Packing Tips from Statewide Van Lines

Packing your items with care will prevent any damages during the move. Moving supplies might run expensive especially if you need quite a lot of them. However the cost of repairing or replacing the broken items that result from improper packing can cost you much more. So investing in moving boxes, tape and bubble wrap can actually help you save. If you are ready to start packing, here are a few tips that can help you in the process.

• Pack one room at a time and label the boxes accordingly. This way you will avoid mixing up items from different rooms and will be more organized when you arrive at your new place. Color-coding boxes is a wise idea, it will make it so much easier for movers to figure out in which rooms the boxes should go upon unloading.

• Pack infrequently used items first. Since the packing process can take several days, start off by packing items you won’t need in the upcoming days - books, winter clothes (if you are moving during the summer), linen and towels. Save packing the items of daily use for the last day or you will end up unpacking you boxes too many times in search for something you’ve already packed but all of a sudden need now.

• Heavy items – small boxes, bulky light items – large boxes. Following this principle will ensure that movers will be able to lift up the boxes filled with heavy items like books, yet they won’t have to make too many trips carrying your light and bulky items such as pillows and blankets.

• Use original boxes for electronics. It will best protect your computer, printer or TV if you pack them in their original shipping boxes, since they are specifically designed for the size and shape of each item. This will greatly minimize the risk of breakage during the move.

• Bubble wrap your glassware and mirrors. Wrapping fragile items with just paper will not always provide enough protection. Use newspaper to eliminate any empty space in the boxes. Don’t forget to label those boxes as “Fragile” or “Glass – Handle with Care”.

Moving with Humor

Some people go extreme when trying to save a penny or two on their move. The usual shortcut is to rent a truck, find a couple of muscular friends and move on your own – no moving company involved.

Others will make a hundred trips in their car between the old and the new places, this way transporting all the small stuff, leaving just big furniture to professional movers.

Yet certain people find such a unique moving solution, that it keeps others talking for years to come. Like moving their belongings on the roof of their van - in a huge huge pile visible from far away.

Moving into a Building in New York City

If you are planning to move to a building in New York City, Manhattan in particular, you should keep in mind that extra preparation steps might be required.

Numerous buildings especially co-ops have very strict moving regulations to minimize the inconvenience that a move will cause to other tenants. There are usually limited hours when you can move in or out: thus, some buildings wouldn’t allow any moves after 6 p.m. or on the weekends. In addition to that you might be required to make prior arrangements and reserve your moving time.

Another important detail to consider is that some buildings’ management requires that your moving company provide them with liability insurance certificate set up in their name. The insurance will cover any damages that might incur to the building property as a result of your move: scratched floors, a hole in the wall, broken elevator. The usual coverage requirement is one million dollars, however some luxury buildings will request even more than that! Make sure that your moving company has a liability insurance provider, ask for the certificate to be faxed to the building management in advance to ensure you get the approval to move in. Keep in mind that moving companies charge an extra fee for each certificate they have to issue – sometimes you may require two of them for both the buildings.

It’s no news that to find parking in New York City is a big challenge. Especially if it’s a loaded truck that has to be parked as close to the building entrance as possible. Movers will often have no choice but to double park, so be prepare to pick up the cost of the parking ticket that they may get. Another option is to have someone stand near the truck or adding an extra mover to your moving crew, who can be fixing the items inside the truck while keeping an eye on the vehicle. You can also ask your building doorman if it is possible to reserve a parking space in front of the building entrance.