Moving Your Things

10 Safe Ways to Move Your Refrigerator

Gather Essential Supplies – Gather the essential things required to pack and move your refrigerator. Here’s a list of the things you would require:

Large moving dolly
Rope or strong cord
Cleaning supplies
Plain paper/moving blankets
Packing tape
Scissors
Marker or labels

Clear out all the contents –Before moving the refrigerator, empty all the contents inside. It’s better to give away the perishable items. Items like glass-bottled beverages should be packed with care. Clean the interior properly. If the refrigerator is going to be in transit for more than 24 hours, you can place a small bag of activated charcoal inside the refrigerator to absorb odors.

Remove the shelves –Remove all the shelves and other loose parts of the refrigerator. After cleaning the shelves and trays, pack them separately. Never move a refrigerator with its contents.

Defrost your refrigerator –Ideally, defrosting should be done two days before moving. Unplug the power cord and keep the refrigerator’s door open for the day to dry out because after defrosting, water droplets accumulate in certain areas of your refrigerator. Wrap the power cord securely to make sure that it stays in place during the move. Also, empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow it to dry properly.

Protect your refrigerator –Wrap blankets or soft covers around your refrigerator – it will protect the body paint as well as other fragile cooling parts during the move. Also, fill the inside of the refrigerator with lightweight blankets

Know your mover –If you are taking help from a moving company, ask them how they pack a refrigerator. If you are satisfied with the process, you can stick to it; however, if you aren’t, you can either ask them to provide you with a customized with a customized packing service, or you can search for another mover. Also, get to know their charges for customized refrigerator packing.

Guard your wooden floor from getting scratches –You need to make plans to guard your wooden floor while taking out the refrigerator. A dolly/trolley would be perfect to protect your wooden floor from scratches. In case you are taking help of any moving company then ask them to use trolley/dolly to move the appliance to the vehicle.

Check the vehicle –Ideally, refrigerators are transported vertically. Because of this, the vehicle moving it must be tall enough to accommodate the appliance. Laying it on its back is not recommended, but if this is necessary, check the manufacturer’s guide/manual, or speak with an expert about whether your refrigerator can be transported on its side.

Plan for assistants –Don’t ever try moving a refrigerator alone. Make sure that you have at least 2-3 people strong enough to move the refrigerator. In case you need to move it up or down a flight of stairs, then it’s advisable to hire professional movers.

Let your refrigerator settle down –After the moving is done and your refrigerator is in the position you want it to be, do not switch it on immediately. Allow your refrigerator to settle down for about 3-4 hours before switching it on so that the coolant fluids and the gas settle down and allow the cooling system to function again.

Guide on Moving Your Mattress

Plan your move

First, plan on how you would like to move your mattress. If you are taking help from a mover, you should be prepared to ask the following questions:

Ask if your mover provides you with help to pack your mattress while moving, and help to unpack it once the mattress is delivered or moved into your new home.
In case you do not have any mattress cover, ask if they provide you with mattress bags or mattress boxes to cover your mattress.
Ask if your mover provides you with insurance coverage for your mattress, along with your other household items, against damage and theft. If you are not satisfied with the insurance coverage your mover is providing, you can always ask your mover if they can provide you with additional coverage that would fulfill your requirements.

Mattress Cover

Arrange for a superior quality mattress cover before the move in order to prevent your mattress from damage and dirt. In case you do not have a mattress cover, you must use a mattress protection bag or at least a blanket or a bed sheet to wrap it up to protect it during the transit.

Check if the mattress fits inside your car

In case you are moving your mattress in your car, check if the mattress fits inside your car. If not, it is better to hire a vehicle which is fit for the job. If you own a truck then you may put the mattress at the back of your truck in a horizontal position and tie it up tight, making sure the protective cover of your mattress is secure.

Do not bend or fold your mattress

You must always keep in mind not to bend or fold your mattress which might damage the inner central layers of your mattress. If the inner layers of the mattress are damaged, it might be no longer comfortable for you to sleep.

Check your loaded possession

If you are taking help of a mover, check if the mattress is being kept alongside your other household items in a position that won’t cause any damage to the mattress during the transit.

Check out ways to bring in your new mattress

In case you reach your new home before your mover arrives, sketch out a plan on how you would move your mattress inside your new home without their help. If the main door isn’t big enough to fit your mattress through without folding it, check out other ways by which you can carry in your mattress.

How to Find the Best Piano Mover

Are you looking for a good piano moving company? If so, you can easily find a lot of piano movers on the Internet. You will, in all likelihood, check the moving company’s website or call at the numbers mentioned on the website. If the website looks nice and informative, and if the representative sounds sincere and reliable, you would probably hire the services of the company, right? However, this is not the ideal way to hire a moving company.

Before hiring a piano moving company one needs to do a proper research. Here’s a rundown on how to find the best piano mover:

Ask for recommendation
While asking your friends and family for recommendation, make queries like:

Were you satisfied with the quality of the piano mover?
Did they wrap the piano while moving? If not, how did the movers protect your piano and its surface?
Were the movers dedicated and of a pleasant disposition?

List of piano moving company
Once you get a list of piano moving companies, visit them and ask these questions:

What measures do they take to protect the piano
What kind of moving tools and supplies do they use?
What are the moving charges?
How long they have been moving pianos?
Are they insured?
What’s their Department of Transportation (DOT) number?
Are the people who will move your piano trained? It’s an important question to ask, as a piano is a heavy object and only a
trained mover can move your piano in and out of the vehicle. You also do not want to forget any steps, narrow passages, etc.
in order to avoid damage.
Accidents happen. For example, while moving the piano, your wooden floor can become scratched. Because of this, ask about
the measures the movers take in case of property damage(s).
Note: To get an accurate quote, give the moving company all the necessary details such as how narrow is the lane, number of stairs in your old and new home and so on.

Before finalizing –
finalizing any particular piano moving company, contact the local Better Business Bureau to check whether there are any complaints against the company or not.

How to Move Your Sofa

A sofa can be a difficult object to move. You can hire a professional moving company which can do the task for you, or you can follow these tips and move your sofa independently:

Measure the staircase, doorways and elevators through which the sofa is to be moved. These measurements will help you decide upon the best way to move your sofa.
Measure the width of the doorway. Take measurements from one side of the frame of the doorway to the other.
The door through which a sofa has to be moved needs to be removed from its hinges.
You need to make the sofa stand vertically when it is being moved to a new location. Measure the sofa from top to bottom, as well as from front to back. This will help you find out whether the sofa will easily go through the doors and elevators.
Wrap your sofa with a protective material like linen or blankets. There are certain blankets available especially for packing sofas and moving them to a new place.
Remove the legs of the sofa. This way, your sofa will fit along almost any doorway.
You should ideally have three people to shift a sofa. Two of them can carry the sofa, while the other person can provide guidance when the sofa is being moved through rough, congested or messy areas.

How to Pack Artificial Flowers

If you still have the original boxes, these should be used

If you do not have original packaging, you should use sturdy boxes to pack the flowers to prevent any damage. Ensure that the boxes are of the right size and shape.
Wrap the flowers with plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels
Put the flowers inside the boxes. Make sure that you do not put too many flowers in one box. Fill in the space between the flowers and the sides of the box with bubble wrap.
Pad the bottom of the boxes with towels and sheets so that the flowers are not affected by the jerks and vibrations during the move.
Tape the sides of the boxes with a packing tape
Label the boxes “Fragile” so that the mover handles the boxes carefully when loading and unloading. Labels should be large and visible to that they can be easily spotted by the mover.

How to Pack Electronics While Moving

Pack sets together

Electronic equipments generally come in sets. It’s advisable to pack all the sets together. Try not to misplace any parts. If you pack all the corresponding wires and peripherals with the main system, it would save you the trouble of sorting them again in the future.

Always pack electronics in their appropriate boxes

Equipments are best packed in their original boxes, as that is the safest option of transferring your electronics to your new home. You can always get the replacement boxes from the electronics manufacturers if you haven’t kept them. In case you are having trouble finding the appropriate box, go for double-walled cardboard boxes for extra support. It’s advisable to use boxes that are slightly larger than the equipment, as it will avoid shift in transit.

Watch out for fragile electronic items

Fragile electronic items like tablets, camera, etc. should never be packed with heavy equipment in the same box, as shifting during the moving process can crush them. Carefully label all your boxes so that similar crushing from the other moving boxes can be avoided. Mark “Fragile” or “Top Load Only” on the boxes with permanent marker. Pack your televisions and computers with appropriate padding.

Remove batteries from inside electronic items

During the move, batteries that are left inside the equipment can become damaged and overheated. Try to wrap any ink cartridges in plastic, as ink can leak when packed. Pull out all media such as DVDs and CDs, and pack them separately.

Special Packing Procedures are needed for specific electronic equipments

LCD and plasma televisions should be packed in special wooden crates for their safe transportation. You can receive these from your moving companies. To prevent loss of files, back up your computers and other storage devices so that the system is not damaged during the move.

Cover the speakers

Speakers should be saved from the possible nicks scratches to the cabinet and the acoustic cones. Use cardboard to cover the front of the cabinet and wrap it around the edges. In case of heavy units, make sure you are binding the box with packing tape to prevent breaking. You can also tie it with heavy cord to keep the handles from lifting.

Disassembling and reassembling

If you are confused on how to disconnect wires or cords, use stickers or colored labels to mark their original configuration before unplugging. For later reference, photograph the equipment in its proper assembly. Make sure that you are packing the user manual together with the electronics. If you don’t have a manual, visit manualsonline.com to find out how to acquire a suitable replacement.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide and the user’s guide for special moving instructions.

How to Pack Glass Bottles

It’s advisable to pack only glass bottles that have never been opened. The materials needed to pack glass bottles are:

Plastic bags
Bubble wrap
Packing tape
Empty toilet paper roll tubes
Large sealable bags/Ziploc bags
To prevent spillage and leaks, wrap tape around the cap of the bottle a few times to make sure that the cap does not come off in transit.

Wrap the bottle in bubble wrap to protect it from getting bounced and breaking in transit. This layer can withstand all the impact and will act as a shock-absorber. If you are using smaller bubble wrap, make it a point to double wrap it and protect this layer with tape. For alternate options, you can roll the bottle in a large, soft garment or a towel. A sweater can also do the job.

Seal the bottle in a self-sealing bag, make sure that you have pressed out all the air and the bag does not have any holes in it.

You can place the bottle in a normal plastic bag if you don’t have any self-sealing plastic bags. Wrap the plastic bag tightly and ensure that the plastic bag is airtight with tape. For additional protection, place the bag in another plastic bag, covering the opening of the first bag.

If you are sending the bottles with the mover, you should get a divided box. Tape the bottom of the box. It’s always better to line the inside bottom of the box with cardboard or bubble wrap. Check your box to make sure it will hold the weight of the bottles. Place the bottles that are packed in the sealed bag. Wrap them with a sweater, old newspaper and/or cushioning materials.

If you are taking the glass bottles in a suitcase, place them securely in the centre of your suitcase. Carefully cushion the bottles with clothes.

In case you are flying and carrying the beverages with you, make sure to follow these guidelines: According to TSA, “You can’t take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and (150 proof) rum, in your checked luggage. You may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask.”

While passing through the U.S Customs, you have to declare your alcoholic beverages. There is a probability that you will be asked to unpack your glass bottle when going through airport security to show the contents. If you have to catch another flight, make sure that you are taking enough time to wrap the bottle back prior to placing it in your suitcase again.

How to Pack Glass Items

Divided boxes are best to pack glass items, as they ensure extra protection for your glassware. You can ask a wine or a liquor store to give you some divided boxes.

Use lots of box sealing tape at the bottom of the box.

Packing peanuts and cushion foam can be placed at the bottom of the box before adding any wrapped pieces.

Start by wrapping your glass items using paper towels. Paper towels will give enough cushioning to your glass items as long as you are using more than one piece of it. Make sure that you are filling the box with as many cushioning items as possible so that the glass items don’t end up moving around in the box. Remember not to force anything in the box, as you may just break something.

In case of plates and flat dishes, wrap them first, and then bundle three or four plates of same size together. Don’t lay them flat; instead, place them vertically one next to each other. Also, don’t stuff too many items in a box. Place cushion foam between each plate. Fill sides of the box with packing peanuts or bubble wrap.

If you are working with glasses, fill the insides of the open glass with cushioning materials. Then wrap the glass in padding material. Next step is to tape all the ends properly. Remember that tape is used to keep the protective material around the glass item in place. However, too much tape may damage the item while unpacking.

For cups remember to add extra cushioning around the handle. Also, stuff crumpled up tissue papers inside the cups to help absorb any jolts during the move. When packing cups, remember to arrange them with the handles facing in the same direction.

Remember not to stack glass items directly next to other glass items in a box. If you hear the sound of glass items clanging up against each other, it is best not to move the box and to repack and rearrange it instead.

Securely tape the top of the box. Use wide packing tape for box closure. Make sure to write “Fragile” & “This Way Up” on the sides and top of the box. Also, it’s better to write the exact contents of the box such as “glassware,” “cookie jar,” etc.

How to Pack Your Computer for the Move

Before Packing

You can copy all your valuable data to an external hard disk. These come in various sizes including 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB capacities. If you don’t have that much data to save, burning your files to a DVD is another option. DVDs (depending on their burn speed) generally hold around 4.7GB. That’s enough space for most of your files; however, the easiest option would be to purchase a flash drive. Their storage capacity ranges from as small as 16MB to as large as 256GB. Make sure to keep your DVDs and flash drives in a safe place, as they are very small. Store the DVDs, flash drives, instruction manuals and all software disks in a lock box.

How to Pack

Gather packing and cushioning material. Buy packing paper, bubble wrap, pad paper, newspaper, loose fill peanuts or air-cellular cushioning material.
It’s always better to place your computer in its original box with original packing material. If you have discarded the original packaging, make a point to choose a sturdy box which is large enough to surround the computer with enough packing material to keep it from moving around. You can also ask for styrofoam inserts from your moving box company, as it will be crucial in ensuring the safe arrival of the computer parts.
Remove any disks from all the drives. Make sure that the computer is powered off and the monitor is disconnected from the power source.
Remove the base and any attachments from the monitor. Wrap the monitor with both bubble wrap and pad paper. Move it face-down.
Measure the printer’s width and length and get a box that is slightly larger than those dimensions. Remove printing cartridges before shipping. Place the cartridges inside a sealed plastic bag. Cushion the printer properly. You can also refer to the owner’s manual for specifications regarding your printer model.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) should be treated with utmost care because it is extremely sensitive to any movement. Pack a computer tower or a desktop unit on its side with the motherboard side resting flat on the bottom. If the original box is not available, use an appropriate sized box and shock resistant insulation as an alternative.

If dismantling and setting up of computer is new for you, label the cords before unplugging. Most modern computers come with color-coded wires, but if yours doesn’t then it is best to label them. This will help the reconnecting and setup process at your new location easier. After you are done with labeling, unplug the cords from the box and the monitor. Tie the cords, and make sure you keep everything together so you don’t misplace an important cable.

When You Finish Packing

After the sealing is done, mark the boxes appropriately. Indicate in large, bold letters that it is fragile and contains a computer box or monitor.

If you are worried about your computer, bring it in the car and pack the components in a box. Wrap the computer in a towel or blanket and keep it in your vehicle, unboxed. Remember not to keep your computer upright in a seat or on the floor of your car. Make sure that you have parked your vehicle in a safer place if you are staying overnight in a hotel.

Insurance

Make sure that you are getting adequate insurance coverage. See to it that the moving insurance pays for any damage to the computer. Before selecting a protection plan from the mover, it’s best to obtain a present retail cost of your computer system.

How to Pack Your Kitchen

Before Packing

Make sure to pack only those kitchen items that are absolutely essential.
If the new house has a smaller kitchen, figure out which items you should leave behind or donate.
You won’t waste valuable packing space if you check your new cabinet space beforehand to see what you can/can’t fit.
It’s advisable to use the weight versus cost-to-move ratio when packing your kitchen items. Try to pack all the expensive items before the less expensive—anything that cannot be replaced easily.
When packing plates and flat dishes wrap them first, following by bundling three or four plates of the same size together. Don’t lay them flat; instead, place them vertically next to each other one by one. Also, be sure not to pack too many items in one box. Place cushion foam between each plate, and fill the sides of the box with packing peanuts or bubble wrap.

Packing

Gather packing supplies including boxes and cushioning materials (like bubble wrap and old newspapers).
The bottom of your boxes must be cushioned with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or a towel. Layers of bubble wrap can be placed between the stacked plates and bowls. Padding materials should be used to wrap your glasses both around the outside and inside.
Specifically label all your boxes, as it will come handy on the day of unpacking.
The top and bottom of the boxes containing glassware should always be placed with a layer of cushioning materials. Do not place heavy items on top of glassware boxes.
Dishtowels and cloth napkins can also be used to wrap the breakables. This will save space.
Make sure to pack and tightly seal any containers carrying nonperishable liquids. For extra protection, put these items in heavy duty sealed food storage bags.
Fragile items should always be kept in hard-shell containers so that they don’t crumble during the move.
Dried soups, sauces and unopened prepackaged food items are all eligible for moving. If you are worried about space and weight on the moving truck, it’s better to leave all the canned goods behind. Try to include these items in your pre-move meals so that they aren’t wasted.
When packing knives, make sure that they are bundled together. The knives should all be pointing in the same direction. When packing the knives use extra packing paper, as it will reduce the chance of injury. It’s important to mention which bundles contain knives by labeling them. You can pack your everyday cutlery with regular packing paper. For silverware, use acid-free tissue paper for packing.

Tips for Moving Your Clothes and Your Wardrobe

Plan Your Packing

You must plan on packing your wardrobe before the move. Before packing, decide on how you are going to pack your clothes–whether you will be moving your wardrobe items along with your other household items or separately. You should also check with different movers, and choose one who meets your needs and requirements.

Pack in Advance

In case you are packing your wardrobe items by yourself, you must remember to start your packing well in advance. Packing the wardrobe might be a time consuming task. If started on the day of the move, this may set you behind for your schedule.

Empty Your Wardrobe

If your wardrobe is full of clothes, you should empty your wardrobe to lighten some of the weight. Also, remember to check and empty the drawers. Look for any valuable items or important documents and put them in a safe place.

Wardrobe Box

Move your hanging clothes from your wardrobe to a box to prevent them from getting damaged in the move. Using wardrobe boxes will save you time because you can place your clothing in the boxes without having to take them off the hangers and fold them. It would also help prevent them from getting wrinkled.

Pack Separate Luggage

In case you reach your new home a day or two before your mover arrives, you should keep some of your clothes with you by packing them separately in luggage you will be carrying with you.

Keep Valuable Items With You

In case your wardrobe has any valuable or antique items, remember to keep those with you in order to avoid damage or theft. Your mover may not hold responsibility for theft of any of your possessions located inside your wardrobe even if it covers the wardrobe itself.

Keep Essential Papers and Documents With You

You should remember not to leave your important papers and documents in the wardrobe, as they could be stolen, damaged or lost.

Things to Ask Your Mover

Does your mover provide packing solutions?
Learn whether or not your mover allows you to rent wardrobe boxes for packing purposes.
Learn whether or not your mover provides you with insurance covered against damage or theft of your wardrobe items.
Learn whether or not your mover will help you unpack your wardrobe items after your belongings are delivered.

Check Your Belongings After Loaded

Be sure to check on your belongings after they are loaded into the truck. Keep in mind the number of boxes and cartons filled up with your wardrobe items, and get a written document by your mover before the move.

Tips for Packing Antiques and Delicates

Plan on Ways of Packing

If you are planning to move your antiques and delicate items by the help of your mover, ask if your mover provides you with professional packers to pack your antiques. In case you are not provided with this request, arrange for some outside professionals who can help you with packing your antiques and delicate items.

To-Do List When Packing Antiques

Priceless antiques should only be handled by qualified packers.
Remember to take photos of every antique and if possible, some up-close photos proof of condition.
Always remember to clean your antiques before moving them, or it could result to stains or permanent marks on them, as they will be packed for a long period of time.
If you are moving any antique sculptures, pack them up in boxes that have enough space for cushioning materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, blankets, etc.
If you are moving antique furniture, start by padding it from the top and then gradually include more pads on the bottom. It is best if you remove any loose parts of your furniture and pack them separately with extra padding to prevent them from getting damaged during the transit.

To-Do List While Packing Delicate Items

If you are packing delicate items by yourself in boxes, make sure they have sufficient cushioning around them.
If you have time, arrange custom built wooden crates so that the delicate items fit properly and are ensured proper security.
In case of glass panels or mirrors, make sure the items are secured with sufficient padding and stretch wrap.
If you are packing delicate porcelain items, be sure to remember to wrap all items with fine tissue and place them in carefully.

Misc

Keep in mind that any valuable items or items prone to theft should be kept with you when traveling. Some of these include fine jewelry or antique coins, stamps, or even currency. These should be wrapped up and carried with you.

Things to Ask Your Mover

Ask if your mover has a climate controlled warehouse that is safe from fire and theft.
Figure out if your mover has an air ride suspension trailer with lift gates to move your antiques safely into the truck.
Learn whether or not your mover delivers antiques inside your new home.

Check Your Belongings after Loading

Once your antique and delicate items are loaded onto the truck, be sure to check if they are in contact with any other items in the truck that may cause damage to them.