Movers 201, Moving-tips

TIPS: 1. Make a Moving list.

Whether moving from an apartment in Hoboken to a brownstone in Ridgewood, or a condo in Jersey City to a house in Tenafly, to keep your move organized write everything down! You’ll thank your-self later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. When you mark your moving box contents, always be certain to be specific -“Files types/names” is better than “files”, and “breakable kitchen dishes” is better than “misc. kitchen”.

TIPS: 2. Have plenty of moving boxes and moving supplies.

Remember, you’ll need lots of moving boxes – almost always more moving boxes than you think you will ever use. Having enough moving boxes on hand will make your life easier! You can buy all sizes of moving boxes and moving supplies for your move directly form Movers 201, any unused moving boxes can be returned to Movers 201 for a full refund. It is always a good idea to have at least 10 moving boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You also should have a good supply of a few rolls of strong packing tape to close up all of those moving boxes securely. Do not use news-print as it can stain your items, use unprinted newsprint, packing pa-per or bubble wrap to wrap (all available from Movers 201) and be certain to cushion household goods and carefully wrap any breakables in moving paper and bubble wrap. Remember, you’ll need lots more moving supplies than you think, so always have extra moving boxes and moving supplies to assure your move and packing go smoothly. Return any unused moving supplies after the truck is completely packed.

TIPS: 3. Utilize our Moving wardrobe boxes, moving hanging clothing any other way is not advised. (Wardrobe boxes provided free on move day)

These tall Moving Wardrobe boxes are perfect way for moving your hanging clothing, from bulky clothing items to, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets and any clothing that should remain hanging for your move. Measure your clothes in each one of your closets, don’t forget your coat closets, and you will be able to quickly figure out how many Moving wardrobe boxes you’ll need. Wardrobe boxes are also great for packing other items such as closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes, comforters etc. Hint: Do not make the boxes so heavy that you or the movers cannot lift them.

TIPS: 4. Questions to ask when interviewing a moving company

1. When interviewing moving companies, make sure to ask if they are insured and how they charge, ask if they charge extra for large items such as pianos and big screen TVs.
2. Ask what kind of training their movers and drivers go through before servicing customers, ask if there is a cancellation policy, ask what type of payment options they offer.
3. Ask if they use full-time employees or temps and day labor. (Be cautious of those who use temps and day labor because they may not have proper insurance.)
4. Ask if they offer free estimates, ask if they have suggestions on how to make your move easier, ask if they offer packing and unpacking services.
5. Ask if your items will be insured during your move, ask if they have a minimum charge or if they have any extra charges or any Hidden fees.

TIPS: 5. Important packing tips

1. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
2. Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast.
3. Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.
4. Always stack dishes upwards when packing.
5. Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
6. Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
7. Don’t pack with food or supermarket boxes. You never know what little critter is hiding – or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.
8. Don’t use used boxes. You don’t know if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.
9. Always stack dishes upward when packing.
10. Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.
11. Clearly label all boxes on top and side.
12. Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing these items.
13. By law, a moving company can’t transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, bottled gases and other flammables, ammunition and explosives.
14. Always tape boxes. Don’t interlock the tops.
15. Don’t use boxes without tops. No tops make it impossible to stack properly in the truck.
16. Use custom-designed boxes when packing fine china and clothing.

TIPS: 6. Color coordinates your move.

Designate a color for each room in the new place you are moving to, such as green for kitchen, blue for dining room, red for the bedroom etc. Either use colored markers on each box or simply apply colored sticker to box near the box number. In your new home, put a matching sticker or color marked sign on each room’s door. This will allow our movers to know exactly and easily where to put each moving box when they arrive at the destination. It’s also recommended that you post a big sign on the wall of each room where you would like your moving boxes stacked, (“Moving Boxes go here, please”).

TIPS: 7. Thing to remember

1. Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your day.
2. Clean out closets, the attic, and the basement as soon as you decide it’s time to move.
3. Two weeks before the move don’t forget to arrange to transfer school records.
4. Make a “survival closet” of things for the last cleanup before you move out – broom, dust cloth, dust pan, mop.
5. Remember to get snacks for move day.
6. Cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, cleaning help, lawn services about a week before the move.
7. Mail in your change of address forms about week before your move date.
8. Clean your stove before you move out.
9. The day before your move, defrost the fridge.
10. Make sure to get enough cash to get you through move day.
11. Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors before your busy move day.
12. If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show.

TIPS: 8. More tips

1. Give out your Number, before the movers leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can’t be reached and make sure to take phone numbers from the movers.
2. Unscrew Bulbs, Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
3. Give the Kids an Exercise, Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town.
4. Help your Pet Relax, Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
5. Enjoy the Help, Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move. Be sure to get a good night’s rest before the pickup and delivery days!

TIPS: 9. Pack for your move ahead of time.

Moving is time consuming and can be emotional. The more you can pack ahead of time, the less you will need to do on the actual moving day. Pack “seasonally. If you are moving in the winter, first pack your summer items into boxes then you can unpack these last. Use a “travel kit” for the last week or so and pack up all those bathroom items you do not use on a daily basis, remember to color code each box you pack so that the moving company knows which room to put each moving box when it arrived to your new residence.

TIPS: 10. Consolidate cleaning supplies, do you really need to move them too?

Most places you are leaving call for you to clean the apartment before you move out, use supplies you have that are partially full, create a moving out kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible before the and whenever you can, vacuum each room as movers empty it into the moving truck. Any cleaning supplies that are more than half empty are probably not worth the move; throw them away after you clean out your old place.

TIPS: 11. Use your luggage for your move; hey they are designed for packing, right?

Fill any luggage you are going to move, put clothing and soft items such as towels and bedding into any duffle bags. Keep clothing you need to get to quickly in the suitcases, it will be easy to spot and remember when the movers unload the moving truck into your new home. Doesn’t matter if it is a long Distance Move or a Local move you’ll quickly be able to hone in on your suitcase while that moving box with the outfit you were going to wear for work might take days to find.

TIPS: 12. Safeguard and prepare valued items you are going to move.

If possible, keep your valuable items and possessions, like jewelry, cash, collectables, breakables and antiques, with you. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to check and verify your coverage during the move, Movers 201 also offers additional moving insurance. Before the move, make copies of ALL your important papers. Make sure that the copies are packed in one place, while the originals are always with you. Important papers include but are not limited to, might include: school records, passports, birth certificates, closing papers for the home you are moving to, mover estimates, new location job contacts, the utility company numbers for both where you are moving from and to your new home you are moving to, account numbers and bank records, current bills, phone lists, realtor info, maps to your home you are moving to, and more. Don’t leave these to the responsibility of moving company or mover. Keep them with you at all times.

TIPS: 13. Once you arrive at your new place Re-Key all locks.

You’ll have a piece of mind. Moving into an existing home means other people may have keys! You just do not know if there are any other keys to the home you are moving into. It is an expense that will provide safety and a piece of mind.