Money & Time Saving Tips

• As much as possible pre-plan and label where you would like your boxes and furniture placed in your new location before moving, This will help movers place them in the correct rooms of your new home, and help you find items you may be looking for. The more you are prepared and pre-packed the quicker and smoother the move will be.
• Defrost freezer. Empty the refrigerator drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out the automatic icemaker. Clean the interior walls, drawers and shelves; keep doors open to dry out. This will prevent any mold forming while being transported.
• Drain all water out of washing machines. Avoid doing a load of laundry. Unplug & disconnect the water line (we do not disconnect or reconnect water lines due to flood liability).
• Clean lawnmower underneath of all grass and debris. Drain gas and oil out of lawnmower and any other gas-powered equipment.
• You should keep personal items that are of high value (monetary or sentimental) or that cannot be replaced easily on your person during the move as these items cannot be insured. For example: family photos, albums, or home videos; other legal documents such as deeds or wills; tax records; personal files or letters; address books; and computer software or files.
• If you have stairs, wood or carpeted, take into consideration that the move will put heavy traffic on them and something that cannot be avoided. Please take precautions to protect your stairs. For carpet using Carpet Shield is an option. Carpet Shield 24 in. x 200 ft. Self-Adhesive Film-CS24200L – The Home Depot, For wood you will need to contact a third-party contractor that can advise you on how to protect your stairs during a move.

What you can do that will affect how long your move may take – that is entirely up to you:

• Be prepared at least 3 days before the move. Packing on the day of the move will prolong the move. If you know that you will need additional help packing, let us know as soon as possible. We can provide packing services 2 days prior to the day of move.
• Take anything that you can over yourself beforehand.
• Have all electronics unplugged, cords bound, dismantled from wall beforehand. Unhang pictures from the wall, remove lamp shades and light bulbs and pack in boxes, have your hanging clothes already in wardrobe boxes.
• Do your own disassembling and reassembling of your furniture.
• Have a plan for where you want your items to land at the end location.
• Consider hiring an extra mover to expedite the move.

Here are some avoidable and unavoidable factors to consider regarding what adds time on a move: not being completely packed/last minute packing, loose unpacked random odds and ends, under-estimating how much has been accumulated over the years, not being available on-site for movers, not knowing where you want items placed, having movers disassembling and reassembling furniture, long carries, trips up & down flights of stairs, hoisting, traffic and distance from location to location, CA Double Drive Time, (any mandatory stop at weigh station), temperature & humidity, etc.

• Put labeling on the top and all four sides of each box according to where it will be unpacked in your new location. Also boldly note “FRAGILE” on boxes with glass and other breakable items.
• Be sure to pack the heavier items on the bottom; delicate, fragile, items should be packed at the top of the box. Figurines, crystal, china and other extremely fragile items should be bubble wrapped individually.
• TIP — Make sure the bottom of all boxes are securely taped, and then pad the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper.
• It is best to individually wrap dishes with packing paper before placing into boxes and place vertically.
• Always start packing boxes by adding a layer of crumpled paper to the bottom of the box. This layer will help protect the items inside and keep the items clean in case the bottom of the box gets wet or dirty. Each layer should have a layer of crumpled up paper in between. When you have finished packing each box, add another layer of crumpled packing paper to the top before sealing the carton.
• TIP — Start with the kitchen, it takes the longest to pack. Use up refrigerator/freezer contents well before moving.
• Use small (1.5 cu. ft.) boxes for heavy smaller items such as books, dishes, DVDs, breakables, small appliances, canned goods and tools.
• TIP — Using 20 small boxes (rather than 10 large heavy boxes) is more efficient, less damaging and easier to handle.
• Use medium (3.0 cu. ft.) boxes for small household items such as pots and pans, medium appliances, plastic organizer containers and toys. Use large (4.5 cu. ft.) boxes for light weight items such as lamp shades, stereo speakers, board games, stuffed animals, pillows and clothing.
• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging items still on the hangers. Can also be used for shoes, bedding, and miscellaneous light/bulky items.
• Use mirror/picture cartons for protecting these glass items as well as glass tabletops and shelves. These special cartons can be customized to fit any sized piece.
• Empty all contents of all furniture drawers into boxes.