Month: November 2024

Moving with a family can be challenging, but you can simplify the process with clear organization and strategic planning. Techniques from packing early to keeping everyone’s essentials within reach—the right approach help reduce the stress of a family relocation. Here are some practical ways to keep everything orderly and make your residential move smooth.

1. Create a Moving Binder for Essential Information

A moving binder is your one-stop spot for everything you need to stay organized throughout the relocation. Dedicate sections to important documents, like the new lease or mortgage paperwork, school records, and necessary medical forms. Include a calendar to track critical dates, like the last day of school, moving day, and utility set-up appointments.

In addition to documents, use the binder to store estimates and contracts from moving companies, contact details for your real estate agent, and checklists for each family member’s belongings. This binder keeps everyone on track and prevents vital information from getting lost in the shuffle.

2. Start Packing with a Strategy

Packing early helps ease the time crunch accompanying moving, especially with children. Begin with items you don’t use daily, like seasonal clothes, extra linens, and rarely used kitchenware. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief list of contents, making unpacking simpler and faster on the other side.

Consider color-coding by family member: assign a unique color of tape or marker for each person so boxes can easily be identified by destination. 

3. Create a “First Night” Essentials Kit for Each Family Member

Each family member should have a box or bag of “first-night” essentials, packed with items needed for the first day or two at the new house. This can include pajamas, a toothbrush, favorite toys, essential medications, snacks, and a change of clothes. Pack basic items like disposable plates, utensils, and paper towels for the kitchen and toilet paper, soap, and towels for the bathroom.

Label these boxes clearly and set them aside to travel with you rather than the moving truck. That way, you won’t have to search through stacks of boxes to find the essentials after a long day of moving.

4. Plan for Kids and Pets on Moving Day

Consider the logistics for kids and pets on moving day itself. If possible, arrange for someone to watch young children or pets during the peak moving hours, whether it’s a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. If they’ll be with you, designate a “safe zone” in a quiet room where they can play with a few toys and stay out of the way.

Packing a small bag of snacks, toys, and books for the kids helps keep them occupied and content during the final move. You might include familiar bedding, toys, and treats with pets to keep them calm and secure throughout the day.

5. Digitally Backup Important Documents

In addition to hard copies of important documents, create a digital backup by scanning or taking photos of them. Store these files securely in the cloud, on an external hard drive, or as an email attachment. If anything is misplaced during the move, you’ll have easy access to your essentials without needing to rifle through boxes.

6. Set Up Your New Home in Phases

Arriving at a new home with a plan helps ease the stress of unpacking. Start with priority rooms: set up the kids’ rooms and bathrooms first so the family has a space to settle in. Unpack kitchen essentials next to get meals in order, and then work on the living areas. Leave non-essential rooms, like guest spaces or storage areas, for last.

Take time to involve the family in setting up their spaces, making the new house feel like home. Small personal touches go a long way in making everyone feel comfortable.

Streamline Your Family Move

Staying organized and preparing with intention can transform a family move into a manageable, even enjoyable, process. With each step, you’ll keep stress at bay and set the stage for an easier transition. Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming; with a thoughtful approach, you can make it a fresh start for the whole family.

We can help with all the aspects of your move, from packing to storage to transport. Contact us today for a quote. 

Moving can be a fresh start, but it’s a journey that needs extra care for your fragile and delicate belongings. If you want your glassware, artwork, heirlooms, and electronics to arrive safely in your new space, you’ll need a solid plan and the proper packing techniques. Here’s how to get those precious pieces from point A to point B, all in one piece.

1. Gather the Right Materials

Before packing, having suitable materials is vital in protecting delicate items. Here’s an essential list to get started:

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes
• Bubble wrap and packing paper for cushioning
• Packing tape that’s strong and durable
• Foam inserts for small items like ornaments
• Blankets or moving pads for larger pieces like mirrors or electronics

The suitable materials might cost a little extra, but investing in quality supplies can prevent breakage and save money.

2. Wrap Each Item Separately

When packing fragile items, it is essential to treat each piece with individual care. Wrapping each item separately in bubble wrap or packing paper adds a necessary layer of protection, reducing the risk of colliding and breaking.

Add an extra layer of bubble wrap for particularly fragile or valuable items like porcelain or heirlooms. Use enough paper or foam to create a cushion around each piece, but don’t overstuff boxes, as this can cause pressure and increase the risk of breakage.

3. Use Boxes That Fit Just Right

Choosing the correct box size for each item makes a world of difference. If items are too small, they may get crushed; if they are too big, they may shift and break. For extra protection, use double-walled boxes for delicate and heavy items like plates or vases.

When placing items inside the box, add a layer of crumpled paper or foam peanuts at the bottom. As you add items, keep cushioning each layer with more padding to avoid any shifting during the move—place heavier, more durable items at the bottom and stack lighter, more fragile pieces on top.

4. Label Everything Clearly

Labeling each box on multiple sides ensures that it’s straightforward and easy to spot. “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and “Handle with Care” labels aren’t just for show—they help movers identify items that need extra attention.

Consider creating a color-coded system with tape or markers for an added layer of caution. This can help ensure that fragile boxes are not accidentally stacked or mishandled and that you can easily find these items once you arrive.

5. Eliminate Empty Space

Empty spaces in boxes mean room for movement, which can spell disaster for fragile items. If there’s any leftover space in a box, fill it with crumpled packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts to keep everything securely in place. You want each item snug, with enough cushion to absorb any bumps. Place several layers of cushioning on the bottom of the box. Put your wrapped items in the box, then fill in open spaces with crumpled paper or bubble wrap. Place additional layers on top of your wrapped fragile things before shutting the lid.

6. Secure Mirrors, Frames, and Art Carefully

Moving mirrors, frames, and artwork requires a bit more planning. Cover the glass in painter’s tape to create an “X” pattern. This helps reduce movement and minimizes glass shattering if an impact occurs. Wrap each item in bubble wrap, then add a layer of cardboard around it for additional protection.

Place these items vertically in a specialized box, like a mirror or picture box, to prevent heavy items from stacking on top of them. Mark them with “fragile” and “do not stack” labels to ensure they’re handled correctly.

7. Consider Professional Packing for High-Value Items

Consider hiring professional packers if you’re moving particularly valuable or irreplaceable items, like antiques, artwork, or sensitive electronics. Many moving companies offer specialized packing services for delicate items, using custom crates and protective materials that go beyond standard packing.

8. Plan for Unpacking Carefully

Packing is only half the battle; unpacking with care is just as essential. When you arrive, resist the urge to tear into boxes quickly. Start with the most fragile items and handle each box as if it’s still in transit. This approach can help prevent accidental drops or damage after all that hard work packing.

Protect What Matters Most

Packing delicate items takes a little more time and care, but it’s well worth the effort when you arrive at your new home with everything intact. Invest in suitable materials, take your time, and consider professional help when needed to keep your most valued possessions safe.

We can help with the packing and moving. Contact us for a free quote.