Archive for the 'Packing Tips' Category

The practical reality of the moving industry is that, unless you opt for a full-service relocation, you are making a commitment to being fully packed and prepared; at the same time that the moving company is making a commitment to delivering your goods in a safe and timely fashion.  Because there is typically a reciprocal obligation, I thought I would take this opportunity to spell out what it takes to be a great (and ultimately satisfied) Olympia client.

PLANNING: Take this time to plan your approach to your upcoming move.  We understand that you have closings and a host of other issues to contend with, but waiting until the last minute leads to unwanted surprises on move day.  Effective planning also saves time.

PREPARATION: Use the resources at your disposal, including the literature, website, and Olympia personnel to help understand what it means to be fully prepared for moving day.  The concept of being “fully prepared” is a somewhat nebulous one, but here are some basic suggestions:

• Eliminate unwanted items before move day
• If you are doing your own packing, get a free delivery of packing supplies well in advance of your move
• Make sure that all boxes are labeled and fully sealed
• Stack boxes one tier deep against the walls so that the movers can access all items in a given room
• Set aside items that you will need in a separate area that is clearly marked (keys, passports, documents) to ensure that they do not get packed
• Set aside cleaning items that will be needed after the moving crew has departed
• Identify where furniture will be placed at the new locations so as to avoid delays during the delivery
• Additional preparation tips are available HERE

PACKING: Label carefully and consistently.  Do not wait until the last minute and, if you think you are going to need some additional help, contact your Olympia move coordinator as soon as possible so that we can schedule a packing crew.  If there are items that you are not comfortable packing (lamps, lamp shades, stemware, paintings), make sure that you also notify your coordinator so that the crew has the requisite materials and equipment with them on the day of your move.

COMMUNICATION: Our best customers are those who understand the importance of details and of communicating those details.  You need to keep us abreast of any new developments, not make any assumptions, and be available to the crew throughout the process.  It is imperative that you are physically present during both the loading and unloading of your items.

PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS: The movers work incredibly hard on a daily basis and are there to help you relocate to your new home.  They are not your adversaries and should be treated with respect.

REVIEW: We spend countless hours on training and process-related issues.  We work hard to ensure that your experience is a positive one, and would hope that you would take the time to provide feedback and offer suggestions.  Ultimately it is these suggestions that provide the foundation for our ongoing training and allow us to improve.

TIPPING: Tipping is really at your discretion and there are no minimum requirements.  If you choose to tip the movers, take the time to explain what they did to deserve the tip and/or any suggestions that you might have.  You can also demonstrate your appreciation by providing drinks or making water available.  These small signs of encouragement recognize how hard the crew is working and, while not mandatory, are indicative of a great customer.

Improper packing is far and away the leading cause of damages during a move.  Packing is somewhat of an art form and Olympia Moving spends hundreds of hours training our crews on best practices on an annual basis.  Obviously, if you choose to pack yourself, you will need to get up to speed as fast as possible; so the following suggestions should serve as a quick primer.

Tips to Packing For Your Move

1)     Leave yourself enough time to organize and pack.  Packing and preparing for a move always takes longer than anticipated.  If you find that you are running out of time, contact your relocation coordinator and request assistance.

2)     Organize your space before initiating the packing process.  This will save you a lot of time.

3)     Setup a “packing workstation” with a flat surface upon which you can lay your packing paper.

4)     Place empty boxes that you are in the process of packing on top of a full carton so that you don’t have to bend down to pack the box.  This is both a faster approach and will protect you from back injuries.

Packing Materials

5)     The best packing material is plain white newsprint (packing paper), which can be supplied by any moving company.  It is the right consistency and, unlike newsprint, will not leave ink stains on the items you are trying to protect.

6)     Be generous in your use of paper.  Packing paper is not cheap; but it is much less expensive than damaged goods.

7)     In the vast majority of cases, paper is preferable to bubble wrap.  In addition, paper is considerably less expensive and it more environmentally sound.

Organize Your Packing Items

8)     Pack in tiers.  If you are packing breakable items, put a “cushion” of crumpled up paper on the bottom of each box.  Then individually wrap each item and place it gently and securely in the box.  Make sure that everything is packed tightly together and then add another tier of cushioning.

9)     Pack “like items” together; such as “pots and pans” or “dishes”.  This makes the unpacking process smoother.

10) Label carefully on the top and two adjacent sides of each box.  The labels should include your last name, the room that the items came out of, and a few words about the contents of the box.  This will help the movers to know where to place the carton in your new residence.

11) Do not leave any extra space in your containers.  The strength and integrity of the box is largely determined by what is inside the box.  The rule of thumb is that if you gently shake the box and hear any movement, you need to add paper.

12) When taping the box shut, use proper moving tape.  Tape securely along each seam of the box and then run your hand over the tape to make sure that it has adhered to the cardboard.

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One of the biggest challenges for Olympia’s move consultants is to provide an accurate estimate when the client indicates that they are going to sell a significant portion of their goods prior to the move.  In this scenario, the best of intentions are often eclipsed by the practical time constraints of preparing for your move.  Typically this means that clients end up relocating numerous unwanted items to the new residence. Here are some quick tips to help you avoid moving more than you really need to.

Tips to Getting Rid of Items Before Moving

1)     While it is reassuring to see a low number on your estimate, keep in mind that the estimate is based upon the “articles and services” listed.  Underestimating the number of items to be transported can translate into an inaccurate quotation.  When presenting the items to be relocated to your move consultant, be realistic and as inclusive as possible. 

2)     Do not assume that items will be quickly and easily disposed of at a yard sale.  Leave as much time as possible between the yard sale and your move date.

3)     Post items on Ebay and/or Craig’s List.

4)     Consider making a donation of furniture, clothing or canned food to the Salvation Army or a local food bank.  Not only will you benefit from the applicable tax deduction, but donations like these make a huge difference in our communities.

Be Prepared Before Your Move

Above all, be protective of your time and don’t try to do too much in the limited window leading up to your moving date.  The single biggest determinant of a successful relocation is how prepared you are on the day of your move.  Failure to be fully packed can lead to significant delays and cost overruns.  If you need assistance with packing, please contact your relocation consultant.

While we are certainly happy to move boxes of old newspapers from one basement to another for you, this is often not a particularly economical approach.  Relocating to a new home is a great opportunity to purge unused and unwanted items.  A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t opened a box or used an item since your last move, it may be time to get rid of it.

Items Not To Pack

On Local Moves, which are based upon an hourly rate, additional boxes of books and papers simply add to the total amount of time to complete the job.  The addition of 10 – 20 additional boxes typically will not add any significant time or cost to the move.

On Interstate Moves, which are based upon weight, eliminating excess boxes of papers, magazines, or books can have a significant impact upon the final cost of the move.  Before you start packing, it is certainly a good idea to sort through what items you want to take and what items you can discard or donate.

In addition to the above, there are several items that Olympia simply cannot transport for legal and/or liability reasons.  These include, but are not limited to:

1)     Fire extinguishers

2)     Any gas in tanks; such as propane or oxygen

3)     Aerosol cans

4)     Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners, oils, heating agents

5)     Ammonia, bleach and household cleaning agents

6)     Auto batteries

7)     Lighter fluid

8)     Ammunition

9)     Any combustible products

For more check our full list of items not to pack.

Unpacking is often overlooked as part of the moving process, and rarely do people set aside enough time to complete it.  The result is that boxes remain unpacked months after you have moved into your new home.  Following are some basic tips for a successful unpack:

1)     Make sure that when you are packing, every box is carefully labeled with your name, the room that the box came out of, and the contents of the box.  This will make the process of unpacking MUCH easier.

Careful Unpacking is Just as Important as Packing

2)     If possible, allot one day after your move to unpack and settle into your new home.

3)     Put your friends and family to work and have them help by unpacking books and clothes.  Hopefully they will be appreciative of the fact that you did not ask them to help you move!

4)     Start by unpacking the absolute essentials and then work as a team and go room by room through your residence.  This makes the experience much more pleasant and ensures that all items get fully unpacked.

5)     When unpacking, try and stack the box that you are unpacking onto another box or a raised surface to avoid having to repeatedly bend at the waist and potentially injure your back.

6)     Designate an area within your new residence to put used packing materials in the interest of not cluttering your new home.

7)     Break down the boxes as you unpack them in order to avoid creating an unnecessary mess.

8)     Donate or sell your used boxes.

If the above seems too burdensome, consider contacting Olympia Moving to schedule an unpacking service or debris removal service.  This is an economical approach that takes a lot of the stress out of moving in.

In the absence of budgetary constraints, having professionals pack your fragile items is both easier and preferable from a liability standpoint.  Having said this, if you are going to pack the fragile items yourself, following are some hints that should make this process easier.

1)     Whenever you are packing, make sure that you have a good workspace setup.  Place the box that you are packing on top of another box so that you avoid potential back issues associated with bending at the waist repeatedly.

Take Extra Time Packing Fragile Items

2)     The vast majority of fragile items can and should be wrapped in plain newsprint.  Do not use regular newspaper for packing, as the ink has a tendency to stain china.  Setup a flat surface and lay the packing paper on top of this space.

3)     Fragile items should be packed in a “Dishpack” or “5.2 cubic foot” box; which is double corrugated and specially designed for breakable items.

4)     Dishpacks should be packed in “tiers”.  Begin by creating a layer of crumpled up paper at the bottom of the box.  Proceed to wrap each piece individually with multiple pieces of paper.  Heavier (and less fragile) items should go on the bottom of the box; constituting the first tier.  Once the first tier is complete, fill in any remaining gaps with paper and create another layer of cushioning.  Continue with this process until the box is completely full.  Stemware and extremely fragile items should be placed on the top of the Dishpack.

5)     Remember that structure and support for a box are provided internally as well as externally.  Make sure that any extra space is filled with paper.  There should be no extra space inside the box.

6)     Make sure to label any fragile boxes with your name, the contents and a vertical arrow pointing upward to indicate that the box should not be loaded on its side.  In addition, the word “fragile” should be displayed prominently on at least two adjacent sides of the box.

There are more packing tips on this page or you can order moving supplies here. Contact Olympia Moving or call 800.222.4744 for a moving estimate.

Proper preparation is essential to a successful move and one of the biggest factors in determining final cost.  This is especially true if you are doing your own packing.  The following tips will help you to be fully prepared on moving day and, by extension, to keep your costs down.

Packing:  Basic moving boxes and supplies are key. The basic rule of thumb is that if it can fit inside a box, it should be in a box.  Loose items are difficult to load into a truck and create unnecessary delays.  If possible, use standard moving boxes as opposed to smaller boxes that may not be structurally sound.

Packing and Moving Checklist

Labeling:  All boxes should be labeled with your name, the room that the items came out of, and a word or two about the contents.  Boxes should be labeled on two adjacent sides plus the top.  This is especially helpful during the delivery process; as it allows you to direct the movers and make sure that boxes are placed in the appropriate place at your new residence.  The more detailed you are with your labeling; the easier it will be for you to locate items during the unpacking process.

Organization:  As boxes are packed they should be stacked against the perimeter of the room.  Do not leave boxes in the middle of the floor; as this is hazardous to the movers.  Ideally you want to organize your space so that the movers have easy access to everything within a given room.  Trucks are loaded in tiers and it adds time if the movers have to re-organize in order to get access to specific pieces.

If you are planning on moving some of the items yourself in a car, focus on items that are not boxed; such as lamp shades.  The movers are very efficient in moving furniture and boxes, but loose items have the potential to cause delays.

For more preparation tips see the Olympia Moving moving resource page with downloadable PDF files to help you with your next move. Contact Olympia Moving or call 800.222.4744 for an moving estimate.