Plan Carefully for Your Move

DIY Long-Distance Moving Tips

If you decide to go the less expensive route, there are a few things you can do to make your move go more smoothly. First and foremost: plan your packing! The only thing worse than over-exerting yourself during a big move is over-exerting yourself AND breaking or misplacing some of your belongings in the process. Large boxes are great for pillows and blankets, but for just about everything else, you’ll want to stick to smaller, more manageable dimensions. Also, make sure that you have plenty of packing material and a way to clearly label your boxes. Always pack one room at a time, and keep the boxes from each room together when you load them; this will be a huge help when it comes time to unload!

Long-Distance Moving Tips when You Hire Movers

The most important thing to remember when you hire movers is this: a company you can trust is worth a little extra. Now, this doesn’t mean you should go out and hire the most expensive movers you can find; what it does mean is that you should get several quotes from several different companies and pick the one that you feel will do the best job rather than the one that charges the least. Good communication is a key element of working with movers, and when you find a company that you feel comfortable communicating with, you’re more likely to have a good experience. If a particular company leaves you feeling uncomfortable before they load a single box, there’s bound to be trouble ahead; on the other hand, a company that quotes a little higher but is quick to answer any questions you have and makes allowances for your specific needs is likely to provide great service through the entire moving process.

Unless your entire house is being packed by the movers this is the week to get serious about collecting, buying or borrowing boxes, packing paper, bubble-wrap, etc. You can start packing some things now, but of course you’re still living there and don’t want to be reopening boxes to find what you need if you pack too soon.

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. Good examples of items you won’t need are out-of-season clothes and shoes; books; out-of-season sports equipment and so on.

1. Gather packing materials and supplies

Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they’re clean, in good condition, not bent or mushy so that they won’t bear weight on top of them. Make sure that they have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or again, purchase them from your moving company (keeping your receipts for returns if necessary.) Really sturdy boxes are liquor boxes which tend to contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.–but make sure these boxes have lids or flaps (you can?t stack open top boxes and movers will not move open boxes.) Store boxes easily by breaking them down, open both ends and flatten them out.

You can purchase suitable containers and packing materials from moving companies, including unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. You’ll need a lot more supplies than you think, so get extra to keep the packing going smoothly. Return any unused supplies for refund (keep the receipts in your Master Moving Folder) after the moving truck is packed. Unless you have a lot of towels, sheets and drop clothes, you can also buy rolls of plastic runner for the floors from moving companies to keep them from getting really dirty or stained. You can do this for the move into your new house too. Ask your moving company for their packing instructions and needs to make the move work the best for them as well.

If you are hiring a moving company, it’s a good idea to let them do most of the packing, especially the big items. That’s what they do for a living, so they know the proven methods for keeping items safe. This is why Week 5 is so important. The pre-sorting and organizing you did will make it easier for them to pack what you really want moved.

2. Use three signs or stickers for labeling

• Do Not Load
  For boxes and items you do not want loaded on the moving van, make or get from your moving company stickers marked “Do Not Load” and place them on all the things you want to take with you.

• Load Last
  Place “Load Last” stickers or signs on things that you will need to use as soon as you get to your new home since the last items loaded are the first ones unloaded.

• Fragile
  The “Fragile” stickers should be placed on items that need special care.

3. Remember self-care, childcare and staying on task

If you are packing and moving most of everything yourself schedule time to pack one room at a time. Some people like to marathon it others only have time or energy for one room or area at a time. It doesn’t matter how you schedule it, just start it now so that you don’t have items not packed the day of the move.

• If you don’t have friends to help you, don?t hesitate to hire a Professional Organizer to help you pack making the tasks quick and easy.

• If the children slow down the process take them to childcare for the time you need to get your packing and work done and be less stressed.

• At the same time, let children be a part of this experience where possible. Have them write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town. Some moving companies even have special children’s moving kits to make it exciting and fun by offering instructions for your kids do some of their own packing, and let them suggest layouts for their new room.

• If you are moving a distance from your neighborhood and have children make sure that they are given the time to see their friends and possibly help them plan overnights or a simple party with their friends before the move taking lots of pictures for their scrapbooks and memories.

• Make sure you have seen your family and friends or have a schedule to do so as well.

4. Create a “Packing Central”

Packing Central is your organization station. Everything you need to pack should be here. This is where you coordinate and compile all of your packing supplies: packing tape, packing paper, foam peanuts, labels, permanent wide markers, boxes, scissors, razor cutter, plastic gloves, etc. Having Packing Central ready for fulfillment at all times makes everything run more smoothly. It helps also to have a carpenters apron or craft apron with pockets where you can keep your pen, labels, plastic gloves, cutting knife, scissors and such so that you?re not walking back and forth and laying down items and not finding them quickly when needed.

5. Simple record-keeping a must

Before you start packing it’s especially important if you have a lot of boxes to create a packing and container list. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. While packing every box you’ll place a number on the box (EVERY BOX), the room or area it’s to go to in the new house and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in Packing Central. You can also make this list and tape it to the side of the box, but remember, if others are helping you move and they can read the list on the box it can be an invitation to waste time reading the list or worse, to steal items. The number alone and the room it belongs in are sufficient. Example: #58, Kitchen.

Mark the number and room on the top and at least one side of the box. Remember, when three to four boxes are stacked you can?t see the top, but you can see the side. When describing the box contents, be specific: “M-P files” is better than “files,” and “red and blue striped curtains? rather than “misc. bedroom.”

Make the number and room so specific that a stranger can and will be able to read it and know exactly where it goes. This means of course that you need to know where it goes! Think about your new house and make a list of all the rooms. Plan to make signs, 8 ? X 11 sheets of paper work well, and write the name of the room, then mask taping it to the outside door frame. When movers come into the house they?ll see the signs and match it up quickly with the box notation. This keeps you from wasting time directing traffic and getting the wrong boxes into rooms when you get to the new house.

6. Plan ahead for your plants

Plan early for your plants. When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch or freeze. Some state laws prohibit the moving of houseplants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity when you are moving a great distance.

6 Moving Costs You Need to Know

Moving isn’t cheap. It costs about $80 to $100 per hour to hire local professional movers and as much as a $10,000 flat rate for a long distance professional move. DIY moves can cost between $50 and $3,000, depending on distance, length of time and other factors. Additional charges like the ones listed below can add up fast, doubling or tripling the cost of the relocation. Being aware of these hidden charges can help you control costs and avoid budget pitfalls during your relocation.

1. Bulky, Complex and Delicate Items

Professional movers will charge extra to move a piano, car and appliances, especially if the movers are asked to disassemble or disconnect an item, then reassemble or reconnect at the new home. Some consumers save by giving away their piano, selling the appliances along with the house or by making arrangements to drive their car themselves. HomeAdvisor says those who don’t can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $800 to move the piano and up to $900 to move the vehicle. For appliance disconnection and hookup, the mover may need to use a third-party specialist. These charges will vary.

2. Seasonal Moves

Summer is the busiest season for professional moving companies–by far. Demand for movers is high during this time, driving up prices up significantly. Consumers who schedule their moves during the summer can expect to pay as much as double for their relocation.

Winter might be the smartest time to move due to more availability and lower rates. However, it’s always good to check on the weather as your moving date gets closer, to make sure that conditions are safe. Check to see if your movers charge extra to cover floors and clear driveways and sidewalks. This will help protect movers and your items from falling on the ice while keeping your new floors safe from salt, snow and dirt.

3. Elevator Carry and Access-Related Charges

Homes with many stairs, elevators or very long walkways up to the property can extend the time that professional movers spend loading and unloading the truck. Movers billing by the hour may not charge a fee for difficult access, but long-distance movers are likely to charge extra.

4. Fuel Costs

Fuel costs make up a huge portion of the money that people spend moving their goods from one location to another. With a professional moving company, fuel charges may make up as much as 33% of the total bill, but not all movers will include this in the estimate. Talk to your mover in advance about the distance from your old home to your new home to find out how much you can expect to pay in fuel costs, and make sure that this cost is included in the estimate you’re given for the overall cost of the move.

For a DIY move, consumers will estimate their fuel charges based on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the fuel efficiency of a moving truck can go down significantly once the truck is loaded with goods. For this reason, budgeting extra money for gas (especially on long-distance moves) is important.

5. Equipment Rental

During a DIY move, moving truck companies charge rental fees for dollies, moving blankets, straps and so on. Usually the price is per item per move. Equipment rental may be cheap, but for large households these charges can add up. Sometimes consumers can save money by purchasing their own equipment and then selling it after the move is over.

6. Insurance

In many cases, car insurance won’t cover a moving truck rental. This leaves the renter to decide whether or not to purchase the insurance offered by the truck rental company. These charges may vary but will probably fall in the range of $10-$30 per day. Consumers are advised to find out what the insurance covers before making a decision.

Controlling Costs

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, professional moving companies must provide consumers with a written estimate of all moving charges in advance. Look over your written estimate carefully to ensure that the cost of your move agrees with your budget. If renting a truck, contact the rental company well in advance of the move to ask questions about fuel efficiency, insurance, equipment rental and other charges. Doing this will help you work out a budget before moving day.

6 Effective Packing Supplies That Professionals Use When Moving

Packing Tape

Packing tape is a staple item in a packer’s toolbox. Every box, crate, padding, or wrapping needs to be sealed with tape. Box tape is essentially used for packing crates and boxes. Different sizes are available, ½”, ¾” and 1” width tapes being the most common. Keep an eye out for combo packs at your local hardware store as they can be more affordable.

For packing and moving purposes, commercial grade or filament tape is used. The higher adhesive power of these tapes can help to seal heavy and corrugated cardboard boxes easily.

Crates & Boxes

Boxes and crates are the easiest way to pack and move your regular-sized belongings. Boxes of assorted sizes can be used to transport items of varying size and weight.

There are different types of crates and boxes that can be purchased for moving.

• Cardboard boxes are a regular option and can be used to transport household items. You can get custom-sized boxes for specific items. They are cost-effective and durable enough for moving your smaller and lighter belongings.

• Plywood boxes can be a sturdy alternative to regular cardboard boxes for packing heavier items that need more security.

• Pallet crates are favorites among professionals due to their customizable features. Using crates for packing makes it easier for movers to lift and move the boxes with lifting equipment.

• Plastic bins – They’re strong and durable, can be stacked on top of one another, and contain handles for easy carrying.

Packing Peanuts

Another important material to add to your list is packing peanuts, or materials that can help ensure the safety of your belongings inside boxes or crates. They can be used to fill the empty spaces in boxes containing fragile items like glass or ceramic. You can buy them in bulk from a store or ask your professional packer to supply. Packing peanuts are available in a variety of materials.

• Foam peanuts

• Styrofoam peanuts

• Polystyrene peanuts

These are optimally used when you are looking to pack smaller belongings in boxes where the peanuts can be used as cushioning. It also acts as a filler and prevents items from shifting within the crates.

Popcorn

This may come as a surprise to many. Regular popcorn can be used as a packing material in leui of peanuts or other soft packing materials. Cooked popcorn enclosed in plastic covers or packets, when placed within packing boxes & crates, can fill empty space and cushion your item during a move. Small boxes containing brittle items like light bulbs or glass cutlery can be stuffed with popcorn to ensure safety.

Styrofoam

The best option when it comes to packing electronics and large pieces of art is Styrofoam. It isn’t an accident that when electronics are shipped to your home, they are protected by Styrofoam blocks and pads. Styrofoam can withstand shock, making it a perfect item when packing electronics. Additionally, Styrofoam can be used to create safety dividers inside a box where multiple fragile items are packed together.

Tip: Keep boxes and Styrofoam from packed electronics after purchase and installation. They come in handy when repacking the items for a move.

Bubble Wrap

For your most fragile items, bubble wrap is the best material to use for packing. It is a resourceful material that can be reused multiple times. You can choose to wrap it around your items and tape it down, or just stuff it into the insides of your box to protect your belongings.

It works best when used to protect photo frames, mirror and glasses, TVs, and monitors. You can also use it sparingly by covering pointed corners of certain sturdy items and covering the rest with newspaper.