Moving Tips & Suggestions
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Who can’t use some helpful moving tips when they’re packing up their whole life for a new home here in Michigan? If you’re among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community – local or out of state or otherwise,, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from our personal experiences, with 20+ years of our moving company here in Michigan, we know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth.
Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move. For a convenient PDF of the list, download here: EZ Moving – Residential Moving!
Make a list
Write everything down! You’ll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it’s in a place you’ll call Packing Central. This is where you’ll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “Tulip dishes” rather than “misc. kitchen”.
Have plenty of packing supplies
Please keep in mind — you’ll need LOTS of boxes–probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You’ll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items as well as your clothes and hands) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you’ll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed. Another good idea is to contact the moving company for a packing estimate on how mucn it will cost for the mover to provide professional packing services your dishes pots and pans and dvds.
Utilize wardrobe or portable clothing boxes
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they’ll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you’ll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Box Note! Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?). We want to make sure safety is number one, so please make sure only shoes hats purses or hanging clothing end up in the wardrobe boxes.
Strategize wardrobe box use
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you’re doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won’t move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You’ll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
For more moving tips, go on to Page 2 and find out more about strategies for filling wardrobe boxes, making a cleaning kit, and using “personal” boxes.
Do you have a good tip or suggestion not noted here? Let us know and email us your moving tip today – Click here
LCD / LED / Plasma TVs — Try to find your old container box for your LED / LCD / PLasma TV and place your TV back into it for your relocation to your new home! Important note, you will need one to protect it for the move to ensure that nothing happens to this expensive piece of equipment. Dont have your original TV Box that it came in when you purchased it ? Threw it out? No problem with us. We can simply rent one to you or you may purchase one of exclusive EZTV Box Protection Kits.
Renting a EZTV Box kit for your move is only $39.99 for the move. We feel that this is a very low price to pay for piece of mind as a good insurance policy top be sure no damage comes to this expensive investment and your enjoyment in your home. This rental fee covers the additonal labor we provide / placement of the TV into the kit / and container usage to package up your TV for the move and our movers will bring this out upon request on your moving day. They come complete with adjustable styrofoam inserts to adapt and protect any size TV.
Rent one for your move for just $39.99
or purchase our EZTV LCD LED TV box protection moving kits
42 to 52″ Flatscreen TVs in size for only $129.99
52 to 62″ Flatscreen TVs for just $149.99.
Click here to get a FREE Moving Quote Estimate
Call Us! (123) 456-7890 Toll Free
to speak with one of our representatives.
(Office Hours M – F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST / Moving Services available 7 days a week)
Renting a EZTV Box kit for your move is only $39.99 for the move. We feel that this is a very low price to pay for piece of mind as a good insurance policy top be sure no damage comes to this expensive investment and your enjoyment in your home. This rental fee covers the additonal labor we provide / placement of the TV into the kit / and container usage to package up your TV for the move and our movers will bring this out upon request on your moving day. They come complete with adjustable styrofoam inserts to adapt and protect any size TV.
Rent one for your move for just $39.99
or purchase our EZTV LCD LED TV box protection moving kits
42 to 52″ Flatscreen TVs in size for only $129.99
52 to 62″ Flatscreen TVs for just $149.99.
Click here to get a FREE Moving Quote Estimate
Call Us! (123) 456-7890 Toll Free
to speak with one of our representatives.
(Office Hours M – F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST / Moving Services available 7 days a week) Click here for a Free Online Estimate
Specialized Packing Tips and EZ Suggestions
The list of individual household items is endless, however most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.
Dresser Drawers — Don’t overload. Too heavy a load can cause structural damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food — Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don’t attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
Frozen Foods and Plants -Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.
Grandfather Clocks — We can move all types of grandfather clocks, however it is wise to remove and secure the pendulum in a large clock. Also remove any chimes too. If at all possible, real expensive grandfather clocks should have any removal of these tiems done by an expert serviceman.
Drapes and Curtains — Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Flammables and Combustibles — Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable. We are not licensed to transpot hazardous and combustable items.
Lamps and Lampshades — Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
Medicines — Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures — Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
Personal Computers and Video Recorders — Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise,use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is “parked” and ready for transport.
Silverware — Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulfur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Tools — Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
Waterbed Mattresses — Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner’s manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
Cars and Motorcycles — Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks — Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.
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