If you’re approaching the daunting task of packing up the house for a move, it’s hard to know where to start. Putting your life in boxes can even be a little scary.

Yet packing doesn’t have to be such a chore when you take the time to do it well. Protect your valuables and fragile items when you wrap and pack with care.

Check out these pro tips for keeping your breakables safe during a move.

Breakables You May Not Consider

Moving is a hassle, which may be the reason fewer Americans choose to take that step. Start early, take time to walk through the house before the packing frenzy, and take note of breakable items. After you start packing everything else, it’s easy to rush through and hastily pack your breakables.

Look for fragile items you might not ordinarily consider to be delicate, but that might need special protection during the move. There’s a certain sense of emotional loss when you move, without breaking special items and compounding the problem. Glassware and dishes are no-brainers, but wooden figurines and other antique items are delicate, too, even if they’re not made of glass.

Best Packing Material

Bubble wrap makes excellent packing material. Buy rolls of bubble wrap at the home improvement store or shipping supplier. Or save bubble wrap in the months leading up to your move, although you may not collect enough to wrap everything.

For a full list of packing items, here’s a handy list. Newspaper and packing paper are essential tools when packing fragile items.

Specialty boxes like dish packs are ideal for packing things like plates. If you aren’t using specialty boxes, make sure you have plenty of bubble wrap and packing paper for wrapping items and providing a cushion for your items in the box.

Everyday items like dish towels, pillows, and blankets can also be used for padding and protection inside the box. 

Wrap and Pack Like a Pro

Some fragile items require slightly different packaging techniques, but the primary approach is the same.

Plates and Glassware

Wrap the fragile item in a layer of paper, then in multiple layers of bubble wrap. Secure the wrapping with tape. For glassware, also tuck paper inside the glass for added protection. 

Prepare your small or medium-sized box by reinforcing the bottom with packing tape. Then on the inside of the box, place a good layer of bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper on the bottom for cushioning. Set the wrapped items in the box and fill the remaining space snuggly with packing material.

Pack plates vertically and use cardboard in between to make sure they have the cushion they need.

Glassware is typically smaller, but heavier when stacked. It’s okay to layer the items in the box. Make sure to place the heaviest glasses on the bottom and the lighter ones on the top. Place a piece of pliable cardboard in between each layer. 

Close the box and give it a little shake to make sure there is no movement. If shifting occurs, open the box and add more packing material. Then seal the box with packing tape and label it “Fragile.”

Furniture and Other Items

Other delicate items are harder to work with, especially if they don’t fit in conventional moving boxes. For furniture, protect each piece with moving blankets and covers to prevent scratches and dings.

To pack a TV, use the box it came in. If you don’t have the original box, ask your moving company or check at a local supply store for the appropriate size. Televisions are challenging to move safely and require special attention. 

Be Your Own Packing Expert

Whether it’s grandma’s china or the expensive bed frame, you scrimped and saved for, wrap and pack each of your delicate items with care. These tips will help you preserve your items, so they’re as good as new when you reach your new home.

If you’re still concerned about protecting your breakables, get help from the professionals. Here’s everything to expect from a moving service like Browning Moving and Storage.

So, you’re about to move homes, and you’ve already decided that you need to hire a moving company. 

Hiring a professional moving company can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Moving doesn’t have to be as stressful as people imagine.

But how do you find a moving company you can rely on? Here are some important questions to ask the professionals when you want to hire the best movers.

1. How Long Have You Been Doing This?

The amount of experience your movers have can often be an indication of their level of expertise. With experience will come a knowledge of the industry and the job. You’ll be surprised by what professionals can pick up over the years.

However, the length of time in business will never beat our next question.

2. Can You Provide References?

Asking for references is one of the most important questions to raise when considering who to hire. A trustworthy company will be able to provide you with a selection of references, all of whom should give you a glowing report.

You may also be able to search for your own references/past clients reviews online to get a better indication of how the company operates.

3. Can I See Paperwork?

Seeing valid documentation is vital before entering into a contract with a mover. You’ll need to see license and insurance documents to ensure you’re working with a company that takes their employees’ and client’s health and safety seriously.

It’s also wise to go over a moving itinerary before moving day so you can raise any questions if you need to.

4. Can I Get a Quote?

Before you decide on a moving company, get quotes from a few of your favorites. Be sure to read the fine print and find out whether you could be charged any additional fees for extra services. For instance, If you’re in a high-rise condo or walk-up apartment, you might be charged an extra fee for the movers to transport your belongings in an elevator at either the pickup or destination point.

Or, if your movers have to carry boxes or furniture a long way from your house to the truck, they might charge a long haul or long carry fee. 

Different companies will also structure their pricing in different ways. Some companies may charge by the hour, whereas others will charge by the weight load and the size of their team.

5. Do You Offer Packing Services?

Packing services can be a great option if you’re moving in a hurry or have a tight schedule. Your belongings can be packed, unpacked, crated, and your appliances can be connected and disconnected for you.

It removes the hassle of doing everything yourself while still trying to keep your life going at the same pace. This service comes at an additional cost.

Your Guide to Questions to Ask a Professional

It’s not always clear what questions to ask a professional when you’re looking for a good moving company. This quick guide should give you a good idea of the questions that get you vital information before moving. If you have any more questions you’d like answered, take a look here.

Moving into a new home can feel incredibly overwhelming. There’s so much to do on moving day; you might find yourself having a hard time prioritizing and staying on track. Keep reading to learn five things to do when moving into a new house. 

1. Set Up Utilities

Contact your utility companies and transfer water, electrical, trash, gas, and sewer into your name before you move in. You don’t want to find out you don’t have electricity when the sun goes down. You’ll also want to set up your internet and cable. 

2. Set Up Security

Setting up a security system will give you peace of mind in your new home. It takes no time for a security company to activate your system if the home already has the equipment installed. Make sure the codes you choose are strong and hard to guess.

Another thing you should do for your safety is to change the locks. You don’t know how many people had keys from previous owners. Call a locksmith right away to get your locks changed. 

3. Make Sure Your Appliances Are Working

If you moved major appliances, like a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, or dryer, check to make sure these appliances and electronics are working to confirm nothing was damaged during the move. 

4. Change Your Mailing Address

Change your address before moving day so that there’s no mail delivery interruption during the transition period. The change of address process is straightforward. You can either complete the task in person at the nearest post office or complete it online. 

Be sure to change your mailing address directly with your credit card lenders, your bank, and any other important places you get mail from. Change your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles as well. You should get updated licenses and registration for all drivers and vehicles in your home. 

5. Get to Know Your Community

Take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. 

Though it might be tempting to keep your head down and headphones in while walking your dog, look for opportunities to say hello and introduce yourself. Meeting your neighbors can make you feel more at home and even help you get to know the community better.

It’s also important to visit area businesses like the local coffee shop or the area park district. Immerse yourself in your new surroundings. These personal and professional contacts will help you feel more connected to your new home and neighborhood. 

Enjoy Your New Home 

Now that you know all the things to do when moving into a new house make sure you get these things done as soon as possible. 

For more tips on moving, check out our blog!

Moving is expensive. From the cost of driving cross-country, to buying boxes, to hiring movers, to the downpayment on your new home you can really feel the crunch.

And not only is moving expensive, but it creates a lot of waste in the form of cardboard boxes and packing paper.

Whether you’re someone who hates clutter and wants the boxes cleared out to clean the house or you’re trying to be environmentally friendly, you have options.

Here are some ways how to get rid of cardboard boxes after a move.

How to Keep Boxes in Good Condition While Moving

The way you pack your boxes while moving dictates whether you can use them again or not.

It’s always better not to overpack boxes, as that can damage their shape and even cause them to rip.

If you’re packing something heavy, try to create a platform for it at the bottom of the box, using a piece of wood or another rigid belonging of yours. That will keep the bottom of the box sturdy, easier to carry, and less likely to give out.

When you write what room they’re going to, put a piece of tape on the box, and write the room with sharpie over it. This way, the next owner can take off the tape and label it for their own use.

How to Get Rid of Cardboard Boxes

So you’ve arrived and unpacked (mostly) everything. The photos may not be on the walls yet, but you’re getting back into your daily routines.

Now the question is, what do you do with all these boxes?

As it turns out, you have three choices: keep, sell, or give away.

Keeping Boxes: Why and Where

If you suspect you’ll be moving again soon, have a child who’ll be moving soon, or just don’t want to risk it, keep your boxes.

For the most efficient storage, break down all your boxes, removing tape or folding it over on the edge of the box if it’s still in-tact.

Place your broken down boxes in one or two big boxes. Place these in your garage or storage area, and you’re set for your next move!

Sell Your Boxes

Some professional movers will buy back boxes you didn’t use, but only if they’re still new or in gently used condition.

If your boxes have seen better days, that doesn’t mean you can’t make some cash off of them. Be realistic about your price.

List your boxes on Facebook Marketplace or a selling app, for a bulk price. If someone messages you asking for a smaller amount, you can price their request as you see fit.

For reference, you should charge 50% of what you paid, less if the box is visibly damaged.

Give Your Boxes Away

If you have no luck selling the boxes and don’t really have a good reason to keep them on hand, why not pay it forward and give them away. 

Community websites like Nextdoor are ideal places to advertise that you have boxes available for the next person moving.

Your Next Move

If you’re still in the planning stages of your move, contact us for a free quote. We can help!

You’ve already put yourself ahead of the curve by hiring a moving company to help you move. The trouble is, you’ve never used a moving service before, so you don’t know what to expect.

Knowing how to prepare for movers can make or break your move. Taking steps to help the day run smoothly will ensure you get the most of your time and money.

When using a moving company for the first time, let’s look at several ways you can help your movers on move day.

Finish Packing Before the Movers Arrive

Unless you pay for a packing service, be sure to have all the packing done by the time your movers arrive.

This allows them to start loading the truck right away, which saves everyone valuable time.

Aside from the boxes, have your furniture prepared to move. Empty the drawers of your dressers and desks to make items lighter and prevent things from spilling out.

Also, don’t forget to empty your appliances. Pack all food items from the fridge in ice-filled coolers.

Label Boxes Clearly

Unpacking the truck shouldn’t be a guessing game to the movers. To prevent yourself from having to direct traffic at your new place, label all boxes clearly with the room destinations.

If anything is fragile or needs to be handled with care, include that label on the box as well. Make the label big and within plain sight. That way movers will know to proceed with caution without you having to be right there to explain it.

Don’t Pack Boxes Too Heavy

Packing all your books together seems like a logical thing to do.

Yet, over-packing a box will make it too heavy, potentially causing the box to break open during the move. Or it could hurt a mover with its excessive weight.

When using a professional moving company for the first time, be considerate and don’t pack your boxes too heavy. Place heavy objects in smaller boxes, with lighter items piled into bigger boxes.

Make the Area Safe

Letting kids and pets run around during the moving process will not only make the situation more chaotic, someone could get hurt.

To ensure everyone’s safety, choose a room as a “move-free zone” for children and animals to play in. Or, if possible, have your kids and pets stay at a sitter’s house for the day. Being away from all the action my also be less stressful for them in the long run.

Create a Hassle-Free Day

One of the best things you can do when using a moving company for the first time is to make things as hassle-free as possible.

Confirm everything ahead of time, so there are no unexpected surprises on moving day. Also, ensure there’s plenty of space for them to park the truck and clear out areas so everyone can move around freely.

Plus, be close by in case the movers have questions, but don’t micromanage. You hired professionals for a reason, give them space to do the job you’re paying for.

Make the Most out of Using a Moving Company for the First Time

Hiring help can take away much of the stress that comes with moving. By knowing how to prepare for movers, you will get the most of your time and money when using a moving company for the first time.

Ready to get help with your upcoming move? Contact us today for a free estimate!