Packing For The Movers

You’ve chosen a new home, selected a mover, and now comes the task of packing for the move. There are 3 important things you should remember that will save you a lot of time and frustration later:

• Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) you’ll
need to pack.

• Don’t put packing off until the last minute.

• Stay organized!

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to pack efficiently:

• Paper for wrapping your items:

Many people collect old newspapers and use them. Just remember that the news ink never dries and will come off on your belongings. If you want to avoid the need to wash everything when you arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your mover.

• Boxes:

You can collect boxes from your local supermarket and other businesses. Select strong boxes in good condition and make sure they have covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great for glasses and stemware.

Your mover can also provide you with boxes especially made for moving. However, these boxes are expensive and you may want to purchase only those which are usually necessary like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors and table lamps.


• Sealing Tape - Use plastic tape that’s 1½-2” wide

• Magic Marker – to mark boxes for contents and special instructions like “fragile”, “this side up”, etc.

Now that you have all your materials, you’re ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create a nightmare you don’t want to experience! If you begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and have everything completed without stressing yourself unnecessarily.

It’s really important that you keep your packing organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. It’s best to pack a room at a time so that you can keep everything thing together that belongs together.

Start in areas containing articles that aren’t used frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items that can’t be packed early.

Packing Up the Kitchen

The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen so let’s discuss that in detail.

Remember when you’re packing fragile items to pad the bottom of the box with several sheets of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate things on top.

When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., wrap each item separately and then combine in groups of three. Rewrap that group in more paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group will then be better protected. Stand them on end in the box.

You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together and separate with small sheets of paper. It’s best to pack them in divided containers if you have them. If the box isn’t full to the top, stuff with additional paper. If you don’t have divided containers, you can place them in other boxes where you have empty space; just be sure to fit them in toward the top of the box so they aren’t crushed.

Don’t nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them individually.

Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than mixing them with other items. Wrap them individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you have a lot of extra room you can add some pots and pans.

You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each of them.

When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. (Remember to do this for salt and pepper shakers also!) If your things are going be stored for very long, you may want to discard these items to avoid rodents or insects.

You can pack filled canisters as long as they are individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with plastic tape.

Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to remember:

• Don’t pack anything that’s flammable, combustive or explosive. This includes items like aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners.

• Empty all drawers.

• Pack heavy items like books and canned goods in smaller boxes.

• Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, blankets, and pillows in large boxes.

• You don’t need to wrap toys, books and shoes individually.

• Stand books and records on end.

It isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it you don’t want to deal with packing, your moving company will be happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service comes with a very hefty price tag!

Happy Moving!

How To Move With Young Children

Moving can upset children of any age. It frequently causes them to feel apprehensive and insecure. But, don’t despair; there are many things you can do to make the moving experience less scary for your children.

Involve Them from the Very Beginning.

Tell your children as soon as you know you’re moving; don’t spring it on them at the last minute. Explain why you’re moving in terms they can understand. Do you need more room? Are you relocating because of a new job? Be sure to explain what will happen so they’ll know what to expect. This will remove a lot of the fear and confusion they may be feeling. Tell them when the move will take place and how their things will get from the old house to the new house. Be sure and answer their questions as fully as you can. Remember that your attitude about the move will rub off on them, so stay upbeat and positive. To help prepare them further, you canchoose from among many children’s books available on moving. Just a couple of these are “Berenstain Bear’s Moving Day” by Sam Berenstain and “Goodbye House” by Frank Asch. Check your local library for more.

Make the Move an Adventure.

If you approach the coming move as an exciting adventure for the entire family, it will help to calm your children’s fears. The more positive you are about the move, the more positive they will be. Make sure they understand they won’t be left behind. Ask for their suggestions and involve them in the plans. If it’s possible, show them the new house and let them spend some time exploring it. Show them where their rooms will be. Help them visualize where their furniture and toys will go. Show them the yard and help them imagine all the fun they will have there. If it’s impossible for them to visit the new house, take tons of photos so they’ll know what it looks like and can become familiar with it. Talk about all the fun things the family will do there.

Let Them Help.

If you give your children an active role in the move they are much more likely to accept it and even grow excited about it. Let them pack some of their own belongings, even if you have to go back and repack them later. This will help them feel a part of the move. If there are old toys you don’t plan to take, let the kids help decide which of them should be given away for other children to use and which should be discarded.

What to Do on Moving Day.

The best plan is to have the children stay with a family member or trusted friend on the day of the move. If this isn’t possible, be sure and involve them in the moving activities. If you have a moving company, introduce your children to the workers so they’ll know who’s taking their stuff away. You can give them a box of their own to pack. This could be the box of special belongings you’re taking in the car with you. It should include all the things your children can’t live without ~ favorite stuffed animals, that special blanket, maybe their favorite pajamas. This will accomplish three things. It will keep the children occupied and feeling useful and it will also ensure that you know exactly where these special items are. You would never want to arrive at your new home not knowing where to locate Susie’s scruffy old bear or Johnny’s favorite action figure! It will also help the children feel secure since they have their most important belongings with them.

You’re on Your Way to Your New Home.

If you’re driving to your new home, make the trip exciting! If the kids can relate the move to family fun, they’ll enjoy it so much more. If it’s a long drive, be sure and have lots of games or books to keep the children occupied. Maybe each person could tell their own story about what they think living in the new house will be like. You’ll arrive happy and anxious to start this new phase of your lives.

How to Pack for the Movers

You’ve chosen a new home, selected a mover, and now comes the task of packing for the move. There are 3 important things you should remember that will save you a lot of time and frustration later: • Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) you’ll need to pack. • Don’t put packing off until the last minute. • Stay organized! Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to pack efficiently: • Paper for wrapping your items: Many people collect old newspapers and use them. Just remember that the news ink never dries and will come off on your belongings. If you want to avoid the need to wash everything when you arrive, you can purchase packing paper from your mover. • Boxes: You can collect boxes from your local supermarket and other businesses. Select strong boxes in good condition and make sure they have covers. Divided boxes like liquor boxes are great for glasses and stemware. Your mover can also provide you with boxes especially made for moving. However, these boxes are expensive and you may want to purchase only those which are usually necessary like wardrobes for hanging clothes, mattress cartons, and cartons for large pictures, mirrors and table lamps. • Sealing Tape - Use plastic tape that’s 1½-2” wide • Magic Marker – to mark boxes for contents and special instructions like “fragile”, “this side up”, etc. Now that you have all your materials, you’re ready to start packing! Start as far ahead of time as you can. Waiting until the last minute will create a nightmare you don’t want to experience! If you begin early you can pack a few boxes a day and have everything completed without stressing yourself unnecessarily. It’s really important that you keep your packing organized; it will save a lot of confusion later. It’s best to pack a room at a time so that you can keep everything thing together that belongs together. Start in areas containing articles that aren’t used frequently such as your attic, basement, garage, etc. You can leave an extra box to hold items that can’t be packed early. Packing Up the Kitchen The hardest room to pack is probably the kitchen so let’s discuss that in detail. Remember when you’re packing fragile items to pad the bottom of the box with several sheets of paper. Place the heaviest items on the bottom of the box and the more delicate things on top. When you pack flatware like plates, saucers, etc., wrap each item separately and then combine in groups of three. Rewrap that group in more paper and seal with the plastic tape. Each group will then be better protected. Stand them on end in the box. You can nest glasses and cups 3 or 4 together and separate with small sheets of paper. It’s best to pack them in divided containers if you have them. If the box isn’t full to the top, stuff with additional paper. If you don’t have divided containers, you can place them in other boxes where you have empty space; just be sure to fit them in toward the top of the box so they aren’t crushed. Don’t nest Goblets and stemware, wrap them individually. Try to keep small kitchen appliances like the toaster, crock pot, etc., all together rather than mixing them with other items. Wrap them individually with 2 or 3 sheets of paper and wad up paper to fill any empty space. However, if you have a lot of extra room you can add some pots and pans. You can nest pots, pans and large bowls in groups of 3 with a couple sheets of paper between each of them. When you pack boxed foods such as cereal and rice, be sure to seal the tops with plastic tape. (Remember to do this for salt and pepper shakers also!) If your things are going be stored for very long, you may want to discard these items to avoid rodents or insects. You can pack filled canisters as long as they are individually wrapped and the tops are sealed with plastic tape. Finally, here are some miscellaneous tips to remember: • Don’t pack anything that’s flammable, combustive or explosive. This includes items like aerosol spray cans, gasoline, and paint thinners. • Empty all drawers. • Pack heavy items like books and canned goods in smaller boxes. • Pack bulky and lightweight items like toys, blankets, and pillows in large boxes. • You don’t need to wrap toys, books and shoes individually. • Stand books and records on end. It isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it you don’t want to deal with packing, your moving company will be happy to pack for you ~ of course, that service comes with a very hefty price tag! Happy Moving!

Summer Is Moving Time In Boston

Moving can be a positive experience if you approach it in the right frame of mind. However, people generally aren’t positive about a change in their home or working environment. It generally means a change in habit and the comfort zone we all cherish. It means taking some risks, but generally speaking, in good times, when people risk change they tend to benefit greatly. You’ve probably already assessed your situation and feel that the new change is a good move. So, you need to think positive and continue feeling confident that you’ve made the right decision. If you have to move this summer, you’re going to experience a lifestyle change, a change in the status quo, and go through a transition period. These changes can either charge you up or drain you. You’ll be happy to know that some Boston Moving Companies know all about these adjustment issues and know how to ease that transition. Their attitude and services can help you through the challenges. If you’re only moving across town, it’s not the major change that other people go through when they move to a distant city or a foreign country. People moving to new countries must face language and customs issues, and the much-feared culture shock. In each case, an adjustment to a new living situation is needed. What every mover goes through however, is a change in scenery, expectations, family support, and daily habits. Your kids may need to adjust to attending a new school and your spouse has to look for a new job. If your move is a corporate relocation, you may have some added work pressures as you take on new responsibilities and work roles. The worry about your future and about your family’s adjustment can put significant stress on you. Some of your fears are real, not imaginary. Your spouse and family may not adjust well to the new location. Life’s not perfect and you’ll have to keep your mind on the big picture while they deal with details of their new reality. Moving Companies offer Relocation Services A few Moving Companies offer corporate relocation services and these can make a big difference when you’re headed to a distant city or distant country. A moving company handles interstate and international moves frequently, and in each case, the person or family making the move goes through similar transition issues. Whether it’s emotional issues or just in knowing where everything is in your new location, the moving company with a relocation specialist can help you make this transition better. International moves and interstate moves are typically done in a hurry as real estate transactions dictate that you’ll have to be out of your old home and on your way to your new one. Once your belongings are loaded into the moving van, you need to travel to your new location. There may be customs and immigrations issues as you cross borders as well. Your relocation specialist can help inform you of what you need to do to make sure your belongings are allowed through to your new country and that your family is allowed in as well. Many people have been stopped at the border. Aside from the personal issues in making the transition to a new home or corporate job location, there’s the matter of getting your belongings there safely without breakage or delays. The moment you hear that your goods are delayed, or damaged during transport is the moment your stress levels rise and you get upset. Yet, these delays and damages occur. One of the reasons there are problems with moving companies, is because these movers can’t get qualified people to properly and reliably plan and do the moving. Some of these moving companies hire minimum wage workers with little moving experience. They have little dedication to the job and aren’t too concerned when damage occurs and things are misplaced. The inclination of many people moving is to use the cheapest moving company making the biggest claims. We believe what we want to believe to get through a stressful period when we’re having trouble thinking deeply and clearly. That’s normal and if you’re moving a pile of junk, then it probably doesn’t matter. And as for relocation services, that’s a little out of their milieu. The choice of a moving company then says a lot about the importance of this move in your life, or your employee’s success in the new location. Some companies hire the best movers and it is a big vote of confidence in the meaning of this move. Boston Moving Company For key employees making the transition, a top Boston Moving Company is focused on the people making the move. Corporations moving an employee are only doing so because this particular employee is important to the future of their firm. A relocated employee should feel important and confident, and that is the positive frame of mind that all people involved in the move need to be in when this transition takes place. Moves are rarely easy, although some people make transitions to their new location with surprising zest. Others make the transition less strongly and without the right flow going to the new location, that employee may experience too much stress and doubt. If you’re a corporate manager looking for relocation services, you need an experienced and competent firm assisting you. A professional moving company considers the whole move and understands that you need to make the transition safely and happily. Yes, happily. You are going to make this move and you need to be in a positive frame of mind. Instead of hiring some movers that don’t care where you end up, a professional moving company knows that your employer wants you to have a successful move. They’ve got a lot on the line and so do you. Hiring a sloppy moving company is not going to cut it.

All About Moving Companies

If you’re planning your next big residential move or office move, you’re becoming aware of the issues involved in transporting a house or office full of belongings, furniture, and people. In the back of your mind, you’re thinking that you can do this by yourself and yet some of your valuable property might probably be damaged during the move. Part of the cost of moving? On the other hand you could hire a moving company and know that they do this sort of thing everyday and have all the people and transport equipment to get things done efficiently.

When faced with the cost of hiring a moving company for a cross-town move, most people will round up their relatives, friends and even neighbours to get their property loaded up to the moving van or into a moving pod. In some cases, that’s fine, yet given how mobile many people, families and businesses are today, you can only rely on your friends and relatives so often. You’ll wear out your welcome if they have to take several days off of their precious free time to help others move. If they’re getting older as most people are today, they’re not going to appreciate the possibility of getting injured while carrying your heavy property items such as sofas, fridges, beds, tables, TVs, and desks.

The work involved in moving isn’t for everyone, yet professional moving companies are skilled in making moves go smoothly, from planning, to safe packaging to trouble free transport.

Moving to Florida

My sister and her family are in the process of moving to Florida where she and her sons will join her husband who is now working there. They will be using a big moving company to manage the logistics of the move. All she and her sons have to do is drive down to Florida. If we had to help them with the move and pack up a house full of furniture, kitchenware, bikes, golf clubs, hockey equipment, baseball equipment, fishing gear, desks, chairs, TVs and computers, it would take two days. Even then, I don’t think we could pack it properly in the moving van or truck. It would undoubtedly shift during the trip despite our expert rope tying tricks and special packing system. The truth is, we don’t know what we’re doing, and their furniture would be all banged up with loosened or broken legs when they opened the moving van doors down in Sarasota.

That’s when the ugly surprises happen. When you find your TV doesn’t work and your family heirlooms are going to need some serious “crazy glue” repairs, you get angry with yourself for not being cautious. For the sake of a few dollars, your belongings get damaged and their appearance is diminished. If you have a plasma TV, you can kiss it goodbye if you try to pack it yourself.

Yes, everyone is upwardly mobile these days and the task of an international, interstate, or cross-town move is on many to-do lists. One way to cross off the details of that big project is to hire a professional moving company.

Professional Moving Services

Big national movers offer a wide range of move planning and related moving services. They can handle all relocation services from reserving the moving van to packing your property to helping you with childcare and real estate related services in the city you’re moving to. These relocation services shouldn’t be underplayed. If you’re on your way to a strange city or a foreign country, you’ll need a little help in making the adjustment. You may need to store your belongings while you’re gone and these companies usually have big temperature and environmentally controlled storage warehouses and units that can keep your property clean and dry over long periods of time. Contrasting that with having your belongings collecting mould in someone’s basement or garage.

Moving firms have relocation specialists that handle these projects frequently. They know what you’re going through emotionally and in terms of preparation. They can help in many ways. As an example, they provide home marketing assistance including home disposition and in the home-sale process, and even property management. For employee transfers to new cities, they can coordinate the details of managing the employee’s property until the employee returns home. They can find short-term housing for the transferee, and find a new home for them. These real estate related services include area orientations, broker selection, negotiations, pre-purchase appraisals and closing.

You’re no doubt a smart, capable person and can master all of these transaction issues at your new location, however, if you’re moving to a new job in a strange city, how will you find the time? You can only handle so much stress and you’ll need support in your new hometown.
Let go of your image of moving companies as a bunch of sweaty, strong guys that push furniture into the back of a moving van. These companies plan and carry out moving tasks in a professional manner and offer moving and relocation services that will help you and your family better adjust to your new location. It’s important to get off on the right foot in your new home location. You’ll have schools to find for your children and you’ll be spending time just discovering how to get to your new work place and around town.

On office moves, you will have strict times and locations by which you can manage your move. Certainly, your staff can assist in the transfer and organization however; it is best to have a professional handle the logistics and moving from office building to office building. You can avoid damage and hard feelings towards employees who were trying to be careful before they dropped something.

International Moving

For your next International move, interstate, local and office move, call a professional moving firm such as Humboldt Storage & Moving Company.

A Moving Checklist

MOVING! The very thought of it can send chills down our spine and can cause us to break out into a cold sweat. Experts say that any kind of "change" creates "stress". Moving, (and especially if we are relocating to a new city or state), represents a huge change and naturally brings a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double whammy, because stress can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us tend to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives. This is one time, though, when we must rise above that. When preparing for a move we need to put the pedal to the metal and get a lot of things done. This checklist contains many suggestions that may seem like "no-brainers". However, the very act of printing out these simple suggestions and reminders can become a significant security blanket as the dreaded time approaches. Moving and relocating calls for being proactive, grabbing the bull by the horns and actually completing certain chores well in advance of their deadlines. Hopefully this little paper will help you to accomplish that. In this particular article we are leaving out the "big things" such as finding the best moving company, researching your new neighborhood's transportation, parking, employment, etc. Those are for other articles on another day. Today we are concentrating on the basics of planning and preparation.

Get rid of what you don't need.

Many of us are "pack rats". One thing that we can accomplish immediately is going through all of our "stuff" and getting rid of what we don't need anymore. Moving unwanted clothing and bric-a-bracs from one place of residence to another is a great waste of time and effort. It is surprising how much more in control we feel once we start narrowing down our "inventory" to what we actually need to keep. Getting rid of the unwanted items can be done by having a garage sale long before moving time and then donating the leftovers to the Salvation Army or other charitable groups.

Get all important papers and documents together and secure them.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should certainly be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers:

Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Checks, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

Prepare well in advance for living at your new location.

There are many things that we can do at our new location well in advance of our move that will help smooth out the bumps and grinds of our relocation process when the actual event occurs: Open up new bank accounts. Open up a new Safe Deposit Box. Contact the new area utility companies and arrange for your new services. These can include Cable TV, gas, electric, oil, telephone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms necessary to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and find out if your car insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc. can be transferred. If not, find an Insurance Broker in your new area and discuss your needs and requirements for new policies. Go to the post office and get a moving kit. Prepare change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with on a regular basis.

As the time approaches, get a nice new legal pad.

As moving day approaches and when the moving process actually begins, you don't want to be hunting for phone numbers in wallets, purses, or address books. Have a nice new legal pad ready with all important phone numbers written clearly and legibly for both your old and new contacts: Banks, Doctors, Emergency contacts, Family members, Friends, Landlords or Real Estate Brokers, Movers, Pharmacies Schools, Storage Facilities, Utilities.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or pharmacy, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move in to your new abode and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter.

Good luck with your move and good luck in your new home or apartment.