Mammoth Moving Inc. Moving Tips

Packing

• 1.5 cubic foot moving box which is 16 x 12 1/2 inches - the box used the most and can safely carry up to 50 lbs. Again, keep weight under 50 lbs. This box is great for books, for packing kitchen items, dishes and small appliances, lamps or shades.
• 3.0 cubic foot moving box which is 18 x 18 x 16 and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. Great for clothing, pots and pans and electronics.
• 4.5 cubic foot moving box which is 18 x 18 x 24 and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. Great large blankets, toys and any items on the lighter side. Fragile items not recommended.
• 6.0 cubic foot moving box which is 22 x 22 x 21 1/2 and can carry up to 70 lbs, but a word of caution: Do not overstuff this box as it can become very heavy. Use this box for pillows, toys, large blankets and couch/chair cushions.
• Our hanging wardrobe boxes come in 20 and 24 inch sizes, with each having a metal bar and shaped just like a wardrobe. They are great for hanging closet items that you can't pack flat. Just remember that they are heavy and take up a lot of room. If you can pack clothes flat, this will save you some money. You may also lay hand bags, purses, shoes or blankets.
• Lay Down Wardrobe Box, which are approximately 32 x 19 7/8 x 9. This resembles a dresser drawer and is great for packing clothing that you prefer to only fold once. Just remember not to overpack this box as it cannot withstand heavy items.
• Picture and/or Mirror Boxes: All mirror boxes can be telescoped, meaning that two can be put together to get a loner fit. When fitting two boxes together, make sure you use a strong filament tape to secure them together and to handle the additional weight. Mirror boxes are designed to handle framed pictures, artwork and mirrors. Bubble wrap is recommended for all framed items.
• Dish packs: Great for packing glasses, cups, cases or just about anything fragile. Just make sure you don't overpack them. Check the weight to ensure they are still manageable. Overpacking dish packs can result in dropped boxes and shattered items.
• Mattress boxes: These boxes aren't necessary as most movers will wrap your mattress in plastic bags which are much cheaper to purchase. However, boxes will keep your mattress from being punctured or if it's been stored for a while, it'll protect it better from outside forces. Mattress boxes come in many sizes from cribs to twin to king.

Pre-move

Six Weeks Before Moving

• Make an inventory of everything to be moved.
• Collect everything not to be moved for a garage sale or charitable donation.
• Contact the charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records.
• Get cartons and packing materials to start packing, unless you have packing services.
• Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage.
• If relocating as part of employment, check with employers to find out what moving expenses they will pay for.

Four Weeks Before Moving

• Notify all magazines of change of address.
• Check with veterinarian for pet’s records and immunizations.
• Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, set turn-off date, establish record of new residence for transfer.
• If relocating as part of employment, contact real estate broker in new community to set up utility turn-on date.
• Dry clean clothes to be moved, pack in protective wrappers.
• Collect everything you have loaned out and return everything you have borrowed.
• Service mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van.
• If relocating as part of employment, check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescription and get children’s school records.
• Check freezer and plan to use food over the next 2-3 weeks.
• Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move.
• If relocating as part of employment, give away or arrange for the transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter). Plants also can be sold at a garage sale or given as thank you gifts.

One Week Before Moving

• If relocating as part of employment, transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier’s check or money order to pay moving company on arrival to new community.
• If relocating as part of employment, have automobile serviced for trip.
• Fill out Post Office change of address forms, give to postmaster.
• Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day.
• Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn).
• Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.
• Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel.
• Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely.
• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, snow removal, etc., or transfer to new residence.
• Review the entire list to make certain that you have not overlooked anything. Check and double-check everything you have done before it’s too late.

Moving Day

• Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone.
• Hire a sitter or send the kids to a friend’s house for the day.
• Stay with the moving van driver to oversee inventory; sign inventory and obtain a copy.
• Tell packers and/or driver about fragile or precious items.
• Make a final check of the entire house-basement, closets, shelves, attic, garage, every room.
• Approve and sign Bill of Lading and obtain a copy for your records.
• Double check with driver to make certain moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. Verify the scheduled delivery date too.
• Give driver phone numbers both here and in new community to contact you in case of a problem.
• Get complete routing information from the driver and phone numbers so you can call the driver or company while en route.
• Disconnect all utilities and advise the real estate agent who sold or is selling your house.
• Lock all doors and windows. Advise your real estate agent and neighbors that the house is empty.

There is a difference in movers…
and the difference is Mammoth.
Call us today! 805-968-8643

Call us today!
805-968-8643

Serving the Santa Barbara Area & Beyond