Alaska Move Preparation

Choosing a Mover

Choose only a mover with an Alaska facility and an extensive understanding of Alaska shipping. Issues such as proper packaging, appropriate shipping mode, and routing will play a big part in the success of your move. Inexperienced movers are the #1 reason for damage, multiple handling and potential additional costs.

Sorting and Preparation

Sorting items that you have not used or will not need is necessary to keep you move costs in line.

Before the Driver Arrives

· Clearly identify items you don’t want the mover to load.

· Create a #1 inventory box, a clearly marked box that will contain all of the loose keys, screws, and other items that you will need to have first when the shipment delivers

· Identify special items of concern that you or your family has and discuss those with the driver.

· Know what access is like at destination

· On split deliveries, have items separated or clearly identified

· Use or give away all perishables, liquids and contaminants such as cleaning products, paint, thinners, and insecticides. Make sure items to be donated or given away are removed from your residence prior to moving day.

· Drain all gas and oil from lawn mowers, machinery, etc. and properly dispose of the fluids. Propane tanks cannot be moved and should be given away or disposed of properly.

· Make arrangements to keep your pets at a kennel or neighbor’s home on both packing and loading day.

· Leave utilities and telephone connected until the day after loading.

· Inform the post office that you are moving. Arrange for the mail to be held until you can provide a forwarding address.

· Remove all valuables- cash, jewelry, watches, gems, stamps, coins and secure prior to packing day. The mover is not liable for these items being packed or misplaced.

· Remove all items from attics and crawl spaces.

· Disconnect any electronics, including stereo systems and personal computers.

· Dust furniture to minimize chance of damage caused by dust particles.

· Keep access to hallways and rooms open for crews to work efficiently.

· Discard any open food containers.

· Empty & defrost refrigerator 24 hours before the mover arrives.

· Detach any items mounted or attached to walls (except artwork or mirrors).

· Vacuum carpets and sweep floors.

· Run dishwasher and clothes washer/dryer the night before packing & be sure to remove items so that they are not inadvertently left behind.

· Empty trashcans.

· Set aside the following items and ask the packers to pack in a specially marked box.

Coffee/Tea/ Filters/ Coffee pot/ Tea kettle
Cups, paper towels, sponges, dish towel
Toilet and facial tissue
Hand and bath towels
Soap, dishwashing liquid

· Do a walk-thru before the loading crew leaves

Next: Alaska Winter Shipping Tips

Alaska Move Preparation

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