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Residential Moving

Apr 15
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how to pack for a move

Best Practices When Packing for a Move

By | Commercial Moving, Residential Moving | No Comments

Moving to a new location is always an exciting time, but it is also likely to raise many questions in your mind. This is especially true if you have a lot of items to move. You might have questions about the cost of the move, as well as wondering how much help you can expect from a moving company. You might even wonder how to pack for a move? Or, what to pack first when moving homes? Should you pack items in a certain way and use certain packaging materials? All of these are good questions. Knowing the answers will help your move be successful and efficient.

How To Pack for a Move

A good idea is to start with those items in storage in your basement or garage since they are probably already in boxes. You can spend some time consolidating boxes and purging unnecessary things. Next move onto items you won’t need for several months, such as clothes you won’t that are for winter or summer, depending upon the time of year When deciding what to pack first when moving homes consider the order of this list:

  • China and other infrequently used dishes
  • Artwork and wall hangings
  • Knick-knacks
  • Towels and linens
  • Books

The important thing is to get started. As you begin, a logical pattern will start to reveal itself to you.

How To Find Packaging Materials

More than likely you will have a number of sturdy boxes on hand, as well as some Sharpies to record what is in each box. Your moving company can also be a good source of packaging materials meant to organize and secure your belongings. An assortment of packing boxes allows you to organize items better, and bubble wrap is essential for fragile items. Strong packing tape will keep boxes closed. A few specialized containers enable you to pack such things as dishes, wardrobe, mattresses and floor runners. Labels and stickers help you identify what is in each box.

Hopefully you found our tips helpful. If you are interested in a moving estimate, contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Mar 29
0

The 4 Most Essential Tasks to Complete on Move-In Day

By | Residential Moving | No Comments

move-in day

A few weeks ago we talked about what you should do 2 months before your move. But now we want to share with you what you should do 2 hours after your move. Unpacking everything into your new home can be just as stressful as packing was. These simple tips can help you stay organized – and sane! – during the first few hours you arrive at your new home sweet home.

1. Make sure the bathroom has toiletries.

There is no way around this tip. Probably the most demanding of all human functions, using the restroom is unavoidable. The moment you arrive at your new home, make sure all bathrooms have toilet paper, soap, and a towel. You don’t have to decorate the walls and hang up the shower curtain right away, but you do have to make sure the bare necessities are there for quick potty breaks while you unpack.

2. Set up the bedrooms.

After the big move-in day, you’re going to want to sleep really well at night. Assemble the bed frames, make the beds, and don’t forget to hang up the window treatments for privacy – you don’t want any new neighbors trying to peer into your house at night! Once night time arrives, you’ll be very thankful you didn’t save this task for last.

3. Unpack the most essential kitchen items.

move-in day

Many movers pack a Number One box – a single box where they keep the most essential household items that they know they’ll need right away, before anything else. (This box is especially helpful when the movers take longer than expected to arrive.)

Inside the Number One box should be the coffee pot (and a mug, coffee filter, and grounds to make a pot right away), a few disposable table settings (only as many as you need), duct tape (you never know when you’ll need it), all-purpose cleaner, and a rag (since there’s no guarantee how clean your new house will be when you arrive).

Tidy up the kitchen, shine the sink, wipe out the fridge, oven, and other appliances, and get a trash bag into the garbage bag – you’re likely going to need this sooner than you think.

4. Go grocery shopping even if you don’t feel like it.

Last, head to the grocery store even if you’re dog-tired by this point. You’ll be relieved you did when you wake up the next day. You don’t necessarily have to buy everything to outfit your kitchen, but a few essentials can go a long way. Focus on easy at this point – you’ll have time later for some more in-depth food shopping.

Ready to hit the ground running, come move-in day? Hopefully these tips help prepare you for the big day. You’ll be glad you prioritized. If you’re interested in a free, no-obligation moving quote, contact us and we’d be happy to answer any questions!

Feb 09
0

4 Moving Tips You Need to Start Doing – Immediately

By | Residential Movers Rochester NY, Residential Moving | No Comments

moving tips

It’s easy to forget the details during the moving process. You have a lot to remember and you probably feel stressed and overwhelmed. But in the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule, you can’t afford to forget certain things.

We have a list of four items that will help you plan your move, stay organized, and get everything done ON TIME!

Moving Tip #1. Get a Folder

Even if it’s not your tendency or even your personality, get a manilla folder, three-ring binder, or document-sized mailer – whatever works for you – to collect all important paperwork for your move.

If you get estimates from professional moving companies, keep them all in your folder. When you sign the bill of lading, save a copy for yourself. Keep a moving checklist to help you stay on track!

Moving Tip #2. Take Inventory

moving tips Go through your entire house and decide which items are worth the hassle to move. If you’re worried some belongings could get damaged during the transition, take pictures of them beforehand so you have something to compare once you’re completely moved into your new home.

Take notes of things you could sell, give away, or donate to charity (which could help you get a tax deduction if you save the receipt). When it comes to throwing things away, don’t be shy – ask yourself:

  • Does it serve a specific purpose?
  • Would you think to use/read/look at it again?
  • Does it bring you daily joy?
  • What does the rest of your household say about it?

You might have some difficult decisions to make about what to pack and what to leave, but your move will be a lot easier when you minimize your inventory.

Moving Tip #3. Plan Out Your New Home

moving tipsTake a look at the floorplan of your new home and start planning out where your belongings should go. Get measurements of furniture, room spaces, and window treatments to make sure everything will fit. Plan everything out BEFORE your move so your movers will know exactly what you want.

Moving Tip #4. Change your Address

Remember to change your address at the post office, your bank, your kids’ school (if you’re staying in the same school district), and with your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and insurance provider. If you don’t, the US Postal Service will place a yellow “Update sender of new address” note on any mail that’s addressed to your previous address.

We hope these moving tips help you keep calm during your move. If you need more suggestions to prepare for your move, call 585.288.8000 and we’d be happy to help!

Dec 09
0

What Should You Do 2 Months Prior to your Move?

By | Residential Moving | No Comments

What Should You Do 2 Months Prior to your Move?

Residential Moving
Moving boxes in new house. New apartment background.

Packing up House for You Move

Relocation is a busy, stressful, time-consuming enterprise. Despite everything else that’s going on in your life, you have to plan a move on top of it – no easy task. And if you have dependents that are clambering for your attention – young kiddos who don’t want to be pulled from their school and friends – odds are, you’re at your wits end.

So what can you do to make the moving process a whole easier? Even though no move is going to be perfect, you can least make an attempt for a smooth transition. We think planning ahead is by far the best step you can take to make moving easier on both you and your family.

Two months is a pretty good time to start thinking ahead to those nitty-gritty details. Check out this check-list of how you can prepare for your move:

residential movers

Moving Bulky Furniture | Residential Movers

1. Compare Quotes from Residential Movers

The relocation process almost always takes longer than you think it will, so it’s important to contact different moving companies in advance. Give yourself time to compare prices, but don’t forget – cheapest doesn’t always mean best. Unfortunately, many fraudulent moving companies are out there, looking for their own advantage, even at your expense.

You’d be wise to first ask family and friends for companies they recommend. Positive, real customer reviews are by far the most reliable proof of a moving company’s merit. Try to find a company that’s bonded, and even insured if they will be transporting monies, jewelry, etc. You can also call the Better Business Bureau to make sure your moving company of choice is registered.

2. Take Notes

Once you’ve selected your moving company, make sure you fully understand the Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading is the contract you have with your moving company, and each one is a little different. It describes your insurance coverage, your responsibilities and the mover’s responsibilities, the specifics of what you’re paying for, if the services include packing, how the price is calculated (whether it’s by hour, weight, or item), if the agreement is binding or non-binding, etc. Make sure you go over the contract carefully so you fully understand what you’re paying for.

3. Start Packing

residential movers

Loading up Moving Trucks |Residential Movers

Two months might sound like it’s too early to start packing, but the packing process is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving. And let’s be honest – we all have rooms that we don’t use all the time.

Start by packing the guest room, the attic or storage rooms, all off-season clothes, etc. The sooner you start, the more time you have to think about the best way to organize what you pack. When it comes time to actually move, you’ll be glad you started ahead.

4. Finish up Opened Foods

Go through your kitchen and start using up partial packages of food. If you can, consolidate containers so you have less to pack. Focus especially on dairy – when it’s time to move your fridge, you’ll have to unpack everything anyway and clean the inside. The task will be a lot easier if you have only the bare minimums of perishables to pack. Most movers don’t pack or transport perishables.

Hopefully you feel more prepared for your move! When you plan ahead, relocation doesn’t have to be a stressful time.

Good luck and happy moving! 
Nov 16
0

Don’t Freeze to Death During your Move this Winter

By | Residential Moving | No Comments

Maybe you were hoping to make the move this summer, but life picked up or you weren’t able to verify your offer on a new house, and now you’re stuck with moving in the rain, snow, or sludge. In addition to the move, you’re probably stressed about preparing for Thanksgiving, the upcoming holiday season, the kids’ school and sport schedule, etc.

moving in winter

Moving In Winter | Interior Moving Services

But that’s where we come in. We’re here to make your move stress-free, time-efficient, and thorough. And to look on the bright side, you have a great advantage moving in the winter as opposed to the summer; now that the busy season is over, our trucks are available to transport your belongings as soon as you’re ready!

We have a couple heads-up that can help you manage your move and make the process an easy transition.

1. Save the Floors

moving in winter

Interior Moving Services

Obviously, winter entails tracked snow, sludge, and ice throughout any house. During your move, you and your movers will be making many trips inside and outside both your current residence and your new location. Be sure to protect your carpets by taping down plastic sheets and your hard floors with taped cardboard. Our movers do work hard to protect your floors as much as possible, but winter has a mind of it’s own.

2. Don’t Sweat It

Even though the temperatures keep dropping, once you have your boxes loaded and then unloaded at your new location, you might get hot with all the activity. Try dressing in a t-shirt with a good sweater that you can easily put on and take off as needed.  

3. Heat it Up

moving in winter

Layers for winter

Carefully monitor when your utilities end at your current location and when your new utility carriers begin. You don’t want to arrive on a chilly November day and find your new place bone-cold. Get the furnace ready for your move-in day.

4. Get Geared Up for Winter

Most people pack a change of clothes, the coffee maker, bed clothes, and toothbrushes in the First Day box, and all of those are essential. But if it’s chilly outside, you’ll need accessible winter jackets, gloves, hats, etc. especially since the first day often requires frequent trips to the local Walmart.

5. Protect Temperature-Sensitive Items

moving in winter

Living Room

Some items such as electronics, plants, furniture, or aquarium pets need special attention during the move. If the weather has dropped drastically, you may need to protect these sensitive items from severe cold. Make sure they are the last items to be loaded onto the moving trucks and unloaded first at your new location.

We want you to be as prepared as possible for your upcoming winter move. Don’t stress out about the details – we are here to make the moving process as painless as possible. Call 585.288.8000 for a FREE estimate.

Sep 04
0

Why Don’t our Movers Wear Booties?

By | Residential Moving | No Comments

Why Don’t Our Movers Wear Booties?

Moving Company Rochester NY

We’ve had customers ask us why we don’t require our movers to wear booties when they walk through new homes. We figured it’s time to address this concern and explain our policy on booties.

Moving Company Rochester NYAren’t Booties for Babies?

Booties are slip-on fabric covers that go over the movers’ shoes. At first, booties probably sound like a good idea since they protect your new carpet and floors from dirt and outside contamination. But if you think about the logistics of booties, they aren’t the most practical option.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

When customers ask us why we aren’t wearing booties, they’re probably thinking of plumbers or cable men who often slip on booties over their shoes while they’re on service calls. But people in these occupations bring their own tools and equipment for the job and make one trip inside the house and one trip out.

Moving Company Rochester NYWhat Would Happen if our Movers DID Wear Booties?

Movers, on the other hand, make hundreds of trips back and forth. When they arrive at your new location, they would have to grab some boxes from the truck, stop at the front door, put on booties, walk inside and distribute the boxes, walk to the door, take the booties off, walk to the truck … and on and on and on. They’d probably take about 30 seconds each trip to put on and take off the booties, and multiplied by a few hours, those seconds would rapidly add up. If you’re paying by the hour (the most common practice among moving companies), you might find the cost staggering once the job is completed.

Some customers suggest our movers bring several pieces to the entryway, then put on booties and distribute accordingly. The procedure still adds time to the overall cost, but additional problems include overcrowding, disorganization, and mismanagement. For example, if they pile boxes haphazardly in the foyer, they may not be able to coordinate where each box belongs. We have a streamlined process in place to keep your move as orderly as possible, but we’d have to completely revamp the process and make it more complicated.

Booties are Dangerous!

Most importantly, our movers have to carry heavy, awkward furniture up stairs, sometimes backwards, to get everything distributed properly. Booties can severely reduce traction and make the process extremely dangerous for the movers.

 Moving Company Rochester NYWhat’s Our Solution?

Instead of booties, we advocate for a carpet shield for carpet and stairways, a more economical (and safer!) option. Pads taped down over hard floors can be a huge help as well. Our movers can easily wipe their shoes off before entering rooms. We want to protect your new home as much as possible, but we also want to protect our movers, and we find this solution to do both!

Call 585-288-8000 if you have any further concerns and we’d be happy to chat!