Moving Tips

Need some moving tips?

We have some handy moving tips. Whether moving a short or long distance, your household goods are going to be loaded into the back of a moving van where items will be stacked in tiers.  Empty spaces within the tiers will be utilized to place smaller items. Properly maximizing the cubic space within the back of the moving van is important in preventing damage to one’s property while being handled and transported.  Maximizing cubic feet during loading also is essential to avoid multiple trips.  Anything that prevents maximizing the cubic space in the moving van (poor packing and/or loading) may result in multiple trips which add unnecessary time to the move itself.   Moreover, should one be moving long distance, it could potentially require the use of another moving truck and driver which would definitely add to the cost.  That is why it is important to hire an experienced, professional moving company who can assign the right equipment and experienced crews for your move.

Take precaution when packing your moving boxes so that items are not hanging out of the boxes.  The boxes will be stacked on a dolly and in the moving van; it is difficult to stack boxes that do not have a flat surface.  Also, risk of damage is much higher when items are hanging and/or bulging out of the box.

Moving pads are not an option they are a necessity to prevent damage to your furnishings.  Recall, items will be stacked and packed tightly.  Moving pads prevent damage to your furnishings while the items are being carried out and loaded into the moving van.  Also, the moving pads create a buffer between surfaces to prevent scratches, gouges, indentations, etc.

Big moving tip: We strongly recommend utilizing heavy duty corrugated boxes!

Always secure the bottoms (the seam) of moving boxes with several strips of heavy duty packing tape.  Pack all boxes to the rim.  Boxes that are not packed to the rim are likely to crush when stacked which can cause damage to the items within the box (we recommend filling the box with crumpled paper, air bags or bubble wrap to fill the void).  Again, do not have items hanging or bulging out of the boxes, this prevents the ability to stack which can take more room than necessary in the back of the moving van.

Heavy items should be placed in smaller boxes and lighter items in bigger boxes.

Seal boxes once packed, the top of the surface should be flat to accommodate stacking in the moving van.

For ease of handling and distribution at destination, it is always recommended you label your moving boxes i.e., KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, MASTER BEDROOM and/or FRAGILE.

Label your box on the sides not on top.  Remember the boxes will be stacked so it is difficult to see labels on the tops of the boxes once stacked.

Use bubble wrap, news print quality paper or tissue paper to wrap glass ware and/or fragile items.  We do not recommend utilizing newspaper due to the residue it leaves on your belongings.

Ziploc bags are great for keeping hardware and accessories organized.  We recommend utilizing a separate baggie to keep accessories and hardware for beds, entertainment center, electronics, etc.   Baggies are also great for dumping items from cluttered draws (pens, sticky pads, clips, etc.).

Sharpies are great tools for marking boxes and baggies.

For moving boxes, use markers - AWMAT is a Moving company in Florida
Great moving tip: use markers!
© Rjseeney | Image Credit

Small appliances and electronics should be packed in boxes specific to size.  Avoid packing multiple items with your appliances and electronics.  Disconnect and dismantle electronics properly, utilize individual plastic baggies for accessories to avoid confusion when reassembling.

Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes.  Flat cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork or wall mirrors.  Many moving companies sell mirror packs in a variety of sizes.

Area rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.

It is best to utilize small boxes when packing books, preferably a 1.5 cubic feet carton.  Insert books on edge to help reduce the stress of the books during transit.  Alternate the up and down edges of the books. Make sure to completely fill the carton with books so there is no shifting.  Do not utilize large boxes to pack books, it may seem convenient but it creates a hazardous load for the individual handling the box.

Wardrobe boxes are great for packing closets.  Make use of the space by packing shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe box before hanging your wardrobe.  When moving long distances it is always best to insert a dryer sheet in the wardrobe box to keep items smelling fresh.  Do NOT overload the wardrobe box.  Corrugated boxes can only take so much weight and you certainly do not want for your box to fall apart.  Again, always apply several strips of heavy duty tape on the bottom seam of the box.

The components including remote controls of an entertainment center should be completely packed in boxes specific to size before the moving crew arrives.  Remote controls not properly boxed are easily misplaced or lost.

Unless you plan on transporting lamps yourself, lamps should always be packed in a moving box prior to loading on the truck.  Lamp shades that are not appropriately packed in a box can easily crease during the loading process.

DO NOT PACK aerosols, acetone, ammunition, combustibles, explosives, liquids, etc. These items can damage your belongings and will void insurance and mover’s liability.

Items not to be moved should be clearly labeled “DO NOT MOVE”.

Donate, give or dump items you no longer need or want prior to the move. Why pay to move items you will eventually dispose.

Stay tuned for more moving tips from AMWAT’s Moving Maven Blog.

AMWAT is a moving and storage company in Tallahassee, Florida. We provide local, commercial, and international moving services; as well as warehousing services such as receiving, inspections, and distributions.https://amwatmovers.com/moving-company-contact-move-estimate/

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