Moving Tips, Tidbits, and Miscellaneous

Use Smaller Boxes For Local Moving

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:28:12 -0700

When doing a local move it is a good idea to use a mix of small, medium and large cartons. For local moves however use more small boxes. They are easier for everyone to handle. Try to use a uniform size and shape of small carton, not too small, about the size of an apple box or a record storage box. Another good size of box is a box that holds a ream of paper.
For larger items that won't fit in these small cartons, certainly use larger cartons. But you will find that for simple local moving smaller cartons are simply easier.

Small Local Moves - How To Get the Best Price

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 17:01:33 -0700

If you have a very small local move and you want the best price possible try to find a moving company that is very close to you, perhaps within 10 miles. Movers that are far away often have to charge higher minimum in terms of hours and fuel charges because they have to come from farther away.
Also, consider doing your small move in the middle of the week when movers are generally a little slower than on Fridays, weekends, or ends of months which are often the busiest times for movers.
The slower a mover is often means they can give you a better break in terms of minimums and other charges.

Choosing an Office Mover

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:10:54 -0700

Office moving is very different from household moving. Proper business moving requires specialized equipmentalong with experience. In addition, office moving often requires certificates of insurance be issued to the various buildings involved.
Make sure your mover provides you ample references for office moving. You don't have a second chance to get it done right.

Check Out Your Mover

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:41:26 -0700

If you are looking for movers in Los Angeles area do your research on them. You can find out their Better Business Bureau rating at www.labbb.org. You can also check to see it they are members of the CMSA (California Moving and Storage Association). And also you can check out their license status with the California Public Utilities Commission. Don't use a poorly rated or unlicensed mover.

Vacuum and Sweep to Keep It Clean

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:50:29 -0700

Don't have the movers move one vacuum and a couple of brooms. This way, when they are finished at origin, you have someone vacuum and sweep after they leave.
Also, make sure to sweep any walkway leading into your new house. This will reduce carrying in any dust an debris. Also, after the movers leave vacuum as soon as possible. This will keep any dust or dirt from getting ground in.

Going into Self Storage

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:30:15 -0700

Self storage is a good storage option if you need to have regular access to your stored items. Or maybe you want to bring stuff in and out yourself. With self storage you have your own lock and key, and come and go when you please, based upon the hours of operation for the particular storage.
Moving company storage is usually better suited for longer term storage, or storage where you don't really need regular access. Generally a moving company will charge you for their labor when you need to access your goods. On the other hand, while there is no charge at a self storage, you usually have to do the work yourself.
One advantage of moving company storage is that they keep your furniture wrapped in soft quilted blankets for protection. You don't get that with self storage.
As such, if you use self storage be sure to have available plenty of old blankets or sheets or towels to help wrap and protect your items. Often you can buy plastic stretchwrap to wrap around your furniture.

Newspaper for Packing Paper - Movers Los Angeles

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:33:19 -0700

We don't recommend using newspaper for packing and wrapping. The main problem is that the ink from the newspaper ends up transferring onto plates, glasses, lamp shades, etc. It gets on your hands and before you know it you start touching your sofa, bed, etc. and leaving black ink everywhere.
It's best to get what's call unprinted news. It usually comes in rolls or flat and ready for packing, and is about 20" x 30", with NO INK.

Local Moving Packing

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:32:46 -0700

Local moving does not require the same degree of packing as long distance moving or storage. For example, pictures and mirrors that are not "high value" don't always need to be packed into cartons. Often the movers can either pad wrap these items or place between cardboard on the truck. This way you don't pay additional for packing materials and packing labor. Why pay $30 in labor and materials to pack a $20 picture?

Legitimate Move Quotes / Estimates

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 16:55:30 -0800

If your local move is more than just a couple of rooms, you should request the mover do a visual survey prior to providing an estimate. For an estimate to be considered, it should first be legible and easy to understand. Preferably it will be computer generated. If you don't understand the quote, or if it is handwritten and illegible, then BEWARE. The potential will be created for an estimate that may be misinterpreted.

In addition, your move quote needs to include a full list of items to be moved, including an estimate of box count. Also, both origin and destination accesses should be described clearly. Such as a single story home, or 3rd floor apartment with an elevator and 300 foot carry. The quote also needs to outline who will do what packing, and also who will do what disassembly and reassembly.

Important and Expensive Items

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:19:29 -0800

A few days before your move get together your important papers and small expensive items. Small expensive items such as jewelry, money, I-pods, watches, etc. should be accounted for a few days before your move. Other important items including plane tickets, credit cards, checkbook, home sale papers, etc. should also be accounted for. Put all of these items into a couple of small boxes, and before the movers arrive put these boxes either in your car, or drop off at a friend's or relative's. This way the movers can't accidentally move these boxes, and you will be able to find them when you need them.

Garage Sale

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 12:18:58 -0800

A month or so before your move have a garage sale of the stuff you don't want to move to your new house. Otherwise, you not only pay extra to move these items, but you also have to pay the costs to store these items at your new house. It's like paying to move your garbage.

Packing Fragile Items

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 15:19:53 -0800

When packing breakables be sure to use lots of unprinted news. It should be available from any quality mover or any box and packing supplies store.

For boxes with fragile items wad up some paper and place in the bottom for cushioning. Wrap your breakables in paper and try as best as possible to stand your plates or other glass items upright. Do not lay glass items flat. Then leave a few inches at the top of the box to place more wadded up paper to achieve a tight protective cap.

Get 3 Estimates

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:28:43 -0800

ABC Moving recommends you get 3 estimates for your move. Your final decision should be based upon a combination of the mover's cost estimate, your "intuition" when speaking with the moving representative, and most importantly a check of their references and licensing. Today with the internet it is very easy to check out a mover with the Better Business Bureau, state regulatory agencies, and a number of online "mover scam" forums.