Where and How to Start Packing

Moving is overwhelming and stressful. Most of the stress has something to do with packing up everything. If you have a bigger home, this may seem impossible. Even if you have a smaller abode, knowing where to start can be confusing, especially if you still have other things that you need to attend to. First, make sure that you are ready for some organizing. This will help you know what you need to do even before starting to pack the first box.

As you pack, move and relocate, make sure that your goods and stuff arrive at your new place without a scratch. After all, this is the point and goal of safe relocation. This usually starts by creating a good packing list. This will allow you to the right packing and moving supplies beforehand.

Dealing with the Boxes

Moving boxes are available in the same quality and weight as ordinary shipping boxes. Other options are available, those that are made out of thicker cardboard which allows for sturdier and heavier packing. Maybe you are wondering whether to get these types of boxes or just get those slightly used ones from friends who also moved recently. It really depends on the condition of the boxes.

If you want to save on moving costs, used boxes can be a good solution. Make sure that the condition of the boxes is still fine to carry your packed stuff. If you have the budget for it, and if you need to make sure that your things are packed safe, using new moving boxes is still the best option you can have. After all, reused moving boxes may be compromised due to exposure to moisture, as well as bug infestation. You would no doubt want a box that will fall apart while you are trying to move your things to a new house.

Aside from the moving boxes, you should also prepare an essential box. This box is filled with items that you will need for the last few days before moving, as well as the first few nights of stay in your new home. This should also be prepared before moving or relocating.

Before starting to pack, make sure that you know which things you should pack, and which ones should be left as is. By doing so, you can identify the things that you need to be careful of when packing. There is stuff that needs special handling. These items are usually not moved by moving companies if they are not prepared properly.

One advantage of moving is that it forces you to clean up, eliminating items that you no longer need or use. You may throw some, and sell others. Determining what to sell and which ones to give away is the first place to start. When selling stuff, you may do so online, or by hosting a garage sale.

Packing Tips from the Professionals

When you start packing for a move, you need to decide whether you will pack everything yourself, or hire professionals to do the job for you. While packing by yourself may save you money, hiring professionals to do the job can offer you convenience, especially if you are the busy type of person, with no extra time to pack.

When you decide to do the packing by yourself, however, here are some of the things that you need to consider:

Declutter Stage

Decluttering will allow you to pack less. Make sure that you do not move anything that you no longer need in your new location. Lighten your workload and stress by getting rid of some items before entering the packing stage, identifying what to sell, keep or donate. Secure measurements of your new home, and remove any furniture that will not fit in the new space.

Pack Gradually

Avoid biting off more than you can chew, so to say. When packing, divide the time for the task at hand, breaking down your packing into smaller steps. If you end up procrastinating and trying to pack everything just the night before, you might end up being overwhelmed because of stress.

Deal with one room at a time, spending an hour every day to pack items up into boxes. Pack sets or pairs together and make sure that your moving box is the right size to hold an entire set of belongings.

Color Coding Label

In order to keep everything organized, you can start by printing off multi-colored labels, or use a variety of colored masking tape to give every room its own color. You can label the contents of every box, including the room where the stuff belongs to. In your new house, you can also use some colored tapes to label the entrances to the rooms. This tip will save you a lot of time. Rather than reading the label or play a guessing game, you can just easily match the colors.



Avoid Overpacking

One mistake that usually happens when moving is attempting to cram everything up in a few boxes. This will only jeopardize the quality of your things. Instead, use as many boxes as needed in order to prepare easy-to-lift loads. The largest boxes should stay less than 50 pounds.

Heavier items, such as books, should be placed in smaller boxes. On the other hand, lighter items should be placed in larger boxes. This makes it easier for movers to pack and organize boxes into the moving truck. Heavier items should be packed on the bottom, while the lighter items should be placed on top in order to avoid damaging the breakables.

Avoid leaving empty spaces in the moving boxes. This means the need to fill in gaps using packing paper, foam peanuts or clothing in order to prevent the items from shifting around. Use tape to close the top, bottom, and edges where stress is expected to be concentrated.



Gather the Breakables

For breakables, use a lot of bunched-up padding and paper. Avoid placing these items in boxes without extra cushion. Make sure to take your time in packing these items, as it will eventually save you from stress in the long run.



Clothing Packing Tips

In every move, clothing may turn out to be one of the most time-consuming tasks to complete. Your goal should be to save as much space as needed with clothes since excess clothing may take up most space of the moving truck if you fail to pack wisely.

Hanging clothing may be packed in garbage bags. This can be done by cutting a hole on top of the bag and placing the bag over a group of hangers. You can also roll the clothes instead of folding them in order to save space.



Separate Items to Pack

There are also some things that should not be packed with others. They can be hazardous during the process, which is why it is best to separately move them, or dispose of them right before moving. This may include painting equipment, tools, as well as cleaning chemicals. They can be packed together in boxes that are clearly marked.



Plastic totes may be used in order to prevent dangerous or messy leaks. Bottles and medications should be packed together, keeping them separate from your other belongings. Other items that need to be packed separately include ammonia, fire extinguishers, chlorine granules, paints and varnishes, auto batteries, as well as heating agents.



Finally! It’s Moving Day!

Now that you are done with packing your stuff, you are now ready for the big day! Here are some things that you can take into consideration:

Start with a Game Plan

In order to avoid getting overwhelmed with the hassle, make sure that somebody can instruct the movers during the actual moving day. If it is not you, make sure that it is someone you can trust, somebody who can identify which staff needs to be moved first, and which things may be loaded last into your new home. With an organized, general direction from someone, you can save time on moving day. In turn, it can save you money when using professional movers.

Avoid the Rush

It may sound ironic, but moving fast starts with taking your time. Avoid rushing and throwing things into the moving truck without the right planning. This mistake may be realized if things get broken or damaged, or if something is forgotten. You will also feel a lot of stress if you rush around. You can still rush and still maintain diligence.

How to Choose the Right Residential Moving Service Providers

Choosing the right residential moving company may mean some hard work on your part, but the results can be all worth it. After all, choosing the wrong one may only result in some problems along the way, such as lost or damaged belongings, late arrival, as well as not honoring price estates.

Avoid the problems on the actual moving day by choosing the best residential moving company. Here are some factors that you can take into consideration.

Make Good Use of Referrals

Searching for information from the internet, or simply browsing a phone directory for moving companies can be a hassle. You can skip this step by asking around from family and friends who may be able to recommend a reliable moving company. If you are working together with a real estate agent, you can also ask the agent for referrals.

The Rule of 3s

Avoid settling for the very first estimate that you receive. Rather, ask for at least three moving companies to provide you with an actual, in-person price estimate. The reason behind this is that no company can actually provide you with a thorough estimate without first seeing your things.

Moving Company Profile

Remember that you are entrusting your belongings to a stranger. This means making sure that you check the profile of the moving company first. Dependable movers are those that are licensed and insured. With this in mind, you can research the track record of the moving company, which can also be done online for free. You can stick with companies that are accredited by BBB, or one that comes with a good rating. You can also ask for companies that are backed up by professional accreditation.

Verify the Company Address

This can be done by asking for a business card. It is also a plus if the mover has its own website. You can look up the address listed online, or using a directory. The company’s address should be registered and listed under the company name. It is recommended to be wary against addresses that are listed under a residential name. They may be operating privately, which may affect their dependability.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company

Transferring to a new home involves a lot of decision making, all of which should be done in a limited period of time. This could include choosing the best supplies, to selecting the best moving date. You also need to choose the right moving company.

With thousands of options out there, there seems to be no shortage when it comes to choices. As such, it is very important to ask the right questions before you start the hiring process for the job. Here are some of them:

Is the company experienced with your specific type of move?

Make sure to ask your moving company for their background in order to know whether they have the right experience to handle your specific move. For example, if you are transferring to a high-rise apartment building, to a big city, or a townhome with multiple stores, you need to ask whether the moving company already has experience with this specific type of move. The moving company should be prepared well to handle anything that could come their way, including steep stairs, parking restrictions, small doorways, and the absence of elevators.

What liability coverage can the company offer?

Before entrusting your things over, you would certainly want to make sure that your things are covered just in case something happens during the transfer. Whether you are just moving across the neighborhood, or to a different state, your moving company should offer multiple options on liability coverage. In general, there are two types of liability options that are available: Released Value and Full Value Protection.

Released Value Protection

This is, by far, the most economical available protection that you can avail of. It is offered at no extra charge. However, you get what it is worth – minimal protection. With this option, the moving company assumes liability coverage of fewer than 60 cents per pound per article.

Full Value Protection

Your moving company is liable for the replacement of damaged or lost goods during the shipment. This is the more comprehensive package available for the protection of all your stuff. The price of this protection varies depending on the moving company.

You also have the option to buy the insurance offered by a third-party insurance company. Before doing so, however, it is recommended to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you are not really covered yet.

Aside from these liability coverage options, you also need to ask for proof of insurance from your moving company. A clean company will show you their insurance policy when asked. They may even offer to show it even before you ask for it.

Can the company provide references?

As with employment, you surely would not want to hire an employee without first checking their references. This is also true with hiring a moving company. Before entrusting your precious stuff to a company, you may want to ask for references first. When asked, a representative of a good company can provide you with all of the information that you might need.

Still, you need to do your own homework. When looking for a moving company, ask around. Check the reputation of the company by checking blogs and other potential sources of reference. This will ensure that you get what you paid for while making sure that your things get delivered fast and safe.

Conclusion

A residential move can be considered as a big transition for you and your family. To avoid all the hassles and stress usually associated with these types of move, hiring a residential moving company can turn out to be the best option for you.