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Moving Tips and Resources

I have helped dozens of people move to Portland from all over the country. The process of relocating and moving, whether in-city, in-state or out of state is one which involves a host of activities beyond the process of simply buying or selling a home. I have created my PDXHOMES Relocation Guide in addition to the information provided in this Moving Section to service my clients. Please also see our Relocation Packet.

Most people can think of a million other things they would rather do than move. Whether across the country or across town moving isn’t fun, but it can be made easier by employing some simple techniques.

Before you begin, know that you have options. You can pack up your belongings yourself and move them yourself or you can look to a professional moving company who either handles local or cross-country moves. Either way, learn what questions to ask and how to make your move as simple as possible. I have consolidated a list of local, national and international moving companies as well as online resources, tips and facts you can use to make your move a bit easier. In no way does Jim Arnal, PDXHOMES.com assume any liability for the restrictions and ongoing licensing of any Moving Companies noted in this Guide or on PDXHOMES.com.

Find a Moving Company

One of the best sources for identifying reputable movers is through a real estate agent. Having moved myself and having supported numerous clients in their own moves I have reputable movers local to Portland whom I refer to my clients.

Questions I suggest you ask each mover:

Ask for a thorough explanation of the process and pricing.
Ask what services they do and don’t provide. There are full service movers and some who only drive the truck to and from your homes.
Ask whether the pricing and quoted services are binding.
Ask what type of insurance the moving company carries and transfers to their clients.
Ask for the policy to be documented and accompany the contract.
Ask how long the company has been in business.
Ask for certifications of the estimator, salespersons and movers you encounter.
Ask how long the people you encounter have been working for the company in question and employed within the industry.
Ask if they outsource particular services to a third party.
Ask what guarantees they offer regarding the time and manner of delivery.
Ask if the company has client referrals.
Look for the company you believe will treat your belongings as you would.

The ODOT’s Top 10 (ODOT, Oregon Department of Transportation)

Avoid problems. Plan ahead and be prepared.
No two moving companies are the same. Some are better than others. Choose carefully. If the move is from point to point within Oregon, only use a mover licensed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transportation Division (ODOT/MCTD). Ask the mover to provide its certificate number (it should be apparent on all advertising and paperwork), and use that number to check its complaint record at ODOT/MCTD.
Get a written, signed estimate, and keep it.
Be ready when the mover arrives.
Accompany the mover to make up an inventory.
Understand and agree with the bill of lading before you sign it.
Before your move, make the mover explain its limits of liability and your options for loss and damage protection.
Be at the destination at the time agreed upon for delivery.
Check the condition of your property before you sign a delivery receipt.
Be flexible.

Movers (Portland Metro)

Priestley & Sons Moving & Storage Inc
Moves: Priestley & Sons is a local moving and storage company.
Phone: (503) 232-3332
Address: 2255 NW Birdsdale, Gresham, Oregon (202nd)
Website: http://www.priestleymoving.com
- License: ODOT #142126, DOT #103323, MC #109065
Rose City Moving & Storage
Moves: Rose City Moving is a local moving & storage company.
Phone: (503) 285-8100
Address: 5130 N Basin Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Website: http://www.rosecitymoving.com
- License: Call Customer Service
Power Movers
Moves: They provide the Man Power, you provide the truck.
Phone: 1 (888) 699-MOVE
Phone: (503) 761.7662
Website: http://www.powermovers.com
- License: #652836
Tri-County Movers
Moves: Household Moving, Long-Distance Moves, Auto Transport
Phone:(503) 640-0855
Address: 1600 NE 48th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, 97124
- License: Call Customer Service
Eastside Van & Storage
Phone: (503) 777-4181
Address: 4836 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206-3144
- License: Call Customer Service
Metro Moving
Phone: (503) 282-1188
Address: 820 N. River St Ste 113, Portland, OR 97227
- License: Call Customer Service

ODOT Directory of Authorized City to City Movers

“When the origin and destination of a move are within Oregon, moving company rates and services are regulated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transportation Division. Following is an alphabetical list of household goods movers authorized to provide service from city to city. For movers authorized to provide service within certain city areas, see the list of Local Movers.”

Questions? Contact the ODOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division at 503-378-5985.

The following Companies are authorized ODOT Movers from cities in Oregon to other cities in Oregon. (in alphabetical order, July, 2005)

Active Transfer
Service Restrictions: Between points within 15 road miles of Harrisburg, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other. Between points within 25 road miles of Junction City, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
Advantage Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-680-5422
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Air Van North American
Phone: 503-692-5595
Service Restrictions: Between points west of Cascade Mountains and all points in Oregon.
Alexander´s Mobility Services
Phone: 503-492-7960
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
AMS Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-299-9000
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Baxter´s Piano Express, Inc.
Service Restrictions: Musical instruments and orchestra furniture and equipment between points 50 air miles of Portland and all points in Oregon.
Bekins Northwest
Eugene Phone: 541-688-3331
Tualatin Phone: 503-885-1163 800-678-0446
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Bend Storage & Transfer
Phone: 541-382-5641 800-736-5641
Service Restrictions: Between points in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Grant, Harney, Wheeler, Sherman, Gilliam, Wasco, Lake, and Klamath counties, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
Bertsch Moving & Storage
Eugene Phone: 541-344-6257
Salem Phone: 503-393-2125
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Blue Bird Transfer
Phone: 503-598-8061
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Brookings Harbor Moving
Phone: 541-412-7777
Service Restrictions: Between points in Curry County. From Brookings to points in Coos, Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine Counties.
Capital City Transfer
Phone: 503-581-6683
Service Restrictions: Between points within 60 road miles of Salem, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
Cascade Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-682-8832
Service Restrictions: Between points within 100 road miles of Bend and all points in Oregon. Between points in Baker, Coos, Curry, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Malheur, Union, and Wallowa Counties, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other, (Except no service authorized to or from points in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties, and no service authorized between points in Coos, Curry, Jackson and Josephine counties, on the one hand, and points west of the summit of the Cascade Mountain Range, on the other).
Chappell´s Trucking Company
Phone: 503-249-7072
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Chipman Corporation
Phone: 503-620-2114 800-825-3866
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
City Moving & Storage Company
Phone: 541-382-9078
Service Restrictions: Between points within 50 road miles of Prineville, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
City Transfer Company
Phone: 503-325-4444
Service Restrictions: Between points in Clatsop County and all points in Oregon.
Crown Moving Company
Vancouver WA Phone: 360-891-7055
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Cummings Commercial Relocation & Installation
Phone: 541-928-3385 800-344-0852
Service Restrictions: From all Oregon points to points within 85 road mile of McMinnville. Between points within 35 road miles of McMinnville to all points in Oregon and from points within 35 road mile of McMinnville.
Cummings Moving Systems
Albany Phone: 541-928-3385 800-344-0852
Eugene Phone: 541-688-5211 800-766-5211
Medford Phone: 541-772-6278 800-866-9640
Newport Phone: 541-928-3385 800-344-0852
Portland Phone: 503-408-9355 800-447-1532
Roseburg Phone: 541-672-8284 800-283-8284
Salem Phone: 503-399-7300
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Cummings Albany
Albany Phone: 541-928-3385 800-344-0852
Newport Phone: 541-928-3385 800-344-0852
Salem Phone: 503-399-7300
Service Restrictions: Between points within 100 road mile of Albany, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
Cummings Roseburg
Phone: 541-672-8284 800-283-8284
Service Restrictions: Between points in Douglas County, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
D & M Moving
Phone: 503-774-7212
Service Restrictions: Pianos and organs unrestricted.
Dave´s Piano Moving
Phone: 503-589-1531
Service Restrictions: Musical instruments and orchestra furniture and equipment. Between points within 50 air miles of Salem and all points in Oregon.
Dennis Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-684-8427
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
East Side Van & Storage
Phone: 503-777-4181 800-547-4600
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
E-Z Movers
Phone: 541-459-4266
Service Restrictions: Between points within Douglas County.
Expert Moving Company
Phone: 800-370-4850
Service Restrictions: Between points in Curry County. From Brookings to points in Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine Counties.
Ferguson Transfer Company
Phone: 541-888-5578
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Flegel Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-673-4436
Service Restrictions: Between points in Douglas County and all points in Oregon.
Franklin´s Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-476-7735 800-354-8726
Service Restrictions: Between points in Jackson and Josephine Counties and points in Oregon.
Graebel Oregon Movers
Phone: 503-570-8080 800-955-9994
Service Restrictions: Between points within 25 road miles of Oregon City, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other. Unrestricted in the state of Oregon (except no service is authorized from Jackson County).
ITS Global Relocation Services
Phone: 503-287-2700
Service Restrictions: Between points within 25 road miles of Portland, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other. Between points in Jackson and Josephine Counties, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon (except points within 25 road miles of Portland), on the other. Unrestricted. except no service to, from or within Klamath County.
J & S Express Line Service
Phone: 503-693-2527
Service Restrictions: Restricted to service to Korean-speaking customers, between points in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties.
K & D´s Piano Service
Phone: 541-772-1384
Service Restrictions: Pianos, unrestricted except no service in the following counties: Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Multnomah, Sherman, Wasco, Washington, and Wheeler.
Kent Moving Systems Service
Phone: 503-289-2366
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted, except restricted to shipments tendered and paid for by interior designers.
Klamath Basin Warehouse Company
Phone: 541-883-3114
Service Restrictions: Restricted to within, to, and from Klamath County to any point in Oregon.
Klamath Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-882-2578
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted when moving household goods within the Klamath Falls Commercial Zone. Otherwise restricted to household goods with a gross weight of 150 pounds or less per article when within 25 miles of K-Falls and household goods with a gross weight of 375 pounds or less per article when between points within 25 miles of K-Falls and retail sales or repair establishments within 25 miles of K-Falls.
Larsen Transfer
Phone: 541-276-3111
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Lester Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-354-1113
Service Restrictions: Restricted to service within, to, and from Hood River County to any point in Oregon.
Lile Moving & Storage Service
Tualatin Phone: 503-691-0530 800-223-8093
Salem Phone: 503-393-0110 800-638-2935
Eugene Phone: 541-689-6683 800-327-4354
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
M M Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-762-1288
Service Restrictions: Between points within 50 road miles of Newberg. Between points within 25 road miles of St. Paul and all points in Oregon.
Medford Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-773-7481
Service Restrictions: Within Jackson County, and from any point within that County to any point in Oregon, and from any point in Oregon to any point in Jackson County.
Megenthaler Transfer & Storage
Phone: 503-644-1600
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Michelle´s Piano Moving
Phone: 503-295-1180
Service Restrictions: Pianos and organs, unrestricted in Oregon.
Mobile Box Storage
Phone: 541-485-2115
Service Restrictions: Other than local cartage service, restricted to transportation of goods in carrier´s storage vault containers packed, locked, and unpacked by shipper when transported between the Mobile Box Storage facility in Albany, Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, Monmouth, and Roseburg, on the one hand, and points within 30 airmiles of each of those cities, on the other hand.
Mountain States Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-753-4331 800-221-4486
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Mountain West Moving & Storage
Phone: 541-963-2331 800-426-9650
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Rex Myers Transfer
Phone: 541-747-1201
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
M M Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-762-1288
Service Restrictions: Between points within 50 road miles of Newberg.
Between points within 25 road miles of St. Paul, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
New Way Moving & Storage
St. Helens Phone: 503-397-5296
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Nippon Express USA Service
Phone: 503-281-6100
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted, except no service authorized to, from or within Deschutes and Lane Counties and restricted to service to Japanese-speaking customers.
O´Neill Transfer & Storage
Phone: 503-226-3055
Service Restrictions: Between points within 35 road miles of Portland, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
People´s Warehouse, Inc.
Phone: 541-884-7425
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Prestige Moving & Storage
Wilsonville Phone: 503-682-8832
Bend Phone: 541-383-3362
Service Restrictions: Between points in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and points within 10 road miles of Portland, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
Priestley and Sons Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-661-7920
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Public Storage Pickup & Delivery - Oregon
Service Restrictions: Between points within 25 road miles of Portland and all points in Oregon, except points in Klamath County.
Pruitt Transfer
Phone: 541-451-1795
Service Restrictions: Between points in Marion, Linn, and Benton Counties on the one hand, and all points in Oregon on the other.
Rex Myers Transfer
Phone: 541-747-1201
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Rogue Valley Storage Company
Phone: 541-772-4444
Service Restrictions: Between points in Jackson County and all points in Oregon.
Rose City Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-285-8100
Service Restrictions: Between points within 15 road miles of Portland, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.
SSTG
Service Restrictions: Between points in Benton and Lane Counties, on the one hand, and SSTG´s warehouse in Multnomah County, on the other hand. Restricted to transporting goods in SSTG´s storage vault containers packed, locked, and unpacked by shipper with pickup restricted to May, June, or July and delivery restricted to August, September, or October. Between SSTG´s warehouse in Multnomah County, on the one hand, and points in Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, on the other hand.
Sauter´s Moving & Storage Company
Phone: 541-298-5581
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Southern Oregon Moving Systems
Phone: 541-618-9642 800-716-1333
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Southern Oregon Transfer & Storage
Phone: 541-476-4439
Service Restrictions: Between 50 road miles of Grants Pass and all points in Oregon, except no service from points within five road miles of Medford.
Stanton Transfer & Storage
Phone: 208-642-2331
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Star Transfer
Phone: 503-364-9136
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
Swartz Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-288-6565 800-547-6953
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
T P Freight Lines
Phone: 503-842-2574
Service Restrictions: Between points in Clatsop and Tillamook Counties and all points in Oregon.
Tri-County Moving
Phone: 503-640-0855
Service Restrictions: Within 25 road miles of Portland.
US Transfer Company
Phone: 541-269-1255
Service Restrictions: Between points within 50 road miles of North Bend, on the one hand and all points in Oregon, on the other.
WDI Company of Oregon
Phone: 503-684-4934 800-275-9543
Service Restrictions: Unrestricted.
West Side Moving & Storage Company
Phone: 503-684-0055 800-597-6683
Woodburn Moving & Storage
Phone: 503-463-6833 800-377-7062
Service Restrictions: Between points within 25 road miles of Woodburn, on the one hand, and all points in Oregon, on the other.

Movers (State to State, Across the Country)

Allied Van Lines
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country, International
Allied Van Lines, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 4403, Chicago, IL 60680-4403
Phone: 1 (800) 823-0755
Website: http://www.alliedvan.com
License: USDOT #076235
United Van Lines
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country
United Van Lines Customer Service
Address: One United Drive, Fenton, MO 63026
Phone: 1 (800) 948-4885
Website: http://www.unitedvanlines.com/
License: USDOT #077949, ICC #MC-67234, USDOT #077949
Trans American Van Lines
Moves: In State, Across the Country
Trans American Van Lines, Inc.
Address: 17707 NW Miami Ct., Suite 6, North Miami, FL 33169
Phone: 1 (800) 492-2419
Website: http://www.transamericanvanlines.com
License: Call Customer Service
Mayflower
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country
Mayflower Customer Service
Address: One Mayflower Drive, Fenton, MO 63026
Phone: 1 (800) 241-1321
Website: http://www.mayflower.com
License: USDOT #125563, ICC #FF-672
Atlantis Van Lines
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country
Atlantis Van Lines is a full service moving company.
Address: 107 South East Washington Suite - 214J Portland OR, 97214
Phone: 1 (866) 727-6995
Phone: (503) 235-6995
License: PRC-60433, ICCMC-424552, USDOT 1022698
Allstate Van Lines
Moves: Within Portland, Within Oregon & Across the Country
Phone: 888-595-1999
Nationwide Van Lines
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country
Phone: 1 (800) 310-0056
All American Movers
Moves: State to State, Across the United States
Phone: (503) 232-6683
Address: 701 SE Woodward, Portland, OR 97202
Website: http://www.portlandmoving.com
License: ODOT - #201032

Small Moves (Packaging, Shipping)

Navis Small-Moves
Moves: State to State, Across the United States
Address: 5675 DTC Blvd, Suite 280, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 1 (877) 305-8867
Website: http://www.small-moves.com
Mini Moves
Moves: State to State, Across the United States
Phone: 1 (800) 300-6683
Website: http://www.minimoves.com
License: ML#: 268180

Move Yourself

Penske
Penske allows you to lease/rent their trucks for moving state to state or within their service areas. You pick up the truck, you load the truck, you drive the truck and you drop off the truck.
Address: 1325 NW 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 226-7971
Phone: 1 (800) 467-3675
Website: http://www.pensketruckleasing.com
UHaul
UHaul allows you to lease/rent their trucks for moving state to state or within their service areas. You pick up the truck, you load the truck, you drive the truck and you drop off the truck.
Address: 4831 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97206
Phone: (503) 774-1171
Phone: 1 (800) 468-4285
Website: http://www.uhaul.com
Budget Truck Rental
Budget allows you to lease/rent their trucks for moving state to state or within their service areas. You pick up the truck, you load the truck, you drive the truck and you drop off the truck.
Budget of Portland, 4TH AVE
Address: 2033 SW 4TH Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 222-5421
Website: http://www.budget.com
Ryder Truck Rental
Ryder allows you to lease/rent their trucks for moving state to state or within their service areas. You pick up the truck, you load the truck, you drive the truck and you drop off the truck.
Portland Ryder Location
Address: 310 N. Columbia Blvd., PORTLAND, OR 97217
Phone: (503) 283-1121 (Rental)
Phone: 1 (800) BY-RYDER
Website: http://www.ryder.com
Hertz Truck Rental
Hertz Trucks Customer Service
Address: 225 Brae Blvd., Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Phone: 1 (888) 999-5500
Website: http://www.hertz.com

International Movers

Allied Van Lines
Moves: In State, State to State, Across the Country, International
Allied Van Lines, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 4403, Chicago, IL 60680-4403
Phone: 1 (800) 823-0755
Website: http://www.alliedvan.com
Patriot Moving
Moves: State to State, International
Patriot Moving Inc.
Address: 1660 NE Miami Gardens, Suite #8, N. Miami Beach, FL 33179
Phone: 1 (800) 722-9775
Website: http://www.patriotmoving.com

Storage Companies

Priestley & Sons Moving & Storage Inc
Moves: Priestley & Sons is a local moving and storage company.
Phone: (503) 232-3332
Address: 2255 NW Birdsdale, Gresham, Oregon (202nd)
Website: http://www.priestleymoving.com
License: ODOT #142126, DOT #103323, MC #109065
Rose City Moving & Storage
Moves: Rose City Moving is a local moving & storage company.
Phone: (503) 285-8100
Address: 5130 N Basin Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Website: http://www.rosecitymoving.com
License: Call Customer Service

Portland Moving Resources Online

ODOT Consumer Moving Guide
http://egov.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/MOVING.shtml
The ODOT provides a thorough consumer moving guide with hotlines and details regarding the process and implications of moving within Oregon.
US Postal Service Online
http://www.usps.com
The US Postal Service has a great online movers guide complete with address change forms, resources for packing supplies and numerous discount offers from advertising affiliates.
Oregon DMV
http://www.oregondmv.com
The Oregon Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles has a wonderful website for people who have recently moved to Oregon. Getting your Oregon Driver’s License, registering your car and registering to vote can all be done through the Oregon DMV with processes outlined online.
Monstermoving.com
http://www.monstermoving.com
Monstermoving.com has a myriad of services they provide online. Their services include moving calculators, moving checklists, moving company referrals and resources for storing your goods.
Moversdirectory.com
http://www.moversdirectory.com
Moversdirectory.com offers users the ability to receive quotes online. Choose Oregon or the state you wish to move to and the site will pull up a handful of movers who can provide you quotes online or whom you can call directly.
Moving.com
http://www.moving.com
Moving.com includes many of the same services as Monstermoving.com. Similar to Monster moving they have moving calculators, multiple moving tools, articles and online resources for storage and identifying a mover.
Homefair.com
http://www.homefair.com
Homefair has great state and local moving calculators as well as many of the same resources as Monstermoving.com and Moving.com.

Checklist & Packing Tips

First and foremost, use good, sturdy packing materials. Sturdy, strong boxes, quality packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are some of the essentials. All of these materials can be purchased at local moving or storage companies such as U-haul, Penske and Public Storage. If you prefer to shop online try www.allboxes.com. If you are trying to save a buck look for wholesale companies local to you who offer the public used boxes they don’t have plans for.

Materials Checklist
Here is a list of tools and materials which you should have for packing.

Utility knife or scissors
Dark, water resistant marker
Boxes
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Packing Peanuts
Furniture Wrap

Once you have all the materials you need to pack your belongings pack one room at a time. You may want to begin with a room which is in the path of your move. By packing one room at a time you can ensure that the labeling you apply to your boxes is correctly associated with the room it belongs to. Because belongings are sometimes lost or stolen during moves, cataloging your belongings by room makes it easier to determine what is missing.

Labeling your Boxes
When labeling your boxes include the room from which the belongings come and whether the belongings are breakable, sentimental or have any associated parts in another room packed separately. If you keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box you not only make identifying lost items easier, but you can make unpacking the items easier as well.

Packing and Moving Furniture
Make sure to empty all the drawers of furniture you plan to move. Simple logic would tell you that taping the drawers shut and keeping the belongings in the furniture would make for a more efficient move. The reality is that the majority of damages to furniture and belongings during a move occur when drawers or belongings within the furniture fall out while moving. You may also want to think about removing knobs, feet or any removal fixtures prior to moving.
If you can afford to purchase furniture wrapping I advise it. Using the wrapping on sofa cushions and any furniture with fabric can save you from stains and snags.

10 Tips on Packing, Loading and Moving your belongings:

Plan ahead. Pack a bag full of clothes, food and other items you will need upon arrival or during your travel.
Do not pack articles which are sensitive to heat or flammable. Such goods include candles, audio equipment, computer equipment, propane tanks, aerosol cans and some household cleaning products.
Pack heavier items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top.
Don’t over pack boxes. Ensure the volume of the boxes keeps items in place, but ensure the weight is not so much it breaks the box or is impossible to carry.
Place heavy items in small boxes.
When packing up a truck, place items you need most in last. Such items may include kitchen items, kid’s toys, tools and telephones.
If you are moving your refrigerator make sure to empty it the day before you move. Make sure to defrost the refrigerator, empty the drainage pan and the automatic ice maker.
If you are packing up the truck ensure your belongings are strapped and are stable enough to remain in place when forced to break suddenly or travel over bumpy roads. Use Blankets, bungee chords and straps.
When moving plants, ensure you afford them air, relief from heat and the appropriate amounts of water. Treat the plants the same way on your trip as you do when they are in or around your home.
Take your time and be overly cautious. Inevitably your belongings and you will arrive at your new home and it is better to arrive with everything intact.

Moving Schedule Tips and Checklist

One Month Before Moving

Identify and Plan your moving budget
Identify and Finalize your real estate and/or rental needs.
Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself.
Make travel arrangements (airline, hotel, and rental car reservations)
Plan your travel route if driving.
Gather moving supplies (boxes, tape, rope, labels)
Obtain an IRS Change of Address form (call 1-800-829-1040)
Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
Give out your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards):
1. Friends and family members
2. Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
3. Charge card and credit card companies
4. Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
5. State and Federal Tax authorities
6. IRS
Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).

Two Weeks Before Moving

Inform current gas, electric, water, cable, telephone and trash removal services of your move.
Sign up for utility services at your new address.
Get new cable or satellite service for your new home.
Sign up for long distance service at your new address.
Identify movers for your moving-day if not using a full service company.
Confirm travel reservation.
Close or transfer your bank account (if applicable)

1 Day Before Moving

Organize moving materials (tape measure, pocket knife, boxes, tape & markers.
Pick up rental truck.
Check oil and gas in your car.
If traveling, make sure you have your itinerary, credit cards, and other essentials.

After Moving/Relocating

The First Week After Moving

Set up all Utilities (see pdxhomes.com utility list)
Locate police fire stations, hospitals and gas stations near your home.
Identify Shopping venues and local resources.
Call Waste Management to find out which day the trash is collected.
Also ask whether your area has specific recycling programs.
Take the time to clean your new home.
Walk & Drive your new neighborhood. Become familiar with your surroundings.
Identify local banks, dry cleaners, veterinarians and health services.
Register to vote. You can do so upon receiving your Oregon Driver’s License.
If you are moving to Oregon from out of state contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to exchange your driver's license.
Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on: schools, cultural events and community activities, Libraries and parks, and availability of emergency calling services, such as 911.

Weeks after Moving

Identify and provide new doctors and dentist with your medical history.
(You may need to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.)
Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community.
Make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and inform your provider.
Identify dog parks, dog leash laws, local recreation facilities and gyms near your new home.

Moving can be stressful. Always watch for effects the move may have on your family and pets. If you believe any of your family members could use counseling ask your local doctor for referrals.

Books about Moving

Steiner's Complete How-To-Move Handbook by Shari Steiner (Contributor), et al (Paperback)
Smart Moves: Your Guide through the Emotional Maze of Relocation by Nadia Jensen, Audrey McCollum, and Stuart Copans. Smith & Krauss.
Smooth Moves by Ellen Carlisle (Paperback)
The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day (First Time Books) by Stan Bernstein, Jan Bernstein (Paperback)
Organized Mover by DL Harris (Spiral-bound)
Goodbye House by Frank Asch (Author) (Paperback)

Moving Facts

One-sixth of all Americans, an estimated 43 million people, move each year. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Approximately 17 percent of the total U.S. population moves each year, which is more than any other country. Australia ranks second in annual citizen moves with 10.4 percent. (U.S. Census Bureau)
An estimated 13 million children up to age 19 move each year. (U.S. Census Bureau)
The average American moves 12 times in a lifetime. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Almost half of all moves occur between the beginning of May and Labor Day. (American Moving and Storage Association)
Approximately 40 percent of all moves are corporate relocations, 42 percent are personal moves, and 18 percent are military or government relocations. (American Moving and Storage Association)
Moving is the third most stressful event in life following death and divorce. (Employee Relocation Council)
The typical moving customer is a married couple between the ages of 25 and 44, with one or two children between the ages of 2 and 11.

Moving with a Pet

A move is as stressful for your four-legged family members as it is for everybody else. It is important to make the transition and the move itself as easy as possible for your pet.
Things to Remember when Moving with a Pet:

Keep identification on the pet at all times.
Keep your pet’s diet and routine as close to normal as possible leading up to the move and during the move.
Before you move take you pet to the veterinarian. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and get copies of your pet’s records. You may also ask whether your current vet knows a veterinarian in the area you are moving to. You can call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301 for the names of accredited veterinarians near your new home.
Different states and counties have different laws and regulations regarding animals. You may want to ask a local veterinarian what regulations apply to your pet.
If you're flying with your pet or shipping them air cargo, investigate your airline's policy regarding pet care. Also, plan ahead: many airlines have stopped accepting pets during the summer months because of concern about the heat on tarmacs.