It’s always best to ask them before your move so that they can properly plan for what they need to bring with them on the day of your move. Ask your mover what their packing policies are, and if they charge extra for any additional services. If it turns out that the company charges extra fees for packing, see if they offer any discounts or coupons to help save some money!
In some cases, moving companies will not be able to provide packing services. In this case, they will require that you do it yourself. If you’re worried about doing it yourself, make sure to ask your mover for advice and suggestions on how best to pack the items in your home before they come over and load them on the truck.
Five Moving Tips for a Successful Move.
It’s important to canvass your home and make sure that you’re only packing up the things you’ll need. Packing unnecessary items can increase your move cost, as well as lengthen the time it takes for movers to pack. This is especially true if it turns out that they charge extra fees for packing. If you want to be prepared, start packing early! Make sure to also check with your mover to see if they pack upholstery for an additional fee. They may charge extra for packing your bed, so it’s best to be prepared!
Time = Money. Moving companies want to save you both! Many movers will offer discounts if you pack yourself. If they do not, ask them if they would give you a discount on the total price of your move due to the amount of time that you save them by doing your own packing. Make sure to ask your mover about their packing policies, and if they offer any additional services for an additional fee (like moving blankets, etc). If you do not want to pay the extra fees, see if the movers can recommend or provide you with any of these materials themselves.
If you want to save money on packing materials, consider asking friends and family for any extra boxes that they might have. If you’re worried about not having enough or want to be completely prepared, look into renting a storage unit near your new home so that you can store the items that won’t fit in your move-in-ready home.
3 Things You Should Never Put in Trash Bags During Your Move
1. Light Fixtures
When you are packing for your move, make sure to remove all light fixtures from the wall before packing them up. Once removed, wrap them in foam or bubble wrap and place them inside of a box with some space around the fixture so that it doesn’t get damaged during transport. Depending on the type of fixture you have and how old it is, you may not need to use any of this protection. However, it is best to err on the side of caution when moving fragile items such as light fixtures.
2. Electronics
Electronics such as televisions and computers should always be packed in their original boxes and placed in containers that can hold water if they were exposed to rain or moisture while on the truck. If you’re packing these items up yourself, be sure to only pack them in water-resistant boxes that are specifically designed for moving electronics. This is especially important if you can’t afford insurance or do not plan on paying for it, as your box of electronics could become wet and be irreparably damaged during transit.
3. Mirrors
When packing a mirror, make sure to remove all table stands and wall mounts from the back. Use bubble wrap or paper to cushion the glass and use different types of padding around the edges to prevent them from breaking if they were tipped or dropped during transport. If you’d like you can cover the front of the mirror with a sheet or towel, but this is not necessary.
10 Things to Consider When Packing Items in Boxes vs. Plastic Totes.
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Are you packing a large number of items for a new home?
This is an important consideration when deciding between using boxes or totes. It can be more cost-effective to use boxes for a few lighter items, but if you’re moving a lot of stuff, it might be better to rent a truck and utilize the space in large plastic containers.
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What are the weight and size of the items going into the container?
Smaller, lighter items should go into boxes, whereas larger or heavier items could best fit in plastic totes. If you don’t want to use either kind of container, you might need help from professionals who can pick up your items at your old home and deliver them to your new one.
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How much time do you have before your move?
If you’ve only given yourself a few days or less before moving, using boxes is probably your best choice so that you don’t have to worry about locating the materials for totes and readying them for transport in such a short amount of time. If you’ve given yourself a little more time and can rent or buy totes, you’ll be able to move your things slightly slower and carefully pack and place them all in the containers before sealing and labeling them.
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Is there someone who can help you move?
If you’ve got a friend or family member that can lend a hand, utilizing boxes, totes and even suitcases for your smaller items is the way to go. You can easily stack them into a moving truck or van and transport them that way.
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Do you plan on using professionals?
When hiring help to move, it’s always best to call around and get quotes from different companies/movers/haulers to find the best deal for your situation. If you are planning on doing it yourself or with friends, plastic totes are a great option because they are easy to load and won’t break as easily as cardboard boxes.
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How do you feel about packing and moving?
Do you like spending time organizing and making sure everything is placed just so? If you do, cardboard boxes are probably the best choice for you because you’ll thoroughly enjoy properly packing your things.
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What type of new home will your items be going to?
If you’re moving into an apartment, condo, or dorm room, using small totes that can fit under beds, in closets, and in other tight spaces is your best option. If you’re moving to a house with an attic or garage, larger totes are convenient for items that may have to be stored out of the way.
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How much insurance will you be purchasing?
If you are concerned about your belongings being damaged during transit, using totes or boxes can be a way to lower your insurance costs. If you’re using totes, it’s best to label them as ‘FRAGILE’ and place fragile items in the center for extra protection during transit.
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Do you have expensive items that need additional protection?
If your move will include high-priced or extremely fragile items, such as antiques, artwork, or family heirlooms, you’ll want to use boxes and lots of bubble wrap for cushioning. Also consider taking photos of your belongings before they leave your home so that if damage does occur during transport, you can document it with the pictures as evidence.
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What will you be doing with your items when they’re delivered?
Moving to an apartment or condo? If you’ll just be placing them right into storage, totes are probably the best choice for you. There’s no need to spend the time and money on boxes if you won’t have a chance to unpack until much later on.
When Should I Hire Professional Movers?
The key to assessing when to hire professional movers is recognizing what your moving needs are. If you need help, you should definitely consider hiring a mover. They will be able to provide advice on the best way to prepare and pack certain items and how many people will need to be on hand for the day of the move. Hiring a mover is also ideal if you’re moving out of a third-floor walkup or any other situation where carrying all of your items down several flights of stairs would be difficult.
If you are in the process of moving, don’t forget to hire a good moving company as Fast & Professional Movers. We can help you with anything you need, so don’t be afraid to contact us at 877-668-3770.
