A Guide to Moving Heavy Equipment

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You might cringe at the idea of moving heavy equipment. While it's not easy to prepare and pack industrial machines for moving, you can make the process light and easy.

There are professional movers who are skilled and equipped with the right equipment for your heavy-duty job. If you have tractors, cranes, farm equipment, or any other industrial machines, read along. 

• Ask your moving company on preparations you need before pickup. Usually professional movers will advise you to get all the necessary permits ready. They will also recommend packing tips like using bubble wraps for fragile levers, or they can do the packing for you if you choose a full-service moving.

• To get your equipment ready, check the manual for any special handling instructions on emptying fluids, disconnecting batteries, or securing loose part. If you don't have the manual, look it up on the manufacturer's website.

• When transporting heavy equipment, secure permits beforehand to avoid any delay and legal issues.

• Professional movers suggest covering pipes and other vulnerable parts according to manufacturer's guidelines. Doing so will protect your equipment from heat, cold, and freezing temperature.

• Arrange pickup and drop-off points -- ideally in an open area -- where you can load and unload your heavy equipment. Your moving crew will bring the necessary equipment needed like ramps or cranes.

How to Choose the Right Crate for Your Pet

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Whether you are moving your pet by land or air, having the right kennel is important. This will keep your pets safe and happy during transport. 

Here's a guide to help you pick the right pet crate:

• You should get a pet kennel that's huge enough to accommodate your pet's movement from sitting and standing, to lying down or turning comfortably. 

• Professional movers remind you to get a pet crate made of quality materials. It should be sturdy and rigid enough to carry the weight of your pet especially when you are transporting your pet as cargo. The recommended materials are plastic, wood, or metal but you can use soft top kennels when carrying your pet on board or in your car. 

• Choose a wheel-less pet carrier or one with removable wheels. The ideal pet carrier should have handles and a secure latch on the door. 

• Be sure to label your pet crate accordingly. Place "This side up," "Live animal" tags, as well as your contact details. 

A Guide to Packing Alcoholic Beverages

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Alcoholic beverages require special handling and careful preparation. You will also have to research and comply with the rules and regulations of the state you are moving in.

For a successful transport, keep these things in mind:

The rules and regulations for transport and distribution of alcoholic beverages vary from one state to another. Be sure to meet these requirements. Check the rules applicable to your state of origin as well as your chosen destination. If you are planning to transport a few bottles, it is better to be on the safe side. In some states, you have to pay taxes and duties.

It is important to note alcoholic beverages are not created equal. There are some factors to consider, including temperature, light, humidity, and vibration. Temperature changes affects the condition of the liquor and can dry it out. Wines, in particular, should be kept away from direct sunlight as it increases the oxidation process. The ideal humidity is around 70% and vibration should be in tolerable levels.

Packed in durable containers and sealed properly, hard liquor and beer are easier to transport. Among these alcoholic beverages, vintage wine is the most difficult to transport as they are easily shaken.

Read: How to Pack and Move Your Wine Collection

Prepare Your Bicycle for Moving in 3 Easy Steps

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For riders who want to have an adventure in their new place, preparing your bike for transport isn't too complicated as you think. The easiest way is to pack it in a special crate to avoid any damage. But if you want to maximize the space you have, you can also wrap it in bubble wraps. 

If you don't mind disassembling your bike, professional movers suggest doing these 3 easy steps:

Gather your materials
Get bicycle boxes, extra strips of cardboard, scrap wood, packing tape, and thin rope. 

Disassemble it

Shift gears to give slack to the cables and let half air out of the tires. Detach the seat and front wheel and tape a block of wood between front fork dropouts. Loosen the brake cables then detach the handlestems. Remove the pedals as well and place a cardboard against the right side of the frame, the front wheel should be placed on the other side. Don't forget to tie the wheel and cardboard to the frame. As a reminder from professional movers, be sure you know how to reassemble the bike later on.

Pack the box
Place your bicycle in the boxes you collected. Use the cardboard as padding for sharp edges, wrap the seat, handlebars, and pedals in cloth. Make sure everything is secured in the box. You can also place your tools inside then seal the box. Label the box accordingly.

How to Prep Your Pool Table for Moving

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Although pool tables are large items, moving it can be a challenge. If you choose to do it on your own, be sure to have extra hands available. But having professional movers around is a relief. 

Here are some tips on how to move a pool table without breaking it:

• Familiarize yourself with the parts of the pool table. The rail are padded walls; the cabinet refers to the frame and legs, while slate is the playing surface. 

• If you are moving the pool table on your own, be careful when lifting it. Transport the slate vertically and take extra precaution when loading it to prevent scratching the walls, doorways, and the surface of the pool table.

• Remove the rails, slate, and legs from the cabinet. Professional movers don't recommend moving the pool table in one piece as it increases the risk of cracking the slate. In fact, purchasing a new slate will add up to your costs so make sure you don't break it. 

• Disassemble the pool table so you can move the lighter pieces in a breeze. Be careful when removing the screws, place it in a small bag, then label it accordingly. 

• Hiring a professional moving company is your best bet when moving large and delicate pieces.

How to Move a Grandfather Clock

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Just like antique furniture, grandfather clocks are delicate items that will require special preparation before moving. This can be done by yourself but but treasures like these are best handled by a professional moving company as they know how to move it properly.

Before you begin contacting moving companies, keep the accurate dimensions of your grandfather clock. When you get a moving quote, they will most likely recommend a special crating as the best option. It is also advised that you add a few inches to each of the dimensions. If you get a full service moving, they will take care of the whole process from disassembling to wrapping the clock. If you choose to go DIY and just have them load it into the truck, ask your movers about what you need to prepare before moving day.

You may need to have the grandfather clock cleaned and prepped before placing it into the crate once the moving crew arrives. The pendulum should be wrapped and removed separately to prevent it from damaging the clock during transport. Connect the pendulum to the timing mechanism of the clock - this part will also need to be protected.

Be sure to have the appropriate packaging materials to tape, cover, and secure the clock, including especially edges and corners, to protect from any damages during transport. Professional movers recommend using small squares of cardboard at the corners.

You should be able to document the condition of your clock before moving and upon delivery. This will help should you have any damages noted and in filing a claim. 

If you have questions about packing and moving your valuables, leave a comment below.

How to Move Antique Furniture

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Antique furniture are valued collections. They require special attention when packing. Professional movers can give this kind of care in handling your precious belongings. 

Here are some tips to make packing and moving antique furniture run smoothly:

• Have the furniture appraised for insurance coverage in case you need to file a claim later on. 

• Document the condition of the furniture. Photograph your furniture from all angles and take note of any existing scratches. This will help in filing a claim.

• Secure any loose parts and inform your movers about it, including any delicate parts of the furniture. 

• Remove anything inside the drawers or cabinet as any additional weight may damage the furniture during the transport. 

• Do not tape the drawers to avoid damaging the finish. Most professional movers will shrink wrap the furniture or use a rubber bungee or string to secure loose parts. 

• You can use a moving blanket and other protective wraps for added protection during long distance moving. For optimal protection, ask your movers about special crating. 

• If you need a storage unit, consider the temperature, moisture, and other factors that might affect your furniture condition. Ask your movers about advice for storing wood pieces.

How to Pack Your Kitchen

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Now that you've learned how to pack your dining room, let's move to the heart of your home -- the kitchen. Before you start packing, be sure to maintain good hygiene practices when handling cups, plates, pots, and utensils. This will make unpacking easier later on as you can put them straight into your new cupboard. 

Let's start packing your kitchen, shall we?

Kitchen cupboards
Get rid of any expired non-perishable goods and dispose them to your compost or green waste bin. As much as possible, perishable goods should consumed before your moving day or you may give it to your neighbors.

Small Appliances

Before packing small appliances, be sure it's clean and already cooled to room temperature. Professional movers suggest using the original packaging or purchase the right size of boxes. Put padding on the space to prevent them from rattling around during transport. 

How to Pack Your Dining Room

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There's no denying that packing up your dining room is not as hard as organizing your garage. But what makes it complicated is protecting expensive fragile items such as china, vintage wines and more. 

Decide what items you want to pack as you can transport expensive items by yourself. Consider the size of your new home. If you are downsizing, you might as well sell or donate a few stuff.

Here are more tips in packing your dining room easily:

• All non-essential items should be disassembled and packed in advance. Wrap them with packing paper and bubble wraps. (Read: Tips to Make Packing Easier)

• Professional movers suggest that your furniture should be prepped on the nearest date of your big move as you are most likely to be using it. Most tables can be disassembled or folded to maximize the space in the truck. Be sure to protect worktops from unsightly scratches.

• After having the table ready, proceed with the chairs. It can be a bit complicated as the legs can't be detached and are probably the easiest to break. Use protective materials to keep the rails, bars, and legs protected from any damage. 

• Your chandeliers should be carefully placed in a box of appropriate size. Don't risk it from breaking - let your movers pack it.

• Get boxes for your wine collection in the local store or supermarket. To learn more about packing your wines, click here.

• Ask your movers to help you pack glasses and other fragile housewares. They have the appropriate packing materials and are skilled in protecting your precious crystals, china, and other investments.

• Clearly label the boxes with "dining room," "Fragile," and "This side up."

If you have questions about packing and moving, let us know in the comments below.

How to Make Moving Fun for Your Kids

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Do you feel overwhelmed with the idea of moving? Your kids might be having the same frustrations too. But there are a lot of ways to make it fun for the whole family. Follow these stress-free moving tips:

• Assign a treasure box where your kids can place items that remind them of their friends and your old home.

• You can let them pack their things and label their boxes. Sneak in some surprise that they can find to make unpacking more fun!

• Create a wish list that your kids want in your new place. In particular, they would like to have a big backyard or a spacious family room to play around. 

• You can take them with you when you go house hunting, or if you are looking for houses online, you can show it to them and ask what they prefer. 

• Allow your kids to pick out a paint color, new furniture, carpets, and other home decor for their room.

Are You Making These Costly Moving Habits?

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When moving right the first time, you might cringe at the thought of packing your things. Perhaps you don't know where to start. You eventually jump into hiring a moving company only to find out later on that there are more affordable packing options. In this post, we will explore some of the habits that could end up costing you more than what's expected. 

You hoard a lot of stuff.
If you are the type of person who can't seem to let go of your old stuff and just keep it in the garage or closet, you could end up with more expenses in packing. If you pack more, you take up more space. If you want to maximize that valuable space in the moving truck, you have to pack only what's essential.

Professional movers suggest sorting through your entire house from closets to cupboards down to your basement. Getting rid of the junk can significantly lower the cost of your move. You can donate or hold a garage sale. Downsizing can make a big difference.

Should You Tip Movers?

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Tipping as form of gratitude for a good service you receive is widely practiced everywhere - in salons, pizza delivery, restaurants, getting a cab, and more. But have you ever wondered if movers should also get a tip from you? Read along.

If you hired a moving company, deciding how much to tip your moving crew can be tricky. You can give cash or other incentives but one thing is for sure: Movers who provided excellent service deserve an appreciation.

Professional movers emphasize that different moving companies have policies on tipping so be sure to ask first. If you decide to hire a reliable mover to help you with packing and loading, find out if they allow tipping or if it's against their policy.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Transport

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Relocation can be a hassle to vehicle owners, including motorcycle riders. Whether you are moving cross-country for personal or business purposes, it is important to know your shipping options and other factors to consider for a stress-free transport.

If you own a motorcycle and want to bring it with you on your new home, there are a few things you shouldn't miss. Here's a quick checklist --

• Get as many quotes as possible before booking a shipment service as prices vary on size and location.

• Inspect your motorcycle for any pre-existing damage. Make sure it is clean and take note of any scratches, chips, and another problems. Write it down or better yet, take pictures from different angles detailing existing damages, if any. 

• Remove the battery and drain your gas tank, unless you are having it shipped through a carrier. Ask your moving company if your motorcycle needs special crating or packaging during transport.

5 Interesting Facts About Moving

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No matter how prepared you are, moving can be stressful -- with all that sorting, packing, and loading! Here are some interesting facts about moving that can make the process easier:

At some point, you will need help.
Even if you're having a DIY move, you can't do it alone. You'll need extra hands in lifting large furniture, heavy mattress, and other bulky objects and loading them into the truck. If it's not possible to have someone to call, you may want to hire professional moving help. It's a great way to avoid moving day stress. Get a moving quote and see what services and packaging options are being offered. You won't regret it!

A checklist saves you a lot of pain.
You'll eventually forget something, even those who have moved for their second or third time keep a handy checklist. Professional movers suggest printing out checklist for packing, moving, and loading.

You don’t have to do the packing & loading all in one day.
If you do, you'll end up exhausted. Again, it all boils down to planning and getting a head start.

Smart Ways to Donate Your Things When Moving

The idea of packing up your home seems overwhelming. Trying to figure out which among your stuff should stay with you is a little daunting but remember, letting go of things you don't need will maximize the space and help in reducing moving costs. 

• Professional movers recommend to start small. You can organize your closet and sort out clothes you've outgrown. You can find many donation centers out there where you can place old clothes and shoes that are still wearable. Do the same for your kids closet and even their toys!

• If you are downsizing your home or planning to buy new stuff for your home, you can donate large furniture such as sofa, tables, and bed, to Habitat for Humanity or other similar organizations.

• You can then move to your linen closet and kitchen cabinets. There are organizations, like crisis shelters for women, that accept household items including kitchen utensils, dishes, towels, and sheets. When packing up your kitchen, you can set aside houseware and non-perishable items you no longer need.

• According to professional movers, electronics are good items to donate when you're moving out. In fact, Goodwill Industries encourages you to donate used computers through their Reconnect Partnership. Your electronics will then be refurbished or recycled and will help in keeping the landfills free of non-biodegradable waste. 

Lastly, be sure to comply with donation guidelines. If you will sort further, you will find a lot of pre-loved items that other people can put into good use. This will lighten your load, do your part to preserve the environment, and reach out to communities in need.

Cross-Country Moving: Options & Costs

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If you have found a new place and planning a cross-country move, consider all your options and expenses. Usually, you will have to decide if you want to pay less for a DIY move or hire full-service movers without draining your bank. 

With that being said, creating a household moving checklist is more important than ever. This will help in tracking your moving costs and even save a few dollars later on. Most of your budget will go to professional moving services or a truck rental so it is essential to explore all your options beforehand. To help you decide whether to choose full-service moving or do-it-yourself, read along.

Storage Tips for Leather and Wood Furniture

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If you have leather or wood furniture at home, it is essential to maintain the quality so it will be ready to use when you move. There are several things to consider, from packing to loading and storage. Some of the concerns are humidity, temperature, and storage options.

Make sure your leather furniture is cleaned properly before you load it into the truck or place it into storage. You can also get cleaning service if your budget permits. The surface should be dry and clean as any moisture may cause mold and mildew to accumulate in the long run. To prevent this from happening, professional movers recommend spreading plastic sheets on the floor of the storage unit but being careful not to wrap it in plastic. If you have wooden pallets on hand, you can use them to set your leather furniture. A thin layer of fabric, like cotton or flannel, can be used to let the leather breathe. Another thing that you should avoid is placing items on top of a leather furniture. During transport or if stored for longer periods, you will start to notice unsightly indentations.