After the Move: Getting Started in Your New Home

When the movers leave and it’s just you and your family in the new home, it can be overwhelming. It’s time to pick a starting point and start tackling, unpacking, and organizing. We hope with these simple suggestions will help you start making your new house into a home.

Time to pull out that first night box! Something that might have seemed silly a few weeks ago is now essential. Bottled water, snacks, clean clothes & a tooth brush are simple first steps to making your first night in your house feel like a home. Check out the blog on the first night kit  linked here to make sure you have the essentials at your fingertips when they’re needed.

Make sure all the essential services are set up. Double check that the appliances that the movers installed work properly. Make sure the electricity works and you have hot water for a shower. If not, call to get these things addressed.

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Google “Best take out around me” and celebrate! Make the first day in your new home a memorable one – you’ve worked hard to get to this point and you deserve it! Treat yourself to delicious take-out from your new neighborhood and pop a bottle of champagne. After a full move-in day the last thing you will want to do is worry about unpacking boxes to find pots and pans to cook with, or a trip to the grocery store. Make an indoor picnic, open up a moving pad, and dive in to your first meal in your new home.

Begin to plan out each room. Because all of the moving boxes are labeled and brought in to the designated rooms it will be easy to attack them one by one. A plan will make the unpacking process less stressful. When you are beginning to get settled, it’s apparent that some rooms take priority over others. A simple bedroom set up is essential in the first few days, some clean sheets and hung up clothes will have you feeling refreshed the next day. Nothing is worse than waking up in a new space with nothing familiar around you. That goes for the kids rooms as well, the sooner they get in to a solid routine in the new home, the better. Plus, if you get the kids set up in their rooms it will keep them preoccupied when you set up the rest of the home. After the bedrooms, we suggest getting the kitchen in order. While you might enjoy some take out for the first few nights, nothing gets you settled in a new house like a home cooked meal. 

Safety. Safety. Safety. Make sure that all fire alarms are wired correctly and working. Confirm that the home is child proof as needed. If the new home has a pool, make plans to fence it in.

Change Locks. It is important to change your locks on your new home because you never know who has copies of the keys. It’s an important safety precaution that can be easily over looked!

Manuals & Remotes: When you’re unpacking and unwrapping new things it is easy to throw away or lose track of user manuals and remote controls. Make a designated area for these. You will need them! (Even if you think you know how to work the new fancy washer and dryer)

Schedule a Debris Pick Up. If you find yourself in a pile of empty boxes as you continue to unpack, give Olympia a call to pick up the pieces for you. Also, check out our blog on how to use some of the leftover boxes for the kids entertainment when you unpack!

The most important thing to remember is, the small details can wait. Don’t stress to get everything unpacked and organized in one day! It will all get done, and your home will look great.

Find Affordable Used Furniture with Dibind

DibindDibind is a new online platform where people can list and buy pre-owned furniture in great condition, with the goal of pairing Boston-area college students and young professionals to save money and reduce waste.

What really differentiates Dibind from similar sites is that they provide the option to pick up and deliver your purchases! Think of it like Craig’s List, but with a much better interface, curated options, and no hassle of arranging a truck to bring your purchase to your home!

The greater Boston area is known for its multitude of colleges and young and vibrant community. Moving is the perfect time to declutter or upgrade our belongings. As millennials frequently move as their leases turn over, they often leave their old furniture on the curb to give away or send to the dump. Alternatively, Dibind is the perfect tool to use when moving in or out of an apartment. With Dibind you can easily post your furniture for sale to clear out your place while making some cash in the process.

zero-gravity interior. 3d creative concept

Another major plus to using Dibind is if the item you enlist isn’t bought with in the time period of your choice, you can choose to have it picked up by Dibind and donated for free – so there’s no risk to trying to make some cash before sending unwanted furniture to the trash!

Moving companies like Olympia Moving & Storage love the Dibind concept. We get calls daily from people who are looking to move furniture they bought or sold online, and our service minimums don’t allow us to service those clients affordably. Instead, Olympia Moving is thrilled to recommend Dibind to our clients buying and selling furniture instead!

Ready to use Dibind to declutter for your move or buy furniture for your new home? Get started at https://www.dibind.com/

Need a mover to move everything else to your new home? Request a free moving estimate online from Olympia Moving & Storage or call 800.222.4744 to get started.

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What to Pack in Your Moving First Night Box

Essential Items to Include in a Moving First-Night Box

A moving first night box will go a long way in making move day a success. Packing this box will make your first night in your new home convenient and less stressful. Instead of having to rummage through your assorted boxes, putting all the things you need to on a day-to-day basis in one place can greatly improve the moving experience.Torso of a female person holding a moving box. All on white background.

Included in the moving first night box are the essentials that will help transition from one home to another. Most of the items you can identify based on what you need for the last day in your old house. Make sure you label this box clearly and make sure it is one of the last items loaded into the truck, or move it yourself in your car.

Clothing & Toiletries

Think of packing your first night box like you would a suit case for a short trip. These items will include things like, few couple days’ worth of clothes and toiletries. Also don’t forget a standard first aid kit and any medication you may need, as well as towels.

Bedding & Linens

You’ll want to also include bedding, pillows, and towels. Setting aside bedding makes it easy to crash on your mattress and leave unpacking for the next day.

Tools

Something that you might not think to include are basic tools or a tool kit and flashlight. The usual lamps and lighting might not be set up in your new place, and you’ll be grateful to know exactly where the tools are when you start setting up your new home.

Disposable Tableware & Snacks

Bringing pre-packaged snacks and fruit will give you some easy food options before you’ve gotten out all of your cookware. Also, packing some disposable plates and napkins so you don’t have to unpack dishes to enjoy dinner in your first home.

Electronics

If you want to celebrate the first night in your new home with some “Netflix and chill” don’t forget to pack your WiFi box, laptop and phone chargers.

Important Documents & Valuables

It is always a good idea to keep jewelry, important documents like passports and birth certificates, as well as valuables in your possession as opposed to being packed in the the moving truck. If there are specific documents that you need for your rental agreement or closing, be sure to put them in the moving first night box as well!

Download and print out a checklist!1

Do you need help packing and moving everything else? Request a free moving estimate from Olympia Moving & Storage online or by calling 800-222-4744.

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Questions To Ask A Moving Company

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Either during your in-home survey or over the phone, taking the time to thoroughly discuss your move with a potential moving company is the key to accurate pricing and a successful move. After all, the company will be coming into your home and handling everything you own, so it’s important to find a company you feel comfortable with, especially since there are unfortunately bad or rogue moving companies providing poor service.

When you’re discussing your move, be sure to ask questions about the company. How the company answers will tell you a lot about the quality of the moving company you are considering.

Olympia Moving & Storage compiled a list of questions to ask a moving company that can help you navigate through the mover selection process. By asking the following questions you can select a mover that will treat you and your home with respect.

Questions About Moving Costs

This is probably where customers have the most concern. Always make sure you get a written moving estimate for the costs of your move. Here are some questions that are good to clarify about the quote:

  • Are supplies such as mattress covers, extra boxes, tape, and moving blankets included in my quote? How much do they cost?
  • Is this a binding or non-binding moving estimate?
  • What insurance is included? How much does it cost for additional insurance?
  • If a deposit is required, is it refundable?
  • What forms of payment are accepted?  (A company that only accepts cash is a red flag!)
  • What are factors that could change the cost of the move? Would changing my move date affect the estiamted cost?

Questions About Moving Pick Up and Deliver Times

  • If the company charges an hourly rate ask, when does the chargeable time begin and end? Is travel time included in my estimate?
  • If the company does not charge by the hour, how long does the company anticipate being there each day?
  • Will my delivery be on a specific day or a delivery spread?
  • What happens if I’m not available to receive my delivery?

Questions to Ask About the Moving Service

About the Moving Company

  • Who will be my point of contact leading up to and during move day?
  • Are your movers trained and background checked? Are they on the company payroll or hired from a third-party or day labor?
  • Is your company licensed and an AMSA ProMover?
  • If needed, could your company provide a Certificate of Insurance?
  • Can you provide me with references from previous clients?
  • What makes you different from other moving companies? Why should I choose your company?

Asking these questions will give you the confidence you need to know you are choosing a great moving company to take care of your relocation!

If you are looking for an exceptional moving company for your upcoming move, contact Olympia Moving & Storage for a free moving estimate at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.  We are happy to answer any of your questions about the company and service!

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Spring Cleaning Tips – Make Your Move Easy

It’s spring, and that means it’s time to do some spring cleaning.

March 20th marked the official first day of spring – though some of us in New England are a little hesitant to say winter is officially over.

Just because we aren’t sure about the weather doesn’t mean we can’t start our Spring cleaning!clean house

At Olympia we think that feeling organized is one of the best feelings, just come by and look at our weekly checklists. What some people underestimate is how helpful pre- and post-move cleaning / organizing can actually be, so we thought it would be a great idea to go over some quick tips to start your spring off fresh.

Pre-Move Cleaning

Before you begin packing you’ll want to evaluate if you can downsize. Moving can be pricey, so why pay to move something you don’t need anymore? You’ll also want to take your new space into account. If your new place is smaller, you may be forced to part with some furniture.

Doing a deep clean before you list will be sure to make your listing photos shine and appeal to more buyers. If that seems like a lot of work you can even bring in the professionals to do the cleaning for you.

Post-Move Cleaning

Unfortunately not everyone is a good neighbor when they move, so there’s a good chance that there will be some unwanted items in your new home.

Give yourself a fresh start!

Rather than push past residents’ memorabilia to the depths of the basement, why not get rid of them so you never have to worry about it again? A lot of cleaning companies offer deals for pre or post move cleaning and you may be able to find a deal by doing a quick search in your area.

What Do I Do With All This Extra Stuff?

There are so many options when it comes to getting rid of unwanted items. Instead of throwing your things in the trash, consider donating your unwanted items to local organizations. There are a number of organizations looking for different types of goods but make sure you check their website for restrictions on what can and cannot be accepted. You can also check out this furniture disposal directory from Wayfair!

Okay, But How Do I Keep My Home This Tidy?

One of my favorite wind-down activities is going through my belongings once a month and making a decision about how necessary they are. You don’t have to be moving to tidy your home and feel more organized – We love this list of 50 items to remove from your home today from our friends at Ditch The Clutter!

If you think you’ll have a harder time staying on top of things you may want to consider professional help from a company like Flying Prince. Flying Prince is a full service, green, cleaning company that aims to provide top of the line service at an affordable rate while looking out for the environment. What better way to start off your spring than with a company that provides cleaning, organizing services, and recycling/compost programs?

Have questions about cleaning for a move or want more information?
Give us a call today at 800.222.4744 and we’ll get you started.

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Helpful Moving Apps

Moving is tough and apps are convenient so it makes total sense that developers would create a moving app to help you through your relocation. We went ahead and reviewed 3 free moving apps that might help make your relocation easier…in addition to using Olympia Moving & Storage, of course.

anthropoligie platesortly folders

Sortly:

Aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, Sortly is an app that helps you do exactly what it sounds like.. sort your life! The moving app offers folders to narrow down your needs and work from specific lists in order to keep you more organized. Even better, within each folder you can create sub-folders for each room in your house, making it easier to sort and eventually find your belongings.

When adding items to your folders, Sortly gives the option of adding the quantity of items as well as value AND a photo.  So, if you’re worried about keeping track of the condition of your belongings in the case of damage or missing items, you’re all set!

Sortly also includes a great moving checklist with the option to mark tasks as “irrelevant” or “done,” so you can be sure to get all of your prep work done before moving day. Handy!

If you’re feeling fancy, another added bonus of using Sortly is the option to make your own QR labels. If you aren’t the tech-type and this doesn’t appeal to you you can always stick with our free printable labels and still stay organized.

A moving app like Sortly would definitely be helping when planning your move, think estimating the number of boxes you’ll need and putting together an inventory to get a quote, and would be a huge help when unpacking your belongings once you’ve moved into your new home. Learn more about Sortly here.

MoveAdvisor:

MoveAdvisor is different than Sortly, but it’s a great moving app option if you’re looking for moving companies in your area. It’s user friendly and is sort of like playing a Sims game with your belongings.

By clicking and dragging items, you can easily obtain a general idea of the weight of the items you’re looking to move, and everything you need to plan is in the palm of your hand. MoveAdvisor can be found here.

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My Move:

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It seems like the developers of this moving app haven’t quite worked out the bugs. MyMove does ask for your origin zip and destination zip, but the app bases your approximate weight on the type of house you live in but doesn’t take your actual belongings into account, which means you’ll want to give a more detailed idea of your belongings when speaking with moving company.

Unfortunately, the “calculate moving cost” button brings you to a secondary page asking for your origin and destination again but doesn’t allow for destination state selection so this moving app isn’t the most useful if you’re looking for an accurate estimate for moving services.

The MyMove moving app would be most useful if you’re looking for moving checklists and  moving tips.

After checking out these three moving apps, we would suggest trying both Sortly and MoveAdvisor. Each moving app carries their own list of benefits and helpfulness but a mixture of the two could be even better. When planning a move it’s always better to speak to a professional about questions that are specific to your relocation. Moving apps are certainly helpful when organizing, but more information is better to get an accurate idea of your moving costs. Find more resources on MyMove here.

Ready to plan your move? We’re here to help.
Call us at 800.222.4744 today for your free estimate or request an estimate online.

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How a Moving Company Can Help You Survive TRID

It’s been just over a month since the new TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures rule, or TRID rules were put into effect, but what that means for those it affects is still unclear.

TRID paperwork

So what is TRID?

The TRID guidelines require residential real estate transactions to have new loan documentation, including two new forms.

Loan Estimate- Taking the place of the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and the initial disclosure required under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) This, three page, form must be provided to the buyers in a timeline similar to the previous GFE

Closing Disclosure- Taking the place of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and the final TILA forms, the closing disclosure creates some new delivery date requirements.

This document must be issued to the borrower at least 3 days prior to closing. If this does not occur, the closing will be delayed up to 7 days.

Lenders require that the information contained in the closing disclosure (fees, taxes, closing cost, insurance, etc.) be finalized no less than 7-14 days prior to closing in order to give them enough time to generate the new closing disclosure in a timely manner.

Borrowers will have three days after receipt of the Closing Disclosure to review the form and its contents. Starting upon “receipt” of the Closing Disclosure form by the borrower, and unless there is some receipt confirmation of the form, the form is “deemed received” three days after the form is mailed. As a result of this, the review period may be six business days from mailing to loan signing.

Any changes made to the Closing Disclosure after its delivery to the buyer may trigger a new 3 day waiting period or additional disclosure or review periods, which is why accuracy is very important.

Why should you care?

The new TRID regulations are meant to benefit borrowers by simplifying documents and making loan terms more clear, but as lenders and borrowers transition into the new TRID rules, delayed closings are bound to occur.

Prior to the TRID rules, it took approximately 45 days from the loan application submission to the time of closing. Post-TRID regulations impose new waiting periods where lenders must submit disclosure forms to borrowers, and inaccuracies in paperwork by the lender or borrower as well as strict re-submission timelines will lead to delays in closing.

How can you protect your move?

  • To try to avoid any unforeseen issues that could delay the closing, the National Association of Realtors is recommending completing the walk-through seven days prior to the scheduled closing.
  • Make sure the information you provide is accurate and read documents thoroughly. TRID regulations aim to protect the buyer from surprises, so use it to your advantage.
  • Hire professional moving services who can anticipate your needs and expectations. If your move date changes you’ll want to work with someone who can facilitate the need for a schedule change without issue.

Olympia Moving & Storage’s TRID Protection Program

Strict TRID timelines and delays in closings will affect the entire relocation process. Most moving companies don’t have the capacity to handle move date changes, leaving families without a mover.

Olympia Moving & Storage has the manpower and infrastructure to work with you through the transition and delays by offering:

No fees for move date changes– as long as we have available crews we have the flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes that may occur.

$150/night sealed truck storage– Your belongings are important. If you can’t move into your home right away, don’t worry. For just $150 per night per truck, Olympia will hold your belongings on a locked and sealed truck until your new home is available.

Our goal is to be a resource to our clients during their relocation, no matter what TRID throws our way.

Are you ready to get your moving estimate?

Call Olympia Moving & Storage at 800.222.4744 or request an estimate and discover all of the ways that Olympia Moving & Storage can make your relocation easier.

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Free Moving Coloring Page for Kids

Moving with kids is never an easy task. From breaking the news to settling into your new home, there are plenty of ups and downs – including a lot of idle time for your antsy little ones.

Looking for something quiet to keep your kids busy, and maybe even quiet, while you prepare for your move?

Olympia Moving & Storage has you covered with our free moving coloring page, designed to make moving with children a little easier for your family! This free coloring page is a great way to help small kids grasp the concept of moving and get excited for their new home.

Download our free moving coloring page for your kids

moving coloring page for kids

As always, Olympia Moving & Storage is here to help with all of your relocation needs.  For more tools for moving with kids, including book recommendations on the topic, check out our blog post on moving with kids.

Have other questions about moving or looking for moving tips? We’d be glad to help, just give us a call at 800.222.4744

Ready to start planning your move with kids? Click here to request a free moving estimate with Olympia Moving & Storage.

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5 Easy Outdoor Home Improvements

When you move into your new home and finally get settled you may be looking at making a few updates to the exterior that will transform your backyard into a sanctuary. Alternatively, you may be looking for some outdoor changes that will add curb appeal and value to a home you’re listing to sell. Either way, a relocation is the perfect time to consider some outdoor projects.

We’ve narrowed down some easy outdoor home improvement projects that are sure to get you the most bang for your buck. The best part is, these small changes will make a big difference and don’t require you to shell out a lot of money! Here are our top 5 easy outdoor home improvements for you to consider:

easy outdoor home improvements1. Add Landscape Lighting

Adding lighting to your seating areas and landscaping is a particularly easy project that you can complete on your own. Your best option is to use solar landscape lighting, which is simple to install and a great way to light your landscape without increasing your electricity bill. This type of lighting won’t require you to be fuss with hardwires. There are a variety of solar lighting options to choose from, including walkway lighting, accent lighting and string lights for your patio or trees. Outdoor lighting not only adds a nice ambiance to the front or back of your home, but acts as an extra security measure. For about $100, you can get two dozen attractive solar lights, so this investment won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

2. Replace Your Front Door

By replacing your outdated door, you can get a healthy return on your investment. Not only is a new front door a smart energy upgrade, it provides great curb appeal and needs virtually no maintenance. According to Chinese philosophy, front door colors and entryways have a lot to say about the character of whoever lives inside. This is a fun way to transform your new home to fit your individual personality. For example, in feng shui, a red door is thought to be welcoming and invites good energy. The owners of the home are thought to be full of life and hospitable. A new door will also be more energy efficient, keeping heat in and cold out. Older doors can be a huge source of energy loss, so with improving the look of your house, and improving energy efficiency, this project won’t break the bank and will make a big difference in the look and feel of your home.

Leaffilter eas outdoor homeimprovement3. Add Gutter Guards

You may not realize it, but when an unprotected gutter system clogs with dirt and debris, it’s only a matter of time before costly problems develop. When gutters become clogged, water will spill over the side and down your home, rotting your fascia and soffit, and causing foundation and structural damage. Gutter cleaning is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. By installing gutter guards, you can eliminate gutter cleaning for the life of your home. By choosing a gutter guard with no holes, gaps, or openings, like LeafFilter, you can prevent all types of debris from entering and clogging your gutters. The best part is that these gutter guards are professionally installed so you won’t have to fumble on a ladder to install them yourself. Installing gutter guards is also a great selling point to future homeowners.

4. Build a Pergola or Trellis

By adding a pergola or trellis, you can add a unique focal point to your backyard. Building a pergola over your patio or deck is a great way to benefit from subtle shade, while still getting some of that sunlight glow. Pergolas come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and can add a touch of elegance to your home. Can you imagine how great your pergola will look with string lights while entertaining outside? If a pergola is a little too lofty of a goal, building a trellis is another great focal point for your garden. Building a trellis in your backyard is an easy afternoon project. Use soil to outline or create a garden and plant bright colored flowers and vining plants along the base to create your garden. Your trellis is sure to add dimension, color, and decoration to a blank space in your backyard!

5. Add a Fire Pit

For a small investment, you can create a fire pit in your backyard that is great for relaxing or entertaining. If you have an outdoor seating area, the fire pit can provide a focal point for entertaining. You may choose to create a built-in fire pit from concrete, stone, or brick. Another option is to choose a portable fire pit that you can move around your yard. One of the easiest ways is to arrange pavers (most are $1!) in a circular shape and add a fire-pit insert for an attractive, yet functional, look. Additionally, you’ll want to invest in some movable patio furniture that is comfortable and water-resistant. These home improvement projects are sure to add charm and functionality to your new home, or value to a home you’re selling!

Once you’ve found the perfect home with the perfect fixer-upper yard, call 800.222.4744 for a free moving estimate from Olympia Moving & Storage, or request an estimate online.

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Packing Don’ts for Moving

Packing is hard and tips are always welcomed.  Everyone has heard about the packing dos, but packing don’ts are just as important, and not following those guidelines could end up adding time and money to your move.

We’ve been moving families for over 20 years.  Olympia Moving & Storage provides full packing services, but many of our clients also pack themselves.  We see our self-pack clients make the same mistakes over and over again.  Below are the most common packing don’ts we see our clients disregard. These packing don’ts are moving time-savers and prevent moving damage, whether you’re moving yourself or working with a moving company.

packing don'tsLocal Moving Packing Don’ts:

  • Don’t pack books in medium or large boxes, you’ll over-pack and boxes could break during the move, or worse, you could pack a box too heavy to move.  Always pack books, CDs, and files in small 1.5 cu.ft. boxes.
  • Don’t forget to disassemble your lamps and lampshades and pack them in appropriate boxes, 6.1 cu.ft. boxes are best. Lamps and lampshades cannot be wrapped, they must move in a box or risk damage.
  • Don’t pack your fragile items or books into plastic totes. This does not securely protect fragiles from damage and will over pack the tote, making it too heavy to lift.  Wrap fragile items and pack them into 1.5 cu.ft. boxes, or pack fragile dishware into 5.1 cu.ft. dishpack boxes.  Those boxes have thicker walls for better protection.

Interstate Moving Packing Don’ts:

  • Packing artwork and mirrors can be scary, but it’s important to remember that bubble wrap isn’t enough to protect them. Artwork and mirrors must be packed in mirror or artwork boxes to avoid damage.
  • Vases and plant pots must be boxed and cannot be placed freely in your moving vehicle or they will get damaged and may cause other items to get damaged as well.
  • Don’t transport your items in trash bags. Your belongings aren’t garbage and while this seems like an easy packing cheat, your bags will rip in transit. Bags are also cumbersome and can’t be stacked to utilize space in a moving vehicle.
  • Floor lamps must be dismantled and packed in a tall lamp box.

General Moving Packing Don’ts:

  • Moving filing cabinets can be daunting.
    Large filing cabinets (3-5 drawers) must be emptied completely or they will be too heavy to carry.
    Small cabinets (2 drawers) can remain full but emptying them will be appreciated by your movers or helpful friends.
  • Dressers are best to be emptied at least halfway and should only contain clothing and linen
  • Fragile items, books, and jewelry cannot be transported in drawers of furniture items.  They may damage the furniture piece, make it too heavy, or run the risk of getting lost or damaged if not packed properly.
  • All containers must have tops to ensure items are not susceptible to damage or displacement. This will also ensure that all boxes and items can be stacked inside the moving vehicle.
  • All boxes should be filledas best as possible to ensure safe transport and loading. If the space is not used items are more likely to shift and get damaged during transit, and boxes could collapse while they are stacked in the moving truck.

Our general rule of thumb is that everything that fits in a box, should go in a box!

Have other packing questions?
Call us today at 800.222.4744 or click here to request a free, no obligation moving estimate and start planning your move.

If you’re still intimated by packing, no problem! Request an pricing for full or fragile packing services as part of your estimate with Olympia Moving & Storage.

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