Our Best Packing & Moving Tips

If it’s your first time moving, you’ll soon discover that it’s no easy feat.  There are special methods and procedures in place to handle your belongings safely and efficiently.  Choosing the right mover can have a huge impact on your transition.  You’ll want a knowledgeable, understanding and honest company to handle your valuables.
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Don’t know where to begin?  Our family, with almost 100 years’ experience, is sharing our top 20 packing and moving tips.  We consider these our best tips to a successful move.  Have a safe & happy moving day!

​Packing

What is packing?  Packing is a process of securing your fragile items in a cardboard carton before you move.  Your movers can pack your belongings for you or you can pack articles on your own. 
​If you’re packing yourself, consider these top 10 tips:

• Your crystal, dishware and china must be wrapped and secured in a STRONG moving box.  Dish packs are designed exclusively for this fragile ware.
• Paintings, mirrors, framed artwork and glass tops need to be packed in a mirror box.  If you’re moving long distance, crating may be required for pieces with extraordinary value.
• You can use twine to tie long-handled items together, such as brooms, rakes, curtain rods and mops.
• Flat screen televisions need to be packed.  If you still have the original box and it’s in excellent condition, it should suffice.  If not, have a professional pack it for you.
• Since books are heavy, you’ll want to pack them in smaller cartons.  If too many books are placed in a large box, it could cave in.
• Lamp bases and lamp shades must be packed separately.  Lamp shades will usually fit into medium or large boxes.  To pack a lampshade, wrap it in white paper, place alone in a carton and cushion it with extra packing material.
• White, unprinted paper is an excellent material for packing.  Don’t use newspaper or magazines as stuffing, since the ink could damage your goods.
• Your hanging clothing can go inside a wardrobe box.  Ask your mover to bring these on moving day.  You won’t need to remove your clothing from their hangers.
• Your clothing and linens are OK to stay to stay inside dresser drawers.  If you’re going into storage or moving long distance, it may be best to pack separately.
• Your canned food can be packed in advance.  Perishables are not recommended in the moving van.  Try to use up all your perishables before moving day.

​Moving

Moving is the physical relocation of your possessions from point A to point B.  Moving services include padding & stretch wrapping of furniture, dis- and re-assembly and loading-drive-unload.  Every moving company is different, so make sure you know what’s included with your relocation.

• Flammable items cannot be transported by your moving company.  These include paints, aerosol sprays, fireworks, ammunition, etc.  If you’re trying to get rid of these items, watch for hazmat removal events in your community.
• Anything gas-powered, such as lawn equipment, must be drained several days before the move.
• Plants are transferrable, but their condition may not be guaranteed.  Make sure your plant species is allowed in your new state if you’re moving long distance.
• Your moving company can only transport household goods.  Make sure you have arrangements to move your family & pets.  Keep pets away from the moving site for their safety.
• All personal valuables, such as your handbag and wallet, should be kept away from the moving site.  Since it is a movers job to clear the entire house, you don’t want these items to be accidentally packed.  Most people keep valuables locked in their car.
• Jewelry, keys, alcoholic beverages, firearms, coin collections and items on intrinsic value must be moved by you.
• Check with your real estate agent regarding your attached fixtures - such as light fixtures, built-ins and window shades - prior to transport.  You may find these were included with the sale of your home.
• Washers, dryers, refrigerators, wine coolers and/or standing freezers may need servicing before and after the move.  Contact your appliance manufacturer for special instructions.
• Your moving company should disassemble and reassemble your beds.  You do not need to roll mattresses.
• Rugs and loose carpeting can be moved.  Double check with your real estate agent if you want to move wall-to-wall carpets.

Do you have any tips?  If so, share with us and comment below!

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