Moving Tips

When you are packing up your kitchen items, one area of main concern are the breakables: your plates, bowls, and fine china. However, by making sure that everything is packed correctly, you can rest assured that everything will make it to your new home in one piece.

Before you begin packing, make sure that you have an adequate supplies of boxes, bubble wrap, peanuts, newspaper, and packing tape. If you have the original boxes that items came in, it is always a good idea to reuse them. If not, the boxes should be just large enough to snugly hold your precious items without needing a lot of padding.

Start with your plates (including your china). Prepare the box by putting a layer of cushioning (wadded paper, packing peanuts, etc.) on the bottom. Next, wrap each plate individually with paper or bubble wrap. Once you have three or four plates wrapped, bundle them together and place them in the box. Stand your plates up in the box instead of laying them flat.

Repeat the process with your remaining plates. Once the box is full, fill in any sides or gaps with peanuts or wadded up newspaper. Finish off the box with a layer of protective bubble wrap. Once the plates are completely padded and snug, seal off the box and label it as fragile.

Next come your bowls. As with your plates, the bottom of the box (preferably a dish box) should be lined with a layer of padding. Wrap each bowl individually in paper or bubble wrap and then nest them within each other. If you have additional items in the box, make sure the bowls are resting on top. Ensure that the bowls remain immovable by stuffing any cracks or crevices with peanuts or crumpled paper. Seal the box and label it as fragile.

Finally, you are ready to pack any glasses and teacups. Again, line the bottom of the box with padding. On top of the padding lay a piece of cardboard. Each piece of glassware or teacup should be individually wrapped with bubble wrap and taped closed.

If all your glasses and tea cups are in one box, put your first layer of cups down face up as if you were placing them on a table. Fill empty space with peanuts and paper. Lay an additional piece of cardboard on top of the first layer of glasses. You can then create a second layer of cups in the same fashion. Continue to layer until you reach the top of the box. Finish off the box with another piece of cardboard before sealing it shut and marking it as fragile.

If you are planning to take your kitchen appliances from one home to the next, it is vital that you pack them well for the journey so that nothing breaks in transit.  Here are some tips on packing some of the most common large appliances.

Refrigerator

It is important that you adequately prepare your refrigerator for a big move. Check your owner manual for any specific instructions before starting. Once armed with any special requirements, make sure you remove all food items and turn off your refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance so it can completely defrost. Once your fridge is defrosted, disconnect the power cord and empty both your drainage pan and (if applicable) your icemaker.

Always make sure that you clean out the entire refrigerator before transporting, including walls, drawers and shelves. This will help make sure that nothing begins to smell during your move. Remove the shelves, wrap them, and then tape them together. If there are any additional loose parts in your fridge, including drawers, make sure that they are securely taped shut. The electrical cord should be taped to the outside of the refrigerator before the entire appliance is wrapped in a protective layer.

Dishwasher

You dishwasher should be completely empty of any dishes before you try to move it. Once empty, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to disconnect the dishwasher from the water and drain it.

Once everything is drained, secure any loose parts inside the dishwasher, including the racks and the silverware basket. Lock the door closed and tape it shut for extra security.  The power cord and water hose should be taped to the appliance before it is wrapped in a protective layer.

Stove

As with your refrigerator, make sure that your stovetop and oven are completely clean before you try to move it. Remove the oven racks and tape them securely on the bottom rung. Once the inside is secure, tape down any burners and protective pans.  Lock your door closed (if possible) and tape it for extra security. Tape the power cord to the stove and then wrap it with a large protective layer.

When you decide to move your large appliances, like your washer and dryer, from your old home to your new instead of buying new appliances, you can save a lot of money.  However, that is only true if they make it to the new location without breaking. When moving your washer and dryer, consider these tips to help ensure that everything makes it to your new home safe and sound.

Washing Machine

It is important that you do not use your washer for at least 48-72 hours before you plan on moving it. You want to make sure that your washer is completely dry before you seal it off.

In preparation for the move, drain all the water out of the washer. Help remove any lingering water from the hose by tipping the washer sideways. Once all the water has been drained, wipe down the interior of the washer with a clean towel.

Once everything is clear, remove all of your machine’s accessories and fittings. Place each one into a clearly marked plastic bag before putting them in a box labeled “Washer Accessories.”

In order to prevent the washer tub from rotating during transport, stuff clean towels between the tub and the sides of the washing machine.  You will also want to fill the basket with clean towels to help keep everything stable.

In order to help prevent smells or mildew, place an unopened box of baking soda on top of the towels in your washing machine basket. Once everything is ready, tape the lid shut and secure the power cord to the washer. Wrap the washer in a protective layer of plastic or fabric to help prevent any scratching during the move.

Dryer

Your dryer is a much easier and quicker appliance to prepare for transportation. The first step is to disconnect the exhaust hose from both the dryer and the wall. Once the hose is removed, tape the dryer door closed and secure the power cord to the outside of the dryer. Wrap the entire dryer with a protective layer.

When it comes time to move, there are always several items in your home that are either fragile or awkward to pack. Packing them incorrectly can lead to them being ruined or broken, which is a huge frustration when you arrive at your new home. By taking the time to pack them correctly, you can make sure that everything arrives in your new home in the same good condition that it left your old.

TV

Whether you have an old box TV or a nice big flat screen, you want to take special care in the packing of your television. If you have the original packing box and foam forms, it is always a good idea to reuse them during the move. However, you can also purchase a similar sized box and foam forms if you didn’t keep the original.

The first step is to unplug your television. If you have any cable boxes or cords that belong to your cable company, keep them separate so that they can be returned. Carefully lay your television flat, wrap it with any protective coverings, and place the form foams on either end. You want to pay special attention to the screen area of your television, covering it with cardboard or other material to ensure that it is well protected.

Once the television is wrapped, slide it into the box and lay it on an end. Add in any extra protective peanuts and securely tape the box. Make sure that you have plenty of tape to seal the box. Always make sure to clearly mark the box as fragile.

Stereos, Radios, DVD or Blu-ray players

As with the TV, use the original manufacturer boxes and packaging if you still have them. If you did not keep the original boxes, purchase boxes of a similar size.

First, check your owner manuals to see if there are any special moving instructions. Once you are clear on any special steps, disconnect all electronics from the outlets. If the cords are removable, disconnect them from the separate components. Make sure that you wrap and secure the cords, and tag them so you know to which electronic they belong.

Wrap your electronics with protective coverings or place them in plastic bags to keep any packing elements (such as peanuts) from getting into your equipment. Keep all your smaller electronics and appropriate cords together in one box. Place larger electronics into individual boxes.

Always place enough protective packing supplies to cushion your electronics from being broken during transport. Securely tape down any openings and clearly label the box as fragile.

Moving can cause a huge stress on your body. The endless lifting, carrying, and putting down creates muscle fatigue, slowly wearing you out. Whether you choose to hire a professional moving company or decide to do the move yourself, it is important to make sure that you are taking the precautions necessary to protect the bodies involved (especially the back) and enable everyone to have the energy and stamina to finish the job.

The first step in ensuring a pain-free move is to pack correctly. In particular, you need to pay attention to the weight of each box. Remember that space and weight do not always match. You always want to make sure that you don’t put too much weight into one box. Just because there is more room in the box does not mean that additional items should be added. In general, it is best to put your heaviest items into smaller boxes and lighter items into larger boxes. It is also wise to label your heavier boxes in order to advise the mover or lifter of its weight so they lift it wisely

Once the box is packed, taped up, and labeled, the next step is to get the box safely from your house to the moving vehicle. In order to protect your back, always make sure that you primarily use your legs when lifting heavier items. Never bend over and pick up the box using your back. Instead, squat down until you are fully under the weight of the box and lift with your legs.

Make sure that you are fully comfortable with the weight and position of the box before taking your first step. If you do not feel comfortable that you can carry the box the appropriate distance, either set it back down or ask for assistance.

With your heaviest boxes and items (including furniture), it is always wise to have the appropriate moving equipment handy. Professional moving companies will already have the equipment and you can easily rent or borrow a dolly or necessary equipment.

These few steps will help make your move as easy and comfortable as possible.

For those who are musically inclined, a piano is often a highly prized and well-loved possession. It is also one of the most difficult items to move. When moving a piano from one home to the next, make sure that you take the necessary precautions in order to ensure that it arrives safely.

If you are worried about damaging your piano, it is always wise to have a professional moving company help you with this move. Below are a few tips that will help you move your piano whether you will be doing the heavy lifting or hiring someone else to help.

The first step to moving your piano is to assess its size and weight. Knowing the dimensions will allow you to figure out the correct path out of your old home and into your new. Make sure that it will fit through any doorways or hallways.

Once you have the dimensions, do some quick research to know the weight. Pianos can be extremely heavy (anywhere from 600-1200 pounds!) and you want to make sure that you have the proper amount of manpower as well as any special equipment, such as a piano dolly or hydraulic lifter.

Pianos should never be rolled on their metal casters, which are decorative instead of functional. Trying to move a piano on the casters can damage both the piano and the floor.

Before moving the piano, make sure that all accessories are removed and that the pathway is clear. Once the piano is in motion, you want to make sure that you do not have to stop.

It is always a good idea to wrap your piano in either a cloth covering or bubble wrap. This will protect the piano from getting scratched or dinged during the moving process.

When moving a grand piano, make sure that you break it down by removing the three legs, the lyre, and the music rack.

You always want to move a piano on its side. You want to use the dolly as much as possible, putting as much of the piano’s weight on the dolly as you can. Be patient as you move, moving slowly and carefully down your intended path. It is always wise to have someone who is not involved in the move to watch out for corners or other objects.

One of the most frustrating parts of a move is that moment when you are in your new house and you are in need of something that you know you packed. You look through your stack of boxes, but can’t seem to find it anywhere. Finally, frustrated, you go and buy a replacement, only to find that exact item a few days later. This frustration can easily be avoided by following a few general packing guidelines.

First off, if you feel like you will not have the time or energy to correctly pack your house, consider hiring a professional packing service. They will have the correct supplies and knowledge to make sure that everything gets safely from one location to another.

If you choose to pack yourself, organization will be your biggest asset. Make sure that you have an adequate amount of boxes, containers, packing tape, packing supplies (such as peanuts or bubble wrap), and labels (including markers). Having all your supplies ready before you start will give you great peace of mind and help the process go smoothly.

If possible, start packing one room at a time. Keep the boxes together and label each box with both the room it came from and a general idea of the items inside. This will greatly help in making sure that the boxes end up in the appropriate room in the new house and help you locate any necessary items.

One of the most important boxes to correctly label is your “odds and ends” box – the box full of random little items that collect in different rooms. If some rooms (like an office or bedroom) have more odds and ends than will fit in one box, make sure that you number the boxes. This will help you know if any boxes are missing once you are in your new home.

These few easy steps will help keep your move nice and organized, allowing you to settle into your new home with ease.

When you are driving your car from an old house to a new house during the winter months, it is important to be fully prepared for any sort of experience.  Having your car properly prepared and stocked and your journey carefully planned can be a huge blessing as your travel through unpredictable weather.

Before starting out on any trip, make sure to have your car serviced.  Properly winterize your car by making sure that all your fluids are at the right levels, having your brakes checked, replacing any worn or summer tires, and changing your windshield wipers.

Plan the route of your trip carefully.  Know if there are any areas that require chains and where there are long stretches of road without towns or services. If you will be passing through areas that require chains on your tires, make sure that you have a reliable set in your car.  If you are unfamiliar with putting chains on your car, practice at home until you are completely comfortable with the process.

It is always a good idea to have access to roadside assistance.  Check with your insurance company to see if it is part of your insurance plan.  If not, consider purchasing membership with an auto club.  Always make sure that you have the roadside assistance number quickly and easily accessible.

Pack your car carefully.  Make sure that any liquids are in your car or in the cab of the moving truck instead of in the back where they will potentially freeze and burst.  Carry emergency supplies such as blankets, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight and a tow rope.  Other important supplies are water, non-perishable food, extra warm clothing (hats, mittens, socks, etc.), pillows, and pocket warmers. It also a good idea to have extra car supplies, such as windshield wiper fluid and an ice scraper.

Carry a cell phone.  Make sure that you have a charger that works with your car so that your battery stays fully charged.  You will also want to have an emergency contact list, including the phone numbers and addresses of hotels along the way.

While you always hope to have a smooth and uneventful journey, having your car properly prepared and packed will not only give you peace of mind but also make sure that you are ready for any of winter’s unpredictable problems.

Winter is one of the most unpredictable seasons. The weather can change at any moment, putting you in the middle of snow, rain, ice or freezing temperatures. If you will be moving during the winter, it is important to follow a few guidelines to make sure that you and your possessions arrive safely at your destination.

The safest course of action is to hire a professional moving company. These companies are experienced in packing and driving through all sorts of conditions and are prepared for anything a winter storm might throw their way. You can have the peace of mind that skilled professionals are safely transporting your possessions.

If you choose to rent and drive your own moving truck, make sure that the truck is stocked with the proper emergency essentials such as blankets, warm clothing, water and non-perishable food. You want to be fully prepared if the truck breaks down or you get stranded by an unexpected storm.

Pack the back of your truck properly. Ask the moving company for advice about packaging materials that will adequately protect your items – particularly wood products – that are left out in the cold.

The two things you should never pack in the back of the truck are plants and liquids. Plants can be severely damaged by the cold. Liquids can freeze during shipment and potentially burst, ruining nearby possessions. Plants and liquids should always be kept in the cab or in another vehicle.

While driving, remember that a moving truck does not handle the same as a normal car. Drive well under the speed limit. This is particularly important in areas where there may be ice on the road. Slower speeds give your greater control over the vehicle.

Make sure that you keep a safe distance from the cars in front of you. Always give yourself 4-5 seconds of space to ensure that you have adequate time to slow down or stop.

Always go slower over bridges and overpasses. These areas of road are often icy and can develop patches of dangerous black ice.

Keep your lights on. Not only will the lights help you see through winter conditions, they will help other cars see you.

Always keep chains, salt, sand and a shovel on hand. These items will be a great help if the truck gets stuck.

One of the worst things that can happen during a move is when you arrive at your new place and unload your stuff only to discover that items have been ruined. Winter conditions can greatly increase the probability of your possessions being damaged. To ensure the safety of your items, you always want to make sure that you pack everything properly.

Whether you’re traveling a few blocks or few thousand miles, there are a few basic packing guidelines for winter moves. The first is to protect against moisture. Moisture can cause mold in mattresses and fabric, warp your wood products, destroy documents, and ruin pictures. Always make sure to properly wrap all of your items with waterproof or water resistant materials. This is important even if it is not raining or snowing, since items can also get wet from snow melting, puddles on the ground, or even humid air.

Another step to protecting your possessions is to use a covered moving truck. The unpredictability of winter weather means that a storm can descend without notice. Professional trucks are your best option as they have the ability to completely protect your items from any weather. When choosing to move in an open truck, be aware the weather and wind can beat through tarps and other coverings. If an open truck is your only option, make sure that the tarp or covering is completely wrapped around your items and tightly secured. Check throughout your journey to make sure that nothing has shifted or been exposed.

One of the main possessions that you will want to protect is your carpet. Lay down tarps (preferably painter’s tarps), cardboard, or fabric over your carpet to protect it from the mud and moisture that is tracked in by the movers. Do not ever use newspaper to cover your carpets as the water will mix with the ink and potentially transfer to your carpet.

With these simple precautions you can make sure that all your possessions arrive in their perfect conditions, making your new home a much happier place.