and unplug your refrigerators and freezers keeping appliance doors open for at least 24 hours in advance of loading.

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Packing Preparations
Here are a few general suggestions that will make packing easier:

•	Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you don’t use often.
•	Start packing as soon as you find out you’re moving.
•	Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items.
•	Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and bottom to provide good cushion.
•	List contents and room on the outside of the carton.
•	Clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of cartons.
•	Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items.
•	Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
•	Separate breakables and non-breakables.
•	Pack all cartons tightly.
•	Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons.

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Packing Materials
We have all the materials you need to properly pack your belongings. Unprinted newspring, acid-free tissue, tufted paper padding, bubble wrap and packing tape.

Items such as antique furniture, marble and glass top tables, trophies and chandeliers are best transported in custom-made crates. We can crate these types of items for you.

China Carefully wrap china in sheets of clean newsprint paper. Place newsprint paper in the bottom of a Dishpak for cushioning. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of paper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items. Return to Packing Tips Index

Silver Silver is nested together and wrapped. The nested packs are cushioned in the silver chest. The chest is then wrapped in clean paper. Return to Packing Tips Index

Stemware Stemware is individually wrapped with protective paper inserted into the goblet and around the stem. Each goblet is cushioned by a thick wrapping and placed stem up in a specially tiered Dishpak. Return to Packing Tips Index

Soft Goods Soft goods like pillows and bedding are packed in lined cartons separated by layers of clean paper. Return to Packing Tips Index

Shoes Pack shoes in their original shoebox, if possible, and place in a carton. If shoeboxes are not available, individually wrap them to prevent abrasive damage Return to Packing Tips Index Clothes Clothes are left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe cartons. Return to Packing Tips Index

Lamp Shades and Bases Handle lampshades by their wire frames only and place in a carton lined with paper. Surround the shade with protective paper. Shades can be nested inside each other, as long as they are separated by paper. Return to Packing Tips Index

Stereos and Other Electronics If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes. • Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount of packing material. • Wrap electronic with paper and place in carton. • Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage. • Firmly seal the carton. • Label the carton as “Fragile – Top Load.” Note: When you unpack your electronics, let them reach room temperature before plugging them in. Return to Packing Tips Index

Record Albums, Tapes, CDs, DVDs Stack these items on their ends (instead of laying them flat) so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage. Pack tightly, so they’re secure and can’t shift around in the boxes. Return to Packing Tips Index

Books Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open side of the book. Place a piece of paper between books to prevent them sticking together. Because books are heavy, we have a small book carton to make them easier to carry. Return to Packing Tips Index

Statuary and Figurines Wrap statuary and figurines with bubble wrap, then snuggly wrap with clean paper. If bubble wrap is not available, use clean paper to wrap the article until it is adequately cushioned. Return to Packing Tips Index

Bottles Bottles are taped shut and wrapped in clean newsprint. For extra security, place bottles in a resealable, watertight bag before wrapping and placing in cart on. Return to Packing Tips Index

Mirrors and Glass Cross the glass with a series of masking tape “Xs” to help strengthen the glass Wrap the picture or mirror in a generous cushion of clean paper. Place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton. Carefully tape and seal the carton. Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edge. Do not lay flat. Return to Packing Tips Index

Computers If possible, pack computers in their original cartons. As long as proper packing materials are used (bubble wrap, newsprint, foam sheeting, comforters/blankets, pillows, etc.), computers can be safely packed in sturdy boxes. • Start by padding the bottom of the carton with a generous amount of packing material. • Wrap computer parts generously with paper and place in carton. • Tightly pack padding around and on top of the unit to prevent damage. • Firmly seal the carton. • Label the carton as “Fragile – Top Load.” Note: Be aware of special considerations for the internal workings of the computer. Return to Packing Tips Index