Year: 2020

Even with the number of Americans moving at a record low, 9.8% of people in the US still packed up and moved in 2019. That’s over 40 million people!

If you’re relocating your household this year, there are a lot of stressors on your plate.  There are many factors to consider when heading to a new location — from deciding on a new place to live —  to securing a new job. On top of all that, trying to box items, especially ones that are easily breakable, can understandably send you over the edge.

Read on to learn how to pack fragile items before your big move!

Use Appropriate Packing Materials

When packing fragile items, you need to start with the right materials. These include tissue paper, bubble wrap, small to medium-sized boxes, labels, tape, and markers. 

Consider using specialty boxes for your fragile items. Your moving company most likely has dish pack boxes. These boxes are extra durable, made with a double layer of corrugated cardboard. The extra-thick walls provide an added layer of protection for the items inside.

How to Pack Common Breakable Items

For unusual fragile items, you might need a little creativity when it comes to packing. Below we will provide a few suggestions.

Reinforce the bottom of your fragile item boxes with extra packing tape. Then place several layers of crumpled paper or bubble wrap on the inside bottom of the box. Put heavier objects in first so that they are at the bottom — separate layers of fragile items with more packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Once your items are in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper. This will prevent the items from shifting and getting damaged.

Dishes

Use small to medium-sized boxes to pack dishes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, then place them vertically in the box. Place several sheets of crumpled packing paper between each plate to keep them stable and in place.

Glasses

Place crumpled packing paper inside each glass to prevent crushing. If the glass has a stem, wrap the stem with bubble wrap or a folded piece of packing paper and secure it with tape. Then individually wrap each glass with packing paper or bubble wrap. 

Picture Frames

Place a large “X” of painter’s tape over the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap the frames in bubble wrap then tape the bubble wrap to keep it in place. Set the frames on crumpled paper at the bottom of the box. If the frames are more than eight inches tall, pack the frames standing up instead of flat.

Mark the Boxes “Fragile”

Label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Also, indicate which end needs to be up.

Separate the boxes marked “fragile” from your other boxes. Inform your movers or helpers about the fragile things in those boxes so they can be handled with special care.

Bring In the Professionals

While moving can be a stressful chore, it doesn’t need to be incredibly difficult and grueling.

Before you get too far into the moving process, contact professional household movers to discuss your options with them. In addition to moving all of your goods, you might decide to have the movers pack and unpack for you.

Our residential moving experts offer services for people moving both locally and out of the area. This means that no matter where you intend to go, there’s always an option for you.

Contact us about any questions you may have and to set up a time for us to come and help you move your fragile and valuable items.

There’s a lot of work to be done when moving to a new home. And, if you’re not adequately prepared for it, your moving day will be one big, dangerous mess.

But don’t worry. All the common moving day pitfalls can be avoided. And we’re going to show you how.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the proper preparations and etiquette to make your move as smooth as possible. Follow these tips for a low-stress moving day.

1. Finish Packing Before Moving Day

This depends on if you’re paying for a full-service move or not. If you’ve arranged to have the movers pack for you, all you have to do is stand back and wait while they take care of everything—the packing, lifting, and shipping. 

If you haven’t made this arrangement, you must make sure you’re packed and ready for moving day. When the movers arrive, and you’re still finishing up your packing, it makes moving day troublesome for everyone. 

For one thing, you’ll be in the way of the movers while they’re trying to lift and move heavy boxes and furniture. For another, you’ll be paying the movers to wait for you to finish.

2. Have Your Travel Bag Packed

Even if you did purchase a full-service move, you still have some packing to do. First, you need your moving day luggage.

You need to pack your bathroom bag, medication, and clothes, just like you would if you were traveling for vacation. You may also want disposable tableware and any kitchen items you’ll need for dinner.

3. Prohibited Items

Beyond your travel bag, there is always a list of items your moving company will not accept in the moving van. This typically includes perishables, hazardous materials, high-value items (like jewelry), and documents/devices containing personal or sensitive information.

For a full list of prohibited items, refer to your moving company. You’ll want to have these items moved or packed before moving day, so you’re not in the way.

4. Stay Clear and Available

Give your movers space on moving day so that they can do their job. You can prepare for this before moving day by parking vehicles out of the way of the moving vans and building entrances. 

Also, clear the pathways in your home of boxes, trash, or other trip hazards. Stack boxes in an organized line against the wall. Make everything accessible for the movers. 

Being out of the way doesn’t mean gone. You need to be present the whole day of the move in case the movers have any questions or concerns they need to discuss with you.

5. Keep Children and Pets Out of the Way

Have a plan in place for your children and pets on moving day. You can’t leave them free to run around while the movers have their arms full of heavy things. This is hazardous to the movers, your children and pets, and your possessions.

It’s best to have pets contained in crates or carriers on moving day. Or have somebody watch them at another location.

Children can remain with you if you can watch them and make sure they stay out of the way. But you (and they) may want to have them stay with a friend or family member that day.

6. Label Boxes Clearly

Boxes should be labeled clearly, especially the fragile ones, so movers know what to expect. Make sure you have the room destination marked on each box.

7. Don’t Overpack Large Boxes

Large boxes are awkward to carry, especially if they are loaded with heavy items. Too many heavy things in a large box will make it too heavy.

Make sure you pack lighter weight, bulky items in larger boxes. Things like pillow and comforters are ideal in large boxes.

Make Moving to a New Home Easier

Moving to a new home is challenging. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Follow these tips to make moving day easier.

Now, read Making Moving Easy: Simple Unpacking Tips.

You may find de-cluttering before a move as another chore to get through. But, you should see it as an advantage to moving.

By getting rid of unwanted and unneeded belongings, moving becomes an easier and cheaper process. Don’t forget that weight, along with mileage and labor costs; all contribute to your moving costs. With fewer items to load onto a moving truck, you’ll save more money and time.

One of your options for de-cluttering is to hold a moving sale. Understandably, you may have hesitations, especially if you’re pressed for time. Here, you’ll learn why a garage sale before a move is worth the extra effort.

How a Well-Planned Moving Sale Pays Off

Rather than discarding usable items, it’s better to sell them and earn some extra cash. Plus, if you’re able to sell a lot, you may even have enough to cover some of your moving costs. 

Another benefit of holding a yard sale is you’re prepping your new home to be clutter-free and organized. Since you’re only bringing the things you need, clutter doesn’t have a chance to accumulate yet. If you make sure it stays that way, then maintaining a clutter-free home over the long-term shouldn’t be a problem.

Some Tips for Holding a Moving Garage Sale

One thing you have to remember about moving sales is if you can’t plan them right, it’s better not to hold one at all. Just as planning is the key to a successful move, you’ll want to spend some time and effort organizing your moving garage sale. 

This should start with evaluating items you can sell. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you can’t donate them, you probably shouldn’t sell them. Think older TV sets or old copies of Reader’s Digest magazines. 

And of course, if something’s broken, dirty, or in otherwise poor condition, don’t bother selling it. Recycle it instead. 

Other things to plan include the date and time of the moving sale if you need special permits from local authorities, advertising, and pricing.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you weren’t able to sell everything, you might consider posting them on auction sites. But, make sure you still have some time to do this before your actual move.

Another way to deal with the unsold items is to donate them. The good thing about this option is if you get a receipt, those leftover items can be tax-deductible. 

Bonus: If you make donating a part of your de-cluttering routine, it’s going to be a lot easier for your home to be clutter-free.

Need More Moving Tips and Advice?

Now that you know some of the benefits of holding a moving sale, why not take this opportunity to learn more about moving and storage?

For more moving tips and advice, check out simple unpacking tips and essential things to consider when moving to a new area.

You may also browse the site if you need information on our moving services and the areas we serve.

 

 

If you’ve decided it is time to list your house for sale, you’re probably getting anxious about the next steps. While preparing your home for sale, there are several things you can do to get it ready to hit the market.

From purging to giving your home a fresh coat of paint, spending a little time on your home can go a long way toward getting your house sold.

Why Knowing How to Prepare Your House for Sale is Important

Preparing your house for sale is an essential part of getting it sold for several reasons. First, the more home prep you do before you list your home, the less you’ll have to do when it is ready to hit the market.

Prepping your home for sale can also help you sell it for more money. If some of the repairs and projects are done before buyers see it, you’ll make a much better first impression, and you’ll also be able to list your house for a little more.

Buyers want to see a house that needs very little work. If you properly prepped your home, buyers won’t be faced with as many projects, and it will make the house look cleaner and more updated.

Purge

One of the best things you can do before you list your home is to purge anything you don’t use.  Buyers don’t want to see all of your garbage, old boxes, and piles of mail everywhere. Realtor.com recommends the nine items to donate. 

The more you can part with, the bigger your home will feel. Try and empty as much as you can so you don’t have to pack it and unpack it when you move.

Declutter

People who have lived in a home for a long time tend to have a lot of clutter. Trinkets, photos, and personal items should be kept to a minimum during the home sale process. Forbes notes that moving is the best time to declutter. 

The cleaner your space is, the more potential buyers will be able to see your actual home. You want buyers to see your home’s assets and not just your clutter.

If you have a lot of items you want to store until you move, put some things in storage. The best part is that everything will be packed and out of your home until you move.  

Re-paint

If your home is explicitly painted to your taste, it may not be everyone’s preference. When listing your home for sale, you want it to appeal to the majority of buyers.

Before you put your home on the market, paint your walls with a fresh coat of neutral paint. This will make your home look cleaner and even larger. 

Hire a Local Moving Company

When you list your house for sale, you should probably start looking at some local movers. Professional household movers can help you with packing, moving, and even unpacking.

If you’re ready to get in touch with a local moving company, visit the contact page here to get a free estimate and get prepared for your upcoming move.