How to Easily Load a Moving Truck

Packing and loading all your stuff for a road trip is no easy feat. Now, imagine doing this on a moving truck. What a challenge! 

But you won't have to worry about the whole process. With a little help from professional movers, you can load your truck easily and efficiently while saving time and money. Follow these loading tips:

Image:  Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net

• Pack all your belongings properly and use sturdy moving boxes. Professional grade moving boxes are designed for stacking so you can load them easily. Follow our packing tips to prepare all your valuables.

• Use moving supplies as you pack. Tarp or plastic sheeting, ropes, dolly, gloves, small ladder, and step-stool are just some of the indispensable tools to help you secure all your belongings in the moving truck. Read more ways on how to protect your goods

• Before you start loading, lay a tarp on the floor of the trailer to protect from dust. 

• Designate a few people who will carry things while others can stay in the truck to arrange all your items.

• Begin loading your valuables near the cab of the moving truck then work your way back. Be sure to stack everything tightly.

How to Meet Your Neighbors After Moving

Image: stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net

Now that you've settled in and have all your belongings unpacked, it's time to meet the neighbors! If you are new to your area or got some new people moving in next door, these tips will help you create a friendly community:

• When you are new in town, don't make a bad first impression. Introduce yourself, smile, and be polite.
• Start a conversation. Ask for recommendations for restaurants, nearest grocery store, and anything else you find interesting. 

• You can write your name, contact number, or email and give it your neighbor so they will know you are open for communication when they need help.

Which Moving Solution Is Right For You?

Image:  Baitong333 / freedigitalphotos.net

Do you have a hard time deciding which household moving solution is best for your needs? You're not alone. A quick Google search will give you a lot of moving companies to choose from, but how do you know which one to use? Where do you start?

If you are one of the homeowners scratching their heads, read along.

• If you need a storage unit, make sure the container is sturdy and made of high-quality, weatherproof materials.

• Determine what packing options and moving services you need. Find out how much stuff you are moving and how many containers you will use. You can use multiple containers but be sure you're getting the appropriate sizes so you won't pay for extra space you don't use. 

How to Lift Boxes Safely

Image: Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net

Whether you re moving cross-country or within short distances, one of the most important factors to consider when packing is your safety. Check out these tips on how to avoid injuries when lifting all those boxes:

• Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up before loading boxes into the moving truck.

• Avoid wearing your flip flops. Wear closed-toed, non-slip shoes. 

• Be sure to remove any obstacles in your path. Remove rugs and be careful when passing the doorway.

• Do not attempt to lift a box that's too heavy for you to handle. 

iPhone Apps for Moving

There's an app for everything these days, even for moving! Have you used any of these?

Zillow.com. This is the perfect app for house hunting! You will receive instant notifications when new listings are available within your area or when there's a price drop for the house you are eyeing on.

Evernote. Get organized even before you start packing! Make lists, take photos, and record reminders using this app.

Moving Van. With this app, you can take pictures of the items in your box and help you remember the contents of each box. This app will speed unloading and unpacking and will take at least some of the hassle of your next house move away!

Moving with a Baby

Image:  khunaspix / freedigitalphotos.net

Moving with kids can be tough. This is especially true when you have a baby. Aside from packing all your stuff, you are wondering how the move will affect your baby. 

Here are a few tips to help you in packing the nursery room, plus some advice when settling to your new home:

• Before packing baby furniture, professional movers recommend taking it all apart. Follow the instruction manual when disassembling the crib and other furniture.

• When packing the glider/rocker, remove the chair from the base and refer to the manual for instructions. 

• Keep all screws and small parts in a zip top bag. 

• Clean the nursery room and sort baby items. Get rid or sell stuff you don't need. Check for functionality and consider the materials used as some may have been recalled due to safety issues. You can check Consumer Product Safety Commission website for more details. 

• Hire professional movers who are skilled in moving all your belongings so you can focus on keeping your baby safe and healthy.

• Make sure to childproof the nursery in your new home before unpacking all your baby's stuff. 

• Help your baby to adjust in the new environment and get back to his usual sleep patterns.

Moving Guide for Pregnant Women

Image:  khunaspix / freedigitalphotos.net

If you're an expectant mother and have an upcoming move, your safety is crucial. The stress - both physical and emotional - can take a toll on you. Before packing anything, be sure to talk to your doctor and discuss issues that might affect you and your baby.

Here are a few considerations:

• Start packing early, if possible, within 6 to 8 weeks before moving day. Begin with small tasks, like packing non-essential items and filling 2-6 boxes a day, as professional movers recommend. 

• Do not attempt to lift heavy items as pregnancy changes your center of balance. Be careful when picking up items, no matter how big or small it is. At this point, your hormones can loosen your ligaments and may put extra stress on your joints.

How to Pack Jewelries for an Upcoming Move

Image: nuttakit / freedigitalphotos.net

Ladies, you may want to read this before packing all your accessories! If you own a lot of fashionable jewelries, packing them properly is essential, especially when you love them all. Here are some tips on packing your jewelries:

• Professional movers recommend to keep your precious items with you. Remove this from your armoire to prevent them from tangling. 

• A great tip from Real Simple is threading your thin necklaces and bracelets through a straw.

• If you have thick jewelries that won't fit a straw, you can use an empty toilet paper roll. (Thanks, ThePeacefulMom.com for this tip!)

• Place your jewelries in zip top bags of appropriate sizes for added protection.

• You can use a separate box for smaller pieces of jewelry. This is great for storing earrings.

• Place it in a moving box with the tackle box at the bottom. Layer the zip bags full of other accessories. Professional movers suggest wrapping zip bags in paper so they don't slide around. Fill any gaps and don't combine jewelries with heavy items.

These tips are also great when you're packing for travel! Got more tips on packing jewelries? Share it with us in the comments below.

May is National Moving Month

It's time to kick off the busiest season for relocation! Many Americans start thinking about which moving companies to hire to help them pack and move wherever their destination may be.

Homeowners should be familiarized with the options they have and be more careful than ever in choosing a moving company.

An estimated 35 million homeowners in America moved last year, according to the US Department of Transportation. That's a lot of moving trucks!

Among these statistics, most of the moves took place in peak moving season - in May, June, July, and August. So if you are planning to move this summer, you should start comparing services of different moving companies. Get a quote and from there, select which mover offers the best service that fits your needs and budget. As the peak moving season start, most moving companies get fully booked pretty fast so it's definitely a great time to schedule your move as early as possible.

However, we also hear horror stories of people who were tricked by scammers who just disappear, or perhaps lure their customers by holding their goods hostage to get more money. To avoid this, the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created a website to assist customers in preparing for an upcoming move. Thanks to FMCSA, you can now avoid being a victim of scam.

Aside from useful tips and checklists that you can find at FMCSA website, the Better Business Bureau is another great resource to alert you to complaints against companies in your area.

Remember, keeping informed will help you make good decisions. Protect your money and plan your upcoming move carefully.

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

How to Move an Aquarium

Image: Houzz.com

As we all know, moving can be stressful. This is also true for your fishy friends. In moving an aquarium - no matter how big or small - make sure you are doing it safely. If you feel that your fish won't survive, consider reselling them and restocking your aquarium once you reach your destination.

Follow this guide from professional movers so you can be sure your aquarium will arrive safely in your new home.

• Purchase a moving box in an appropriate size.

• Drain your fish tank properly. Contact your local pet store to make sure it's done correctly.

• Remove all the rocks, artificial plans, and other decor. Clean and dry them before you wrap them in packing paper. Place them in another box and be sure to handle fragile pieces with care. 

• Do the same for the air filer and other parts. You can use bubble wraps for protection then place them in a box.

How to Move A Refrigerator

Image courtesy of Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net

Refrigerators are just a few of the expensive items that you can't afford to get damaged. If you are moving one, be sure to move it the right way.


Follow these tips for moving your refrigerator properly:

• To prepare your fridge, let it defrost about one week before moving day. Unplug and turn it off according to manufacturer's instructions. Disconnect the water/ice dispenser, if any.

• Remove all of the contents and dry the defrosted refrigerator thoroughly.

• Leave your refrigerator open for several hours to prevent mildew and musty odor from forming. An open box of baking soda helps eliminate the odor.

How to Pack Your Photos for an Upcoming Move

Image source

You're leaving home and facing a new journey. Between all the packing and finding a moving company you can trust, there's a lot in store for you. You're going to make memories in your new destination. But be sure to bring those moments worth reminiscing.

If your home is full of photographs, professional movers recommend taking them with you during the move. Here are a few points to consider when packing and storing them:

• Humidity, temperature, sunlight, and other environmental factors may affect the quality of photographs. 

• Do not place photos in plastic bags.

Reader Question: Can I Pack My Things into Plastic Storage Bins?

You might have a lot of storage bins to organize your stuff at home. Everyone loves them! While you can store just about anything in these plastic containers, there are some instances that you should not use them, that is, on moving day.

If you choose to do the packing and hire a moving company for transporting your belongings, we recommend using moving boxes instead of plastic storage bins.

Here are more important points:

• Plastic storage bins are more prone to cracks as they don't stack well. Moving boxes can be stacked edge-to-edge which make them ideal for moving.

• Moving boxes can hold their shape even if you've stacked other boxes on top of the other. 

How to Move An Arcade Game

Image: Houzz.com

For those of you who have a game room in your home, we bet this is your cozy nook - the pool table, soft couch, sturdy table, and arcade games. Definitely a favorite among your kids (and for the kid at heart!). While it can be a hassle to move all of these things, it is possible to have the same entertainment in your new destination.

Are you an avid gamer? If you have a pinball machine and other arcade games, you will move it the same way as your pool table but in a simpler way.

• First, measure the arcade in your game room so you will know if it fits the door. Usually, arcade games will fit through a standard doorway but for bigger items, it may require removing hinges. 

• Unplug and clean the machine first before moving it.

• Place it in an open area outside so it will be ready once the moving crew arrives.

• Protect the machine with moving blankets and paper padding. Tape it tightly over the blanket, not on the arcade game. 

• Once you've loaded the machine into the truck, secure it with roap or straps. 

• Be sure to keep the arcade game in an upright position, otherwise it will be at risk for breakage and damages during transport. 

• Hire professional movers to pack these awesome items! Having a moving crew around will make the whole process fun and less stressful.

Got more questions in moving your game room? Leave a comment below.

How to Organize a Garage Sale

Image: Thayer Allyson Gowdy / Real Simple

Whether you are moving long distance, downsizing your home, or just want to save space in the truck, you can give your old things a new life by selling them and putting into good hands. Here are a few tips in organizing a garage sale:

• Before planning a garage sale, review any ordinances in your city. Some cities require a permit for advertising your sale. Check for the list of prohibited items to sell.

• Set a date and time of your garage sale. You can plan to hold it during pay days. You can also ask your neighbors if they want to hold a sale. You can draw more attention if you have more items to sell.

• Be sure to sell only those that are in good condition. Don't sell anything that's damaged or prohibited.

• Set a fair price tag for all your items. You can make the process simple by using increments of 25 cents. Use online auction sites for ideas on pricing your items. Leave room for haggling.

• Advertise your garage sale. As much as possible, take advantage of free resources and ads spaces. Post signs a day or two before you hold the garage sale.

How to Pack Your Footwear for Moving

How many pairs of shoes do you have? We bet you have more than three, or too many to count! In this post, you will learn how to pack them effortlessly. If you think that stashing everything in a box, think again.

Professional movers suggest the following ways to get your shoes and feet ready for moving:

• You can stuff your shoes using packing paper to hold their shape. Avoid using newspaper as the ink can be transferred to any of your footwear. To retain the shape of your boots, stuff them all the way up the shaft.

• After stuffing, use more packing paper to wrap the shoes. To start wrapping your shoes, lay a shoe in one corner then add the other shoe, tucking in extra packing paper as you go. Wrap them tightly while being careful not to press them together and avoiding any damage. You can do the same for your boots.

How to Move Your Exercise Equipment

Image courtesy of John Kasawa / freedigitalphotos.net

If you are a fitness buff and having a long distance move soon, you know how important it is to take your exercise equipment with you. Heavy weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machine, and other equipment come with a hefty price tag so you want to be sure to move them safe, secure, and in tip top shape.

Here are some tips from professional movers to help you move your exercise equipment with ease --

• To avoid injuries, ask for help when disassembling heavy weights.

• Use the original packaging of the equipment, if available.

• Before removing any parts, read the instructions manual or look it up on the manufacturer's website.

• Remove weights from the equipments if possible. This will make your job easier.

• Place smaller weights in a sturdy moving box.