Safety First: Top 9 Moving Safety Tips

moving safety tips
moving safety tips

Over 40 million Americans move per year, but the process of moving doesn’t come without risks. We want to talk about the top 10 moving safety tips.

Lifting heavy objects, using sharp packing knives, and navigating tight spaces could lead to a serious injury. Unless you’ve prepared for moving day and know what it takes to stay safe, the day of the move could prove to be more dangerous than you expected.

Here are the most important moving safety tips to be aware of.

1. Wear the Right Clothes

For moving day, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate clothes and shoes. They should be flexible, breathable, and loose-fitting. You don’t want your clothes to be too loose, but you should have enough room to move around comfortably.

Strong comfortable footwear is the most important part. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes with a good level of support and traction on the soles. You shouldn’t wear anything with high heels or open toes.

2. Avoid Overpacking the Boxes

It can be tempting to pack as much into one box as you possibly can. But just because 100 pounds of books or equipment fits into a box doesn’t mean that you should.

Moving boxes are only designed to hold a certain amount of weight. Going over this amount can put pressure on your back, knees, and other joints. Not to mention the box.

Look for guidelines listed on the box and keep it under the limit. If there are no guidelines, keep these rules in mind. 50 pounds for a small box, 65 pounds for a medium box, and 70 pounds for a larger box.

And if it feels too heavy, it’s too heavy.

3. Use the Right Lifting Techniques

When lifting heavy objects, there can be a high risk for injury, especially for the back and shoulders. The safest way to move is to let experienced professionals handle it all, including the heavy lifting.

But if you’re managing the difficult task on your own, it’s important that you know the proper lifting techniques.

  • First, you need to have a solid grip on the object. Gloves may help with traction.
  • Keep your back straight and bend your knees to lift instead of your back.
  • Make sure you keep the object close to you. The farther away it is, the more it stresses your back.
  • Keep objects centered on your body–which is typically close to the waist–to maintain your balance. If you need to turn around while carrying the object, move your feet together with the load instead of twisting your back.
  • Don’t move something that weights more than 20% of your body weight.
  • Don’t twist, turn, or pivot when lifting.
  • Most importantly, if the box is too heavy to carry alone, get a friend or assistant to carry the box with you.

4. Double Tape Your Boxes

Whether you’re using used or brand-new cardboard boxes for your move, they need to be secure.

Don’t over pack your boxes. And too much weight can still collapse or tear through the bottom of a cardboard box, regardless of what you packed into it.

Use quality packing tape to seal your box for safety. Double seal the bottom and the sides to strengthen the stability of the box before filling it up.

5. Clear Your Exit Routes

One of the most difficult and dangerous parts of the move is trying to move large items and boxes out of a confined space.

Make sure you plan your exit routes ahead of time, so you don’t get stuck navigating on the spot while carrying something heavy.

Be sure that all hallways, rooms, stairs, and outside areas are clear. Remove any obstacles that might get in your way. And be sure to measure doorways if you’re not sure you can fit an item through.

Remove any scattered boxes or other moving equipment. Also be sure to clean any moisture or debris on the ground to avoid the risk of slipping.

Make sure little feet and paws are kept out of the moving area.

6. Secure All Sharp Objects

Open box cutters or unwrapped knives can go right through a box and into someone’s hand. Be sure to close box cutters when you aren’t using them. And wrap all knives when they’re not in use to lower the chances of injury.

Not taking the time to secure knives, box cutters, gardening supplies, scissors, and more can lead to dangerous cuts.

When packing up items like kitchen knives, be sure to wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap. Or you can wrap the knives in a dish towel and secure them with a rubber band.

7. Use Moving Equipment

When it comes to moving large and heavy items, it’s always safer to use proper moving equipment.

You can rent or purchase a moving dolly, which is a two or four-wheel appliance that helps you roll heavy items, boxes, or appliances out of your house without having to lift them. It takes the weight off your shoulders and can reduce the risk of injuries.

8. Take Care of Yourself During the Move

Make sure you get a good night sleep before the move. When you are tired, it’s easier to make mistakes.

Make sure you eat something healthy to maintain blood sugar levels, mental clarity, and strength.

And stay hydrated. You don’t want to experience the side effects of dehydration during or after your move.

9. Hire excellent movers to avoid safety issues and damage to your property.

When hiring our movers, you’re hiring real moving professionals who care about all your belongings with respect. They work hard with a purpose and integrity. They genuinely care about their position and work in a timely manner.

Moving Safety Tips to Remember for Your Next Move

Protecting yourself during the move is just as important as protecting your belongings. This is why you need to have a solid understanding of basic moving safety tips.

With these precautions in mind, you can be sure that your next move will go smoothly, without the added stress of injuries or accidents.

Getting ready to move? Looking for professional movers to help you do it? Contact us.

How to Label Moving Boxes – Label with Logic

label with logic how to label moving boxes
label with logic how to label moving boxes

How to label moving boxes. Are you one of the 35 million americans planning a move? You have probably experienced some of the stress involved in moving already. Transferring utilities, preparing both the new and old houses, and logistics are just a few of the stressors that people moving can face.

One important area that you shouldn’t overlook is the packing and unpacking of your items. If you take the time to level moving boxes, it can save you time and effort when relocating your items. These steps make the process of moving so much simpler.

By labeling your boxes, it gives the movers details so they know what room to place your boxes. This will also help as you unpack. The correct boxes will already be in the correct room. Here are some simple steps you can take to label moving boxes.

Why Are Labels Important?

It’s tempting to just get everything packed up and deal with locating items later. This can cause a lot of stress as you try to locate the items you need immediately though.

If you take the time to label your boxes, this will help movers and other family members know where to put boxes as you move things into your new home. This makes it easier to unpack items where they need to go.

Labeling boxes also helps you locate the items you need immediately without unpacking every box immediately. This will make the transition to a new home easier.

Proper labeling also helps you in case something comes up missing. Things can get missed in a move, and having a good labeling and inventory system will help you file a claim if necessary.

How to Label Moving Boxes

The best practice is to label boxes as you pack them. This will ensure that you keep a good organization system as you fill moving boxes. This will also help you remember what’s in each box, so you label correctly.

It’s also a good idea to check the boxes you’re using, especially if they’re pre-used boxes. Check for other labels that could cause confusion and make sure to cover these other labels up.

Gather the labeling material

The first step to labeling boxes is to get good quality materials for labeling. The items needed include:

  • Moving labels
  • Good quality, multi-colored permanent markers
  • Colored tape (optional)
  • Clear tape
You can find moving labels at a moving or office supply store. These usually already have the rooms printed on them which makes labeling easier. You can also make your own. The colored tape is useful if you use the color-coded system, but not necessary if you use the numbering system. The system you use will depend on what’s easiest for you.

The Number System

If you want to use the number system, it’s important to make a master inventory list to keep up with everything. You will use this list to keep up with the items associated with your numbering system.

To use the number system, you will write the list of items in each box on your master list and write a number associated with those items. You then label the box with that number and the room associated with the box.

If you’re packing kitchen items, you’ll write kitchen on the box. Then you’ll assign a number to the box. Write that number on your master sheet and list each item in the box.

It’s important to make more than one copy of your master list if you use this system. Keep the lists in separate places in case one goes missing. You might also want to email a copy of the list to yourself or a friend.

The Color-Coded System

To use the color-coded system, you want to assign a color to each room in your house. Make sure you pick colors that will make sense to you. For instance, if your bedroom has a specific color scheme, pick that color to label the boxes.

You might also want to use colored stickers in your new home to help movers figure out where each box goes. They can match the box with the color-coded room as they move each box in.

You can create a master list for the colors, or you can just write the items directly on the box. If you have valuables, you might not want to list those on the boxes.

Write on the box with the marker color associated with the room. You can also use colored tape to mark the room. Make sure you pay attention to the room-color association so there’s no confusion during unpacking.

Other Labeling Considerations

As you label your boxes, you want to make sure the labels are easily found. This means you should mark the box on the top and at least one side. It’s best to label at least two sides though.

Labeling in multiple places helps you keep up with the boxes even if they’re stacked or turned. This way movers can easily place items and you can find boxes easily when it’s time to unpack.

Make sure to label fragile boxes clearly as well. Label on the top and sides for fragile or boxes needing extra care. You might also want to mark the boxes as high, medium, and low priority so you know which boxes you need to unpack first.

You want to make sure that all labels stay on the box and are protected so you have the information easy to find. The best way to do this is to cover the labels with a clear piece of tape.

Getting Help with Your Move

When it comes to moving boxes, you want to remove as much stress as possible. Creating a labeling system is one way to cut down on unnecessary complications. Getting help from movers is another way to cut out stress.

Having help with the move will make the process simpler and faster. You don’t have to do the moving process alone. If you need help with a move, contact us for a moving quote.

Learn more about other packing tips we offer.

14 Tips: Preparing for a Move Before the Movers Arrive

tips on preparing for a move before the movers arrive

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful experience. Preparing for the move can be overwhelming, especially when trying to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In this article, we will provide tips on how to prepare for a move before the movers arrive. These tips will help you save time, money, and stress in the long run.

tips on preparing for a move before the movers arrive

1. Declutter and Organize

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter and organize your belongings. Get rid of anything you don’t need or haven’t used in a while. This will help reduce the number of items you need to move and make the packing process more manageable.

2. Start Packing Early

Start packing your belongings as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Begin with the items you don’t use often and work your way to the essentials. This will also give you time to properly label and organize each box.

3. Label Boxes Appropriately

Label each box with the contents and which room it belongs to. This will help the movers know where to place each box and make unpacking so much easier for you.

4. Create an Inventory List

Create a moving checklist of all your belongings and check them off as they are packed and loaded onto the moving truck. This will help ensure that nothing is left behind, or lost during the move.

5. Secure Valuable Items

If you have any valuable items, such as jewelry or important documents, pack them separately and transport them with you. This will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is secure and safe.

6. Prepare Furniture

Disassemble any furniture that can be taken apart and wrap the pieces in protective material. This will prevent damage during the move.

7. Confirm Moving Details

Confirm the moving details with the moving company, such as the date and time of the move, the number of movers, and any special requests.

8. Arrange for Pets and Children

Arrange for pets and children to be taken care of during the move. This will prevent distractions and ensure that they are safe and secure.

9. Clean and Prepare the New Home

Clean and prepare the new home before the movers arrive. This includes cleaning the bathrooms, kitchen, and other areas, as well as ensuring that there is ample space for the movers to maneuver.

10. Consider Hiring Professional Cleaners

Consider hiring professional cleaners to deep clean the new home before you move in. This will save you time and ensure that the home is clean and ready for your arrival.

11. Set Aside Essential Items

Set aside essential items, such as toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes, in a separate box that you can easily access during the move.

12. Stay Calm and Focused

Moving can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Take breaks when needed and prioritize tasks to ensure that everything gets done.

13. Final Walkthrough

Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure that nothing is left behind. Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers to ensure that everything has been packed and loaded onto the moving truck.

14. Tips for a Successful Move

  • Be prepared for the unexpected: unexpected events can happen during a move, so it’s important to be prepared and flexible to adapt to any situation that may arise.
  • Communicate with the movers: communicate with the movers to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Inform them of any special requests, such as fragile items that require extra care.
  • Stay organized: staying organized throughout the moving process can save you time and stress. Keep a checklist of tasks and deadlines to ensure that everything is completed on time.
  • Take care of yourself: moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take breaks when needed.
  • Keep important documents with you: keep important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and medical records, with you during the move.

Preparing for a Move Conclusion

Preparing for a move before the movers arrive can make the process less stressful and more manageable. By following these tips, you can save time, money, and stress during the moving process. Remember to stay organized, communicate with the movers, and take care of yourself throughout the process.

Preparing for a Move FAQs

It’s recommended to start packing as early as possible, at least a few weeks before the move.
Label each box with the contents and which room it belongs to.
Disassembling furniture that can be taken apart can prevent damage during the move.
Hiring professional cleaners can save you time and ensure that the home is clean and ready for your arrival.
Pack valuable items separately and transport them with you to ensure they are secure and safe.

Why Hire a Moving Company?

Why hire a moving company
Why hire a moving company

Why should you hire a moving company?

This is such an exciting time whether it is your first home or not. It can also be such a hassle and a challenge moving from point A to point B. If you want to make this new transition as smooth as possible, then hiring professionals like FatboySlims Moving Company LLC will handle all of the hard work for you. Here is why:

  • PROFESSIONAL– When hiring our movers, you’re hiring real professionals who care about all of your belongings with respect. They work hard with a purpose and integrity. They genuinely care about their position and work in a timely manner.
  • FUN– Our movers want to make their time with you not only dedicated to loading and unloading to your new location, but an enjoyable, smooth experience. They will work with a positive attitude with great communication with you doing whatever it is you need them to do. They want to make you as less stressed as possible, also who helped make your moving journey one to always remember and talk about!
  • EXPERIENCED– Our movers are prepared and trained to lift properly. They also have the necessary equipment for handling extremely heavy items. They also work efficiently and in a much more timely manner at getting your belongings moved than your friends or families. Our movers perform with no distractions as maybe your friends will. This helps tremendously in your favor when hiring our professionals.
  • INSURANCE– Peace of mind! Even in unfortunate circumstances, FatboySlims Moving Company LLC does cover the cost of any items damaged.
  • NO HASSLE -There are many risks to asking friends or family to help you move. It will also be more of a challenge. If you hire professional movers, your belongings will be handled with care by professionals who know exactly what they are doing.

We hoped you enjoyed our blog post about why hire a moving company. Read more about moving with pets and kids.

How to Lower Your Moving Costs

moving on a budget - how to lower moving costs
moving on a budget - how to lower moving costs

The process of moving can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it less painful if you’re on a budget. Below is an outline with helpful tips designed specifically to lower your moving costs.

1. Professional Movers vs. DIY

If you are planning on hiring professional movers, make sure to get quotes from several companies before making any final decisions. If it’s during an “off-season” for moving business then be ready to pay lower rates than what might otherwise apply – this could save up 30%! Did someone mention fall or winter? Those two seasons offer cheaper prices compared with springs and summer moves.

2. Try Not To Pay For Boxes

The best way to save money when moving is by securing your own move with free boxes. There are plenty of opportunities available on Craig’s List, including coming across recycled goods at grocery stores or liquor stores which can provide you enough material for the job!

3. Sell or Donate Non-Essential Belongings To Lower Your Moving Costs

One of the most important parts about moving is to make sure you only bring what’s necessary. All those extra things can really add weight and cost, so get rid if them before hand! You may be surprised at how much money people will pay for old bookcases or gym weights.

Consider donating old books that you don’t need anymore, especially hardcovered books. You can earn a tax deduction for your donations and they are also heavy so less weight, less cost!

4. Measure the Dimensions of Your New Space

Measure the dimensions of any new home before moving furniture in order make sure anything bulky that won’t fit nicely into the space doesn’t get moved. Sell or donate what doesn’t work out.

5. Pay Close Attention to Utility Shut off Dates to Lower your Moving Costs

Sometimes your billing cycle for utilities doesn’t work well with your moving day. Cut your services early to you don’t have to pay an extra month’s bill. While living without electricity might be tough, you could probably make it with out cable.

6. Have your Packing Done Ahead of Time

Moving companies can charge by the hour along with mileage. It’s beneficial to have your packing completed before the movers arrive so you don’t keep them any longer than necessary.

7. Stage your Boxes

Make it easier for movers and cheaper for you by staging the boxes in the garage with clearly labeled boxes with the name of the room they are going to.

8. Use What you Have for Packing

Save money by filling up containers you already have, like plastic bins or suit cases. Then use linens, or sheets to wrap up items. Any additional packing materials can be purchased from a recycled box company or local business.

9. Moving Insurance

Protect your items with moving insurance. If you do have a lost or damaged item, more than likely it will cost you more than the insurance fee to replace it.

10. Moving Expenses May Be Deducted From Your Taxes if You Qualify

Keep your receipts. If you relocated for a new full-time job that is at least 50 miles away from your previous home, you can deduct packing costs, transporting, or storing household goods.

The process of moving can be a huge undertaking, but there are ways to keep your moving costs down and make it less painful if you’re on a budget. We hope you enjoyed our outline with helpful tips designed specifically for those who want to lower your moving costs. Read more packing tips.

Moving Checklist

moving checklist to simplify your move
moving checklist to simplify your move

It’s important to have a moving checklist and these steps will help you create the perfect one for your needs.

Moving Checklist -Two Months before the move

• Prepare a budget spreadsheet to keep track of expenses.
• Research moving companies.
• Visit your new community, by visiting, you get a better idea for the neighborhoods and amenities.
• Book a Mover — The earlier you get a quote, the better chances you’ll get the date you want
• Get Insured — Confirm that your movers are insured.
• Research schools — Make sure they’re all set up with their new school and have a start date.
• Prepare A Moving Plan For Special Items — (e.g. fragile stuff, pianos, hot tub, etc.).
• Make a list of questions to ask the moving company
• Take Inventory Of Valuables — Start an inventory sheet for valuables before you move.
• Declutter your house
• Streamline Your Closet — Turn the hangers in your closet around. If you find you haven’t worn certain items donate those items.


One Month Before Your Move - Moving Checklist

• Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.
• Use it or Lose it — Start using up things that you don’t want to move
• Have a garage sale.
• Donate the rest.
• Take Measurements — Check room dimensions at your new place, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.
• Take Inventory Of Electronics — Take inventory of all electronics and take a photo of the setup (it’s easier when you can see how they used to look when hooking them back up).
• Order Supplies — Unless we are packing you ourselves it is time to order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers.
• Painters and Repairmen — If you’re thinking about repainting your new digs, try to give yourself a few days before you have to be out of your old place as you’ll need drying time. Also, minor repairs are usually easier with out furniture in the way.
• Service Your Vehicle — If you’re moving a couple of hours away or longer, have your vehicles serviced.
• Create A Packing Schedule — Plan your packing schedule to get organized and start labelling boxes or areas of your home. Color Coding or numbering for each room can help.
• Book Storage — If you are planning on going into a storage unit now would be a good time to arrange for that.
• Check on Auto Insurance and Homeowners Insurance.
• Decide if you are taking your appliances.
• Cancel or update local memberships like the gym.
• Dispose of hazardous items that you can’t take with you.
• Confirm date


Three Weeks Before Your Move

• Do a Change of Address — Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form. In most cases you can even do it online.
• Notify Friends and Family — Send a change of address postcard or email to all your friends and families with your new address!
• Notify Other Important Parties — Alert the following of your move: banks, credit cards, insurance, and utility companies and cable companies!
• Forward Medical Records — Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new healthcare providers or obtain copies of them yourself.
• Board Pets/Arrange for Babysitter, it can make things easier and less stressful.
• Confirm Parking at both locations for moving day.
• Gather All Important Documents In One Place — This includes financial statements, legal papers, passports, birth certificates, and more.
• Decide what to do with plants.
• Book Your Cleaners — Find and book a cleaner if you plan to use a professional service for your move-out or move-in.


Two Weeks Before Your Move

• Begin Packing — Start packing the things that you use most infrequently. While packing, note items of special value that may require special care.
• Pack An Essentials Bag (or Box) — Leave items out for an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.
• Back-Up Your Computer — Make sure everything important is saved somewhere on a hard drive or in the cloud.
• Pack Your Valuables In A Safe Box — Use your inventory list for valuables that include items such as jewelry, expensive purses, small but precious family heirlooms, moon rocks, important files, or any other small valuables into a safe box (or boxes) that you will personally transport to your new home.
• Get Antiques Appraised — If you have antiques or valuables being moved, have them appraised and advise your moving company in case extra insurance is required.
• Label Everything — clearly label and number each box with its contents, if it is fragile or not, and the room it’s destined for. These markings should be on both the top and at least one side so you can tell what is in them even if the boxes are stacked. Consider color-coding box labels, i.e. orange = kitchen, blue = bathroom.
• Fix Minor Repairs — Take care of any minor repairs that need to be done before you move.
• Order new furniture or decor than you may need.


Moving Checklist for the Last Few Days Before Your Move

• Defrost The Freezer — If your freezer is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
• Empty Your Refrigerator — The refrigerator needs to be emptied but, unless you are moving into storage or something, you can unload it at the last minute into coolers. We can put it on the truck last so it comes off first and you can get those food items back into the refrigerator as soon as possible.
• Plan for the Payment — If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card then make sure to cash for payment and tip (we don’t accept checks). A typical tip is 10% to 20% like most service industries. If you are moving out of town and plan on paying with a credit card it is a good idea to alert your credit card company that you will have a new charge coming through in a different zip code than normal. Sometimes card payments will be denied for security reasons if they are not alerted beforehand.
• Be Ready for the Cable and Internet Installer — Keep your tv, power cord and internet modem handy on move day (include it with the first load so it is accessible right away) if you are having cable and internet set up on move day.
• Dust Furniture and Vacuum Rugs — Ideally you would like to keep the dust and dirt at your old place and not bring it to the new one. You can wait until moving day to hit those rugs since the movers will obviously move the items on top of the rugs for you.
• Dispose Of Dangerous Liquids — Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items.
• Empty Your Tanks — Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawnmowers, and snow blowers.
• Clean Outdoor Furniture — Clean outdoor furniture BEFORE it’s moved.
• Book Your Final Walkthrough — Prepare and book for your final walkthrough with your landlord (if you’re renting or in an apartment).


On Moving Day - Checklist

• Have water bottles on hand.
• Take inventory of all belongings so you can keep track of what you have and what the movers are transporting. It may be helpful to take photos of fragile items.
• Get Up Early — Avoid sleeping in, it never hurts to have extra time on moving day!
• Prepare A Meal or Get Take Out — To avoid a full fridge, prepare or grab take-out breakfast, especially if you’ve packed everything.
• Be Ready To Move — Don’t keep your movers waiting, the sooner we’re all ready, the quicker (and smoother) the move will be.
• Protect Your Property — Layout protective equipment for flooring and doors if your mover won’t supply it.
• Start Cleaning — If you have help, have someone at the other home to start cleaning (but keep room for the movers).
• Final Walkthrough — Do a final walk-through to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Double-check those high-up closet shelves, and take a peek on top of the fridge and kitchen cabinets!


Moving Checklist for A Few Days After Moving Day

• Clean the new house.
• Begin to Unpack — Hang pictures, reload cabinets, etc.
• Check All Safety Features — Check to see that all of the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your new home have fresh batteries in them. Make sure that all the fire extinguishers are not expired and check any other safety devices to see if they are functioning properly.
• Have all of the locks for the house changed, because you never know how many of the previous owner’s friends and family had keys to your house. It is also a good idea to have the codes for the garage door opener changed.
• Map Out the Area — One of the first things you need to do is to find the location of the nearest hospital. You never know when you or someone you love will need emergency medical attention.
• Get To Know Your New Home — Locate the water shutoff switches, as well as the main circuit breaker (label the switches if not already labelled). Also, a good time to check your air filters!
• Review Your New HOA Rules
• Explore the neighborhood.
• Meet Your Neighbors
• Figure out trash pickup days.
• Update drivers license
• Register to vote
• Register your pet
• Relax…


Packing Tips

packing tips
packing tips

Packing Tips for Moving. As you start planning and sorting, think about what your belongings are going to go into. Also what kind of materials are you going to use to keep them sturdy during the ride.

1. Declutter to pack less.

If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Lighten the work load and your stress by decluttering before you move

2. Create a moving checklist.

It is helpful if you include a timeline. By visually organizing your move it can reduce stress and maintain order.

3. Don’t over pack a moving box.

This can cause breakage. We provide boxes and materials at your convenience, but if you choose your own, be sure they are durable and the correct size. Consider flattening your boxes after a move and store for later.

4. Place heavy items in small boxes

rather than large, or place them in totes. Take advantage of your suitcases! They are useful for packing as well. Lastly, make sure to pack an essential tote for the new house you’ll use immediately.

5. Label your boxes!

Nothing screams, “this sucks” than blindly guessing where to put boxes in and attempting to stay organized. This will cause stress and delay for not only you and your family, but for our professionals who are helping and extremely busy.

6. Book Early

If you are hiring movers or moving services book early. Waiting can mean paying higher prices and not getting the dates you want.

7. Schedule utilities, cable, or internet services

When the dates are finalized, you should contact your utility services to turn off in the old home and to turn on in the new one. Keep a record of the requests.

8. Keep the essentials with you

Before the move, keep everyday essentials in a bag. A change of clothes, toothbrush, must have toys for the kids, medications, water bottles, etc.

We hope you enjoyed this list of packing tips for moving. Read our blog post about packing fragile items.

DeCluttering Your Home

decluttering your home
decluttering your home

We naturally have a thing for collecting things and a mentality that “it’ll be used later”. As the years go by, your spacious home becomes a storage for knick knacks with little room to breathe. As you are preparing yourself for the big moving day, now will be the perfect opportunity to Declutter. It is not as overwhelming as you think.

Here are some helpful tips for Decluttering your Home:

ORGANIZE

Here is what you determine which items are truly going to go to a donation, to the trash, garage sale or with you. Make an area as your ‘no clutter zone’. Always start on one side of the room, one room at a time. Each room should be labeled to keep organized. Ask yourself, do you love it? Are you going to use it? If the answer is no, get rid of it. Visualize your end result.

BEGIN WITH SMALL

Okay! If I start on the big items such as clothing, I can tackle the small. WRONG! Once we clean out the closet and look at all of the little items around, motivation is gone and gets pushed off delaying your packing and adds stress! DE-clutter! You don’t want to be in your new home to see a box labeled ‘junk’ just to be taking space.

SET AN ALLOTTED TIME

We understand, your day to day is occupied with work, or  your kids, school, activities, errands or your pets. Set time for yourself each day as you are getting closer to the move day to organize and pack. Be consistent as you can daily.

THROW ON THE TUNES

Who said packing is stressful? It is a new chapter in your life so why not make the best of it and throw on your playlist as you sort through your items, share memories, get a good laugh in from all of those old silly costumes and Christmas sweaters, photos or sentimental items.

Benefits of Decluttering your Home

  • Less to clean
  • Less to organize
  • Reduced Stress
  • Less Debt – Spending less time shopping for material possessions and adding to the clutter means your wallet and bank accounts remain fuller.
  • More financial freedom. Decluttering, paired with minimalism, will help you build up savings to keep you protected in case of unexpected emergencies.
  • More energy to spend on what you enjoy

Additional Decluttering your Home Tips

Work for 5 minutes at a time

You can build up momentum with 5 minutes at a time.

Fill an entire trash bag

Get a trash bag and fill it as fast as you can with things you can donate. Doneate the things you never wear.

Look at your home the way a first time visitor would

Walk into your house and look at it like you were visiting a friend. What kind of first impression do you get? Make changes accordingly.

Take before and after photos

Choose a room or area and take a photo before you make the changes. Then quicly clean out the items in the photo and take another photo. When you see how your house could look it motivates you to continue decluttering your home.

We hope you enjoyed our tips for decluttering your home. Read more about our tips for cleaning your new home.

Covid Precautions

Covid Precautions when moving
why should you hire a moving company

Covid Precautions: As an essential business, the health, safety and peace of mind of our team is a priority. Our business has adapted to the world’s changes by being extremely conscious and compliant with federal and local guidelines. We make a practice social distancing when possible, sanitation precautions keeping our equipment and materials clean and those around us safe.

Packing Fragile Items – A How To Guide

packing fragile items a how to guide
packing fragile items a how to guide

Your fragile items and sentimental values are just as important to us as they are to you. To avoid your fragile items from getting damaged during transport to your new home, you want to make sure you’re using the right materials and implement proper packing techniques.

Use the right materials

Materials: Bubble wrap, dish and glasses packers, packing paper, newspapers, furniture covers, tape, plastic stretch wrap, towels, rags, packing peanuts, thick sweaters.

Packing Fragile Items

Safely and securely pack your breakable items by taping the bottom of the box of all open seams and corners. Secure the bottom of the box with extra stris of tape.

Build a base with cushion inside of the box with thick materials such as bubble wrap, towels or packing peanuts.

Wrap each item with packing paper, bubble wrap or towels or sweaters. Be sure to add additional material around thin areas such as wine glass stem or mug handles. Secure with tape.

Carefully place the items wrapped into the box always starting with the heaviest on the bottom. If you have pre-divided boxes, place the items in their compartments.

Fill in any gaps in the box with any materials to prevent your breakables from shifting. Include adding a layer on the top prior to sealing the box.

Mark Boxes as Fragile

Carefully mark each box as fragile. put it on the top and several sides of the box to make sure it’s seen. You could even use colored tape to help draw attention that the item is fragile.

Take your time

People often rush to get all the packing done. But when you are packing fragile items, it is especially important to take your time and be aware of what you are doing. Rushing and cutting corners could cost you on moving day. Read more of our Packing Tips.