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!

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.

5 Ways to stop scam moving companies this season

Listed below are the five most important things you can do to protect yourself from the growing threat of becoming victim to a moving company scam. The moving industry was deregulated in the early 90's and has been a shambles ever since. Scam movers have taken over the industry and the honest movers can
hardly compete. Still over 15% of Americans move each year for a total of over 40 million people. That’s a lot of moving and packing for these bad movers to rip people off. By following a few simple steps you can have the advantage over your movers and protect yourself, your family and everything you own.


1. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself when hiring a moving company is to hire only licensed movers as regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). By dealing with licensed moving companies you are entitled to certain Rights and responsibilities When Moving as outlined in this Federal Brochure (http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/rights/rights.htm). You should be given a copy of this document by your moving company before you. Be certain you are dealing with an actual moving company and not moving brokers. Moving brokers are licensed and regulated by the FMCSA but are not required to have trucks. Most brokers are nothing more than a sales force booking deals for companies with trucks. As soon as they have your money they are no longer interested in you or your stuff. You can read more about the horrors of the moving broker scam at www.movingscam.com.

2. The best place to find a moving company is through your local resources like the newspaper, yellow pages or by word of mouth. Ask local friends what movers they have used. Once you find a moving company you should ask for referrals. Don't trust the junk you read on someone’s website. Ask for a phone number to the last 3 clients. If they won't produce a phone number than ask that they call you instead. If they are unwilling to do so then you can expect their service wasn’t so spectacular. Make certain you get a written binding estimate based on 400n tariff weight and not cubic footage. Paying for the actual weight of your household goods can save you money. Why let a crooked moving company pack your stuff in boxes when they are charging you by the cubic foot? They love the full service pack and move jobs because they charge more. Be armed with knowledge like that available to you at http://www.protectyourmove.gov and know your rights.

3. The safest way to move your stuff is to move yourself. Self service moving has become quite the rage in recent years and companies that offer various self move services are fast becoming industry leaders. Moving trucks and drivers are as popular as ever with over 1 million moving trucks rented per year. Moving containers are a new service which provides a storage container delivered to your home. You are allowed to pack at your own pace while the box stays near your home safe and secured. Once you are finished packing your moving pod can be delivered to your new home in the same city or another state. If you’re not interested in loading or driving a truck maybe you would prefer to hire a truck and driver with you pack and load they drive moving services. Packing supplies and services add quite a bit to your move cost. Save money by packing your own stuff and ensure it was safe before you packed it. Beware, scam movers like to blame you for damages to items already packed.

4. Loading and unloading are the most dangerous times for you and your things. Packing your own things is the safest way but if you use a moving service to pack your things is sure they use quality packing materials and supplies. Some moving companies have special rolls of tape that are shorter and cheaper than regular rolls. They use cheap moving boxes which may not support your stuff and they may under pack boxes in an attempt to use more boxes and space on the truck. Moving blankets, hand trucks and wheel dollys are all tools of the trade for a professional mover but foreign objects to scam movers. Don't let them bust up your furniture and have them pack and load your things properly. Most movers will not be qualified to do things like setup your electrical equipment or some appliances. Take care of these things yourself in order to make certain your home is safe from any potential harm.

5. After your mover has unpacked and delivered your goods you should check for any obvious damages immediately. By law you have 90 days to file a claim with your mover but it’s always best to do so right away. Offer photo of video evidence of the contents of your home before and after the move as evidence of any damages or items missing. Missing or stolen items should be reported to the police right away. No matter what the movers say you have the right to complain about your items not arriving as they were supposed to. File any complaints with your movers right away and follow through, if they resist then take it up with the FMCSA. Obviously this is not a complete list of things you should do before you hire a moving company. Good sense and judgment should be used whenever you hire any company to perform a service for you. When they are packing up everything you own and stuffing it in a truck for a cross country trek you take extra precautions. Please review the list of resources below for more information on moving and relocation services.


Resources available online

Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration - http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Check your movers Motor Carriers License - http://www.safersys.org

Find an affordable moving company - http://www.affordablemovingcompany.com