Moving Blog #2 - Moving Tips, Tricks & Hacks (Part 1)
Long-distance moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person's life. Moving was cited as the third stressful life circumstance just after death and divorce according to a survey conducted by British energy company E.ON.
Arguably, there is no wrong or right way to execute a long-distance move, however, there are definitely tips, tricks, and methods to make the process a whole lot smoother, less stressful, and easier for you and your loved ones. We at Paula's movers understand the importance Of a thought out and well-calculated moving plan. and that is why we put together Paula's Movers Step-By-Step Moving Checklist.
MOVING BOXES
Moving boxes are a crucial element in executing your move. You simply cannot move without having something sturdy to keep your belongings in. There are many different types of boxes designed for the many different items you own. Books, Wardrobe, Television, etc.
You may easily order boxes from us. Check out our sizes and pricing here.
On a budget? It’s a bothersome task, but sometimes you can collect empty boxes from liquor stores, supermarkets or drug stores in advance to help reduce your moving box budget. You may also collect boxes from your online orders ahead of time to help add to your moving box supply. Need a box boost? Ask local friends and family to save boxes from their online orders and subscriptions for your move too.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Do not cut corners when it comes to moving boxes for your electronics and mattresses. Moving boxes are designed specifically for these items to protect them during the long-distance move.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Organize your boxes by necessity. Label the important ones, “First In” and “Last Out” to ensure their packing placement on the moving truck coincides with this order.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Do you have pets and order their supplies from an online supply company? We’ve found that Chewy pet food delivery boxes {insert backlink to chewy.com here) are sturdy and work well when it comes to moving!
MOVING BOXES LABELING TIPS
Labeling Tip #1 - Label Everything!!!
We know this may sound redundant to some of you, but always, always, always label your boxes. Long-distance moving is an overwhelming task with many moving parts. Speaking from experience, we know that you may think you have a mental grasp on what’s getting packed during the packing process. However, after all the work, energy, and time that goes into the move you’ll be physically and mentally exhausted and the last thing you’re going to want to do is to guess in what box you packed the coffee maker! Trust us label e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! If you unscrew something and want to know how to identify those screws later, labeling them makes it possible.
Labeling Tip #2 - Create a Labeling System
Use a letter/number scheme to save time labeling boxes. That saves writing “dining room" or “bathroom” on boxes. For example, all dining room boxes are labeled “DR” and bathroom boxes labeled “B”. Use the label “K” for kitchen boxes and follow with a number to identify and tally your box quantities, such as (K1, K2, K3), etc. For multiple bedrooms label them (BR1, BR2, BR3).
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Keep a detailed list of all your box numbers/letters and what each box contains. Have mobile access to this document and/or print it out to keep on hand when you move.
Labeling Tip #3 - Have The Right Tools - Labeling Materials List
• Various Sized Markers (Black Sharpies)
• Color Coding Labels
• Adhesive Labels (Shipping Labels)
• Clear Packing Tape
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Having multiple sized markers makes the labeling process quicker and easier. Use smaller tipped markers for identifying box contents while using large tipped markers to easily and clearly identify the boxes label.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Use clear packing tape to tape down the shipping labels that identify your box's contents to be precautious and prevent the labels from accidentally peeling off during transport.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Remember those personalized return address labels your parents or grandparents always used? For an extra level of identification and protection place one each on your packing boxes. Of course, you will need to make sure they list your NEW address. Many times you receive them as a complimentary gift if you donate to the Humane Society or the ASPCA. As well, you may easily order them online from Vistaprint, GotPrint, or your preferred supplier. Don’t want to be bothered with sourcing labels? Tedious but effective, you may write your information on all the boxes with a marker.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: You can also use this master list as a checklist to review that all your boxes are counted for at your new home’s location.
PACKING TIPS
Packing Tip #1 - The Right Way To Pack
There is a bit of science and art to packing your items correctly for the move. Most of it seems pretty evident, or even common sense. If that is the case for you, then consider this list as more of a reminder. A few things to keep in mind are:
- heavy items should not be packed on top of the more delicate ones.
- never pack frozen or perishable foods in boxes for a long-distance move.
- when in doubt use extra packing foam or paper to protect items.
- pack fragile items together when possible and label the box on all sides and top/bottom clearly.
- do not overpack your boxes or you’ll risk injury and breakage.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Save yourself all the hassle and have Paula’s Movers Professional Packers take care of the packing for you.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: use newspaper or plastic bags to help cushion items when packing supplies run out.
Packing Tip #2 - Important versus Unimportant
Packing items in order of importance makes the unpacking process a bit easier. For example, if you need to get back to work right away and need to spread out the unpacking over a few days or weeks, packing and labeling boxes categorized by importance will help you determine what gets opened first and what can sit in the garage a while until you have a chance to get to it. Pack important items and/or items you need to access first together and label them. Do you work from home and drink a ton of coffee? Well, maybe internet routers/cables, the coffee maker, filters, coffee grinds and mug could constitute your list of must have items you want to have together in one box to unpack immediately after you move.
FOOD, NUTRITION AND MEAL PLANNING
Food Tip #1 - Moving The Food
Did you know that most moving companies will not transport frozen foods, perishables, produce, and refrigerated foods? Reduce food waste by planning your meals leading up to, during, and immediately after your move. Additionally, you can use your Long Distance Move as an opportunity to inventory all your spices, dry goods, and pantry items. Look at all expiration dates and discard any past due items. Do you have a surplus of some items? Donate excess food to your local food pantry to reduce the amount of food you move and more importantly help those in need.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Make a flexible menu based on all the frozen, refrigerated and perishable food you have on hand for the weeks leading up to your move. Still, have extra perishables on hand? Give food away to family and friends or host a dinner party to prevent food from ending up in the trash on your move day.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Visit websites such as AmpleHarvest.Org or FeedingAmerica.Org to find a local food bank accepting donations to help you shed the excess pantry items before your long-distance move.
Food Tip #2 - Hydration
We know this may sound silly, but yes– don’t forget to stay hydrated! Make sure you have plenty of water and smart waters to keep you hydrated and replenish electrolytes. Nothing tastes better than a cold glass of ice water when working hard, especially on a hot summer day. So freeze a dozen water bottles or so to have on hand for the move date.
Food Tip #3 - Healthy Snacking.
Fact: everyone is guilty of snacking between meals. So why not snack healthy? It’s important to make sure you have sustainable energy snacks on hand to keep your energy up during the often complex and exhausting task of executing a long-distance move. Fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas work well. Dried nuts, trail mixes, and energy bars are also amazing and provide lasting sustainable energy. After the move is over, you can kick your feet up and eat that well deserved Kit Kat.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Dried fruits are an awesome substitute for fresh fruit. They are easy to pack, take up less space, and last longer than fresh fruits.
Food Tip #4 - Food on the road.
Perhaps you’re turning the long-distance move into an opportunity for a family road trip and plan on driving to your new home. If this is the case preparing food in advance is a great way to eat cleaner, healthier, and even help save you time and money along the way. We recommend packing a cooler with some prepared items from the home to take along with you for the ride. Sandwiches and prepared salads work well to provide you healthy meals on the road. Healthy snacks, such as those mentioned in Food Tip #3 also help round out a healthy and supportive road trip menu.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Use a soft cooler for flexibility and to save on space in your vehicle.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Line the bottom of your cooler with a dozen or so 16oz. or greater frozen water bottles. This duel purpose item will serve to keep your food cold for days as well as provide refreshing drinking water to keep you hydrated.
NUTS, BOLTS & FURNITURE ASSEMBLY PARTS
It’s all but too easy to disassemble an item before your move, however, by the time you arrive at the new home you have misplaced or lost the screws or some integral component of the item. Just as easy, it’s all too common that you take apart that piece of furniture and then forget how to put it back together. When this happens, many times the homeowner is forced to discard and repurchase an item. Our answer to these frustrations. Save yourself the time, money, and frustration and have Paula's Movers Furniture Assembly Team tackle the furniture for you. Here are a few long-distance moving tips, tricks, and hacks to keep in mind regarding moving furniture and other items that sometimes need to be removed
From your old place and brought to your new home.
Furniture Assembly Tip #1 - Keep it Together
One of the most common issues with moving furniture that requires disassembly is locating the screws once you’ve moved so that you can put it back together again. Secure screws, nuts and bolts to the objects they belong to. You can either tape, tie, plastic or shrink-wrap them to the object itself. When this is not possible, secure the necessary parts together in a ziplock bag or box and label them properly. For smaller items such as a towel rack, put the mounts and screws into a labeled bag and then place the rack and labeled bag together into a clearly labeled box.
Furniture Assembly Tip #2 - Keep A Record
There are two types of people in the world, those who save furniture assembly instructions and those who don’t. If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably tossed or misplaced the assembly instructions that came with your furniture. Perhaps it was assembled when you acquired it. Our rule of thumb, if the item requires three or more steps to take apart– take pictures of the process. This way you have your own visual guide to refer back to hours, days, or weeks or whenever that item gets reassembled in its new location. Especially if you're attempting to take apart Ikea furniture!
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Keep all miscellaneous screws, bolts, and parts together in a single box. Label all screws and bolts accordingly in plastic sandwich bags and place all together in one box to tote. This box could include miscellaneous items such as wall hanging screws, picture frame mounts, and electronic cord
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Moving a refrigerator? Keep the screws, bolts and assembly parts carefully packed with foam (so as to not scratch or damage your item) and secured inside a crisper drawer or just taped inside the fridge. Make sure to use a “no residue” tape when taping items to your refrigerator.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: A “No Residue” tape is your ideal option when taping any screws to your assembly parts to your appliances and electronics. We know from experience how aggravating it can be after your move to spend hours cleaning tape residue marks off appliances and electronics.
BAG OF TRICKS
Alright, we’re not talking about pulling a rabbit out of a hat. We are referring to having a bag, bin, or tote full of a bunch of helpful items to keep on hand on your final packing day. Consider this the Boy or Girl Scout list of items that you may never need, but will likely come in handy if you’re packing yourself.
- a roll of non-residue duct tape
- a roll of clear packing tape
- 2 pairs of work gloves
- multi screwdriver
- hammer
- pliers
- band-aids / first aid
- several sets of large disposable rubber gloves
- 4 face masks and/or handkerchiefs
- hand sanitizer
- several rags
- all-purpose spray cleaner
- roll of paper towels
- 6 granola bar
- 6 water bottles
- several ziplock bags
- permanent black markers
- a medium-sized notepad and 2 pens
- 5 large clear or blue plastic recycling bags
- 5 black plastic contractor sized trash bags
- an envelope with some petty cash
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Ditch this scout’s laundry list of preparedness and hire Paula’s Movers Full Services so that all the packing is done for you! Sit back, relax, Netflix, and chill. We can move the couch, coffee table, and flat-screen last.
MOVING INSURANCE
Unfortunately but true, there is always the possibility that something can go wrong during your long-distance move. The open road can be an uncertain place. Unpredictable weather conditions and equipment malfunctions are not common but always a possibility. Moving insurance is a must-have! All reputable movers will be insured! Lucky for you, Paula’s Movers are a reputable and insured moving company. We never recommend using a moving company that isn’t insured.
PAULAS PRO MOVING TIP: Sometimes your valuables are so valuable they may require an extra degree of protection. Additional insurance is available to protect these items. If you’re uncertain whether or not you have an item(s) that may require this added coverage please contact us to have a trained Paula’s Movers Moving Specialist answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Until Next Time...
We hope this list has been helpful and informative in at least a few instances. This list doesn’t cover it all, but it’s a good start! Check back on our Paula’s Movers Blog in the near future when we release Part 2 of our LONG DISTANCE MOVING TIPS, TRICKS & HACKS. Advice From The Experts.