How to Pack a First-Night Box

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When you're packing, be sure to create your "first-night" box containing your survival kit and essentials. These are the things you will use on the last morning in your old home and the first night in your new one. This box should be loaded on the truck last.

Don't forget to pack these essentials:

• Clothes for every family member

• Disposable plates, glasses, and utensils

• Basic tools

• Cleaning supplies

• Bed linens

• Flashlight

• Lightbulbs

• Medications

• Non-perishable snacks

• Napkins

• Towels

• Toiletries

• Children's toys

• Trash bags

Easy Ways to Pack a Moving Box

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When packing boxes for moving, you can't go wrong! No one wants to have their belongings chipped or damaged in transit just because you missed a few safety measures. There are a number of ways you can protect your items on moving day. The easiest way to start is keeping the boxes secured by using commercial-grade materials and supplies.

Here's how you can pack a box the smartest way --

• Assemble the box and secure the bottom seam with packing tape. Professional movers recommend using straps for added protection. 

• Place enough padding using paper. To find out if you've done this properly, press down on the paper. You should not be able to feel the bottom of the box. This serves as cushioning.

• Fill the corners with paper, packaging peanuts, or loose fills. 

• Wrap each item in bubble wraps or paper and place them inside the box. Be sure to leave enough room on the sides and top so you can add more padding if necessary.

• Small gaps can be filled with paper, towel, or fabric. Don't underfill boxes, otherwise they will collapse when stacked.

• Secure the box with a tape and label it accordingly. Be specific about its contents and what room it belongs to. Label the sides of the box, not the top part. This allows you to rad the labels even when boxes are stacked. 

For more packing tips, click here.

Essential Moving Supplies

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Organizing for a move can be overwhelming. Not to mention all the packing and sorting you have to do. To help you make your work easy, here's a quick rundown of all the packing supplies you need:

• Tools for disassembling furniture.

• Boxes they can be purchased from your moving company. Get a wardrobe box for your clothing. To calculate the number of boxes you need measure the number of linear feet. Get special crating if necessary.

• Box cutters so you can quickly open the box

• Bubble wraps, packing peanuts, and loose fills for padding. Buy in bulk or large rolls.

• Large trash bags for disposing items you don't need or can no longer be donated or placed in a garage sale. 

• Packing paper to stuff boxes and wrap delicate items

• Scissors

• Small sealable plastic bags to keep screws, brackets, and any other loose parts or small items

• Stretch wrap to secure furniture drawers and cabinets

• Packing tape and tape dispenser

• Permanent markers for labeling boxes

Read more packing tips

Affordable Moving Options for Apartment Dwellers

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For apartment dwellers, self-moving is an affordable option. If you are moving on a budget, you will be doing the packing and other work. You'll cut a few dollars off your expenses even when you are moving long-distance. 

Here's how to do a self-move from your apartment:

• Inform your landlord about your moving date and other plans. Talk about your rental agreement to get your deposit back, any papers you need to sign, parking requirements, and other questions you may have. 

• Start getting moving estimates. Self-moving companies charge less than those who offer full-service options. 

• You can also rent a truck and drive it yourself, or pack your stuff and hire someone to drive the rental truck. This is more convenient and it facilitates safe transit of your belongings. 

• Be sure to select the appropriate equipment and supplies for your move.

• Before you start packing, go through your things and see what items you can donate, discard, or sell. The less space in the trailer, the more you save!

• If you have a flexible moving day, move on an off-peak (during weekdays or at the beginning of the month). 

• Start planning your move. Read our packing tips and moving advice. 

Quick Facts About Long-Distance Moving

On average, a person in the U.S. can be expected to move 11.7 times in their lifetime. 

With that being revealed, we assume that a lot of people would like to know more about moving, in particular, long-distance moving. The process can be overwhelming, with all that packing, loading, and finding the right moving service. So here are some of the facts you should know:

• When it comes to cross-country moving, the options you have are: rental truck, DIY packing and hiring a driver, and using a full-service moving company. 

• The rates vary from one mover to another. Generally, full-service movers charge based on weight. A company representative will give a moving quote or will come to your home for an in-house estimate; some companies charge based on space; truck rental services charge based on the equipment you use. 

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• Long-distance moves usually take 2-4 weeks to complete a delivery for full-service movers. For a rental truck, you can expect to drive 500-600 miles in a day. 

• To know if the moving company you are eyeing on is reliable, it has never been more important to do your own research. Ask your friends and family for referral on reliable long-distance moving companies. 

• Be sure you are hiring long-distance movers who are dependable, professional, trustworthy, helpful, and caring. 

• Traditional moving companies require at least 4-6 week notice for cross-country moving. Depending on the company you choose, moving last-minute to another state is possible. 

• When moving long-distance using a truck rental service, consider the fuel costs.

To ensure a stress-free move, read our packing tips and moving advice.

Prepare for These Relocation Expenses

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If you are wondering what relocation expenses to include in your budget, read on. One of the biggest stressors of moving is figuring out how much you can afford for the services you need. Be sure you have enough money for these common relocation expenses. 

Quality moving supplies and boxes. Don't just get any box that you come across the neighborhood. Get moving boxes, crates, packing tapes, bubble wraps, packing paper, and other supplies so you won't risk your household goods of getting damaged during transport.

Moving service. Depending on your needs and budget, you can rent a truck, get help with loading and unloading, or get a full-service moving package. Getting a moving estimate is a great way to find the best deal out there.

Storage options. There are several moving companies that offer short and long-term storage for your goods. Again, be sure to find the facility that will give you the best rates.

Food, lodging, and other travel expenses. Find out where the cheapest accommodation and restaurants are. If you have friends or family along the way, ask them if you can stay in for a night.

Finding a new house. There are some fees involved when you get help from a realtor or a housing service. Be sure to ask for the charges later on.

Utilities. Call your utility providers to find out the charges for disconnecting and reconnecting services.

License and registration. If you are moving cross-country, you need to get a new driver's license and registration. Fees vary by state so be sure to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Decorating/renovating your new home. You want your new home to be nice and clean when you move in. Consider setting a budget for cleaning supplies, new furniture, decorations, and other last-minute purchases. 

Read more tips on how to create a moving budget  

Creating a Moving Budget: Tips & Tricks

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Most people create their budgets for household expenses like groceries or rent. The good news is that you can do the same when you are planning a move. Whether you are having a cross-country move or relocating within state, you can set a reasonable budget so you won't be surprised later on. 

Here are a few tips for the budget conscious:

• For a long-distance move, consider the specifics of your move: the date, place, and how much you're moving. Knowing these things will help you get a firm moving estimate. 

• Review your finances and figure out how much you would spend on your move. Check your bank accounts, debts, and other financial aspects as they can affect your moving budget. You may want to spend on services you are comfortable to pay. 

• Be sure you're getting a fair price for your move. Get moving quotes from several companies and compare the rates. You can easily get an estimate online. 

4 Ways to Get Moving Company Estimates

For those who are moving soon and have a tight budget, the way to land on the best deal is getting estimates from moving companies. You have to make sure that it fits your needs and standards. Getting a moving quote will help you in determining the cost and the services included. From there you can narrow down your search.

There are different services that you can get: self-service, rental truck, or full-service moving. Ask about the equipment and supplies included, liability coverage, and other services.

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You can get a free moving quote in several ways:

• By phone. Some people still prefer the traditional way of inquiring for the cost of services so they can ask all the questions they have in mind.

• Online. With today's modern technology, you can get an instant moving estimate from the company's website.

• Online & phone. There are moving companies that will require you to fill out a form through their website and they will give you a reference number. Then, you have to call to get an estimate.

• In-house. In addition to online and phone estimate, you can get a firm rate when a company representative come to your home and estimate the cost of your move.

After weighing all your options, compare the services and price. Be sure you are not paying for services you don't need and that you are getting your money's worth.

Important Points to Consider When Shipping Furniture

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If you are planning a cross-country move and want to take a lot of furniture (we're thinking king-sized bed, tall cabinets, grandfather clock, etc.), you want to move it all in the most affordable way. There are several moving companies offering services - from cheap to expensive - and it can be difficult to know which one is the best option.

Here are a few important points to consider to help you find the best deal for moving your furniture:

• The first step is to get a free moving quote from moving companies. You can call them directly or visit the company website.

• Moving companies usually charge based on the weight of the furniture. Ask the representative to make an on-site estimate. However, it can be costly to move a lot of furniture. For those who are moving on a budget, professional movers recommend finding a moving option that charges by linear footage.

• Some offers are too good to be true - be careful not to fall to this trap. When hiring a professional moving company, make sure to get what you need and don't end up with paying more than what you expect. 

• Find out if there are any additional fees, fuel costs, or taxes you have to pay. Also, consider the transit time and safety. 

• Having a DIY packing and loading/unloading is a great way to save on moving expenses. You can ask a few friends or family members to help you out. But if your budget permits, hiring a reliable full-service moving company is worth it.

• Generally, summer months are peak times of the year to move so the prices are higher. If you have a flexible moving date, choose off-peak days for moving to get the most affordable price.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion on Moving Day

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There is an increase in demand for moving during summer. And this means you have to travel under the scorching heat of the sun. Because this is the time when people begin to plan their moves, it is great to be prepared of what lies ahead.

If you are packing and loading them into the moving truck, follow these tips to beat the heat:

• Start as early as possible. Professional movers recommend taking advantage of the cooler temperature and loading your stuff in the moving truck in the morning. 

• Avoid wearing dark-colored and tight fitting clothes. They usually absorb the heat so in order to avoid sweating more, allow your skin to breathe by wearing light-colored, loose clothes. 

• Take breaks. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take breaks to maintain your energy and feel good all throughout moving day.

• Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water or give a hydration nudge to a busy family member. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages at this time.

• Locate the nearest shade. It can be in your garage or under a tree in your lawn. If the space permits, you can do a lot of tasks in the shade. You can even plug a fan for some air!

• Keep a towel handy. This will help you get rid of the sweat and eventually, make you feel comfortable during the day. 

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion: headache, fatigue, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, feeling faint, nausea, pale skin that's moist and cool to touch, cramps, dark-colored urine, and low-grade fever. If you are experiencing these symptoms or notice someone having heat exhaustion, get out of the heat immediately. Find the nearest shade or go inside an air-conditioned room. Drink cold water or other beverages (except alcoholic/caffeinated drinks). Lay down and elevate the feet and sponge/spray with cool water. Be sure to loosen or remove restrictive clothing. If you notice weak pulse, or the person is disoriented, become unconscious, hyperventilating, or having shallow breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

What You Should Know About Moving During Summer

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For moving companies, summer is the busiest time! Now that you have more time to get a moving quote and schedule for a move, here are a few important considerations:

Get a free estimate
Always check around for rates on several moving companies to make sure you are landing on the best deal. Consider hiring reliable movers to pack your belongings, and if you don't want to miss all the summer fun, go for a full-service moving. It's a great way to enjoy while getting all your stuff done.

Planning is key
If you are doing a self-move, be sure to learn about all the packing and loading techniques. An organized move will keep you and your belongings safe. 

Familiarize yourself with these packing tips.

Reserve a slot
Moving companies get booked pretty fast during summer! Once you've found a reliable moving company that's fit for your budget and needs, reserve in advance. This will help you get the best rates and ensure that equipment is available.

While it is better to book a move early, there are some moving companies that can accommodate last-minute reservations. Speak with a moving specialist today and start planning for your upcoming move!