How to Pack For a Move: Room-By-Room Packing Checklist

Moving to a new home is exciting, but considering how to pack for a move can quickly become overwhelming. Where do you even start?

The good news is that with a clear plan and practical steps, packing to move doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll break down the packing to move process into manageable steps, showing you how to start packing to move, what to pack first, and what to leave until the end.

We’ll also give you a room-by-room packing checklist to make the process smoother and more organized.

 

How to Start Packing to Move

When to Start Packing For a Move

Timing is everything when considering when to start packing for a move. Starting too late creates unnecessary stress while beginning too early might mean living out of boxes longer than necessary. 

Ideally, begin packing about 4-6 weeks before moving day. This timing provides ample time to sort through belongings, declutter, and pack non-essential items without feeling rushed. 

Packing to Move Supplies: Boxes Room-by-Room

Before diving into packing, gathering all the necessary supplies is crucial. Must-have materials include packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and plenty of padding materials to keep belongings safe.

Of course, the most important moving supplies are sturdy moving boxes of various sizes. To make the packing process smoother, procure a range of small, medium, and large boxes and specialty boxes for items like clothing, dishes, and electronics.

Estimating the number of boxes needed to pack to move can be tricky. The most accurate method is by obtaining a moving box count from a professional moving consultant’s survey. However, for a general idea based on home size, check out Olympia’s guide to estimating the number of boxes for a move.

How Many Boxes Do You Need For a Move?

 

Which Room to Pack to Move First

When choosing which room to pack to move first, it’s best to start with the least-used spaces or the rooms that contain the most non-essential items.

Areas like the garage, attic, library, office, or playroom are typically good places to start packing to move. These rooms often house items that aren’t required in the weeks leading up to a move, making them perfect for early packing. Gradually ease into the packing to move process by tackling these spaces first without disrupting daily routines.

Which Room to Pack to Move Last

As moving day looms closer, leave the most frequently used rooms until the end. In a room-by-room packing to move method, these typically include the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Start by packing non-essential items in these spaces, such as décor, specialty items, and anything that’s not immediately needed. As the move approaches, gradually pack up the daily essentials like bedding, toiletries, and the most-used cooking supplies.

To make the first night in a new home more comfortable, consider preparing a “first night box.” This box contains all the essentials that will be needed right away, like a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and important documents. Learn what to pack in a moving first night box.

What Is a Moving First Night Box?

 

Tips and Packing to Move Checklist, Room-by-Room

Packing an entire home to move can feel like a herculean task, but breaking it down room by room makes the process more manageable.

Use these tips for packing to move each space, along with a handy room-by-room packing checklist.

Packing the Kitchen to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Use plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
  • Clean and dry appliances thoroughly before packing. Secure any loose parts.
  • Use up perishable items before the move, and pack non-perishables in sturdy boxes.
  • Use a sturdier dishpack box to pack the most fragile items, dishware, and glassware.

Remember to Pack:

  • Dishes and glassware
  • Pots and pans
  • Small appliances (e.g., toaster, blender)
  • Utensils and cutlery
  • Cooking essentials (e.g., spices, oil)
  • Dish towels and oven mitts
  • Tupperware and food storage
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Trash bags
  • Non-perishable food items

Packing Bedrooms to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Pack bedding and pillows in large boxes or vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
  • Protect mattresses with a mattress bag to prevent damage during transit.

Remember to Pack:

  • Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)
  • Mattresses and mattress protectors
  • Nightstands and lamps
  • Jewelry and accessories
  • Books and personal items
  • Wall art and décor
  • Mirrors (properly wrapped)
  • Curtains and window treatments
  • Alarm clocks and electronics

Packing Bathrooms to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Pack toiletries in a separate, easily accessible box for immediate use.
  • Roll towels to save space and use them as padding for fragile items.
  • Keep medications in a small, clearly labeled box to easily access.
  • Pack liquids into zip-lock bags in case of a spill.
  • Many cleaning supplies & bleach cannot be transportated by movers.

Remember to Pack:

  • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Shower curtain and bathmat
  • Medications and first aid supplies
  • Hairdryers and styling tools
  • Makeup and grooming supplies
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Bathroom scales
  • Toiletry organizers
  • Toilet paper and hand soap

Packing the Living Room to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Label cables and cords, and pack electronics in their original boxes if possible.
  • Disassemble large furniture pieces and protect them with moving blankets.
  • Pack books flat in small boxes to prevent damage and make them easier to carry.
  • It’s best to pack TVs in their original box, or purchase a special TV moving box.

Remember to Pack:

  • Electronics (TV, gaming consoles, speakers)
  • Remotes and cables
  • Books and magazines
  • Decorative items (vases, candles)
  • Rugs and curtains
  • Furniture (sofas, chairs, coffee tables)
  • Wall art and mirrors
  • Lamps and lighting
  • Throw pillows and blankets
  • DVDs, CDs, and other media.

Packing the Dining Room to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Use plenty of padding and pack china and glassware securely in dishpack boxes.
  • Disassemble the dining table and wrap each piece separately.
  • Pack tablecloths and napkins with similar items from other rooms.

Remember to Pack:

  • Silverware and serving utensils
  • Table linens (tablecloths, napkins)
  • Dining table and chairs
  • Decorative items (candlesticks, centerpieces)
  • Art and wall hangings
  • Rugs and curtains
  • Wine and liquor bottles (how to move wine)
  • Serving dishes and platters

Packing an Office to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Organize and label important documents and pack them in a secure, waterproof container.
  • Back up computer files and pack electronics with care.
  • Use small boxes and pack books flat to avoid damage.

Remember to Pack:

  • Computers and accessories
  • Office supplies (pens, paper, staplers)
  • Important documents and files
  • Books and reference materials
  • Desk and chair
  • Printer and scanner
  • Wall art and décor
  • Cables and cords (labeled)
  • File cabinets and drawers
  • Personal items (photos, plants)

Packing Closets to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes on hangers, and pack out-of-season items separately.
  • Wrap shoes in paper to protect them from damage.
  • Keep smaller items like belts, scarves, and hats organized in labeled bags.

Remember to Pack:

  • Hanging clothes
  • Shoes
  • Hats, belts, and scarves
  • Handbags and accessories
  • Seasonal clothing and outerwear
  • Storage bins and boxes
  • Luggage and travel bags
  • Linens and blankets
  • Jewelry and small items
  • Closet organizers

Packing a Garage to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Pack tools in their original cases if available, and wrap sharp edges for safety.
  • Dispose of hazardous materials properly, as most movers cannot transport them.
  • Drain gasoline from lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment before packing.

Remember to Pack:

  • Tools and toolboxes
  • Sports equipment
  • Lawn and garden tools
  • Bikes and outdoor gear
  • Seasonal decorations
  • Hardware and fasteners
  • Storage bins and shelving units
  • Car care products
  • Outdoor furniture and grills

Packing a Yard to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • Pack plants last and transport them in person vehicles, as they are sensitive to temperature changes.
  • Clean and disassemble large pieces for easier transport.

Remember to Pack:

  • Plants and planters
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Garden tools
  • Grills and BBQ supplies
  • Lawn décor and ornaments
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Hoses and sprinklers
  • Patio cushions and umbrellas
  • Playground equipment
  • Outdoor storage boxes

Packing a Basement and Attic to Move Checklist

Tips:

  • These areas often contain items that are not used regularly, so take time to declutter before packing.
  • Since these boxes may be stored for a while, label them clearly and note any fragile items.
  • Pack heavier items in small, sturdy boxes to make them easier to carry.

Remember to Pack:

  • Seasonal decorations
  • Extra furniture
  • Storage bins and boxes
  • Old documents and files
  • Tools and hardware
  • Sports equipment
  • Holiday decorations
  • Heirlooms and keepsakes
  • Camping gear

 

Packing Checklist for Moving PDF

Download the PDF version of this packing checklist for moving:


 

Hire Professional Packing Services

If how to pack for a move still feels overwhelming, remember—you don’t have to do it all yourself! 

Did you know that you can hire your movers to pack for you? Letting experienced movers take over means you can skip the hassle of sourcing packing materials, figuring out how to protect fragile valuables, and spending countless hours boxing up your life.

So why sweat the small stuff when you can pack up the stress and let Olympia Moving handle the rest? We have professional packing services in Boston, Washington D.C., Austin, Tampa, or Philadelphia. Contact us today to learn more about our packing options and how we can wrap up your next move.

 

Get a Quote to Pack and Move

 

How To Pack Clothes For Moving

Packing and moving are never easy, and when moving clothes and shoes, it takes special care to prevent damage. Clothing and shoes represent a large portion of our belongings, as it includes a range of items for the entire family. Our packing tips will get your clothes and shoes in order. Let’s take a look at some proper strategies on how to pack clothes and shoes for moving.

Required Materials:

  • Packing paper
  • Boxes of various sizes
  • Suitcases
  • Duffel Bags
  • Vacuum Seal bags
  • Shoe boxes
  • Markers
  • Sealing tape
  • Tissue Paper
  • Where to start

Categorize your closet

It’s necessary to have a plan in place to get your items of clothing and shoes ready for packing.

  1. Sort items of clothing in categories. For example:
  • immediate needs
  • long-term needs
  • short-term needs
  • seasonal
  1. Check the condition of the clothes for any tears, fraying, stains, or other damage.
  2. Launder everything and dry thoroughly before packing away.
  3. Making clothing piles can help get everything in order:
  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Toss
  • Repair or repurpose
  • Piles for each season
  • Piles for each family member

After making each category, pack off-season or storage items of clothing first. These are items you and your family will not likely wear soon. Store off-season items by vacuum sealing in bags to reduce bulk and save storage space. Make sure you pack with breathable material that helps let air in to reduce moisture and mold. Label each box to identify what will go into storage to unpack as needed.

Pack clothing you won’t be wearing soon, such as formal attire, in a waterproof suit or jacket bag to protect them from moths, mold, dust, dirt, and moisture.

Finally, pack the clothes you’ll need immediately as you settle into your new place. Packing these clothes separately will help you find clothing for each family member to use while unpacking and setting up your new home.

Set aside a complete set of clothing items for each member of the family:

  • Pants
  • Tops
  • Shoes
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • underwear

clothing for packing for moving

Packing delicate clothing items

Delicates can tear and suffer other damage during moving. Pack them in separate boxes to help reduce friction during transit. Use sheets of silk paper to wrap delicate clothing items to help protect them from heat, moisture, or damage.

Methods of Packing Clothes

The goal of any packing method is to prevent friction, save space, and ensure your items arrive in good condition. Each technique will ensure you pack each item appropriately to help minimize the risks.

Bundle packing

Start with a bulky item like a winter jacket or coat at the bottom. Next, place a smaller item of clothing atop the coat or jacket. Make the third layer with a smaller item of clothing. When full, wrap the coat or jacket’s ends around the smaller things to form a bundle.

Repeat for other items, and continue to place complete bundles in the packing boxes.

rolling clothes and for packingRolling Method

Fold and roll items like tee shirts, socks, light items and pack them side by side to help save space. You can also fold items within other clothing to save even more space. Rolling clothing also helps reduce wrinkles after unpacking.

Flat Packing

Laying items flat inside packing boxes will also help save space.

Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes are an excellent way to store your clothing upright and avoid any wrinkles during moving. They are ideal for packing shirts, jackets, pants, coats, and dresses. They make  packing, unpacking, and re-hanging clothing a seamless exercise when you arrive at your new location.

  1. Place heavy items like blankets or pillows to the bottom of the box. Ensure there’s enough space to hang your clothes comfortably without any wrinkling.
  2. Wrap and store shoes to the base of the hanger boxes to help save storage space.

Sealing and labeling clothes boxes

  1. Ensure you have the right size box to help avoid overloading moving containers. 4.5 cubic foot boxes are the best size for most clothes.
  2. Assemble boxes carefully. Seal the bottom and edges to help prevent any spills while lifting.
  3. Form protective layers on the bottom and sides of boxes to help protect clothing from moving rigors.
  4. Always cover the top layer of clothing in each box with packing paper before closing the lid.
  5. Cover and seal each box with packing tape.
  6. Label each box to help locate clothing categories quickly when unpacking

Packing shoes

packing shoes for a move

Shoes can suffer from scruff marks easily, and especially when moving. Pack them in shoe boxes, shoe bags, suitcases, or at the bottom of regular packing boxes. First, wrap each shoe in packing paper and place them at the base of your moving boxes.

If you’re using a suitcase,  place small items like socks to help cushion the shoes in the suitcase. It also helps minimize any squashing or scratches on the shoes. Stuff shoes with items like foam, rolled up socks, newsprint, and other items to help keep their shape when moving.

Shoeboxes: Seal the sides of the shoebox with tape or enclose it with a rubber band or string to help protect the box’s base.

Packing A Suitcase For A Long Distance Move

It is a good idea to pack a suitcase on a long-distance move. Depending on how your travel schedule works out, you may not receive your move inventory until a few days after you personally arrive at your new location. Packing a suitcase with enough clothing to make it through the few days while you are waiting for your inventory to arrive will be very important.

Now your clothes & shoes are ready to go!

Protecting valuable clothing and shoes when moving is essential to ensure they arrive without wrinkles or scratches. Each packing method in our useful guide will help equip you with everything you need to pack them properly. If you are looking for Olympia to do the packing and unpacking for you click here for a free estimate.

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.

How To Pack For A Move – The Basics

How To Pack For A Move

Packing up and moving away to a new home or location can be very stressful. The secret to successful moving is in organizing your valuables to make it easy to pack, move, unpack, and re-stock. We will layout some how to pack for a move basics to help get you going in the right direction. Now keep in mind, packing for a move is complex due to the variety of items that you need to pack. Depending on the item, the packing process may vary greatly.

Packaging Materials Required:

Tape

Markers

Boxes of varying sizes

Bubble wrap

Blanket packing paper

Newsprint

Let’s Look At The Types Of Packing Materials:

BoxesHow to pack for a move

Boxes are a great way to store items to help protect them from the rigors of moving while shipping. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit almost every type of thing you need to pack.

3 cubic feet

This size box is ideal for packing canned foods, books, and more substantial items.

4.5 cubic feet

These slightly larger boxes are suitable for packing small lamps, lampshades, clothing, and shoes. You can also pack coats, quilts, blankets, children’s toys, and some lamps and lampshades depending on their height.

Dish boxes

They are taller and bigger than the other boxes and offer lots of protection for dishes, plates, glasses, and other fragile items. They come with dual-enforced walls for things that need additional cushioning during transport.

Paper

Paper is also another good source of packing material. You can choose a range of paper products to suit the item you wish to pack. Here are two good options:

How to pack for a moveNewsprint

Newsprint comprises over 95 percent wood pulp and is eco-friendly. It is ideal for wrapping fragile items like china, crystal, and other valuables. The paper is also highly absorbent and will protect your items from moisture during shipping.

Blanket paper

This type of wrapping paper consists of layers of high-quality, durable, breathable material. Blanket paper is excellent for wrapping picture frames, and large items like mirrors, televisions, computer monitors, and antiques. Besides, you can also wrap bedroom, living room and dining room furniture, fridges, washing machines, and freezers.

The layers help protect large items from scratches and bumps, and even damp, humid shipping conditions.

bubble wrap for packing and moving basics - Hwo to pack for a moveBubble Wrap

This is a type of clear, flexible wrapping solution that provides loft of cushioning for a wide range of packing needs. It consists of sheets of film with air bubbles trapped inside the layers. Bubble wrap is lightweight and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.

It is one of the best packing materials available. It’s highly durable, affordable, recyclable and reusable, and offers excellent protection for all your valuables. The eco-friendly material also provides lots of insulation and extra cushioning to help reduce friction on impact when shipping.

Bubble wrap is also very versatile and suitable for wrapping items of almost any shape or size. You can also use the sheets to help provide layers of lining in your packing boxes. The lining acts as a protective barrier for delicate items.

Tapes

Taping is essential to seal your boxes to help protect the boxes from opening during transport. You can seal the items before placing them in the boxes and also around the seams of the boxes for extra reinforcement.

Tapes are available in brown or transparent colors, among others. Choose a durable sticky tape that can withstand hot and cold temperatures as well as moisture.

Before You Begin To Pack:

  • Have all of your packing materials close to hand.
  • Set up your workstation with paper, bubble wrap, tape, scissors, and markers.
  • Select a table or countertop with adequate space for comfort and convenience.
  • Lay your wrapping material on a flat surface.
  • Select the size box for the item you wish to pack.
  • Proceed to wrap, seal, and box the items according to instructions.

Packing Tips:

  1. Make a list of each item by room
  2. Label each box as you pack
  3. Place heavier items at the bottom of each box
  4. Fill up extra spaces in the box to avoid friction
  5. Seal each box when full

Wrap UP

Moving and packing can be an exciting and daunting task all at the same time. Taking care of your valuables is essential and needs special attention to keep them intact during transport. Make sure you use the correct packing materials and procedures for each item you wish to store.

Finally, label each box and make a list of all items according to the rooms they will go in when you relocate. It will help make unpacking and setting up a more enjoyable and stress-free experience. To hire a professional and to help with all your moving packing needs click here.

Guide For Moving Paintings & Art

How To Move Art And Paintings

Art is an investment. A single painting can easily cost thousands of dollars – and could even have a value defined as something else than the monetary worth of the piece. The value of art or a painting can be defined by several factors, including ritualistic and cultural factors, as well as sentimental value.

When you decide to move, the transportation of any art and paintings in your house should be handled with care. Without the right approach, you might end up disappointed when you open up these pieces at your new house, only to find that your valued possessions have been damaged. We take a look at the most effective methods to move art and paintings to a new house, without risking damage.

Woman looking at a painting she is going to moveMoving Your Art And Paintings

Moving seems like a relatively simple process. You simply pack all of your possessions into boxes, load them up in the moving truck, and they are taken to your new home. Unfortunately, with some items, you do need to take a few extra steps – this is especially important with the items you own that have a lot of value to them. This includes both monetary and sentimental value.

Wrapping The Art

The process should start with packing. First, consider if the painting has a glass cover at its front. If it does, then you can skip ahead to wrapping it with paper or bubble wrap. If not, however, you need to get some plastic wrap first. Cover the entire painting with this wrap as it will help to prevent damage to the painting itself.a couple taking down a painting they are going to wrap and move

You need to get paper or bubble wrap, as well as a lot of cardboard. Start by wrapping your paintings in paper pads – add multiple layers to increase the protection. Each of your paintings or art pieces need to be enclosed with paper or bubble wrap, as well as cardboard. Make sure to add additional cardboard at the corners of the product, should it be a painting.

For paintings and are framed in glass, put a thick cardboard cover over the glass before wrapping it with the paper or bubble wrap. This will act as a protective layer to the glass to sure that your item is transported safely.

When you place the painting or art in a box, be sure to add multiple paper or bubble wrap layers at the bottom of the box. In addition to covering the bottom region of the box, make sure to add some paper or bubble wrap to the sides as well. You want to maximize the protection of the product.

It is also a good idea to consider adding some scrunched-up paper to the bottom of the box, as well as the sides as you place the paper in the box.

Taking Precaution

Be sure to make appropriate marks on the paintings. Use a permanent marker to add an “X” to the wrapping of paintings where glass is present. This will help you see which of the paintings are at risk of not only becoming damaged but also a glass panel breaking.

The same procedure should ideally be followed for sculptures and other art. Thoroughly cover the entire item in cling wrap. Follow this by many layers of bubble wrap. The more wrapping you add, the better the protection. Make sure to mark the boxes of sculptures and other art, particularly in cases where the sculpture is fragile.

Large and small boxes

Most likely you will be boxing your framed art. You need to box your items in a way that will maximize the protection of your art pieces. After wrapping your framed art you will want to put it in a smaller box. The smaller box will have rolled tissue paper in it at the bottom and the top. This will act as a bumper while for the art piece and provides extra cushioning while in the box. You will then put the small box in the larger box with rolled cushioning inside the larger box to provide the same protection as you did with the smaller box. Check out our video on packing with small and large boxes.

 

 

Valuables and Fragiles

Protecting your extremely valuable and fragile art is a priority when moving. These pieces require extra attention. Depending on the art piece, putting the item in a traditional box may not be the best move. Extremely valuable and fragile items can be crated to ensure no possible damage. There are many ways to crate valuable pieces of art. Whether its foam covering, layered crate walls, or heated shrink wrap, all of these are customized to your specific art piece. This customized protection will ensure that these very important pieces arrive at the destination safely.

 

Crating Items Sculptures

If you do find that your sculptures are not appropriate for wrapping and fitting in a box, then you should consider crating them. This can be an effective method for keeping the sculpture in pristine condition while it is being transported. Many sculptures can have on angles and points that won’t fit into a traditional box. On top of this, some sculptures are extremely fragile. Packing these sculptures in a crate will be the best strategy for protecting this kind of art piece

When moving with art and paintings, you need to ensure you take special precautions during the packaging and transit of these items. We looked at a step-by-step guide to help preserve your precious possessions and ensure they come out in pristine condition at your new home. To hire a professional mover trained to pack for safety, click here for a free 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.

 

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.

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.

How To Pack Records and Record Players

How To Pack Records and Record Players

Donna Summer, Fleetwood Mac, and Creedence Clearwater Revival all have to travel to your new home — make sure they get there in one piece! Follow our tips for safely packing records to move.

Use Quality Sleeves

Remove records from their jackets and paper sleeves. Toss the paper sleeves in favor of a poly sleeve for the record itself. Slide the jacket into its own outer sleeve, but do not reinsert the record into its jacket. Stack records vertically against their jackets when packing them into their box.

Invest in high-quality sleeves to prevent wear on jackets and records.

Pack Records Tight

Don’t leave records free to shift around in their boxes or they might chip on the ride to your new home. Pack them as tight as you can in 1.5 cu. ft. size (small) box, the best size for the width and weight of the records. For extra protection, fill your boxes with foam inserts, packing paper, or bubble wrap. Records can be heavy, so an additional benefit to a small box is separating your collection into manageable weights for moving.

If you’re unsure about the general best practices for packing, check out Olympia’s How To Pack series.

Keep It Cool

If you’re moving in high heat, your records are at risk of warping. Avoid leaving your records in the heat of the moving truck for an extended period of time. Interstate moves with records can be risky for this reason, so if you have the option, consider bringing your records in your car with you.

Make a Packing (Play)List

Keep a detailed list of all the records you own and their current condition to avoid unhappy surprises during unpacking. This also helps speed up organization when you arrive in your new home. Alphabetical order by artist is the most common method, but you can always pack your records in the order that you want to display them to save time.

How To Pack Record Players

If possible, remove the platter, tone arm, and turntable from the record player. Individually wrap each piece in packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap. Pack the player and its parts into a secure box with the heaviest pieces at the bottom. Fill any empty space in the box with foam, bubble wrap, and other sturdy material. If these parts cannot be removed, particularly the arm or needle guard, secure them with tape or twist ties.

If you are unsure about removing parts on your record player, focus instead on keeping all the components as secure as possible. Tape down any moving parts and secure the entire object in bubble wrap and foam. Just like your records, if you are putting you record player in a box, pack it with as little space as possible to prevent it from knocking around during the move.

If you and your record collection are ready to move, contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan your move. Fill out our form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.