6 Things Movers Want You to Know

Moving day brings chaos and stress. However, better organization ahead of time makes for an easier, safer, and smoother move. Here are six things movers want you to know before moving day arrives.

1. Certain Items Cannot Go in the Moving Truck

Certain items are dangerous to place in a moving truck or are not permitted by law. Items customers should plan to move themselves include perishable foods, plants, hazardous materials, and gasoline (including the gas already added to yard equipment and tools—this must be drained before loading). Also, pets are not permitted on the moving truck. Always ask the mover before moving day for a list of non-allowable items to provide enough time to make alternate plans to move these things.

2. Complete Packing Before Moving Day

Unless the customer has hired a full-service moving package that includes boxing up belongings, movers expect them to have everything boxed and ready to load on the truck. Movers who have to do unanticipated packing, or wait for customers to do it, will likely have an additional charge to their moving bill. To avoid being unprepared, set a packing schedule ahead of time and stick to it.

3. Pack and Carry Valuables

Movers prefer their customers to carry their most cherished valuables themselves to their new homes. Therefore, items such as bank cards, cash, jewelry, family heirlooms, important documents, and small electronics should go in your car with you. 

4. Keep Kids and Pets Safe

Many people often don’t make alternate plans for their small children and pets, thinking they’ll be able to keep an eye on them easily. Unfortunately, moving day can be pretty hectic, and it’s easy for children and pets to get underfoot. This puts both them and the mover in harm’s way. Movers are highly trained to practice safety at all times. However, when carrying bulky items it’s difficult to see if a small body gets underfoot.  Ideally, movers like it when customers hire a babysitter, bring pets to another location, or have a designated person to watch children and pets.

5. Label Each Box With Detail

Customers who are packing their belongings themselves will be the ones labeling the contents. Movers want their customers to know it’s best to label each container in detail—this includes contents, special handling instructions, and what room it belongs in on the other end of the move. This way, the movers can make sure the box is handled correctly and arrives at the correct room. Doing this saves everyone time and makes the task of unpacking so much easier for the customer.

6. Let Movers Know ASAP of Any Changes

If plans change, such as the date or the number of items to be moved, let the mover know ASAP. This could impact the type of equipment and the number of crew members needed to do the job. If the change is significant, there might be unexpected charges, especially if the difference is time-consuming or results in additional or bulky items that they need to move.

Moving Made Easy

We love it when our customers are communicative and ask questions to clarify moving details. So if you have any other questions regarding an upcoming move or would like an estimate, give us a call today.

 

 

 

How to Pack Seasonal Clothing and Outerwear for Your Next Move

Packing your clothes when you move may seem straightforward –throw them all in a box, and you’re done.

Seasonal clothing and outerwear can be different. They’re bigger, and sometimes they come in odd sizes.

Here are a few tips to minimize bulk and protect your clothing for your residential move.

Clean Up

Before you start packing, you should take a moment to inspect your clothing for dirt, debris, or damage. Gardening and sports gear, in particular, tend to pick up dirt and grime. Spot-treat them before washing.

Check out the wear of each item, even if it’s relatively new. A big hole might be easier to fix now, especially if you have the time.

Since you might not look at these until next year, it’s wise not to skip this step. You may have a more challenging time removing stains once they set in.

Dry It Out

When you pack up your clothing for the season, you’re probably going to put it somewhere without a lot of light or air. It’s a nightmare for any item that is even slightly damp. You could end up with mildew, mold, or worse.

After washing clothing, allow it to dry out thoroughly. Next, remove boot liners and turn gloves inside out.

If you’re washing these items near moving day, make sure your clothes are completely dry before packing them. The last thing you need in your new home is a moldy mess.

Choose Appropriate Packaging

If possible, try to pack your seasonal clothing into fabric bags that breathe. Linen or cotton will allow your items to air out naturally, which minimizes mildew or musty odors.

Plastic can leach colors into your clothes, especially if they get hot. Consider clear boxes and wrapping items in tissue paper to protect them. Then you can place the clear bin in a moving carton.

If you have one, empty suitcases are great for out-of-season clothes. They’ll keep your items in shape, and they breathe.

Protect Your Clothing

For specialty items, you might want to consider using garment bags. But, first, review how to pack a garment bag, especially for dress coats that might wrinkle or crease in a box.

Although you’re generally trying to maximize space while packing, take care with expensive gear. A $300 specialty hiking jacket is worth the investment.

You can get special wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. That way, you don’t have to fold them in the box, and they’ll be easy to hang up when you arrive.

Try Space Savers

If you have bulky clothing, you don’t need a huge box for it. Instead, get a handful of space-saving bags in various sizes. You may have no idea how much those puffy coats and sweaters will compact under vacuum pressure.

Never used them before? Learning how to use space savers takes a little time, but you’ll catch on quickly.

Keep in mind that these bags only work for puffy clothing and linens that don’t wrinkle easily. And they definitely need to be clean and dry before you put them in.

Packing Up

Packing seasonal clothing is a lot easier when you have the right tools and tips to help you start. To learn more about how you can make your move run smoothly, contact us today.

How to Protect Your Hands While You Pack

Most of the time, the best tool you have for packing is your hands. 

The trick is to keep your hands in good condition throughout the packing and moving process. There are a lot of things about packing that can put them at risk.

With these tips, you can make sure that you don’t put your hands at risk of injury or fatigue.

Use a Variety of Protective Gear

As you pack, you’ll encounter lots of dust, dirt, and strange things. The best way to protect your hands is to prevent contact with anything unusual. You’ll probably need more than one type of gloves:

• Nitrile, vinyl, or plastic gloves for light or delicate work
• Lightly protective gloves, like those you use for gardening
• Heavy-duty gloves for loading and unloading, especially appliances

If you’re not sure what makes a good pair of work gloves, do a little research. And don’t forget to try them on. Gloves that don’t fit are less effective.

Handle Items With Care

Gloves are helpful, but they’re not bulletproof. If you’re reaching into random boxes without looking, you might end up puncturing the glove (or your skin).

When you’re packing things like knives or sharp tools, wrap the end in plastic or bubble wrap first. Set aside a time that you can focus on the task.

Extra care also applies to staging boxes or appliances. If you don’t look where you are going, you might crush your hand against a wall.

Moisturize Regularly

Your hands might feel dry, cracked, or sore. Moisturizing them can help to cut down on the damage. It also keeps your fingers limber.

If you’re not used to taking care of your hands, now’s a good time to build a routine. Every time you wash your hands, add a little moisturizer.

Remember that moisturizers might add oils to your hands. That’s another good reason to put on gloves afterward.

Attend to Cuts and Scrapes

Moving isn’t always the safest activity. As the main tools for the job, your hands can take a beating. By the end of the day, you might have a few cuts and scrapes you need to attend to.

It’s tempting to push through it, but you need your hands. Take time to clean your wounds. Add an antibacterial ointment and a light bandage. 

Look for Reactions

Sorting, packing, and cleaning stir up all kinds of things, especially allergens. If you have contact allergies, you’ll want to protect yourself in advance.

Even if you don’t know of any allergies, it’s wise to look for signs of a reaction. Sometimes overexposure can turn a slight intolerance into an allergy.

Allergies cause redness, itching, and swelling. If you experience any of these, stop the activity and take a break. If the reaction spreads or gets worse quickly, consult a doctor.

Moving Help

Protecting your hands makes it easier for you to unpack when you get to your new home. Request a quote to learn how you can save yourself a lot of work during the moving process.

 

How to Pack Clothes Safely Before the Moving Trucks Arrive 

If you are planning to move in the coming months, ask yourself this question. Are you comfortable throwing delicate and expensive wardrobe items in bags and boxes? The time and energy you put into selecting clothes that reflect your style and personality have intrinsic value. They’re also costly to replace if you can find new ones.

Lack of planning for transporting clothes often results in rushed packing that leaves prized party dresses, three-piece suits, and evening attire wrinkled and sometimes damaged. Rather than feel remorse after garments are ruined, there are professional-level steps you can take. The following packing tips can ensure your favorite outfit survives the move.

Take a Moment to Get Clothes Organized

Consider moving to another neighborhood or community as an opportunity to leave underused clothes behind. Those 11 socks that no longer have a match, the slighted stained sweatshirt you forget to toss, and the slacks and shirts that no longer fit comfortably have no business making the trip.

Start by taking items out of drawers and spreading them on a bed or table. Create a pile for things that no longer serve a purpose. As this process unfolds, organize others into groups that make sense to pack together. This may include whites, silk, suits, athletic wear, dresses, and undergarments, among others. The point is to group like items that will later get properly folded and packed together. This strategy will also save time unpacking on the other end.

How to Fold Clothes When Moving

Although many people have a preferred method of folding clothes, not every garment is created equal. Most people wouldn’t fold expensive business attire the same way they handle T-shirts. Beyond your tried-and-true technique, it may be worthwhile to match the folding process with the item. Consider the following approaches to ensure your wardrobe’s safe journey.

• Flat Fold Technique: This commonly used option involves laying an item on a flat surface. Managing a blouse, for example, would require you to fold the sleeves inward and then smooth out any wrinkles. Then the bottom is folded toward the top, and the wrinkles are again removed. You can now layer flat-folded items on top of each other for efficient packaging.
• Military Roll: This technique works effectively for people with lots of T-shirts. Lay the shirt on a flat surface, fold the sleeves toward the middle, and fold the entire shirt over vertically. As the moniker suggests, grip it from the bottom and roll tightly. You can secure it in this position with an elastic band for space-efficient packing.

Another strategy that proves valuable involves “as-is” packing. Use wardrobe boxes. It’s like using portable closets with hangers and garment bags; dresses, suits, and other attire won’t go through the folding process.

Packaging That Help Keep Clothes Safe

The old garbage bag may fit plenty of items but rarely is the safest standalone way to transport clothes. But using a large plastic bag as a cardboard box liner adds a layer of protection in the event it rains on moving day or someone spills a coffee. It might be best for you to secure fragile and pricey garments in wardrobe boxes. Garment bags that allow users to vacuum out air for a tight, secure seal minimize the risk of items getting wet or soiled.

Moving Help

It’s not unusual for people to organize, fold, and pack their wardrobe before the professional movers arrive. But if you feel overwhelmed by the process, full-service moving companies can take on this and other tasks. If you prefer to relax and delegate the packing to professionals, reach out to us for a budget-friendly quote.

How to Dress for Packing Success

When you start packing, you might think that throwing on some comfortable clothes is enough. In many cases, it might be acceptable. But in other situations, you may have wished you had selected better.

When you’re packing a lot, you might need different gear based on the item or circumstance. Sometimes the conditions of the space call for better protection.

Here are a few tips to help you determine what you should wear while you pack everything for your move.

Choose Clothes That Fit

Before you start packing your clothing, make sure to leave some out for the packing process. Packing can be a workout, so it’s wise to choose clothes for exercise.

If you haven’t worn them in a while, don’t assume that they will fit well. Try the clothes on to confirm that they are comfortable to wear.

You might have lots of lifting ahead of you. It might be worth selecting or investing in a few pieces that wick away moisture. That way, you won’t wear the sweat as you pick up momentum.

Aim for Comfortable Movement

As you select a few items for your packing gear, remember that clothing that is too loose can be a problem as well as too tight. Avoid things that hang off you so that they can catch on boxes or hangers.

Although you’ll probably pack only a few boxes each day, it’s best to change before you start. If you worry about staining or damaging work clothing, you’ll slow down.

Make It Easy to Wash

At the end of a long day of packing, it’s great to throw your clothes in the wash. That way, they’re ready to wear the next day.

But do you know how to wash them? Can you avoid damaging them?

When you browse through laundry tips, keep in mind that delicate items need special care. You’re probably too busy for complicated washing, so it’s wise to choose clothes that don’t need them. Even basic cotton can shrink a ton.

Take Care of Your Hair and Face

Packing tends to be a dirty, sweaty activity. That’s why you may want to dress like you’re about to do some serious yard work. Add protective eyewear or a mask if you need it.

If you have longer hair, pull it back. Even chin-length hair can get in the way, attracting dust and dripping sweat into your eyes. Don’t hesitate to grab a bobby pin, barrette, or headband to keep it out of the way.

Don’t Forget Shoes

You might think that shoes are an afterthought. But they are probably the most critical choice.

When you stand for hours, supportive shoes can prevent strain on your back and legs. Closed-toed shoes keep you from catching your toes on boxes or furniture.

If you decide to buy new shoes, give them a few days of wear to break them in. Remember that your feet swell if you stand for long periods. Buy the right size, so they don’t squeeze your feet.

If you wear the proper clothing, you may find that packing is easier. When you’re ready to schedule your next move, and you want to hire an expert, contact us to request a price quote.

How to Move With Kids  

Now that you’ve found the perfect home for you and your family, it’s time to pack up and move. Moving is always challenging, but doing it with kids adds more complexity. You need to get the move completed – but you also need to make sure your kids are cared for. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can make sure your move goes well, and your kids are alright throughout the process.

Moving With Kids – Helpful Tips

1. Talk to them about the move early and often.

The last thing you want is to spring a move on your kids if you can help it. Make sure you discuss the move with them so that they are not suddenly surprised. Tell them why your family needs to move and try to get them excited about it. Answer all of their questions and talk about how they are frequently feeling. The idea of moving is often scary and overwhelming for children, so it’s important to let them know that you’re there for them and things will be ok.

2. Start preparing for the move early.

Moving is easier when you have a good plan and give yourself enough time to take care of everything. Since you are moving with kids, you will have even more on your plate than the typical mover. If you can, try to start planning several months and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given period.

3. Give your kids tasks so they can feel like part of the team.

Your kids will be more invested in the relocation if they get to participate in the process. Giving them tasks and responsibilities will also help you keep track of where they are and what they are doing; instead of packing up the living room alone while finding ways to occupy themselves, have them help you. The only caveat here is that you want to try to stay on schedule. You may need to get creative with assigning tasks and keeping them on task, depending on their age and attention span.

4. Consider having someone watch them when needed.

It’s a balancing act to keep kids engaged and to also make progress with packing and moving. While sometimes you will want to have them help so it’s a family affair, other times you will likely want kid-free time to get things done. Find someone reliable ahead of time that will help you out by watching the kids when necessary.

5. Hire a professional moving company.

If you want to streamline your move and give your kids the attention and care they need, hiring movers is the way to go. While it can be more expensive than doing it all yourself, it also frees up your time considerably. You tell them what you want and need, and they take care of the rest. That allows you to make sure your kids are fed, safely transported, and entertained throughout the relocation. You can focus on being a parent while the movers focus on what they do best.

Let Us Help with Your Move

If you are planning to move with kids, we are here to help. Our professional moving team can help you get where you need to go quickly and smoothly – while you focus on caring for your family. Please contact us now to learn more.

Moving long distance is different from moving across town or to a city within driving range. You’ll have to plan and pack very differently. Most people are unlikely to be equipped to go the DIY route for a long-distance move and contract with a professional moving company.

Long-distance moves are harder to scale back on moving costs when compared with local moves, but there are a few ways you can reduce costs. Here are some tips to help put some money back into your wallet.

Choose an Off-Peak Moving Date

Not everyone has flexibility, but if you can select a moving date, choose an off-peak time. Summer rates are the highest – try not to plan a move between early May and Labor Day. Also, avoid moving during weekends or national holidays as movers are usually in higher demand during these times.

Get Several Estimates

Get at least three estimates from movers. Keep in mind; the lowest estimate isn’t always the best estimate. Be sure to ask detailed questions, inquire about extra fees, and know what services are included in the price. Get everything in writing.

Book Your Move ASAP

Once you’ve identified the moving company you want to hire, book your move date ASAP. The sooner you book and lock in your price; you can avoid paying higher fees. Moving is much like booking a last-minute flight; reserving at the final hour will generally result in much higher costs. However, reserving your moving slot in advance will help to get you the very best price.

Downsize Possessions

Make it a goal to declutter your home before you pack. Once you’ve identified belongings you no longer need — donate, sell, or discard these items. Additionally, take it a step further and identify possessions you can easily replace once you arrive at your new home. Consider leaving inexpensive bulky furniture behind because it may cost more to move these long-distance than it would to buy new.

Consolidate Your Shipment

Moving companies will often move several customers at once. It’s more efficient and saves on transportation costs. These costs are then passed onto the customers. If you have the flexibility and don’t need your items immediately, consider allowing yourself to be moved with several other customers. It might take a little longer, but you’ll get a better price.

Discounts

As with any other purchase you make, keep an eye out for coupons, promotions, seasonal deals, military or senior discounts, or any additional markdown you may be eligible to receive. Also, see if your employer offers relocation assistance.

Save on Packing Materials

Once you know you’re moving, start turning an eye towards packing materials. Start collecting boxes (grocery and liquor stores often have sturdy boxes), ask family and friends who have recently moved if they have leftover packing supplies, and look for sales for new materials. Also, double up using dresser drawers (light items only), suitcases, hampers, and other empty containers you can fill.

Movers Can Help

Are you looking for an affordable long-distance move? Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.

 

 

4 Keys to Keeping Your Employees Productive During a Move

Whether you find your business outgrowing your physical location or see growth potential in a new site, relocating your business may be necessary for your operation. Moving your business inevitably comes along with risks. However, with the proper planning in place, keeping your employees productive through the transition doesn’t have to be one of them.

1. Designate Teams to Handle Certain Aspects of the Move

Right from the beginning, when you know the move is looming, start planning employee schedules. You will naturally have some employees tending to business as usual but allocate everyone else to other pertinent projects. For example, you may choose to designate teams of employees that will handle:

• Disassembly of office furniture
• Scanning physical files to create digital backups
• Cleaning the cubicles as the equipment is moved out
• Setup at the new place of business
• Handling incoming calls from clients or customers

2. Create Work-from-Home Employees

Working from home has grown to be a common thing in today’s business, tech-savvy landscape. In fact, since 2020, one survey found that 80 percent of company leaders intended to have some employees working part-time from home. By transitioning some of the logical positions to work-from-home positions, you will maintain some functionality for your business and keep those employees busy.

3. Communicate with Your Team Daily

Excellent communication is vital during the process of the move. Start your days amid the action with a good group meeting to cover the day’s goals and make sure every employee understands their assigned role at any given time. Just as you need to know what to expect to stay productive during the move, your employees will as well.

4. Consider an Intermittent Workplace Setup

In some cases, having an alternate workplace setup during the move can allow the business to continue while the move takes place in the background. You could rent a small office space where a group of your employees can continue to work or even just block off a specific part of your existing place of business where work will continue. For certain business operations, the intermittent setup will be a must. For example, a medical practice may need to continue to see patients while the transition is taking place.

5. Hire Help So Employees Can Handle Business-Related Tasks

If you must keep your business going for the bulk of the time amid the move, you may not be able to pull employees from their usual positions to help with moving-related projects. In these situations, having professional movers doing the heavy lifting while your employees remain productive can work out exceptionally well. Your staff can tend to your clients’ and customers’ needs while the movers work in the background to get your business packed up and relocated.

Enlist the Help of Professional Movers for Your Business Relocation

A business move can come along with a few added challenges compared to residential relocation, but professional movers can help just the same, if not more so. If you need help with your next business move, be sure to reach out to us for a free moving quote.

 

Moving On Short Notice? No Worries! 6 Tips for a Successful Relocation

The only thing harder than packing for a relocation is packing in a hurry! 

Rushing through a move can cause stress. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make your upcoming relocation take less time. Moving in a hurry can be done, but you’ve got to stay calm, get organized, and handle the many tasks of your relocation as quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Rid of Things – Fast!

The more stuff you have to pack and move, the harder it is to move quickly. The trick to relocating on a tight deadline is to get rid of as much as you can fast. Whether that means donating unwanted clothes to charity, recycling old broken pieces of technology, or taking your old stacks of bills to the shredder, it’s essential to get rid of as much as you can, quickly. Work with members of your household to go through your unwanted items in a weekend.

2. Don’t Sort, Just Pack

Sorting takes time.  Pack everything in your house where it stands, whether it’s in a drawer, a chest, or a pile in your living room. You can clean and sort later, once you’re in your new home.

3. Keep Ample Packing Supplies On Hand

You’ll want to spend as much time packing as possible and spend very little time looking for the scissors or permanent markers. Keep enough packing supplies on hand that you’ll never have to wander around your house looking for that one roll of packing tape. Also, be sure to keep boxes of all sizes available for use. Having just the right size box at all times makes it easier to pack in a hurry.

4. Stay Calm and Take Care of Yourself

Don’t panic! Approaching your task with a level head can help you stay focused. If you need to take a little time every day to meditate or do some yoga to help you stay in the right frame of mind: it’s worth it!

Prioritize sleeping too. Getting adequate sleep is vital for your health and your frame of mind. Research shows that nearly half of adults feel more stress if they don’t get enough sleep. Sleeping well at night will give you the energy and perspective to make your task feel more manageable.

5. Stay Organized

Staying organized is essential during any move, but it’s crucial when you’re trying to move in a hurry. There are so many steps to be taken when you move. Relocating in a hurry makes it even harder to stay organized. Keep a binder of essential papers during your relocation. This binder might have everything from the address of your new house to copies of your utility bills, information about new utilities in your new home, and other important info.

Make timelines as well, with to-do lists. Keeping lists of everything that needs to be done will help you avoid forgetting any steps.

6. Get Help From a Professional Moving Company

It’s essential and helpful to work with a professional moving company when moving in a hurry. Hire a moving company with a good reputation and full-service moving options. With a moving company doing the packing and relocation for you, you can focus more on health and family during your relocation and less on packing.

Contact us today for a quote. We can assist with your short-notice relocation.

 

Moving Tips: Ways to Refresh a Bathroom While on a Budget

Are you getting ready to make a household move? Are you taking a look around to determine what will help your house sell quicker? Maybe your tired bathroom needs some TLC to entice the ideal buyer. The problem is you don’t have $10,000+ to spend on an update. 

Fortunately, there are ways to transform the look of your bathroom without spending the big bucks. Focusing on smaller changes, such as cosmetic ones, can make a huge difference. 

Here are seven ways to refresh a bathroom on a budget:

1. Update Fixtures

You can upgrade your bathroom’s look by adding new fixtures like faucets, drawer pulls, and towel racks. Some fixtures can be pricey, but you can save money purchasing used ones. Check eBay, Craigslist, and Habitat ReStore as starting points. A quick Google search often also yields dozens of businesses that sell used fixtures. If you want to buy new, warehouse stores often sell high-quality fixtures at reasonable prices.

2. Add a DIY Vanity

If you’re looking at a circa the 1980s or 1990s vanity, it’s time to swap it out. Rather than buy an inexpensive generic vanity at your local big-box store, be unique and make it a DIY project. Try upcycling an old dresser, vintage table, end table, or build your own.

3. Freshen up With Paint

Paint is one of the best ways to refresh any room on a budget — bathrooms take a little extra patience due to all of the detail. Make sure you buy quality paint that withstands mildew and mold, which will cost a bit extra but is well worth the investment.

4. Add Flair to Your Mirror

If you’re looking to make a big style statement, invest some of your budgeted money in a mirror. You’ll find there are many choices.

• Framed or frameless
• Round or rectangle
• Single or multiple

When making your style choices, remember to keep your mirror’s size, style, and placement in proportion with your vanity. If you’re planning to keep the existing mirror, change it up by painting the frame, adding decorative tile around its perimeter, or adding other embellishments.

5. Class Things up With Glass

Glass adds a sleek, modern look to any tired bathroom. Add glass shelves above your toilet to be purely decorative or practical, depending on your space and needs. For additional function and style, install a glass shower shelf as well. During the installation of glass, pay careful attention to directions and anchor firmly.

6. Replace Outdated Lighting

Many older bathrooms have lighting that not only looks outdated but is inefficient. A chandelier or pendant light adds style and atmosphere. Cracked glass or alabaster frosted glass bulb coverings give lighting a modern look. If you have the resources, install recessed lighting in the shower. Whatever you decide, be sure to choose lighting that simulates natural light, and avoid fluorescent.

7. Add Small Touches

Even the smallest, inexpensive touches make the most significant differences. Add a colorful bath rug and a curved curtain rod (with a new shower curtain to go with it!). Freshen up the caulk and grout. Tile is expensive, but you can achieve similar results by wallpapering half your bathroom’s wall for style, texture, and color. Fresh towels and fragrant flowers also go a long way in a stylish bathroom presentation.

Brighten up for the Move

An excellent moving budget can make your big move a bit less intimidating financially. To learn about affordable moving options, call us today for a price quote.