How to Pack Alcohol for Moving: Tips and Strategies for a Safe and Secure Move

Moving is a stressful and time-consuming process. However, it can be especially nerve-wracking when you have a prized alcohol collection that needs to be moved. Whether you are moving across the country or just to a new neighborhood, packing your favorite bottles requires special considerations to ensure they stay safe and secure. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and strategies to safely pack alcohol for a hassle-free move.

Understanding the Importance of Properly Packing Alcohol

Before we delve into the best ways to pack alcohol, it’s essential to understand why proper packing is crucial. First and foremost, inadequate packing can result in broken bottles and lost money. It is especially true when it comes to fragile or expensive bottles. Additionally, alcohol spillage can happen if the packaging isn’t secure, which can damage the rest of your belongings, and worse, pose a safety hazard.

However, packing alcohol isn’t just about avoiding damages and losses. It is also about preserving the quality of the alcohol. Improper packing can lead to oxidation, which can affect the taste and aroma of the alcohol. So, if you want to enjoy your favorite drink after the move, you need to pack it correctly.

Preventing leaks and spills

Preventing leaks and spills is one of the most critical aspects of packing alcohol for a move. One way to avoid this issue is by sealing all bottles with a durable tape and covering the caps or corks with plastic wrap before wrapping them securely in bubble wrap and packing them in the box. Putting bottles in individual zipper bags can help protect them from spillage during transportation as well.

Another way to prevent leaks is by choosing the right container. For example, if you’re packing wine, it’s best to use a container with a tight-fitting lid that can prevent any liquid from seeping out. You can also use wine skins, which are leak-proof bags designed specifically for wine bottles.

Protecting your investment

When you have invested time, money, and effort in building an alcohol collection, you want to ensure it is adequately protected during the move. Using sturdy moving boxes and reinforcements such as packing paper, foam padding, or airbags can help prevent breakage. Packing boxes with enough cushioning materials can mitigate any impact on the bottles during transit. It is worth noting that the box weight should not surpass around 50 lbs. Larger boxes may cause bottles to break as they shift during transport.

It’s also essential to consider the orientation of the bottles when packing. For instance, you should pack wine bottles horizontally, as this can prevent the cork from drying out and spoiling the wine. On the other hand, you should pack liquor bottles vertically to avoid any leaks or spills.

Ensuring safety during transport

Safety during transport is essential not only for your belongings but also for the moving crew. When packing alcohol, it’s crucial to label the boxes as “Fragile” to avoid mishandling. The moving company might require you to declare any alcohol you are moving, so be sure to check the local regulations and laws. Also, consider packing your wine in an insulated container to guard against temperature fluctuations.

It’s also a good idea to pack your alcohol separately from other items in the moving truck. This can prevent any accidental damage caused by shifting during transport. You can also consider transporting your alcohol in your car, especially if you have a large collection or if you’re moving long-distance.

Finally, it’s essential to unpack your alcohol as soon as possible after the move. Leaving it in the box for an extended period can increase the risk of damage or spoilage. So, make sure to unpack your alcohol and store it in a cool, dark place where it can age gracefully.

Assessing Your Alcohol Collection

Assessing your alcohol collection is a critical step before the packing process begins. This helps you identify any fragile or valuable items that might require extra protection. Start by taking an inventory of your collection and separating them by type, such as wine, liquor, or beer. When selecting bottles for transport, consider their sentimental or monetary value, age, and rarity. If you own large bottles, they typically require extra care and attention, so plan accordingly.

Taking inventory

Take an inventory of your collection well ahead of time to give you adequate room to plan and pack everything accordingly. This will also give you an opportunity to determine which bottles need to be consumed before the move, saving you some packing effort.

Identifying fragile or valuable items

Identifying fragile or valuable items in your collection will help you decide how to pack them. For example, high-value bottles might require extra padding, custom crating, or special handling. Meanwhile, fragile items such as glassware and accessories should be packed separately into boxes with plenty of cushioning material.

Deciding what to pack and what to leave behind

If your alcohol collection is vast and diverse, you might have to decide which bottles to take with you and which ones to leave behind. Consider donating any bottles that do not hold sentimental or monetary value, and dispose of unopened bottles that you no longer require, especially if they’ve been opened for over six months.

Gathering the Right Packing Materials

Gathering the right packing materials is essential to protect your bottles during the move. Materials such as packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper or newsprint, and foam inserts are essential to keep the bottles secure. The boxes you use also play a crucial role in your bottles’ safety, so consider investing in sturdy boxes designed for the specific packing requirements of alcohol bottles.

Choosing the right boxes

Choosing the right boxes can significantly impact the safety and security of your alcohol collection. Use standard size moving boxes designed explicitly for alcohol to ensure they fit snugly inside. Look for boxes with dividers or compartments to segregate individual bottles or consider using wooden crates – especially for high-value bottles.

Using bubble wrap and packing paper

Bubble wrap and packing paper are inexpensive and effective materials that can help cushion and protect your bottles. Wrap each bottle in at least two layers of bubble wrap, ensuring that all sides are covered. Packing paper or newsprint can be used to fill any gaps between bottles or the box’s sides. Avoid using newspaper as the ink can transfer to the glass.

Securing bottles with tape and other tools

Securing the bottles in the box is essential to prevent movement during transit. Apply sturdy packing tape to secure the bubble wrap around the bottle, ensuring it doesn’t unravel during the move. For larger bottles, consider additional protective layers and use foam inserts to prevent any shifting.

Packing Techniques for Different Types of Alcohol

Different types of alcohol require varying packing techniques. Wine bottles, for example, must remain in an upright position and packed horizontally so that the cork remains wet, preventing spoilage. Here are some tips for packing specific types of alcohol.

Packing wine bottles

When packing wine bottles, wrap each bottle in bubble wrap, securing the tape across the bottles’ neck and base to prevent any movement. Fill the bottom of the box with packing paper or foam inserts to cushion the bottles and stack no more than six bottles per box. When placing the box in the moving truck, ensure they are packed horizontally to avoid any unwanted movement inside the box.

Packing liquor bottles

When packing liquor bottles, place each bottle in a ziplock bag, and then wrap them with bubble wrap. Place the wrapped bottles into the box, filling any gaps with packing paper or foam inserts. Be sure to secure the box with sturdy tape across the top to prevent any spillage.

Packing beer bottles and cans

When packing beer bottles and cans, ensure that you protect them with bubble wrap or foam inserts. Beer cans can often be packed together tightly without much issue, but bottles should be separated by at least one inch of cushioning material. Consider placing bottles in individual compartments with dividers for optimal protection

Packing glassware and accessories

When packing glassware and accessories, use similar packing techniques used for fragile or delicate items. Wrap each item in packing paper or foam and place them in a separate box carefully. Triple-A Furniture Moving blankets can also be wrapped around the entire box for additional insulation.

Conclusion

Packing your alcohol collection for a move can be a daunting task. However, with a little bit of planning and the right materials, you can keep your bottles secure and ready to drink once you’ve arrived at your new home. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can ensure that your prized alcohol collection arrives safely at its destination.

Moving is not an easy task. When people try to DIY it, they’re doing themselves a major disservice. There are so many trained local professionals available to make the process simpler. Hiring a professional moving service can save you time, money, stress, and much more. Here are 15 reasons why hiring local movers should be one of the first things you do when ready to pack up your life.

1. Security

Give yourself peace of mind knowing your belongings are in good hands. Experienced movers will transport them safely and securely. They’ll have the expertise and experience to move your items with care. If something is fragile, then the professionals will take extreme precautions to ensure breakage doesn’t happen. Moving your belongings yourself, especially heavy or awkwardly held ones risks the possibility of damaging them.

2. Convenience

There are so many moving parts to moving. Doing it yourself can take up a lot of time and energy. Plus, you’d most likely have to rent a truck! Remember, the rest of your life won’t stop just because you have to take the time to move. Professional movers will have all the necessary equipment to safely transport your belongings in no time. It’s useful if you’re also working and don’t have the extra time to dedicate to packing and moving. Why spend your evenings or weekends packing when the pros will happily do so for you?

3. Cost Efficiency

You may think DIY moving is automatically cheaper than hiring moving contractors, but that’s not true. Local movers have the experience and know-how to protect your items, thus saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the line. If you have a lot of stuff to move, things like the cost of packing materials and truck rental can add up quickly. Local moving companies will have all their supplies and know the most efficient route to get your items there on time.

4. Speed

As mentioned, local movers save you time. The faster you move, the less stress it causes. If you have a short time frame to move from your current place to your new one, it may be hard on your own. The more hands on deck you have, the faster it’ll go. For example, maybe you have to start a new job in another city next week. So you have to pack, load things into a truck, drive to a new city, unload things into a new home, and still be prepared for your first day. You’ll only have days to do so, but professionals can work fast enough to accomplish the task on time.

5. Safety

Moving heavy boxes and furniture can wreak havoc on the body. Injuries can occur during a move if handled improperly. Common injuries include back, shoulder, arm, and leg strains. Professional movers have the right tools to move items safely, such as dollies and straps. When you allow them to do the job, you’ll save your body some pain and get the job done right in a safe manner. After all, back pain can put a damper on your life.

6. Organization

When you hire a professional moving service, your belongings will be organized and labeled for easy unpacking in your new home. This organization will help make the transition to your new home smoother and more efficient. You won’t have to wonder which box goes where in your new home. Plus, a professional moving service will ensure that all your items arrive at the same time.

7. Less Stress

Hiring a moving service eliminates tons of the stress associated with moving. You won’t have to worry about packing, lifting, or transporting heavy objects. Stress while moving is common and can manifest as physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Put your trust in professionals to help you move so you can spend energy on the more important things during this time.

8. Insurance

Professional movers provide you with liability insurance for any potential damage or loss in transit. Such insurance is something you wouldn’t get if you do the move on your own. If you lose or damage items during a DIY move, then you’ll simply have to eat the loss.

9. Storage Options

Did you know that moving storage is also an option? If you’re not ready to move into your new home right away, then some moving companies often offer storage options. Storage allows you to store your items in a safe and secure location until you’re ready to move.

10. Accurate Estimate

Moving professionals should be transparent with their pricing. You’ll receive an accurate estimate of the cost and time needed to complete your move. Since this information is available upfront, it allows you to plan your budget accordingly. On the other hand, a DIY move may come with unexpected expenses ranging from extra gas, packing materials, rental fees, and replacing damaged items.

11. Cleanliness

DIY moves can often be messy. It’s hard to keep your old place clean while packing and loading things onto the moving truck. Professional movers are knowledgeable and come with the right tools to ensure your old place is left clean. Many of them also offer special cleaning services.

12. Satisfaction Guarantee

Professional moving services often come with a satisfaction guarantee. The guarantee comes with a promise to ensure you’re happy with the services provided. If something goes wrong, they’ll do their best to make it right. Some movers may even offer a money-back guarantee.

13. Easy Transportation

No matter how well you drive, hauling a moving truck on the highway is a different experience altogether. Local movers know how to maneuver trucks loaded with furniture and other items. They know the rules of the road, how to park the truck, and how to secure items properly, so they don’t move during transport. With a professional moving service, you don’t have to worry about driving a rental truck or trailer from one place to another.

14. Out-of-State Help

In 2017, according to The Mercury News, 8.4% of all people in the U.S. moved to a new location, with 17.3% of these moves being to a different state. Interstate moves involve more time and patience. You must be mindful of how road rules may change as you cross state lines. Movers know how to navigate these situations with ease. Hire them for this type of move, and you can simply drive yourself or take a flight.

15. Local Economy Support

Supporting the local economy is a bonus of hiring professional movers. When you hire a local moving company, your money goes back into the community. Moving companies usually hire locally, which creates jobs and boosts the economy. So look for professionals in your area, and make sure to check online reviews. If you like their services, then you can provide a reference to other locals.

Moving involves a lot of tasks and responsibilities. Hiring a professional moving service is the best way to transport your items from one place to another quickly, safely, and stress-free. With their help, you can avoid the many hassles and complications involved in relocating. If you’re planning a move, then contact our team at Olympia Moving and Storage. Whether your new home is in another local neighborhood or another city, we’ll handle all your moving needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Chances are, you’ll come across things that are better off in the dumpster than your suitcase when you’re packing for a move. That’s why it’s important to know your options when it comes to removing junk before your next move. 

Rent a Dumpster

Sometimes a little brute force is all you need to solve your problems. If you can’t keep everything, then throw everything away! Renting a dumpster is an effective way to get rid of everything in one fell swoop. Your service provider will drop off a dumpster at your doorstep and pick it up when you’re done with it.

Hold an Estate Sale

If you have items that are a little too big, like furniture and electronics, an estate sale should get rid of most of it, while raking in some cash for you on the side. Advertise the event online, put a sign up, and people will flock in for whatever you need gone.

Sell on Local Online Marketplaces

If you have the time and effort, selling items online can net you the most profit. Listing them on community forums like Facebook groups, Facebook Marketplace, and other online market tools can net you the most profits. The only downside is the time consuming nature of selling things online. 

Donate Items

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Your 10 year old TV may be unusable to you, but there’s someone out there that can probably use it. Donation centers like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Savers are a great place to donate your belongings.

If you anticipate there to be lots of junk during your next move, remember to rent a dumpster or get rid of as much of it as possible before your movers arrive. Full transparency and insight into your project will help your movers plan accordingly and ensure your expectations are met. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our services can manage the gamut of junk removal needs. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

There are many reasons why offices or a company may relocate. Whether you are, expanding and growing, trying to reduce costs, or have a lease that is expiring, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re approaching your relocation in the right way. It is important that you put together a good strategy when putting together your office relocation checklist.  There are many things that you will want to consider when selecting your new office. Here is a checklist for your office relocation.

Location Is Everything

Three of the main things that you should consider are demographic, consumer base, and resources. This may be the biggest point of emphasis on your office relation checklist.

Demographic

Whether you are downsizing or expanding you may have to make some new hires. Choosing a location where there is a significant talent pool for your industry is very important. Hiring is one of the most difficult things for a company. Having a variety of options will help with this relocation process a lot.

Consumer base

Depending on your industry and the customers you serve, more likely than not you’re going to want to choose a location where you can easily serve your consumer base. This is where you’re going to have to get to know and understand your consumer identity. When this is understood you can identify a location that has a large enough market size for your business.

Selecting a location with the right economic status is extremely important. It’s important to be sure that the community in the market you choose can afford your product or services.

Resources

As a business owner, you know the resources that your business needs to operate day-to-day. Selecting a location where you will easily have access to those resources is vitally important. Not only is the access to these resources important but the convenience and price have to be factored into play as well.

Office Size

Identifying the goal of your office relocation beforehand will help you when choosing your office sizes. It may be clear to say that if you are expanding you will be looking for a larger office, if you are downsizing you will be looking for a smaller office. Consider the growth stage that you are in and be sure to plan around that growth. The last thing you would want to do is have to plan another relocation because you miss judged your future company size.

The numbers

What it all comes down to, it’s all about the numbers. You’re going to want to find an office location where the rent or lease fits your finances. In some situations, it may be smarter to own than to rent. Taking a good look at your business and deciding what path is good for your company will help you in the long run. This extremely important to your checklist, the last thing you want to do is have an office relocation hurt your business.

Your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary. That’s why it’s important to make sure that it’s a place that you’ll be happy to wake up in mornings, a place you’re glad to be in when your day ends, and a place you’re excited to be in during other times. 

Use Subtle and Neutral Colors

Bold colors can become a bit too tiring over time. It is much more cost effective and efficient to go with a more neutral color on the walls and then accent it with furniture and decoration.

Leave Yourself Some Space

There’s nothing worse than not being able to move around your own bedroom. It can lead to more stress and frustration. If you need storage space, utilize your walls by using wall storage and shelves to free up the floor. 

Express Yourself

Your bedroom is all about you. So make sure to express yourself with decor you want to see every day. Utilize your walls and put on display your favorite artworks and hobbies. Store anything else in unassuming drawers to keep the attention on what matters in your room

At Olympia, we understand how important your home is to you. That is why with our 30+ years of experience, we make sure that we bring you the care you will expect from professionals. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our crew can make sure everything is placed properly. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

Sometimes, you just want to get the job done yourself, but don’t have the vehicles necessary for the job. Renting a whole truck out just doesn’t seem very practical. That’s why renting a trailer could be the solution for you. 

What is a Trailer?

A trailer is simply an unpowered vehicle towed by a powered vehicle. It is typically harnessed onto the tow hitch of a vehicle and driven around as an extension, usually to move a large number of items. 

How to Install a Trailer

First and foremost, you’ll have to install a tow hitch. This is typically an easy DIY job, as long as you have the means and space to jack your car up and have instructions to guide you through every step of the way. Otherwise, it can be done for you by professionals for an upcharge. After that, you simply install the trailer to your vehicle as per instructions.

Is a trailer just not enough for you move? Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our crew can make sure everything is moved without a hitch. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!

You don’t truly know how much you have in your possession until you have to clear your home out. Dumpster rentals are perfect for helping get rid of unwanted goods when you are planning to move out of a home, have a large construction project, or junk removal in general. Here are some details about dumpster rentals if you’re looking to rent one for your next move or project.

Cost of Rental

The cost of a rental dumpster is determined by size and the final weight of the dumpster when the service provider comes to pick it up. Your provider will typically offer a quote that is based on delivery, disposal, location and size of the bin. Typically, there is a set price for each cubic yard of the dumpster. Remember to keep your junk within the bin and don’t go over the top of the bin to avoid extra charges

What to Put in the Dumpster

Most junk can be placed into the dumpster  such as construction waste,  yard waste, household junk clean outs, furniture, most appliances, demolition debris, and much more. It would be best to consult with your provider for a proper list of things that you cannot throw into the bin. Typically those things include, but are not limited to; hazardous materials such as automotive products, paint, chemicals, used tires, batteries, CFL light bulbs, fuels, used oils, lawn and garden products, fertilizers, pesticides, Asbestos, medical waste, and hazardous liquids and cleaners. Additionally, Items such as Freon appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) and CRT TV’s are a no go.

If you anticipate there to be lots of junk during your next move, remember to rent a dumpster or find a service provider that may be able to assist in renting the dumpster and doing the physical removal of the debris. Full transparency and insight into your project will help your movers plan accordingly and ensure your expectations are met. Feel free to reach out to our team of professionals as our services can manage the gamut of junk removal needs.. Contact Olympia for a free quote today!