How to Pack A Computer and Electronics for Moving

Almost everything we do today is tech-driven. Computers and electronics play a significant role in our lives, whether at home or at the office. Electronic devices represent some of our most expensive and treasured items, and we should take special care to protect them, especially when moving. There are some best practices when it comes to how to pack a computer and electronic for moving.

These devices include laptops, Pcs, tablets, printers, cartridges, TVs, DVDs, CDs, VCRs, keyboards, remote controls, Blu-rays, speakers, video games, and consoles. Packing electronics and computers for moving can be seamless. Here are some crucial tips to guide you to avoid any damage or loss when you pack a computer and electronics for moving.

Packing Tools You Will Need

  • Packing boxes
  • Wrapping Paper
  • Packing Tape
  • Cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Colored Stickers
  • Plastic Storage Bags
  • Cushions or blankets

Where to Start

Keeping a range of cables, accessories, and other electronic parts together can be a challenge. Start by grouping items according to size and how you plan to pack them.

Unplug all cables. Remove any batteries from all equipment to reduce any chances of overheating during travel. Keep these items one location to assemble them later without hassle. It is important to keep in mind that lithium batteries are not allowed on your move because they are fire hazardous.

Disconnect any Blu-ray, DVDs, or CDs from your electronic devices. Use packing tape to keep any portals or print heads shut while moving. Make a list of the equipment and accessories so you can keep track of them during set up at the destination.

Packing a printer for movingPrinters

Remove toner cartridges from printers and wrap them in plastic to minimize dust or liquid damage.  Stack them from heavy to light, and keep the wires, cables, and other accessories together.

Wrap each item in wrapping paper. You can place the cables atop or to the side of the equipment as you wrap.

Packing Computer Monitors

Place rolls of packing paper to the bottom of the moving box. Wrap the monitor in wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Place the equipment in a side-standing position inside. Fill in any empty spaces to help protect sensitive parts when moving.

Computers

Office and home computers store highly sensitive information. Keep your data safe by backing it up to your cloud or rigid drive systems before the move.

Secure your passwords in the unlikely event your equipment becomes lost or stolen when moving. If you’re able, remove the card of your Pcs motherboard to help keep it safe.  If possible, it is recommended to move your laptop or computer yourself in your own vehicle due to the high value of both the device and its contents.

Clean your PC to ensure it is free of dust particles that can shift and clog your system during moving.

Disconnect any cables, dongles, and other accessories from your system before placing it in the moving box. Roll each wire and secure it with a band or twist tie. Place the cables in a storage bag for safe-keeping. You can also tape each cable to the device in the same package.

Wrap the PC in packing paper and place everything together in the box.

Additional Electronics Moving Tips

Avoid using Styrofoam packing chips around your computer. Some experts suggest the chips may allow static to form that can damage your equipment.

Do not use newsprint to wrap your monitor screens. The print may cause scratches that may be hard to remove.  It is better to use non-static padding or non-printed packing paper.

After packing each box, place a cushion, folded blanket, or balled-up packing paper atop the equipment to provide another buffer layer when in-transit. Close the lids, seal, and label the box, including any handling instructions. This is key when you pack a computer and electronics.

Tv being packed for moving Moving Flat Screen TVs

It’s best to re-pack flat-screen TVs in the original box, if possible. The styrophon modeling will secure the TV in the box so it doesn’t move or slide. It will also protect from some impact it will take while moving.

Your second alternative is to purchase a TV box from your mover. These boxes are specially designed for TVs and will provide similar protection to your TV as the original box.

Labeling

Labeling will help locate your items when you begin to unpack at your new worksite or home.

Label each box after sealing it to ensure you can quickly identify the items and where you plan to set them up.

It’s a good idea to color-code each item and all accompanying parts or accessories to organize them and minimize loss or displacement.

Place color-coded markers or stickers on each piece of equipment and its other parts and group them. Use stickers to mark the tips of cables to help you remember which device they will fit.

Attach color-coded marks on the sockets for each device and cables to help re-attach them easily.

Setting Up At Your New Place

Re-connecting electronics and computer equipment can be tricky. Always refer to your manuals to ensure you understand how to set up at your new location.

Unpack one packing box at a time, beginning with the more oversized items like your PC or television.

Remove the cables and accessories for each item. Set the equipment in place, and connect the cables to the power supply. Refer to the color marker or stickers to guide you when re-assembling parts.

Afterwards, run the system to ensure it’s working correctly. After you’re satisfied, move on to the next packing box. Repeat the setup steps until you complete the process.

Finishing Touches

Many people rely heavily on technology to drive their day-to-day activities at home and work. Therefore, computer and electronic equipment constitute a considerable investment that requires protection when moving from one location to the next.

Securing your valuable equipment is easy if you plan to organize the assembling, packing, and re-assembling of each item. These activities will help keep parts and accessories together and ensure your entire relocation process goes off without a hitch. These methods can be extremely affective when you have to pack a computer and electronics. If you are looking to have professionals pack your computer and electronics, click here for a free quote today.

Tips For Moving A Hot Tub

Is It Worth It To Move A Hot Tub? If So – How To Move A Hot Tub?

When it comes to moving there are a lot of challenges that we usually face a myriad of challenges and you should have the right team with you to make the process smooth and easy. Whether you are moving a hot tub to a new home or you are moving it to a new place it will not be an easy process if you do not have the right technique and proper tools. The good news is that with adequate planning and perfect supplies you can handle it with ease. The big question we want to know is how to moving a hot tub works. A typical hot tub without water can weigh around 900 pounds and this will require proper planning to avoid damage to the tub. If you can get the services of a professional company you can handle the process without thinking about damages or any other aspects. However, if you want to handle moving a hot tub by yourself here are the steps that you should follow.

woman laying in a hot tub before moving it

1.   Gather moving supplies

The first step to making a successful hot tub move is to ensure that you have all the necessary moving tools and supplies. The list should include two furniture dollies, moving straps, cleaning supplies and several large plywood pieces. You can find these supplies at your local hardware store.

2.   Reserve a moving truck

Before you begin the process of moving your hot tub you must have a moving truck ready to help you with moving a tub. Depending on the size of your hot tub you can rent a box truck that is at least 15 feet. It is important that you should measure the hot tub before moving it. Your rental truck should have a loading ramp to make the process smooth and easy. There are plenty of companies that can allow you to rent trucks.

3.   Recruit moving help

It is vital to note that you cannot move the hot tub alone. You must choose a moving company to help you during the move, or a team of friends/family. When you hire professionals in the field you will be sure that they will do a good job. You do not have to worry about damage because they are experienced in the field. It will be necessary to have at least three people with serious muscles to help you move the tub. However, you can increase the number to five or six to allow you to handle the process smoothly.

4.   Evaluate your surroundings

One of the main aspects when you are trying to move your hot tub you should check the surrounding landscape. If you have a tight spot or an area that will give you a wiggle room to make it easy to turn when moving the hot tub. If moving the hot tub is going to damage your yard’s landscaping then it is important that you find a moving technique that will make the process seamless.

5.   Disconnect the hot tuba hot tub disconnected being ready to move

Before you begin the process, you must disconnect the hot tub before draining it. You should unplug the spa from the electrical components. Ensure that you have put all the cords away and water will not reach the electrical units to prevent shocks. If possible, place all the cords in waterproof bags to prevent them from getting wet during the moving process.

6.   Drain your tub

Once you have unplugged all the cords the next and important aspect is to drain the tub, this is dumping out all the water.  Drain the hot tub by following your manufacturer’s instructions. You do not want to flood your yard with water. You can use a pump to drain the water. Once you have drained it clean the hot tub.

7.   Carry out a route planning

One of the fundamental things when moving a hot tub is to plan your route. Whether it is a small gate opening, stairs or narrow pathway you should come up with a plan that will make your process easy. Plan ahead of time to prevent any complication during the day of the move.

8.   Place the plywood under the hot tub

It is important to note that placing plywood underneath the hot tub will help in creating a smooth and flat surface during the move. it will also make it easier to roll the furniture dollies underneath the tub. You will need at least three people to help in lifting each corner before placing the wood.

9.   Sliding the furniture dollies underneath the hot tub

The next step is to slide the dollies underneath the tub. This is assuming that the pathway of the moving truck is flat. However, if the path is narrow you should carefully turn to the hot tub on the side with the help of several people before sliding the dollies underneath. To ensure that your hot tub does not fall off during transit, you should try to secure it using moving straps.

10. Roll the hot tub into the loading ramp and load it into the moving truck

This is the last step and once you have secured your hot tub to the dollies, carefully and slowly roll it towards the moving truck. You will need at least four people to push it into the truck. Thereafter ensure that one person gets into the truck to secure the hot tub into the truck. The dollies should be in place to make it easy to unload and roll the hot tub into a new position once you reach your new destination.

It is always important to do your homework before you move. Plan and get all your moving supplies before moving any item, especially one that is tricky such as a hot tub. This will answer most questions on how to move a hot tub. To ensure that your hot tub arrives at your destination safely, strongly consider hiring professionals. Click here to get a free estimate.

Tips For Moving Out Of State

Tips For Moving Out of State

You are getting ready to move out of state. Moving to a new state means new people, a new community, and a new environment. This can be of a very big deal if you’ve never done it before. There are a lot of things to consider. You will want to take the right steps to make this new move as smooth as possible. So we put together some tips for moving out of state.

Visit FirstNavigating through the new state your moving to

If you can find the time, visit the state and city you will be living in. Explore the city. Take the time to check out the sites. Identify some things you may need such as a gym, a supermarket, a bank, and other services you use frequently. It is important to know that you will have everything you’ll need nearby.

As you are exploring your new town/city, take some time to meet some locals. This could be key for your loop transition. They will be able to give you the inside scoop on what you need to know before settling in your new city. This will help you get a good sense of what the community is like so you will have no problem adjusting come move-in day.

Keep in mind as well, there are some states that will pay you to move there, believe it or not! Take a read though on which states will provide an incentive program if you relocate there.

Get Familiar With State Laws

Laws vary from state to state. Be sure to get familiar with the laws that are enforced in the new state that you will be living in. Some of the most common laws to consider are

  • Gun control Laws
  • Marriage Laws
  • Business Laws
  • Trucking and Automotive Laws
  • Child Custody Laws
  • Tax Laws

Consider these if they apply to your current situation. Take action sooner than later. Make sure that you have everything you need to be compliant with the state laws. Keep in mind that registrations and licenses can take a significant amount of time to process. Contact an attorney for any legal advice.

Set Up Your Service Beforehand

You will likely need to find new service providers for your new location. Some of these services may consist of car insurance providers, phone and internet service, healthcare providers, and more. Some providers only service certain areas. If you plan on carrying over your current providers to your new state, check that they service that area.  Therefore, set this up before your moving out of state so that you are not stuck waiting to use these services. Check out this list of services you may need to get started in your new home.

Planning a road trip for an out of state moveRoad Trip Or Ship

Decide whether it will be smarter to drive to your new state or to have your car shipped. Keep the time frame that you’re working within mind and understand whether the option you choose will get the vehicle to the destination when you need it. Pay attention to how many miles are on your car. Racking up a lot of miles can decrease the value of your car. Learn more about what to consider when planning to move your vehicle.

Establish Residency  

When moving to a new state, you’re going to have update a lot of current documentation at the state and federal level. One of these being your license and automobile registration. You must update your license and register your vehicle to comply with all local laws. Your mailing address is another important change. Be sure to contact the post office before you move to get all mail forwarded to your new address. Be sure to also update your voter’s registration and IRS address. These can help you transition as quickly and smoothly as possible. Olympia offers services with Updater to make this process easier. 

Book Interstate Mover 

It is very important to book your move around 4-6 weeks in advance. Moving companies need ample time ahead to coordinate an interstate move. Also, be sure your interstate mover is licensed with the Department of Transportation. Keep in mind that interstate moves are weight-based pricing. Therefore, consider your budget when choosing the items you are taking or leaving. Ensure you are protecting yourself from scams and choosing a professional mover. Click here for more advice on protecting your move from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminstration. 

Schedule your car shipment with plenty of time in advance. Movers can hit capacity in their schedule, especially during the busy season. This will make any last-minute car shipment very difficult.

In conclusion, moving out of state can be extremely exciting. New beginnings are always something to look forward to. Moving can be daunting. Make sure to hire the right professionals for the job. Click here to get a free moving and storage estimate.

Tips For Moving On Short Notice

So, you must move on short notice and you’re freaking out. The task seems overwhelming and at some point, impossible. There are a few things you should know before embarking on this time crunching journey. Creating a checklist can help keep you organized in a hectic time. Here are some key tips for moving on short notice.

Storage for moving on short noticeConsider Short Notice Storage

You might not have the time, ability, or space to fit all your new things into your new place as soon as you arrive. It may be necessary to store your items if have temporary housing while looking for your new permanent residence. You’ll want to consider storage space to keep your things until they can deliver to your new house. Storage units can be very convenient especially on short notice when you need a place to put stuff fast. Ask your moving company if they provide storage.

Packing Services May Be Helpful

It always seems like everyone you know is busy when you are looking for help to move. Packing may be the most time-consuming of all the things on your checklist, and if you don’t have some assistance, this could take forever. Hiring movers to provide a packing service can get rid of some of that headache and make for an easier move.

Ask for Help and Resources 

Calendar for when schedule time off for your move You’re preparing for a big job ahead of you. There’s a lot to do in little time. To make this quick move successful, consider reaching out for help to complete these tasks ahead of you. Time is of the essence. It may be a good idea to get someone to babysit your children while you knock things off your checklist. You also should consider getting in touch with friends and family who can help lend a helping hand when it comes to packing and organizing for your move. These tips for moving on short notice can make a big difference while you’re in this time crunch.

Take Care Of Bills

 You’re going to want to make sure you cancel any of your current services. Whether it’s the cable bill, light bill, or electric bill, you’re going to want to contact these service providers to cancel them. You do not need any extra expenses following you to your new residence. A service like Updater can help you complete this quickly.

Move Manage

A move manager helping a client plan their short notice move

Hiring a move manager can be a huge help to this process. A move manager is responsible for overseeing and handling your entire move process. While you’re handling things at work and situating your new place of residence, a move manager takes care of the move process for you from top to bottom, as well as work with any time constraints you may be dealing with. This is one way to make moving on short notice much less stressful.

These are some serious things to consider as soon as you get the news that you will have to move on short notice. You should now have a good idea on the necessary steps to a successful move. Be sure to book your moving services as soon as possible. Moving companies tend to hit capacity in their schedule during busy seasons. It would be good to think about booking a moving service as far ahead in advance as you can. Start by getting a free estimate by clicking here.

 

Moving With Pets

The challenge of moving pets has not changed since Olympia posted our Checklist for Moving With Pets. However, there are more factors to consider when moving pets other than dogs and cats. Fido and Streaky can be crated without too much fuss, but Nemo the fish and Treeko the lizard will need more specialized care. Here are Olympia’s tips for moving with small pets.

Moving Lizards and Snakes

You know better than anyone what your reptile needs to thrive. Most pet shops give a comprehensive overview on the environment a reptile requires to live, but if you are unsure you can always call and ask. Heat lamps, humidifiers, and live bugs are are often necessary when it comes to scaly best friends. So, how do you move a reptile?

Check State Restrictions

Not all reptiles are legal in every state. This applies especially to snakes, which often can face city and state laws restricting their presence in certain areas. Make sure that your pet is legally allowed to cross state lines before bringing it to your destination.

Get a Carrier

Ensure that your reptile carrier is the right size for your pet. Clean it, label it, and make it comfortable for a long trip. (Tip: Venomous reptiles need additional protective measures. Ask you veterinarian about the best methods for protecting you, your family, and pet.)

Acclimate

Get your reptile used to its carrier prior to the move. The goal is to reduce stress from an unfamiliar environment. Ideally, the best move would be to keep your reptile in its terrarium for the duration of the journey, but if it is traveling by air, make its temporary housing comfortable.

Doctor’s Visit

Get your reptile checked by its veterinarian within ten days of your move. Current health information is important to have when moving in case any complications arise during the process.

Moving Fish

The last thing fish are meant to do is move across land. Moving for over 24 hours can cause health issues in many fish, while moving for over 48 hours can be fatal. You will need an airtight plan to make sure that Nemo has a comfortable journey.

Clean Water

Replace about 20% of the water in your fishes tank a few days prior to your move. Then, whether you choose to use a bag, a container, or a five gallon bucket, you should use that water to transport your fish. Pull from the top of the tank where the water is cleanest. And, if you do use a bucket, make sure it is completely clean of any chemicals before you place your fish in it.

Last Minute

Don’t remove your fish from it’s tank until absolutely necessary. If possible, it should be the last thing to cross the threshold of your old home.

48-Hour Fast

It’s recommended that you not feed your fish 24-48 hours prior to you’re move. This lessens the need to clean their container/water while traveling.

Container Environment

Regardless of the container you use, make sure that your fish’s ride has 1) enough oxygen and 2) the proper temperature. Fish can die from being shut into their containers or from increased cold or heat. If you are moving a fish that requires warmth, a hot water bottle pressed to the outside of the container can help maintain warmth (this works for lizards, too!). For fish the thrive in room temperature, pay close attention to their water temps while travelling, especially in hot climates.

Tanks

Keep anything that was in the tank in the same tank water. This applies to decorations, filters, and any other objects. Do not clean them, or you will risk losing the good bacteria that helps keep your fish alive in its habitat.

Additionally, you can protect the tank by wrapping it in moving blankets or having it crated. Make sure to cover up the mouth of the tank to protect it from outside debris and contamination. Inform your movers about the care that the tank needs to move if you are not loading the truck yourself.

Moving Rodents (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice)

Thankfully, moving rodents is more similar to moving a dog or a cat than a reptile or fish. Read Checklist For Moving With Pets for some good general tips on moving furry friends.

In general, a trip to the vet prior to moving, a clean, airy moving container, plenty of food and water, and proper temperatures will ensure a good move. The main goal is to reduce stress as much as possible, so take as many precautions as you can prior to moving to keep from disturbing your pet.

Moving Birds

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all fly to where we need to be? Unfortunately, your pet bird cannot fly to meet you at your new home (unless it’s on an airplane). Birds can be very sensitive to change and thus need to be looked after with special care.

Check State Restrictions

Like reptiles, certain birds are restricted from crossing state or city lines. Understand what category of bird your pet is classified under before bringing it to your destination.

Strapped Down

If you are moving your bird in a car, buckle it’s cage into the back seat of your car. Unlike a snake or small rodent, a bird can knock it’s own cage over very easily. This can lead to injury for the animal or damage to the other items in your car. Make sure your bird is secure before you pull out of the driveway.

Acclimatize

Get your bird used to it’s travel cage and the car in small stints at least a week before your move. Purchase a cover to lay over the cage in there is too much direct sunlight or activity outside of the car, but make sure it will not overheat the bird during the journey.

Pack Snacks

Bring a surplus of water, food, and treats for your bird. Depending on what your bird eats, a cooler might be a good investment.

Grab a Harness

An avian harness can allow you to take certain birds out of their cage on long drives. You don’t need to constantly change the bird’s environment, but if you are getting out of the car to sightsee, you won’t have to worry about leaving your pet behind.

Monitor Temperature

Keep an eye on the temperature as you transport your bird. Birds are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, so make sure that you have a plan in place for maintaining a comfortable environment.

Safety First

Keep in mind, NO animal should ever be transported in a moving truck. This is not safe for the animal or the movers. Your pets should travel with you or with a professional pet relocation service.

If moving your pet seems like too big an undertaking, make sure the pet relocation service you choose is right for you. Just like anything else involving your pet, proper care should be the first priory of the organization you pick. Air Animal Pet Movers can transport your pet through air travel while Happy Tails Travel can assist with ground transportation.  There are many other options but, regardless, your pet should be transported by caring professionals. Check with the IPATA to ensure that you’ve chosen a registered relocation service.

Your Moving Crew

Talk to your moving crew prior to your move if you are loading specialized items like tanks and terrariums into your moving truck. These items require special packing and loading, so it is important to give the crew as much information as you can. Open communication is key to getting your pet’s home into your new home intact.

If you are looking to move, 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.

Tips for Moving Outdoor Gear

Warm weather and warm water makes summer a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Summer is also a popular time to move. Often, the greatest challenge of a move is knowing how to safely pack your favorite equipment.

Here are Olympia’s tips for moving your outdoor gear!

Canoes and Kayaks

Never fear water warriors! Your kayaks and canoes can be moved just like the rest of your belongings. Inform your moving crew ahead of time that you have a large specialty item and they can handle packing and loading it for you. Prior to that, it’s important to dry and clean any watercraft you are moving. You won’t want old, scummy water dripping on your furniture in the truck.

For older wooden canoes, consider wrapping the seats and interior with a moving pad or bubble wrap so that the entire item is secure. Wooden bench seats are especially vulnerable to chipping during transport.

 

Moving Fishing Gear

Fishing rods are at high risk of breaking during a move. Prevent this is to purchase a fishing rod case. However, if you are more of a DIY fan, use a length of PVC pipe, some Styrofoam, and packing tape to construct a protective shell around your best angling rods.

Your tackle box should be secured with packing tape as well, just in case a lot of loving use has weakened the clasps.

Moving Tents

Don’t be the poor soul who tossed your tent bag. Tents are one of the few pieces of gear that come with easy moving. Pack your tent bag as is. If you need extra protection to prevent tears in the canvas, wrap the bag in plastic wrap.

Moving Bikes

Bikes are incredibly awkward pieces of equipment to move. Unfortunately, in the absence of a bike rack and a car, the only option to move a bike is on a moving truck.

The first step to moving a bike is considering disassembly. If you can, removing the pedals, seat, and wheels will go a long way to making transport easier. The second step would be finding an appropriate box to store the bike. Unless you had the foresight to keep the box your bike came in, regular moving boxes won’t do the trick. Bike shops are a good place to go to pick up discarded shipping boxes from inventory deliveries. Leave the handles out when you pack the frame–it will give your movers something to hold when carrying it.

For the high-end bike own, there is an option to purchase a bike box. Bike boxes aren’t made of cardboard. Bike boxes are hard cases that certain bike frames can be stored in. Cyclist Weekly has a list of their top six bike boxes and bags.

Moving Skis and Snowboards

Much like tents and fishing rods, cases and bags can be purchased for skis and snowboards. They can be transported in your own car, especially if there’s fresh powder in your destination. However, if you plan on loading skis or snowboards into a moving truck, a long box may be preferable to a bag. UPS has a store locator to find somewhere to purchase large equipment boxes. Alternatively, wrap this winter gear in moving pads to prevent scratching and load into a wardrobe or lamp box.

Moving Gardening Tools

Not all outdoor gear is for sport. If you’ve got an armory of gardening tools, now is the time to start sorting. Much like fishing tackle, smaller items like spades and pruners should be locked in a tool box and secured. Tie together larger tools like shovels and wrap them in one or two moving blankets. For extra protection for you and your movers, use bubble wrap or towels. The key is to cover up any sharp edges so you and the movers are not hurt in transit and the tools do not scratch your other items in the truck. After wrapping and bundling the large tools, you can load them into a wardrobe box.

If  you are moving to chase more outdoor adventures, 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.

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.