Moving Tips

When packing, begin by choosing an appropriate box size. If you choose too small a box, larger items can waste space while too large a box can be too heavy and cumbersome. Most moves require only 3 different size boxes. Consider also the location and destination of the box. If it will need to go up or down stairs, you will be best served not to pack extra heavy boxes — somebody will have to carry them.

“Book boxes” are 1.5 cubic feet and are designed to pack small, heavy items such as books, papers, records, canned goods, bottled liquids and tools.

“Mediums” are 3.0 cubic feet and are good for packing the majority of items in most homes. Use mediums for packing most dishes, framed pictures, toys, shoes, sweaters, knick-knacks and small lamps, to name a few things.

“Dish packs” are 5.0 cubic feet and so named for their use in long distance moving where dishes require a sturdier box with double sidewall construction. However, for local moves dish packs serve a different purpose. They are taller than the medium boxes so they are good for large items which do not fit into a medium box. These items include large toys, taller lamps, baskets, big cookie sheets or serving trays and umbrellas. This box is also good for bulky items such as pillows, comforters, linens and holiday decorations.

If you shop around for boxes, you will find that there are many other sizes and types available. Usually, these are not needed for local moving. Long distance moving companies often require that everything be packed into boxes (chairs, small tables, oversized lamps, mirrors, mattresses, etc.) but local movers are better equipped to transport these things without special crating.

Packing non-fragile items into boxes involves simply grouping things together that will be going into the same area of your new home. For your own benefit, you will likely want to label the box with its contents to make unpacking easier. For the benefit of the movers, it is important to label the top of the box with the area of your new home where it belongs. This will give you one less thing to think about on move day and will save time and money.

When wrapping fragile items, we recommend using packing paper, also called newsprint. Packing paper is an economical way to provide superior protection for all your fragile belongings. Again, there are other products available like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and packing foam, but these products are better suited for long distance shipping and usually not necessary (or even preferred) for your local move.

The kitchen and dining rooms can be full of fragile items, so allow yourself plenty of time to pack them properly. When packing dishes, start by taping – not folding – the bottom of a box (usually a medium box). Next, line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper. This provides a shock-absorbent bed beneath your dishes. Then, individually wrap your dishes and put them into the box. For plates, platters, picture frames and other flat items, place them into the box vertically. Flat items can withstand significantly more shock riding vertically than laying flat. Once you have filled the bottom of the box with dishes, put another layer of crumpled paper into the box and begin filling it again. Naturally, it is best to keep heavier items like plates and bowls at the bottom with glasses and teacups on the top tier of the box. Once the box is full, put another layer of paper on top before closing and taping the flaps. Label the box “fragile” so the movers will know to stack it in the truck appropriately.

Two things to remember when packing fragile items:

1. Wrap the items well enough with paper that two fragile items do not “clank” when put against each other.
2. Fill in any unused spaces in the box with crumpled paper. Empty spaces give your fragile items room to move in the box, risking breakage.

Blu-Ray players, cable boxes and stereo components will need to be disconnected in order to be moved. The movers can disconnect these for you, but cannot rewire your electronics at your new home. It may be a good idea to make a note of how these things are connected so you will have an easier time putting it all back together.

If you have a flat panel or plasma television, please notify your mover ahead of time so they can bring the appropriate crating material to move it.

If your dresser or armoire has hinged doors, you should pack the items behind theses doors into boxes. Otherwise these doors can swing open while transporting the furniture to and from the truck. The movers use giant rubber bands to hold the doors shut, but clothes and things behind the doors can push them open nevertheless, causing your things to fall out.

For pull-out dresser drawers, you usually do not need to empty them. Exceptions: If you have perfume, coins, jewelry, etc, these items should be packed in boxes. Clothes and other soft goods can ride to your new home in the dresser drawers. If the furniture is rickety or unsturdy, you might consider emptying the drawers so the extra weight will not compromise the furniture while it is in transit. This is frequently true with pressboard or teak furniture like the kind you buy in a box and assemble at home.

If you have ordered wardrobe boxes for your move, these will be used for your hanging clothes in the closets. They are usually brought on the day of the move and can be filled then. Everything else in your closets should be packed prior to move day as nothing should be put into the bottom of the wardrobe boxes.

It is a good idea to save some heavy duty trash bags for your pillows and bed linens on the morning of your move. It will save you some money over buying boxes for these things.

Your beds and cribs will almost always need to be disassembled in order to be moved. If you are looking to save time and money on your move, you can do this ahead of time. If you prefer, the movers can disassemble the beds on move day. We will reassemble anything that we take apart.

Resist the temptation to cram all of your papers and books into large boxes. It is much easier on the movers and on yourself at unpacking time if you use smaller boxes for heavy items. If the movers will be taking your computer, you should pack the keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc. into boxes. The monitor and tower can be wrapped in cloth moving pads on the day of the move, but smaller parts need to be boxed.

Certain types of desks need to be disassembled to fit through the doorways in your home. If disassembly is required, you can save time by doing it yourself or have the movers do it on move day.

Check old boxes to be sure they are still usable. Stored boxes can become weak over time or with moisture. Be sure to check that your stored boxes are taped and labeled.

In the garage, you may want to fill empty garbage cans with yard tools and things that don’t fit into regular boxes. Gas cans, paint, and other combustibles can not be moved on our trucks, so you will need to empty the containers or take these items over yourself.

Pictures that are small enough to fit in regular boxes, should be packed. For larger pictures, mirrors, and paintings, it is not necessary to pack them before move day. Large pictures can be individually wrapped on the truck. For a local move, these can be safely packed in the truck without using mirror cartons. This is a safe way to save some money and hassle.

Large table lamps and floor lamps can also be individually wrapped on move day , although small desk lamps are better off in boxes. It is a good idea to pack the lamp shades into boxes or take them in a car since they can be very fragile.

Every customer has unique needs. Some people hire a moving company for a full service move while others prefer to do some of the moving themselves to save money. If you wish to save time on your move, consider this: It takes the same amount of time for a mover to walk to the truck with an armload of lamps or pillows as it does to walk out with an end of a sofa or armoire. Any small items you can take care of yourself will save time on your move — and for a mover charging hourly, time really is money. On the other hand, it can still be economical for a full-service move if you have prepared properly. When you are through packing, you will look around and see just furniture and boxes. Then you will know you are ready for movers.

Keep in mind that the movers may be arriving to your home in a large truck. If you live in an area where parking is scarce, try to save a parking space with a car or a couple of cars, if possible. It is a shame to have everything packed nicely only to find out that the movers can’t get a truck near your door.

If there is a threat of inclement weather on your move day, the move will still go on. The movers will make every effort to keep your floors clean. OSHA regulations do not allow movers to remove their footwear, but we will have something to put inside so the movers can wipe their feet with each trip. Even so, if you are still concerned about tracking, “Carpet Shield” is available at most hardware stores. It is an adhesive plastic film that sticks to your carpet. You can prepare your home with this before the movers arrive if you like, but keep in mind, we deal with this concern every time it rains or snows and the movers are very careful to protect not only your furniture but your home as well.

We at Happ Movers want you to be pleased with your move from start to finish. These tips and suggestions can help you to do everything you need for your move to go smoothly. Remember, your movers have done this many times and there aren’t many questions they haven’t been asked. Feel free to present any concerns you may have, either on move day, or by calling the office before you move. We strive to please you because we want you to remember us for your future moves.