Getting All Your Moving Supplies Together

Before starting the lengthy moving process it's a good idea to make sure that you have all the moving supplies you'll need. There are four primary categories of materials that you should have: boxes, tape, ropes/tie-downs, and odds and ends.

Moving Boxes:

There are several different types of moving boxes and several different sizes. Some boxes are specifically designed for certain purposes. There are boxes designed to carry kitchenware and glassware. There are special boxes that transport clothing while keeping their shape in tact. There are even boxes designed to carefully handle electronics. Figure out what you are moving and get the boxes accordingly. You can obviously purchase boxes from places like Home Depot, but you can also go to Walmart in the late hours and get many different kinds of boxes for free.

Tape:

Buying tape is not rocket science. But don't forget to do it. There's double-sided tape, packing tape, easy-tear tape, shipping tape, clear tape, and more. Most people naturally use packing tape for moving.

Ropes/Tie-downs:

If you're transporting items in a moving truck, pickup truck, or to a self storage unit, you definitely need to tie your stuff down. You can obviously do this with rope, or by buying actual tie-downs from any hardware store. Some heavy duty tie-downs can withstand almost 1000 pounds.

Odds and Ends:

Make sure to get some plastic or fabric sheets to cover your things. Get some markers to label your boxes. Thick blankets to pad in between breakable items. A dolly to move heavy items.

Good luck!

Some Tips on Loading Up Your Moving Truck

Before you start to move all your stuff into a moving truck, you should make a plan. There is only so much space in the truck and it's important to utilize it as much as possible. The better you utilize your truck, the more time you save. And with a moving truck, time is money.

The first thing you should do is protect your stuff. Do this by laying a sheet of plastic on the bottom of the truck. This will prevent scratching and damage to your items.

Load the heavy items first. Leave some space on top of the heavy items for lighter items. Make sure to stand the couches on end, this will save space.

Make sure your items are secure. Things like couches, refrigerators, desks, lamps, etc. should be strapped or tied to the walls or the ground so they don't fall.

Use blankets and sheets and clothing to pad your fragile items. Use things like pillows and stuffed animals to fill gaps in the truck.

Be extra careful with flat-screen televisions. Try to transport them in your vehicle if possible. Always store flat-screens standing up.

When you are finished packing the truck, lay a sheet of plastic over your items to keep them from gathering dust or dirt.

Although these tips are directed to packing moving trucks, they can also apply to packing self storage units.

Things to do Before Moving into a Self Storage Unit

Here are some great tips on what to do before moving your belongings into a self storage unit:

• First you must find the storage facility that you want to use. Take into account the location, hours, security, quality, and price of the unit.

• Figure out a rough estimate of what you want to keep in the unit. Contact the facility manager and discuss what size unit would be best suited for you. Another option is to use this self storage calculator to quickly estimate online.

• Make a list of the packing supplies you plan to use in the move. Things to consider are boxes, pens, bags, tape, bubble wrap, rope, and wood pallets.

• Read the lease on your self storage unit before signing it. Some leases are for 30 days, while other can be for up to one year. Also check with your storage facility to see if they offer insurance on your items.

• If you are renting a moving truck, make sure that the size is sufficient for your needs. This is particularly important if you are using a moving company

Hope this helps!

It's Moving Day!

Moving day has arrived! It's a great but stressful feeling. Here are some key tips to make the big day a little easier.

• Start early! It's going to be a long day. The sooner you start the sooner you'll finish. And by starting early it will give you extra time to face unexpected complications.
• If you have children or pets - hire a babysitter. This way you will be able to concentrate on all your many tasks.
• If you are using professional movers - have cash ready. Most require cash as payment.
• Get the phone numbers of everyone involved. The movers, your sitter, your help, your friends, your new landlord (if applicable), your self storage facility, etc.
• Have maps for everyone that will be traveling to your new place.
• Get some food ready. Whether you are hiring professional movers, doing it yourself, or enlisting the help of friends and family, some good food makes everyone happy. Perhaps you can make some sandwiches or order pizza, and get some sodas or juices too!

If you follow these steps your day will surely be stressful, but not as much as it would otherwise!

Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving to a new home can be particularly stressful when kids are involved. Sometimes kids will lash out due to all the emotions related to moving away from friends and comfort. Other times they can just simply be difficult to handle during such a busy time. Here are some tips for moving with kids:

• Buy a children's book about moving. There are plenty out there. Reading this book with your kids can help them be more comfortable with the situation 
• If it's possible and reasonable, let your children pick their new rooms in the new home
• Also allow them to decorate their rooms if appropriate
• Have them pick out a special outfit to wear on their first day in the new house
• When you're in the new home, throw a small party for your children with cake and balloons celebrating their new adventure

Let People Know Where You're Going....

Before you leave town and move to your new house you should let everybody know where you are going. Obviously your friends and family will probably already know. But there are many different people/companies/services that need to be contacted of your change of address. Here is a comprehensive list of who you should notify:

• The Post Office - do this one first. It will forward all your mail to your new address
• Doctor's office, schools, dentists, etc. Get copies of your records from these places if necessary
• Water service
• Gas service
• Electric service
• Cellular and home phone providers
• Internet service provider
• Alumni association
• Attorneys/accountants
• DMV
• Credit Bureaus
• Health/fitness club
• Banks
• Broker
• Pool maintenance
• Self Storage company
• Lawn service
• Retirement plan holders
• Loan servicers
• Childcare
• Old/new employers
• Magazine subscriptions
• Physical therapist
• Chiropractor
• Insurance providers

That list should keep you busy for a while!

More Moving Tips - Get Organized Early

Our moving tip of the day is to get organized early! There is always more to do that one might think with a move, so try to start at least a week earlier than you had planned. This way you will be much less stressed as the move-out day approaches. Here are some more useful tips:

• Move out and pack room by room. This helps you stay organized and not lose anything in the move.
• Get a calendar and map your plan for the move. Put key milestones on the calendar like when you want to have each room finished, when you will get your self storage unit, when you will get your moving truck, etc.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help and delegate. Your friends and family with surely help you in a time of need. Call them up weeks in advance to schedule their assistance. If you choose to hire professional movers, make sure you hire only the best.  Ask for referrals from friends and look at reviews online to find the best company possible.
• Schedule to have your services set up at your new house in advance. Services like cable, internet, phone, electricity, gas, and water may need at least a week's notice before being able to perform an installation. Don't save these for the last minute.

Hopefully these tips will help - come back for more next week!

Moving Tips Blog

This blog is dedicated to providing valuable tips for everything related to moving into a new home. Moving to a new house is a daunting adventure, so its best to do some research beforehand to figure out the best way to approach it. Some things to consider when moving are:

• A good, reliable moving truck company
• A safe, secure self storage facility in either your old or new city of residence
• Changing your address and setting up new services in your new home
• Soliciting the help of your friends and family in the move
• Many many more!

So please visit this blog for all the moving tips you'll ever need!