How to Safely Pack Gaming Equipment

Your Xbox, Playstation, and consoles are sometimes among the most valuable items you are moving. It essential to safely pack gaming equipment so it does not get damaged during the transit of a move. It’s dangerous for your gaming equipment to go alone – take this advice from Olympia for moving your consoles safely.

The Tips for Packing Gaming Equipment

First things first, give your game consoles and electronic equipment a good cleaning or dusting. You don’t want to pack dusty equipment.

Find good packaging

Gather all the packaging you’ll need. The original packaging is the best choice, since it has already been optimized to provide the most protection to your device. If the Xbox or PlayStation box is long gone, check out allcases.com to find the right size hard shell electronics box. Though it is not the best choice, a regular cardboard box close in size to your device will do, as long as you only pack gaming equipment in that box.

Protect your valuables

If you’re not using an original or specialized box, it’s essential to add padding to protect your devices from rattling around, cracking or breaking. Avoid packing peanuts – they give off static electricity which can cause your electronics to short out or reduce their life span. The best packing materials are newspapers, clothes, or anti-static bubble wrap.

Organization is your best friend

Keep cords and controllers with their console. Don’t forget to protect your controllers too! Improper packing can cause loss of sensitivity in the controller’s buttons and joysticks. Neatly wrap the cords and protect each controller individually. Put all the parts of each console into the same box, which will keep each gaming system separated and organized. Avoid packing anything that is not gaming equipment in the same box.

Label your boxes

Meticulously labelled boxes are an unpacker’s best friend. Keep a list on a pad of paper as you pack each item. Noting even the smallest of things will save you time later!

The Best Method to Pack Gaming Equipment

Follow these step by step instructions to safely pack your gaming system:

  1. Before you unplug anything, make sure you take out any discs or games inside your system. Leaving it inside can damage the game.
  2. If your system has a rechargeable battery, remove it from the system before packing.
  3. Wrap the console, controllers, and any accessories per the tips above
  4. Place a layer of padding on the bottom of the box before putting anything in it. Learn the “burrito method” in our packing basics video.
  5. Put the individually wrapped items in the box with the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest on the top
  6. Fill in any empty spaces with extra padding or paper to make sure pieces don’t shift around during transit
  7. Place a second layer of padding across the top before you close the box.
  8. Label your box with everything in it! The more specific you are, the sooner you will be playing games in your new home.

By following these instructions you’ll be able to get to your new home and switch from Pack Man to Pac Man. When you’re ready to move, give us a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate! 

Moving to Boston? The 5 Best Ice Cream Spots

Moving to Boston? Whether you’re moving in the sweltering heat of the summer or in the dead of winter, it’s essential to know the best ice cream spots in Boston. Here are the top 5 joints in town:

Rancatore’s

Newton, Bedford, and Lexington

After helping his brother Gus create Toscanini’s, Joe Rancatore went off on his own and founded Rancatore’s. Ranc’s grew to become a local favorite, boasting sundaes, creamy, quirky, creative flavors, and dairy free and sugar-free alternatives. Visit a location to get a 1-scoop micro or even a quart of freshly packed ice-cream.

Toscanini’s

Central Square

Founded by Gus Rancatore, Toscanini’s has been in business since 1981. With “‘The Best Ice Cream in the World'” – New York Times” plastered across their window, Toscanini’s attracts customers from all over.  Toscanini’s makes all their ice cream and baked goods in house (or purchased from local bakery Iggy’s), and pulls inspiration for new flavors from around the US and the world.

 

The Cookie Monstah

Danvers shop, Roaming Food Truck

The Cookie Monstah was created by Missy Gale. After almost 2 decades of work in the baking industry and many trips to find the perfect chocolate chip cookies, she started her food truck. The truck roams around the Boston area and was featured on the travel channel and NBC Boston for its famous ice cream and cookie sandwiches.

[FoMu]

Boston

Created in 2011, [FoMu] is the healthiest choice on this list. [FoMu] is a completely plant-based company, and their signature blend is made with coconut milk. All of their products and toppings are non-dairy and vegan. They also have soy free, gluten free, and kosher products. They make their ice cream in Watertown, MA and have stores in Allston, Jamaica Plain, and the South End.

J.P. Licks

Across the Boston Metro Area

J.P. Licks started in 1981 in Jamaica Plain (“J.P.”) by Vince Petryk. The small business has 14 locations, and has won over 400 awards for their ice cream and coffee. All of their products are Kosher, and they have delicious frozen yogurt varieties as well. This spot is a favorite of college students and locals, and will consistently deliver delicious cups and cones of your favorite flavors.

 

When you get to the city make sure you check some of these spots out, and figure out which you think is the best ice cream in Boston. Save us a cone!

If you’re ready to make the move to Boston, give us a call at  800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate! 

How To Add Value To Your House For Selling

When you’re moving, you may hesitate to put more money into your soon-to-be old home. This mistake will cut into your bottom-line, or even prevent your home from selling at all. Considering these 6 upgrades that are sure to sell your home and Follow these tips to upgrade your home and your listing price.

1. Decluttering!

First things first, to upgrade your home you need to get rid of all the junk hanging around the house. Clearer spaces make rooms look larger. Say goodbye to the old sports equipment and dried out art supplies. Start with the goal of cutting your stuff in half. Olympia Moving & Storage has a free storage promotion to help, learn more.

2. Give some TLC to your Kitchen counters

Redoing your kitchen counters is a game-changer. Making your kitchen look as clean and new as possible is essential to selling your home. Who wants to buy an old, crumb-riddled kitchen? An upgraded kitchen allows buyers to focus on the home’s real features, not the peeling linoleum counter tops.

3. Upgrade the Bathroom

Another upgrade to sell your home is a modern bathroom. Installing new, clean utilities can make a world of difference. At the very least, replacing the shower curtain and toilet seat can change how people view your home. Potential buyers will be admiring the bathroom upgrades, not a dirty, well-used restroom.

4. Lather up a Fresh Coat of Paint

To brighten your whole house, invest in a new coat of paint for the walls and trim. Choose a neutral color like white to give the buyers a blank canvas, or choose another neutral like cream or a light taupe to make the rooms seem bigger and more open. If you’re looking for something more colorful, check out these tips from Business Insider.

5. Install New Hardware on Cabinets

There is nothing like shiny silver hardware to light up a room. Remove dull and worn out hardware and head over to a hardware store to stock up on handles and knobs to upgrade your cabinets. The new installations will brighten up the room and create a new, finished perspective for your home.

6. Landscaping

Last but certainly not least, you must landscape your yard space. The exterior of the home is a buyer’s first impression, so it is important to impress. Mulch the gardens, mow the lawn, trim bushes, and edge the walkways. Do everything in your power to make your yard appear taken care of and welcoming – you want to invite buyers into your home, not scare them away with unruly plants and spotty grass.

 

If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete this by yourself, it is worth researching professionals who can help complete these upgrades that will sell your home. The more you put into your property, the higher you can list your house for!

Once you sell your home, give us a call at 800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate!