12 Local Moving Tips
Moving can be quite an ordeal and can take up a considerable amount of your time around the time of your move. It can be bearable however, if you do a few things to make your life easier. The following are 12 local moving tips to help your move go smoothly.
1) Do your research: Once you’ve found a moving company, it’s wise to double check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they’re legit. After all, you trust them with all your belongings.
2) The fewer stairs the better: By minimizing the number of stairs the movers have to climb, you could save a lot of time and money. While leaving boxes in the basement might be convenient and out of the way for you, it’s more work on moving day which can mean more money out of your pocket.
3) Find your mover through friends: While the Yellow Pages might be a useful tool in finding a moving company, the best way to find a reliable mover is through word of mouth. Find a mover that others recommend from experience.
4) Keep boxes below 50 lbs: It will save your back and your belongings. If the boxes are too heavy the bottom may open up causing damage.
5) Tape the boxes: Don't fold the bottom of the box by hand, make sure it is flat and then taped securely with packing tape, not masking tape.
6) Pack boxes to the top: Boxes that are half-empty can get crushed. Fill the boxes to the top with newspaper.
7) Mark your boxes: One of the most helpful local moving tips is to specify which boxes are going where. If they're going into a new home, specify the room. If they're going into storage or being shipped, specify that clearly on the box. One suggestion is to prepare a "First Day" box with a few dishes, soap, towels, toilet paper, a lamp, drinking glasses, utensils, first aid kit, paper towels, etc.
8) Watch what you pack and how you pack it: Point cup handles and pitcher spouts towards the middle of the box and never next to the side of the box. Pack dishes on end, side by side on the bottom. Pack books in small cartons so the movers can lift it safely. Remember that when the boxes are loaded on the truck it could end up on their sides so keep that in mind when packing any items that could spill.
9) Empty drawers before moving: Unless your dressers are very light, leaving your clothes in the dresser can make it very heavy. You can either empty the drawers or pull out the drawers and move them separately.
10) Reserve the elevator: If you are moving out of, or into an apartment, don’t forget to reserve the elevator to save time and most importantly, cut down on your moving costs. Pay special attention to this local moving tip as it will save you some heartaches.
11) Plan ahead: If you want to be guaranteed a mover, you need to book at least six weeks in advance especially if you’re moving in the summer.
12) Redirect your mail: Don’t forget to notify the phone, cable, utility companies, banks, credit cards and everyone else that you’re moving. In Canada, contact Canada Post to have the rest of your mail forwarded to your new or temporary address so you don’t miss anything important.
The process of moving is a painful one, but we hope that these local moving tips help ease a little bit of that pain. As with any big project, it can help to break it down into smaller tasks. Move from one to another and before you know it, you’ll be finished. Good luck!
1) Do your research: Once you’ve found a moving company, it’s wise to double check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they’re legit. After all, you trust them with all your belongings.
2) The fewer stairs the better: By minimizing the number of stairs the movers have to climb, you could save a lot of time and money. While leaving boxes in the basement might be convenient and out of the way for you, it’s more work on moving day which can mean more money out of your pocket.
3) Find your mover through friends: While the Yellow Pages might be a useful tool in finding a moving company, the best way to find a reliable mover is through word of mouth. Find a mover that others recommend from experience.
4) Keep boxes below 50 lbs: It will save your back and your belongings. If the boxes are too heavy the bottom may open up causing damage.
5) Tape the boxes: Don't fold the bottom of the box by hand, make sure it is flat and then taped securely with packing tape, not masking tape.
6) Pack boxes to the top: Boxes that are half-empty can get crushed. Fill the boxes to the top with newspaper.
7) Mark your boxes: One of the most helpful local moving tips is to specify which boxes are going where. If they're going into a new home, specify the room. If they're going into storage or being shipped, specify that clearly on the box. One suggestion is to prepare a "First Day" box with a few dishes, soap, towels, toilet paper, a lamp, drinking glasses, utensils, first aid kit, paper towels, etc.
8) Watch what you pack and how you pack it: Point cup handles and pitcher spouts towards the middle of the box and never next to the side of the box. Pack dishes on end, side by side on the bottom. Pack books in small cartons so the movers can lift it safely. Remember that when the boxes are loaded on the truck it could end up on their sides so keep that in mind when packing any items that could spill.
9) Empty drawers before moving: Unless your dressers are very light, leaving your clothes in the dresser can make it very heavy. You can either empty the drawers or pull out the drawers and move them separately.
10) Reserve the elevator: If you are moving out of, or into an apartment, don’t forget to reserve the elevator to save time and most importantly, cut down on your moving costs. Pay special attention to this local moving tip as it will save you some heartaches.
11) Plan ahead: If you want to be guaranteed a mover, you need to book at least six weeks in advance especially if you’re moving in the summer.
12) Redirect your mail: Don’t forget to notify the phone, cable, utility companies, banks, credit cards and everyone else that you’re moving. In Canada, contact Canada Post to have the rest of your mail forwarded to your new or temporary address so you don’t miss anything important.
The process of moving is a painful one, but we hope that these local moving tips help ease a little bit of that pain. As with any big project, it can help to break it down into smaller tasks. Move from one to another and before you know it, you’ll be finished. Good luck!