Professional movers in California know how to pack your items for a move like no other movers in the country. Whether you want your California moving company to pack your grandma’s china set or your antique toy collection, moving companies in California can show you how it can be done right. One of the best things that you will find with moving companies in CA is that they offer a lot of California mover assistance.
We recently spoke with some movers in California and asked them to give us some tips for do-it-yourself packaging like a pro. Here is what the California movers had to offer:
Tip #1 – Gather All of Your Packing Supplies Before Your Start – One of the best things you can do for yourself is to gather up all of the boxes, packing materials, tape and markers you will need before you ever put a single thing in a box. This will help you to box things, tape up the box, and mark it, all in one place without having to look around the house for what you need. Most moving companies in California offer boxes for sale if you cannot find them elsewhere. And, the best packing material you can use is to shred your junk mail with a paper shredder! If you do not get a lot of junk mail, you can also pop some popcorn, without oil in an air popper, and use that. After you move, toss the popcorn out for the birds.
Tip #2 – Pack Light with the Heaviest Items on the Bottom- Your packed boxes should always be as light as possible, and never over about 50 pounds. When you have to carry them around in your new home, you will be happy you kept them on the lighter side. Also, pack your heaviest items on the bottom of the boxes. This helps for stability and to keep your items from being smashed in the moving process as well. California movers suggest that you pack heavy on the bottom but don’t forget to fill your boxes up completely, otherwise your items can shift around and be broken.
Tip #3 – Pack one or two boxes which will be the first unpacked at your new home and clearly mark them with the word “FIRST”. In these boxes keep your coffee maker, coffee grounds, snacks, a change of clothing, toiletries, pet foods, medications, and anything else you might want to have when you first arrive in your new home. Because of the importance of these boxes, you should either take them with you in your vehicle, or place them on the moving truck at the very last moment so that they will be unloaded first.
The California moving companies who we spoke with all suggested each of the tips you find above. For this reason, we believe they are three of the most important; and we hope that each of them will help you with your next move.
7 Top Tips for Packing Your Belongings from Atlanta Movers
If there is one thing that house movers in Atlanta, Ga. know how to do really well, it is pack valuables well for a move. Whether it is their client’s china set, or their antique furniture, moving companies in Atlanta do a great job at protecting their client’s valuable items which are in their trusted care.
An Atlanta moving company representative, who I spoke with recently, gives these seven tips for packing up your home and moving your items safely from one place to another:
Tip #1 – Gather Up All Packing Supplies Before Your Start Packing – One of the best things you can do for yourself is to gather up all of the boxes, packing materials, tape and markers you will need before you ever put a single thing in a box. This will help you to box things, tape up the box, and mark it, all in one place without having to look around the house for what you need. This will save you both time and frustration. Most moving companies in Atlanta offer boxes for sale if you cannot find them elsewhere.
Tip #2 – Pack Light – Your packed boxes should be as light as possible, and never over about 50 pounds. When you have to carry them around in your new home, you will be happy you kept them on the light side.
Tip #3 – Heavy on The Bottom – Pack your heaviest items on the bottom of the boxes. This helps for stability and to keep your items from being smashed in the moving process as well. Atlanta movers suggest that you pack heavy on the bottom but remember to fill your boxes completely.
Tip #4 – Use Your Other Items as Packing Material – Utilize any fabric items, such as towels and clothing, to wrap up fragile items in for moving. Always take advantage of items when can do double-duty for you.
Tip #5 – Use up the Empty Space You Have – One of the best moving tips is to pack items into spaces which are otherwise going to be moved empty. This includes areas like your refrigerator, your washer and dryer, and empty places in boxes which have hit their weight limit. Try to take advantage of these areas to pack light but bulky items in for moving. The same holds true for your dresser drawers – keep your clothing in them while you move them. All Atlanta moving companies will use blanket wraps around your furniture and it doesn’t matter to them if the drawers are full or empty.
Tip #6 – Tape Parts Together for Furniture – If you have disassembled furniture for your move, you will want to bag-up and tape any screws, bolts, nuts, etc… to the piece, so you can easily reassemble it once you have moved.
Tip #7 – Pack one or two boxes which will be the first unpacked at your new home and clearly mark them. In these boxes keep your coffee maker, coffee grounds, snacks, a change of clothing, toiletries, pet foods, medications, and anything else you will want when you first arrive in your new home. Either take this box with you in your vehicle, or send it in the very back of the truck to be unloaded first.
With these seven packing tips, your move should be much less stressful and you will find it much easier to unpack your items in your new home.
Chicago Movers Suggest Tips for Moving with Children
As if moving isn’t stressful enough, the thought of having to move with children (and pets) is enough to send some parents over the edge of sanity and make them want to hide in bed until the entire move is done. But, the reality is that many people have to move from one home to another and still tend to their children’s needs at the same time. While it is stressful, it is also something which can be managed with a bit of forethought.
Movers in Chicago, Il. suggest that one of the first things you should do when you are thinking about moving is to not mention it in front of young children, until you are sure that you will actually be moving. Most children are well rooted in their schools and day to day routines and do not like to hear that everything in their small world will be changing. Children fear the unknown much more than adults do, so it is important to wait until you are definitely moving to start the necessary preparation process with them. When you are calling around to hire Chicago movers, try to do it while the kids are at school.
If you, as the parent, can keep a positive attitude about moving, and try not to become too stressed out, your child will fare much better during the time of the move and the transition into their new home and school. Always be honest with your children and make sure that you answer any of the questions they ask you about your new home and how they will fit into the new area. Honesty can go a long way to making your child feel at ease about the move. And while most Chicago moving companies would like your children to be out of their way, their employees will be happy to answer some quick questions from the kids before they start.
When asked, professional movers in Chicago, Il. suggested that people moving with children pack their children’s rooms last, and plan to have them unpacked and set-up as soon as the move has happened. This will help children adjust more quickly and start to feel like they belong in their new environment.
If you will be holding a garage sale before your big moving day, Chicago moving companies suggest that you let your child help in the preparation for the sale. In addition, to allowing them to sell some of their unused toys and keep the money can be a fun way to get them involved. Another way to involve the kids is to let them sell refreshments at the sale and use the money from their sales to purchase something for their new bedroom.
Another way to let your children feel that they are part of the move is to allow them to help you pack their own belongings. While their packing will not be as professional as yours will be, they will feel secure knowing that all of their stuff has been packed and will be in their new room. And if their stuff is being packed by a Chicago moving company, let them watch as long as it is safe and they stay out of the way.
Just as moving is a stressful event for adults, it is for children as well. By letting your children be as involved as possible in the move, they will feel as positive about the process as possible. Because most Chicago movers have children of their own, they are happy to help you make the move as stress-free on your children as possible.
Houston Movers Give Advice on Choosing a Good Moving Company
If you are going to be moving to Houston, Texas soon, then it is probably about time for you started looking for a good Houston moving company to use. Home movers in Houston, Texas have relied on moving companies for many years to get their valuables from their old homes to their new ones.
To locate the best moving companies, Houston Tx. and beyond, it pays for you to do a bit of homework and investigation before hiring your mover. Here are some of the most important things you need to ask and consider when hiring a mover in the Houston, Texas area, or for anywhere else within the United States.
Get Houston Moving Company Recommendations and References
If you will be moving locally within the Houston area, or have friends and family already living there, it makes a lot of sense to ask for recommendations for moving companies in Houston, Tx. Ask people you know who they have used in the past and were happy with. If you do not have friends and family in the area, then you can always call around to moving companies and get some names a phone numbers of past clients who you can call and ask for a reference.
Get Free Quotes from at Least 3 Houston Moving Companies
Once you have an idea of which Houston moving companies you might hire to move you, then you will want to ask at least three of the moving companies to give you a free quote on how much it will cost to move you from your current location to your new one. While you do not want to simply go with the lowest price moving company, this will give you a basic idea of the cost and a bit more insight into the companies you are considering for your move.
Houston Moving Company Licensing & Insurance
Before you select a moving company, you need to verify with the company that they are licensed and insured. Ask if the moving company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association or the AMSA’s Certified Mover program. In addition ask about their insurance and what extra costs you may have to pay with regards to insurance of your valuables. Find out if something is damaged in transit, if their insurance covers actual cost or replacement cost of your items. Also, you should ask if you will be required to pay any additional fees for insurance coverage.
Houston Mover Complaint Resolution
Before you sign a contract with a moving company, ask them how they resolve customer complaints. Ask who would be your point of contact if a problem arose before, during, or after your move. See how the company answers your questions and keep these answers in mind when you are choosing your moving company.
Home Movers in Houston, Texas and Payment Arrangements
One thing you must be sure of, before moving day, is how your moving company handles their payments. Many moving companies will not accept personal checks. For this reason you will need to know if they accept credit cards or if you will have to have cash or a certified check on hand.
By keeping the above suggestions in mind, you should be able to hire a Houston moving company who will do a wonderful job moving your valuables into your new home.
5 Moving Tips from Professional San Diego Movers
Moving from one home to another can be a very stressful time for just about everyone. While it is exciting to be moving into your new home, leaving the old one can be emotionally hard as well. This is especially true if you have a lot of family memories associated with your old house. Just try to always remember that you will still have your memories, and you can start creating new ones in your new home starting with move-in day.
Now that you are for sure going to be making the big move, it is time to start packing up your belongings and getting ready for the big moving day. When you are looking for movers, San Diego or elsewhere, it is important to find just the right moving company to work with. Generally you can find the best moving companies, San Diego and all over the country for that matter, in your local Yellow Page directory or online.
Regardless of where you are moving to or from, a professional San Diego moving company employee has these five moving tips to offer you:
Tip #1 – San Diego Movers Suggest – Declutter, declutter, and then declutter more
One of the best things you can do to save you time and money when moving is to declutter and get rid of anything which you are not currently using. Start with one room and go through everything before you pack it. Make sure that you will use it at your new home, and if you will not then either sell it or donate it. It simply doesn’t pay to move things which you will never use!
Tip #2 – San Diego Movers Suggest – Gather up enough boxes for your move.
You will need tons of boxes when you move. You will most likely need way more boxes than you think you will. Consider for a moment that you have items to pack in every room of your home; from your bathroom to your garage. You can get great moving boxes on a website such as CraigsList.com.
Tip #3 – San Diego Movers Suggest – Box up your stuff one room at a time.
One of the easiest ways to unpack, once you have moved, is to pack your existing house one room at a time. This will allow you to put the boxes in their new rooms and unpack them at your leisure.
Tip #4 – San Diego Movers Suggest – Label your boxes
Keep a black permanent marker handy, and each time you fill a box, then tape it up, and write the room that it will be going into in your new home, and also a bit about what is inside the box. This will keep you from having to open multiple boxes just to find the hairdryer or a frying pan.
Tip #5 – San Diego Movers Suggest – Keep important papers and belongings with you
While most things can be moved by a moving company, you should plan on moving certain things yourself. These include your important papers, jewelry, artwork, etc… You should personally move anything with a lot of monetary value or than is easily damaged.
By keeping in mind these five tips from professional San Diego movers, you should be on your way to having a much less stressful move.
New York Movers Suggest Tips for Moving into Small Spaces
House movers, New York and beyond, all share one thing in common; they see all of the “important” items which people pay good money to move from one place to another. If the movers from moving companies, New York and elsewhere, could say one thing to you, honestly, it would be to seriously de-clutter and reduce what you own before you ever think about moving.
Moving from one place to another is a perfect time to reduce the number of items you own. Especially today, we all own way more junk than we really and truly need in our lives. And, when you live in New York, in a small space, when compared to most of the rest of the U.S., this is even more important.
When we recently asked professional house movers, New York specifically, the number one thing they suggested was that before you ever contact a New York moving company, you should first try and pair-down as much of what you own as possible. Moving is expensive, and ultimately the less you own the cheaper the process will be for you.
Process Your Items, Movers NY Suggest
If you are in agreement that you have too much “stuff” lying around your home, then professional moving companies in New York, suggest that you sort your items into categories. For example, last year for the holidays you got a great coffee maker from your parents. You use the new one, but you saved the old one in a closet just incase you happened to brake the newer one. After all, you don’t want to have to go without coffee in the morning. If you are going to move, the old coffee maker needs to go. Chances are, if you break the newer one you will go out and buy a new one anyway. And, in the meantime you can treat yourself to Starbucks.
New Yorkers and Clothing Items
New Yorkers needs to have two wardrobes; one for winter and another one for summer. However, this is not an excuse to have twenty sweaters and ten pairs of shorts. NY movers suggest that you go through your clothing items and discard anything which is in need of repair, and donate or consign anything you have not worn in the last year. If it helps make the process easier for you, know that your unworn sweaters will keep someone warm in the winter.
Furniture Suggestions, Moving Companies, NY
Movers in NY also suggest that you take time to seriously consider the furniture and larger items which you own. Many New Yorkers live in small apartments and where your large couch worked in one apartment, it may not work as well in the new one. Take serious stock in what will not work in your new place and get rid of it before you move it.
As you can clearly see, going through all of your belongings can be a lot of work; however, you will be richly rewarded by not having to pay so much to move. And, as an added bonus, you will have more room in your new home!
Toss it, trash it, dump it, you can do it. Just do it BEFORE you move it!
New York City Movers Comment on Apartment Moving
New York City movers have very unique jobs when it comes to the residential moving industry. Moving companies in New York City are tasked with moving people from one apartment to another, and often have to deal with issues like steep stairs and lack of elevator space. These challenges make NYC movers the perfect professionals to offer suggestions for moving.
Suggestion Number One for Apartment Moving from Movers, NYC
Moving companies in New York City and beyond, all mention the sheer amount of items people own as their number one moving issue. By paring down possessions before contacting a moving company for a quote, many NYC movers could save a lot of money on transport costs. When New York City movers are giving you a quote to move, they have to give you a quote based on the amount of items you have in your current apartment, how many stairs there are, how far it is to your new apartment, and how many stairs it takes to get to your new apartment. No matter how you look at it, the less stuff you own and have to move, the less your cost will be.
Suggestion Number Two for Apartment Moving from Professional Moving Company, New York City
The second most common suggestion from New York City moving companies is to box up as much of your possessions yourself as you possibly can. If your movers can come in, pick-up boxes and furniture, load it on their truck, and then transport it, without having to pack items for you, you will save a ton of time and money.
Suggestion Number Three for NYC Apartment Moving from Movers in NYC
The third most common suggestion from moving companies in NYC is to label every box that you pack with the room it is going into in your new apartment, and briefly what the contents are. This will save you a ton of time unpacking and if you have to look for a specific item but don’t remember which box you placed it in. Nothing is worse than getting up the day after a move and not being able to find your box with towels and shampoo or even your coffee maker.
Generally, professional moving companies will place your boxes into their new rooms for you as long as you label the boxes. This will keep you from having to move around a lot of boxes once you get to your new place. Your back will really thank you for taking the time to label your boxes.
As you can see, if you will be moving into a new NYC apartment soon, you should first de-clutter your belongings, and then box up as much of your own stuff as you possibly can, and finally label your boxes as you are packing them. Take the advice of professional NYC movers and you will have a much happier and stress-free move.
5 Tips for Moving With Your Pets from House Movers, Texas
Professional house movers in Texas were recently asked what the biggest challenge many families face when moving is, and their answer was moving with pets. Moving with pets, according to professional Texas house movers, is very stressful on both the pets and their owners. The good news is that Texas movers have offered some suggestions on how you can make a move with pets as stress-free as possible. Here are five tips to get you started on a happy move with your pets:
Moving With Pets, Texas Movers Tip #1
Just as when you are moving with young children, moving with pets requires that you take extra time and consideration for their needs into your moving plans. Planning ahead when you are moving with pets is key; as is understanding that boxing up all of your possessions can stress out your pet. Make sure that during your moving time you take time out to play with your pets and offer them reassurance of their importance in your life.
House Movers in Texas, Moving With Pets, Tip #2
Buying and using a pet carrier is very important when you will be moving your pet. It is best to purchase a pet carrier before your move and allow your pet to become accustomed to it. Once moving day comes they will be much happier in it, if they have has experiences in the carrier from the past, and in your new home they will feel like they belong. Pet carriers also help to ensure that your pet does not get away from you and lost if they are scared.
Texas Movers, Moving With Pets, Tip #3
If you will be moving across TX, or across the U.S., it is vital that you get a pet identification tag with some way to contact you, and place the new tag on your pet’s collar before you start your move. One of the easiest places for pets to get lost, or run from you, is at a rest stop. By having your contact information on their collar, if you’re pet is somehow lost then the person who finds them will have a way to contact you.
Moving With Pets, Texas House Movers Tip #4
If your pet gets sick in the car, it is possible to go to your local veterinarian and get a prescription for a motion sickness medication for them. Just as you do not want to feel yucky during your trip; your pet does not want to either. If your pet suffers from motion sickness, a prescription can go a long way toward helping them feel much better during the trip.
Moving With Pets, Texas Movers Tip #5
Moving long-distance often involves a hotel stay or two along the way. When you will be traveling with pets, make the time to find hotels along your way which will allow your pet to sleep in the room with you. Never plan on leaving your pet in your vehicle, and never try to sneak your pet into a no-pets motel; it just isn’t worth the hassle.
Apartment Moving Advice from Dallas Movers
Movers in Dallas, TX were recently asked if they had any advice for people moving from one apartment into another. The responses were overwhelming, and some of the suggestions we received where really great. Moving companies in Dallas, Tx. offered the following four wonderful tips for Dallas apartment movers, and for movers all over the country who will be moving to and from and apartment.
Movers in Dallas, TX Tip #1
Dallas apartment movers remind you that when you will be moving from one apartment to another, you will be paying your moving company for all of your items to be moved, but in addition you will also be paying for navigating stairs at your old and new apartment. When you are renting your new apartment, keep this in mind and consider renting on the ground floor. This will save you a lot of money and hassle when you move things into your apartment. Whether it is professional movers or yourself carrying in groceries from your car, ground floor living can make things much easier on you.
Dallas Movers Tip #2
Dallas apartment movers suggest that you go through all of your belongings well before you move date, and get rid of everything you possibly can. Most people have multiples of the same item, way too many clothes in their closet, or just plain too much clutter sitting around. Take the time, in the months before you plan on moving, and go through everything you own and try to get rid of as much is possible and practical. Heck, you can even sell your unwanted items on eBay or at a yard sale, and maybe even pay for your moving expenses in the process!
Dallas Apartment Movers Tip #3
While you are pairing down your possessions, take the time to pack your own things as well. Even though you can pay movers to pack for you, you will save a ton of money if you pack most things yourself. The best way to do this is to do it while you are also going through things and deciding what you really need to keep and what should go. Put the “keepers” in a box and label it, seal it, and stack the boxes up for the movers.
Movers in Dallas, TX Tip #4
Another common suggestion from Dallas apartment movers involves moving with young children. Young children are much more easily upset by the moving process, and the unknown which comes with it. Take the time to explain moving to your children and also let them be involved in the moving process as much as possible.
As you can see, when you are moving from one apartment to another, you should first de-clutter your belongings and sell or donate what you are not using. Then you should box up as much of your own stuff as you possibly can, and make sure to label your boxes as you are packing them. When you are moving with young children take the time to involve them and answer their questions, so that they feel more at ease about the move. And, if you have a choice for your new apartment, consider renting on the ground floor so you, and your movers, will not have to lug things up stairs.
Senior Citizen Downsizing and Moving Tips from Movers, FL
Florida moving companies were recently contacted and asked to talk about the special needs of moving senior citizens. Some Florida movers talked mostly about downsizing belongings, while other moving companies, FL and Tampa especially, talked about getting seniors past the idea that they have to keep everything they have ever owned. While there is a lot of psychology involved, if you are willing to help someone move, then you can suggestion some helpful strategies to them along the way.
One of the most common themes while talking to the employees from a popular Florida moving company was the fact that senior citizens often have a lot of memorabilia which they have collected over their long lives. Some of this memorabilia is important to be passed down through the family, while some of it is much more suited to be donated to charity or sold at a yard sale. While this fact is easy for Florida movers and everyone else to see, doing something about it can often be another story altogether.
If you would like to help your elderly friends or relatives reduce the amount of their belongings, one of the first steps is asking which items they want to pass down to other friends and relatives. Some items they may wish to do that with right away, while others they prefer to wait until they have passed on. Try to facilitate moving any items to a new home as possible, without being pushy. For items which will be making the move, pack those well in boxes you have gathered from your local stores or your Florida moving company.
The next biggest issue for many senior citizen Floridians, is that they often have a ton of old paperwork, books and photos lying around in boxes, bookcases and filing cabinets. Helping them to go through all of these items, report Florida movers, can really help with the amount of weight they will be ultimately paying to move.
Start with the paperwork, and let your elderly friends or relatives know that they should be keeping their tax records, both state and federal, for seven years. In addition to the tax records, they should keep only a few months worth of past bills. As bills come in each month, they should be checked for accuracy, filed in folders or a filing cabinet, and then when they are about six months old they should be shredded. Help to shred old documents and you can make a ton of free packing material in the process!
Books are often a very heavy addition to the moving process, Florida moving company representatives reported. One of the best things to do about books is to go through them for the absolute “must have” titles, and then donate the rest to the local library for their annual fund raising sale.
As you are going through the packing and purging process, you will find that seniors often have stashes of photos in various places. Make a special place to store all photos and take the time out to place any photo found in this box, or boxes depending on how many you find. These photos can be processed later into scrapbooks, photo books, or given to relatives.
Florida movers really understand the special needs of moving senior citizens, and I hope you take their suggestions when you are helping to move an elderly friend or relative into their new home.
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