Smart Moving Tips from Move On Demand

Here are some tried-and-true tips for residential and corporate moves.  Better to do your homework and be ready than waste time and money when you’re in the middle of a move.

Take what’s most important with you.

Don’t pack your valuables in moving boxes or let the moving company know you have them.  These include irreplaceable documents (such as birth/marriage certificates, passports, etc.), money, collectibles, furs and jewelry.  Keep these items separate and securely in your possession at all times; unpack and re-store them only after all the movers have gone.

Weigh the options: heavier boxes aren’t so smart.

Pack 30 pounds or less of items into any one box.  A really heavy box can cause packing tape to break, thus spilling contents.  Going above the “30-pound rule” can also cause painful injuries to movers, especially non-professionals.

Weekday moves are better for your wallet.

Moving home or business locations on a weekday is often less expensive than doing so on a weekend.  Moving companies often have lower rates during the week, and sometimes during off-peak times of the year, like fall.  The last week of the month in May, June, July and August are the busiest weeks of the year. You’ll also find that banks, utilities and other business are open on weekdays, which can come in handy should any problems arise before/during/after the move.  If you are moving an office, however, weekend moves are less likely to disrupt business.

Use towels as packing material instead of paper.

Forget wadded up newspaper or “popcorn” packing.  Not only can bath or kitchen towels cushion dishes and other fragile items, but there is no trash to discard when you unpack from a move.  Just wash the towels and put them away in your new location.

Color code to lighten your load.

Assign a different color to each room, and use colored markers or stickers to clearly mark every box or box label for that room.  It will make things easy for both the movers and your family.  Also, make a note of how many boxes there are for each room so you know that everything has been moved/received.  Do an inventory checklist as items are moved out, then again as they are moved into the next location.

Hire a professional mover if possible.

Experienced professional home and office movers know their stuff, which can mean a smoother and more organized move.  Do your homework and check out a moving company’s track record through the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Better Business Bureau.  Make sure they are bonded and insured, and licensed.  Get at least three in-home estimates from movers before you make a decision.  Check to be sure the mover has a flexible refund policy.

Make “Open First” boxes a priority.

Pack a box for each room or general area with the things you need most the first day/night, and mark it “Open First.”  For example, the “kitchen“ box might contain simple food (cereal, bread, coffee, etc.), pan, sharp knife, silverware, paper plates, napkins, dishwashing liquid, towels and glasses.

Keep a suitcase packed for everyone.

Packing a suitcase for each family member ensures that they will have plenty of clothes, toiletries and other necessities as soon as they move in.  Keep the suitcases with you, not with the moving company.  It’s much simpler and smarter than having to look through boxes.

Plan for every square inch of office or home.

To maximize efficiency, familiarize yourself with your new location, be it a new home or office.  Measure the rooms and determine how well your furniture will fit into the new space.  Know where the outlets will be, and where the local area networks, PCs and other devices will go.  If you’re a business, draft and share a floor plan with employees and the movers…so everything can be moved smoothly and correctly.  Also be sure you know how to disconnect/reconnect computers and other equipment properly.

Get started on your move early.

Moving companies can book up fast, especially if it’s an interstate move and goods need to be hauled.  Keep flexible in the dates you book loading/delivery, or be prepared to pay a premium.  Be aware of which dates and times of the year are busiest (see above).  You’ll want to alert customers of your move and new contact information in advance if you’re a business.  Don’t get an estimate too far out before the move, or prices could change.