In the interest of making your move as hassle-free as possible, this list of moving tips has proven extremely helpful in reducing the amount of time and frustration spent on your moving day.
Pictures, plants, lamps and stereo components: These items take time to properly secure in the truck. If you are moving across town, it can be more cost effective to take them yourself.
Appliances: Wind up electrical cords and secure hoses so that they do not become a tripping hazard in the activity of the move.
Bed head- and foot-boards: If you disassemble these ahead of time, make sure to put the hardware in a plastic baggie and tape it to the frame of the bed.
Lampshades: are very delicate and should be packed in boxes to ensure their safe arrival.
Chest and dresser mirrors: Like headboards and footboards, if you disassemble these ahead of time, make sure to put the hardware in a plastic baggie and tape to the mirror.
Remove shelves from bookcases, put them along side the piece and put the shelf pins in an envelope.
Packing boxes: This is a service that we are happy to provide. If you decide to pack your own boxes, make sure that you are using quality moving boxes. These boxes are designed to handle the rigors of a move and when properly packed with clean newsprint and sealed will ensure the contents arrive safely. Also, make sure to label any boxes you pack so that they can be placed in the correct room on arrival.
Friends and family: While we cannot have anyone other than Light Speed personnel on the truck, if you have friends and family helping, they are welcome to bring items out to the area near the truck at pick up and, at delivery, take items into the house once they are off of the truck.
Direction: Having someone available who knows where each item is going will improve the flow and efficiency of the move. A perfect scenario is when you know where everything is going and we can move it there for you.
???If you have access to a pick-up truck or station wagon, you can transport garden tools, lawn mowers, bikes, skis, etc. in the back without hurting them - where as we must pack them in next to the furniture. That takes a bit more time.
Desks, night stands and dressers: Often, these items get turned on their sides to go down stairs or to fit best in the truck. Emptying these items out will ensure that things are not lost or damaged. The few extra boxes you will need to put the contents in does not usually affect the cost of the move.
Valuables and other important items: Have all small and "loseable" items such as jewelry, coins, papers, etc. in a place accessible to you only. Even the best moves can sometimes seem chaotic. Having your valuables and such things as your keys, remote controls and checkbook in a place where you can easily find them will help eliminate stress later.
In summary, more preparation for the move results in a smoother and less time consuming relocation. Strive for a situation in which the movers walk in, pick up a piece and walk out. The less time they spend using their tools, the faster the move will go. The more you do to organize your move, the less it will cost, and the easier it will be to get settled in your new home.
