Moving during the Coronavirus pandemic? Here are some things to consider

Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful, but the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has significantly elevated anxiety levels. For those of you with a closing, lease termination or work-related deadline, postponing the move is not always an option. Below are some suggestions for how to safely move during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pre-Move Health Check

Moving companies should be asking their employees on a daily basis how they and their family members are feeling. If anyone is showing signs of illness, the employee should be sent home immediately.

Clients also need to be vigilant and, if anyone in the home is feeling unwell, the move should be postponed. If there are higher risk individuals within the residence (those over the age of 65, or with immune deficiencies), they should be removed from the premises prior to the move or, if this is not possible, they should be quarantined within one room of the house.

Sanitizing for a move during the coronavirus pandemicProtective Gear and Sanitizing for Move Day

Movers have been doing their best to source PPE in the interest of protecting all stakeholders. They should be sanitizing truck interiors and facilities on a daily basis. Gloves and masks (as available) are becoming part of the standard uniform.

If possible, clients should also wear masks and gloves for the duration of the move. Clients also have the option to provide additional PPE to the moving crew. It is a good idea to sanitize door handles, railings, and bathrooms prior to the mover’s arrival and immediately following their departure. Some clients are taking extra precautions by cleaning furniture after the move.

Distancing Before and After the Move

Before the move, pre-move surveys for estimates can be conducted virtually using various mobile video solutions. This best practice is safe, efficient, and accurate.

During the move, refrain from any direct contact (shaking hands) with your crews. You should maintain 6 feet of distance at all times. It is best to only have one point of contact on move day. Once the initial walkthrough with the foreman is complete, it is recommended that family members remove themselves from the premises or isolate themselves in one area of the residence.

Identify one bathroom for the movers to use and leave soap and, as available, sanitizer and wipes for the movers.

Pre-Move Preparationboxes of items for a move during the coronavirus pandemic

Even under normal circumstances, the client’s preparation largely dictates the success of the move. If clients are packing themselves, it is preferable to use new moving boxes. You can avoid a trip to the store by asking your mover if they provide a packing materials delivery service. While packing, make a “first-night” box filled with immediate essentials such as clothes, linens, toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries, and hand soap.

We want to minimize any potential confusion. Make sure that all boxes are completely sealed and clearly labeled on the top and two sides. Organize the space so that all items are accessible and, if you are able, stacked around the periphery of the room. Some clients are asking the crew to move boxes to or from a garage or having their belongings moved into their new home a few days before moving in themselves.

Communication Leading Up to Move Day

Communication is always the essential ingredient to a successful move. It is incumbent upon the client to keep the moving company apprised of any relevant developments (packing progress, potential date changes etc.). If you are moving to or from an apartment building during the coronavirus pandemic,  check first with your management, as some residences have revised moving rules during shelter-in-place. As much as possible, we want to avoid surprises on moving day.

Be Respectful of Your Moving Team

On a daily basis, movers make the impossible look easy. They expected to work incredibly hard and maintain a great attitude without exception. Many moving companies have been working around-the-clock to assist organizations with COVID-19 response efforts. Moving crews are doing their best, in uncertain times, to protect their families and their clients, so please be respectful and appreciative.

Staying safe while moving during coronavirus pandemicShared Responsibility for a Healthy Move

During this pandemic, it is incumbent upon moving companies to do everything within their power to protect both their clientele and employees. Similarly, you also need to take all available precautions to secure your own safety and that of the moving team.

We are all operating in unchartered territory. The above precautions will limit the potential for exposure.

If you need to move during the coronavirus pandemic, or any other time, call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800-222-4744 or click here for a free moving estimate. We can start with a virtual video survey.

The best social media buzz on Allston Christmas 2019

In Boston, the end of summer is marked by a city-wide holiday. No, not Labor Day. September 1st is Allston Christmas, the day that 79% of leases turn over in the city, resulting in a gridlock of moving trucks and sidewalks littered with abandoned trash. As a Boston moving company, the folks at Olympia Moving & Storage are Allston Christmas experts. We have 25 of of them under our belt. This year we teamed up with NBC 10 Boston to educate the city about the dangers of driving a moving truck on Storrow Drive.

Per usual, Boston’s residents took to Twitter and Instagram to share their moving pains, celebrate their curbside finds, and ask the void – what the heck is going on out there?

The Best Tweets & Instagrams of Allston Christmas 2019

Allston Christmas is a holiday highly anticipated across the city

The season was ushered in with carols

Some tried to avoid moving in Boston altogether

Not sure which was more coveted this year, a new coffee table on the sidewalk, or these two excellent beer releases by Harpoon Brewery and Trillium Brewing

Sleighs & rental trucks took to the streets to spread good cheer

Not all Allston Christmas finds are merry, some are better left for Allston Christmas Boxing Day

When your Allston Christmas move is over, just remember that moving companies have to go through this every day. Olympia contributed to Boston Magazine’s compilation of funny and touching stories from Boston moving companies.

Whether you’re moving on Allston Christmas 2020 or any other time of year, contact Boston moving company Olympia Moving & Storage for a free moving estimate, or give a ring at 800-222-4744.

On the Move: Boston MA, Beacon Street

Location: Boston, MA Moving Services

Boston, MA to long-term storage move | June 2019

Move Overview

On one of the city’s busiest streets, the Olympia team handled the partial pack and load of this third floor, four bedroom condo. This $6.9 million dollar home sits on Beacon Street, overlooking the Charles River and esplanade in downtown Boston. The homes that line this street are home to tech innovators, artists, musicians, journalists, and many Boston’s brightest minds. Our crew spent two days helping the family move out of this beautiful space.

The crew faced a few challenges unique to city moving and high-end historic brownstones. Of course, parking is always a challenge in Boston. Thankfully, posted parking permits saved the team from that particular headache. The real challenges was the with space and value of the homeowners belongings.

Art Packing & Crating

The crew performed a full pack for the customer. Although it was a two-day move, the crew planned their work so the family was still able to sleep in the home after the first day of the move. The packing included several oil paintings. Custom crates were built to protect several pieces of valuable art.

Challenging Load

Interestingly, the this beautiful condo lacked the tight corners of a classic Boston space. Although the bedrooms shared a narrow hallway, the rest of the space was wide open for our crew to easily maneuver. This made protecting the homeowner’s most expensive and valuable items easier, including large belongings like paintings, couches, and tables.

The true challenge was the use of the elevator to transport everything from the third floor. The elevator was relatively small, and the design of the building meant that once the furniture was shimmied out of the elevator, it had to be carried several yards through the lobby and across the sidewalk. Despite the added difficulty, the crew tackled the day with high energy and were rewarded for their hard work by the homeowner with a freshly delivered lunch.

Long-term Storage

This shipment was not going to a destination home. Instead, it bustled down the Pike to our Watertown warehouse, where it will be stored for about a year while the family’s new home is being renovated.

Olympia offers a variety of storage solutions to our customers. We can hold your belongings for a few days while you get your new home ready or for a full year if you’ve decided to spend some time abroad or need time to prep your dream home. Our warehouse utilizes unit storage, rack storage, and pallet storage in our secure, convenient facility. Regardless of your needs, we have options for every situation. For more on the storage services we provide, check out our Full Service Storage page or our Watertown warehouse.

 

If you are moving to or from Boston, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

On the Move: Cambridge, MA

Location: Cambridge, MA Moving Services

A Cambridge, MA to Cambridge, MA move | June 2019

Move Overview

A four-man crew went out to this two-story, four bedroom home in Cambridge. The house is 3,974 square feet on the edge of Cambridge’s Observatory Hill neighborhood, where many homes list for $1 million+. Olympia completed a partial pack for the homeowner the day before the move, then loaded and delivered the next day.

The positioning of the house gave our crew a logistics challenge. All of the home’s entrances were raised above the street, so a bridge had to be made from the truck to the upper walkway. The crew needed to use extra caution when transporting the heaviest items out of the house.

Partial Packing

Prior to our crews arriving, the homeowner packed the majority of their smaller personal and brought them to the destination. Save for a few dishes and decorations, all that remained in the home large furniture and similar items. The crew packed these the day before the move with boxes and moving blankets. Then, the next day, they returned to load and deliver the pre-packed items.

Cambridge Moving: All the Wrong Angles

Like many homes in Cambridge, this home had some tough angles for our crew to maneuver around. A spiral staircase lead to a third floor loft with a bed and a few other pieces of furniture. Once the pieces were guided through there, a tight doorway and another staircase greeted the crew. Plenty of protective measure went in to preserving the homeowner’s belongings in these cramped spaces.

If you are moving to or from Boston, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

On The Move: Boston, MA

Location: Boston, MA Moving Services

A Boston, MA to Duxbury, MA move | May 2019

Move Overview

This move took place on stately Commonwealth Ave in the heart of Boston, MA. It featured the full pack and load of a three-story townhouse, culminating in a stint of overnight storage before delivery to Duxbury, MA. Boston moving is no easy feat while the city is rushing around you. Fortunately, our crew had a plan in place to get the job done. In just one day, they emptied the townhouse from top to bottom and got the owners on their way to their new home.

Full Packing

The crew brought packing supplies galore with them when they arrived at the townhouse. Though some of the homeowner’s belongs were packed when we arrived, a large portion of the home was packed by the crew. Dishes, toys, and knick-knacks went into boxes while large items were securely wrapped in moving blankets. Special care and extra moving blankets wrapped a large bed frame headed to Duxbury. The remainder protected glass coffee table tops.

For more on Olympia’s packing services, read about Hiring Packing Services on our blog.

Challenges of Boston Moving

Moving is difficult not matter where you are, but moving in Boston presents distinctive challenges. Our crew needed parking permits for the truck outside of the home. Thankfully the move was scheduled to skip the early morning traffic.

Inside, tight corners prompted to crew to put plenty of protective padding on door frames and walls. Two different staircases led to the second floor, and both were covered with floor protection from wet feet and sharp edges. Large items like the bed frame inched through tight hallways and the tighter staircase. The crew took it slow and steady, especially with the homeowner’s delicate glass items.

Boston Storage in Transit

The bulk of the load will be stored for a short time in our Watertown warehouse. Once the new home is ready for move-in, we will deliver to Duxbury and assist the owner with setting up their new home.

A move like this is an excellent example of how Olympia can ease the process of a move. We can take the pressure of packing, storage, and delivery off the shoulders of the homeowner. Whether it is temporary storage or packing services or simply a high quality of service, Olympia has what your move needs to succeed.

If you are moving to or from Boston, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

What is an Interstate Move Overflow Shipment?

Space is major concern when you’re moving. Fitting your whole life into a truck is a daunting task. If you are moving interstate or internationally, sometimes an overflow shipment can occur. However, with the right planning and communication, your move can still go smoothly if an overflow happens.

What is an Overflow Shipment?

An overflow shipment occurs when there is not enough room on the truck to fit all of your belongings. This means a second truck will have to be brought in to ship the remaining inventory.

For an interstate move, if a driver realizes that everything won’t fit, he will call in a second truck to load the remainder. This truck will bring your belongings to temporary warehouse storage until it can be loaded onto a truck heading to your destination. This is to ensure that all of your belongings will still be packed and removed from your old home on time on load day, and does not cause  delays in clearing your origin home.

What Causes an Overflow Shipment?

An overflow shipment can have multiple causes.

The primary cause of overflow shipments generally occurs when either you or one of the other homeowners on the same shipment exceed the space estimate determined by your moving company.

Some people like to get a head start on their new home before they’ve arrived, but do not realize the effect of taking up extra space. Try to avoid buying items in advance that you will have to transport to your new home. Or, you may decide to bring items that you originally planned on tossing or selling. It can be tempting to add to the amount of items you are shipping, but we recommend avoiding adding to your inventory once your estimation is complete. If you decide to move additional items above what was originally discussed with your estimator, give the moving a company a call to let them know in case they need to adjust the planning for your shipment.

The second most common cause of overflow shipments is inefficient packing. Even with an accurate volume estimation, if your belongings are poorly packed, you will have more boxes than needed. Ensure that you pack smart–too much in one box can be as much of a problem as too little. For more information on packing, head over to our Move Planning Center, watch our How to Pack Video Series, or consider Hiring Packing Services.

I Need an Overflow Shipment, What Now?

An overflow shipment is rare, but sometimes unavoidable. The moving team will work with you to minimize the hassle. Ensure that the items you really need–beds, clothes, kitchen utensils–are in the first truck. Everything you pack will still arrive at your door, but make sure the important stuff arrives first. A professional moving company will stay in contact with you about your send shipment and work with you to make the process as easy as possible. Clear communication is the key to making sure that all of your belongings end up where they need to be.

For all of your moving needs, contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan your move. Fill out our estimate form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.

On the Move: Winchester, MA

Location: Winchester, MA Moving Services

A Winchester, MA to Lexington, MA move | May 2019

An Eight Day Move

This Winchester, MA move was a long day for the Olympia crew. We sent eleven crew members to this gorgeous house on the Winchester/Arlington line to assist with packing and loading the contents of the home. The house is a six-bedroom, three-story giant, so eight full days were allotted to the job. We packed and loaded the bulk of the home over the course of the first four days. The delivery will take place a week later.

Thankfully, the crew dodged most of the rain on the second day, but they were still careful to lay down protective coverings in the foyer. Dollies and ramps were the tools of choice due to the two sets of steps leading into the home. The crew split into two teams and began clearing the house from the bottom up. Every item was removed, save for a few specialty items that were packed individually.

Overnight Storage

This move features a storage method called an “overnight hold.” Because the destination home is not yet ready for move-in, the inventory will be stored in the trailers at Olympia’s warehouse until the destination is ready. Each trailer will receive a shipping seal that will not be broken until it arrives at destination. Most overnight holds are only 1-3 nights, but due to the size of the shipment, the consultant planned for the belongings to be held on the trailers for about one week.

Full Service Packing

All three stories of the house needed some type of packing. Our crews packed items as large as bed frames and as small as dishes. Unique to this move, however, was the collection of delicate items that needed special attention. A set of four helix sculptures needed to be transported in their own crates, alongside over fifteen guitars.

Olympia provides a variety packing services to our customers, from simply delivering packing supplies to a full pack like the one we did on this Winchester job. If a homeowner has any items that require professional attention, we are always happy to assist with special packing.

A Joint Effort

The owner of this home chose to be hands on with the packing and moving.  While some of the crew broke down the beds on the second floor, the owner worked with the rest of the crew on the first floor living room. When sorting a lot of small items like decorations, sometimes there isn’t anything better than a personal touch.

The total time of the pack and load on this day was about ten hours, but with twelve sets of hands the work went quickly. The use of the ramps and dollies saved a lot of energy and time. Plus, it didn’t hurt to have a furry friend keep the mood high.

If you are moving in the Winchester area, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Moving? Get Rid of the Plastic in Your New Home

Moving often reveals just how much junk we accumulate in our homes. Because of this, a move is the best time to get rid of the plastics weighing you down. By making a few simple changes alongside the major change of your move, you can reduce the amount of waste you generate on a daily basis. Evaluate the plastic in your home has you pack and declutter. Make a resolution to ditch these plastics and make it a greener start in your new home.

Plastic Water Bottles

Cleaning up reminds everyone just how many plastic bottles they go through. If you’re shocked to find mountains of Poland Spring in the nooks and crannies of your home, it’s time to switch to a reusable bottle. Hydro Flask, S’well, and Nalgene are some of the most popular kinds of reusable water bottles. You could also install a water filter in your new home, or use a pitcher filter like Brita.

Plastic Baggies

Most people, especially families, go through thousands of plastic baggies a year. Packing sandwiches and saving leftovers consumes a lot of plastic, but it doesn’t have to. Products like Juco sandwich bags, Bee’s Wrap, and (re)zip washable, resealable baggie can all replace the Ziplock in your cupboard. You can also replace plastic and aluminum wrap with reusable wax wraps like Bees Wrap.

Tupperware

Similar to baggies, plastic tupperware can be recycled and replaced with an alternative. Glass containers are easy to clean and last longer than their plastic counterparts. They are also readily available in most grocery stores.

Trash Bags

Sometimes, it’s not just the trash itself that is the problem. Trash bags are their own source of waste. Biodegradable trash bags eliminate a little-considered source of plastic waste. Biobag and If You Care are two examples of eco-friendly trash bags available to consumers.

Toothbrushes

Plastic toothbrushes are actually one of the biggest sources of ocean plastic waste. Bamboo toothbrushes are a better, anti-microbial alternative to the chemical-filled plastics most people use. Check out Bustle’s review of the 5 Best Bamboo Toothbrushes.

Floss

Yeah, floss! Floss and plastic floss containers build up in your garbage over time. Cocofloss, Eco-dent, and Humble Co. floss picks can be great substitutes for the classic plastic case and fiber.

Moving With New Habits in Mind

Moving is a big change. It can be very scary to leave the home you’ve known for a new one, even if it is just five minutes down the street. That newness, however, doesn’t have to be just about adjusting to new surroundings. Making a major change in your life leaved you receptive to new habits. Use this period of time to make changes for the better and you’ll feel better, too.

For more on eco-friendly moving, take a look at our blog posts Eco-Friendly Moving Tips and How to Recycle or Repurpose Your Moving Boxes.

If you have an upcoming move, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Charming Historic Homes Around Boston, MA

Massachusetts is rife with colonial architecture and history. Specifically, over 50,000 historic homes currently stand across the state. Many were built before the American Revolution.

In recent times, most houses on the market have similar styles. Consequently, many people are moving into historic homes for their character. Boston has an extensive market of available historic homes. As a Boston moving company, Olympia has plenty of experience in moving families into historic homes.

Check out this list of some of the most interesting historic houses around Boston.

Sunflower House

The first floor of the Sunflower House stands out thanks to bright yellow stucco. The red, English-style shingles on the roof add to the color. Even a large sunflower carving sits a story above the front door. This beautiful home brings color to the Beacon Hill neighborhood in downtown Boston.

Nichols House

Nichols House is located in Beacon Hill at the heart of Boston. Suffragist and gardener, Rose Standish Nichols, originally owned the home.  Built in 1804, the home was renovated in 1830. Currently, it functions as a museum.

Old Manse

Old Manse was constructed in 1770. Writer and transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, was its famous resident. Located just outside of Boston in the town of Concord, Emerson’s famous essay ‘Nature’ was first written on the upper floor of this house.

Longfellow House

Constructed in 1759 in Cambridge, the Longfellow House was once the headquarters of George Washington. In fact, Washington used the house as a headquarters for one year during the Siege of Boston. It’s view of the Charles River remains one of its defining traits.

Jame’s Blake House

Built in 1661, the Jame’s Blake house is the oldest house in all of Boston. Later, in 1896, the house moved about 500 feet from its original location. The home changed hands many times since its constructed, but is currently owned by the City of Boston. The home also sports a unique Western English architectural style rarely found in the region.

Paul Revere House

Built in 1680, this house is the oldest in downtown Boston. It was home to Paul Revere, whose midnight ride remains a cornerstone of American history. That’s why in 1961 the home was declared a National Historic Landmark. It opened for public tours after $4 million dollars of renovations.

Stonehurst

Located just outside of the city in Waltham, this house is the former country estate of Robert Treat Paine, a lawyer and philanthropist. Completed in 1866, this house sits right next to the Lyman Estate. In fact, Paine’s wife, Lydia Lyman, formerly owned the estate. Later, in 1972, it opened to the public as a park.

Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Houses

Although these homes are quite far south of Boston, they boast undeniable charm. Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, the Oak Bluff’s Gingerbread Houses are a collection of 318 Carpenter Gothic cottages that were formerly Methodist camp meeting houses. That’s why the entire area is a National Historic Landmark District.

Owning Your Own

If you love the beautiful historic homes of Boston and its surrounding towns, why not live in one yourself? You can find hundreds of historic homes in the Boston area, just waiting for a new owner. For example, listed historic homes can be found at Barret Sotheby’s, Cabot and Company, or Historic Homes Boston. Furthermore, a more general database of all available historic homes in Boston and around Massachusetts, is located at Antique Home’s sales directory.

Moving Into History

If you do decide to move into a historic home, make sure that you understand the challenges and responsibilities of ownership. For more information, check out our blog post about Moving Into a Historic Home.

Olympia has the experience to move you into your own historic home. We can make your transition from a modern house into a piece of the past easy and seamless.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

4 Tips For Moving Into a Historic Home

Old homes are filled with character and rich histories. For many, old homes are just as much a part of their family history as a part of the story of their location. There are many wonderful benefits to moving into a historic home, but there are also unique challenges.

Olympia has moved many historic homes in Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia – where there are an abundance of antique properties. Olympia Moving & Storage knows how to move in or out of a historic home quickly and efficiently, and use the best practices for you and your new home.

These are Olympia’s tips for moving into your own piece of history.

Your Furniture Might Not Fit

An extra-deep sofa or a king-sized bed may not fit through the door of a historic home. Tight spaces like doors, hallways, and unusual corner rooms can spell disaster for the unprepared. Measure the doorways and halls of your destination in advance, as well as the dimensions of your furniture.

If you find that your furniture doesn’t fit, a professional moving crew can offer solutions. One option is to disassemble the furniture piece so it can move through the tight space without damage. Then, the team can reassemble the piece in its new location.

Another option is to hoist or crane large items through a window. The team can pad and protect both the furniture and the window frame, then either hoist up the piece using rope and a ladder. If window is three or more stories high, the movers can utilize a crane to lift the piece.

 

Prep For Low Energy Efficiency

Moving into a historic home means giving up modern energy efficiency–at least for a little while. 1800’s architects did not design homes with energy costs in mind. Because of this, energy-saving appliances and fixtures are good options to reduce unavoidable energy waste. Understand what sort of wiring and plumbing you are dealing with prior to moving in so you can decide whether an upgrade is in order.

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Protecting

Protecting original furniture and fixtures is key during your move. Packing or protective padding and coverings are required for large, delicate objects like pianos, grandfather clocks, and glass tables. Some items may even need custom crates or special servicing. Again, a professional moving crew is the best defense against undue damage to antiques. For more on protecting furniture, see our blog post Protecting Furniture During a Move.

 

 

 

 

Protecting Your Home

The features of a historic house are works of art. Doors, original door frames, floors, windows, stained glass must also be protected from damage during a move. For example, intricate wood carving on walls can be nicked by other pieces of furniture moving past them. A professional crew can also take steps to protect against these kinds of damage as well. For more information, see our blog post Materials Movers Use to Protect Furniture & Your Home.

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Home

Understand the history of your home. There are many barriers to making renovations and restorations to a historic home. Check the National Register of Historic Places for more information about general ownership. Individual states also have their own preservation laws. Fully understanding the responsibility of owning an historic home requires some research, so don’t wait to get started.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.