Moving Cost Cutter Ideas Print E-mail

Time is Money
Prior to arrival of the moving van, please ensure the following:

  • Reserved parking near residence
  • Clear all pathways and stairs to and from the location
  • Cartons are clearly labeld and easily read
  • Furniture is clear of all small items
  • Personal items are set aside for transport in your own car
CARTONS
  • Label cartons ON THEIR SIDE for quick room identification
  • Don't stack cartons in pathways
  • Use crush proof cartons for mirrors, pictures and lamps from Magic Moving & Storage, Inc instead of paying for packing services or materials
Don't stack cartons in the halls, passageways or near the front door. If hallways are blocked, the Magic will need to move the boxes twice. They must first be moved out of the way and then moved again for top bunk loading in the van.

Proper labeling of cartons with room and contents is a must. Label the side rather than the top so you can see the label when boxes are stacked. As you pack cartons, stack them away from your home's normal traffic patterns, heavy boxes on bottom, light on top.

FURNITURE

  • Empty cabinets and drawers of spillables and breakables
  • Leave clothing and light items only in drawers
  • Don't overload drawers and furniture with extras
  • Talk to your Magic Moving & Storage, Inc consultant about servicing of:
    • Grandfather clocks
    • Hot tubs, Pool tables
    • Pianos, Appliances
    • Similar specialty items

China cabinets and buffets should be emptied.  You do not need to remove LIGHT clothing, such as socks, undergarments from dresser drawers; only heavier items.  Professional Movers are trained to carry furniture with drawers in place, it is not necessary to tape or tie drawers shut.  In fact, some tapes will damage the finish.

Desks should be emptied of all small, spillable items as well as any items of excessive weight such as books or papers. 2/3 Drawer Vertical file cabinets can usually be left with contents intact and moved almost upright on an appliance hand truck.

Grandfather clocks require removal of their weights and pendulum; their “gear works” must also be secured.  If you are not completely comfortable doing this--leave it to the professionals. Your move representative should be notified well before move day so that he/she can advise you of your options.

Pool tables, hot tubs, exercise equipment and similar specialty items require professional servicing and should also be individually discussed with your move consultant.

Finally--make note of any items you wish to take with you that are permanently mounted or fastened such as curtain rods, valences, chandeliers, large wall mirrors, etc. Arrangement for the removal of such items must be made in advance of move day. If you are not comfortable with these tasks--Magic Moving & Storage, Inc. will be happy to provide referrals or make arrangements for you.

ELECTRONICS

  • Disconnect, label and wind cords
  • Pack or Crate LCD or Flat Panel TV’s  (ask Magic Moving & Storage, Inc about service)

Desktop computers and their components; televisions and their peripherals (dvr, vcr, vhs, cable box etc). should be labeled, disconnected, cords wound and packed.

Flat Panel Televisions should be discussed with your move consultant before move day.  We can arrange to have them crated or packed.  Most electronic components can be pad wrapped for local moving but if you have the original cartons--don't hesitate to use them.  We suggest packing them.

Because sudden temperature changes can result in damage to electrical components, you should not operate electronic equipment just prior to a cold weather move.

APPLIANCES
  • Arrange servicing of...
    • Gas ranges
    • Gas clothes dryer
    • Direct wired electric clothes dryer
  • Disconnect hoses from the washer
  • Empty the refrigerator of all contents
    • Drain the drip pan
    • Disconnect the water supply of automatic icemakersPrepare your freezer...
    • Pack all of the contents in coolers
  • Prepare your freezer
    • Return packed contents to the freezer
Empty the refrigerator of all contents, drain the drip pan and disconnect the water supply of automatic icemakers. To prepare your freezer--pack all of the contents in small coolers and then return them to the freezer.  Empty all ice and you can use a hair dryer for removal of “caked on” ice.

Gas ranges, gas clothes dryers, or direct wired electric clothes dryers should be disconnected by an authorized technician. Water hoses must be removed from clothes washers and the electric cords wound. Most movers are prepared to perform this task (excluding gas), but doing so beforehand will save you time and money.

Outside Equipment

Outside swing sets, tool sheds, barbecue grills, etc., that need dismantling, should have the nuts and bolts sprayed daily with a penetrating oil beginning several weeks in advance of move day. This step often avoids the necessity of chiseling and cutting rusty fasteners during disassembly. It is advisable to complete this dismantling process one to two days prior to your scheduled move day.

Empty gas from lawn mowers, drain and roll garden hoses and empty and clean your barbecue grill. This will prevent a leak, which could damage other items during transport. Long-handled garden tools brooms and mops should be bound together securely. This not only keeps things neat it also allows your movers to pack several long-handled items at once thus saving you time and money.  CAUTION:  Proper removal of gasoline is important; 1-2 days in advance with the cap removed allows for final drying and ventilating.

Magic Moving & Storage, Inc. charges to the next nearest quarter hour.
Every fifteen minutes you save is cost savings for you.
Last Updated on Thursday, 28 January 2010 15:18