Moving and relocating is an enormous undertaking. It is a very overwhelming task. If you are moving, you need to figure out how you will manage the whole process from start to finish. Consider your furniture options for a local or a cross-country move. It is good to know all of your choices and alternatives. A majority of younger folks would rather complete the move with their own two hands and a rental truck. Others prefer to hire a professional moving company to perform all of the heavy lifting.

I’m Moving…………UGH!

The biggest problem with organizing a move is not allowing enough time.  Starting early gives you a huge advantage.  While most people wait until just a few days prior to the move date for the majority of their packing hours, you can eliminate much of your moving stress by getting a jump on your moving tasks.  People who follow this advice often have much smoother moves and lower stress levels for the entire process.

Moving can be over whelming. There are a lot of things to do. For your convenience here is a list of things…

Change of Address Checklist- Utilities

• Cable and/ or satellite television
• Cell phone service
• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet and/ or broadband cable line provider
• Local phone service
• Long distance phone service
• Propane tanks and service
• Recycling pick-up
• Sewer service
• Security system
• Trash pick-up
• Water

Change of Address Checklist- Non-Utilities

• Accountant/tax preparer
• Alumni associations
• Attorneys
• Babysitter/ child care provider
• Banks
• Broker
• Business cards
• Cell phone provider
• Child care/ daycare
• Chiropractor
• Courts, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes
• Credit bureaus
• Credit card issuers
• Dentist
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Diaper service
• Doctor
• Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery
• Family members
• Health clubs
• House cleaning service
• House of worship
• Insurance providers
• IRS (form 8822)
• Lawn care
• Luggage tags
• Magazine subscriptions
• New business cards
• New employer
• Newspaper subscriptions
• Old employer
• Orthodontist
• Parent-teacher association
• Passport
• Pet sitter/ dog walker/ pet day care
• Pharmacy
• Physical therapist
• Physician
• Post office
• Professional organizations
• Retirement plan holders
• Return address labels
• Schools
• Snow removal service
• Social Security Administration
• Swimming pool maintenance
• Swimming pool memberships
• Veterinarian plus get vet records and recommendations
• Water delivery service

Moving Checklist

There are several steps that go into planning an international move.  If one is going away to another country only for a short period of time, one ought to first look around and decide what are you definitely going to need and what can you leave behind. Most often, one will find that when you’re relocating for only a short period of time, you can find your basic amenities on a rental basis at your new destination. It’s a good idea to look into if it’s possible and if so, can you travel light? Several international moving companies offer their own climate controlled storage services and it may be a good idea to make the most of this service. Thus, there will be only one company shipping and storing your possessions. It would be ideal if you had access to a friend or family’s basement or attic to store your things, but not everyone has that as an option.

Before you move there are some essential steps to consider:

• Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends and co-workers, regarding the moving company you choose.
• Find out what the moving companies responsibilities are for damages that may occur to your belongings.
• Acquire estimates from at least three moving companies, and compare costs and all other services to be provided by the mover.
• Check to determine whether the international mover is registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Understanding a International Move

The costs involved an international relocation is a huge and can be very stressful, the more prepared you are during your move the more smoothly it will be. There may be many factors that influence you when you move. Save both time and money by letting the professional moving company to help you determine your moving needs. Wherever you are……to wherever you need to be……Quality and Storage will get you there!

Every move has its own unique needs and requirements.  Moving is a time-consuming process which usually needs to be on a time-sensitive schedule.  You may not be sure of what your moving needs are, until your actual moving day.  The very thought of packing and arranging hundreds of household articles and furniture, separating the valuable from the heavy and the frequently used items from the unused ones can be exhausting. A Professional Moving Company will eliminate your doubts and concerns for you.

Hire the Pros?

There are several reasons to choose a full service moving company over moving yourself, not the least of which is the fact that we can save you time, effort, and stress.  It is also best to hire the professional if you are unable to devote the time to coordinate the move.  Consider the fact that doing it yourself may require you to miss work and possibly a chunk of your paycheck.  Hiring a professional moving company will free you of the tedious planning, packing, loading, driving, and unloading, allowing you to concentrate on the important stuff such as making sure you and your family are comfortable.

Save both time and money by letting the pros help you determine your moving needs.  – Wherever you are – to wherever you need to go…Quality Moving and Storage will get you there!

It’s Your Move!

1. Boxes: These can be purchased at a moving supply company (check your yellow pages). These folks also sell used boxes at a reduced rate. You can also go to liquor stores for their boxes. Keep in mind that you do not need to get huge boxes, because they will be too hard to lift when filled. So keep them manageable.
2. Packing Tape: Be sure and get plenty of tape to seal the box top flaps. It is not that expensive and is worth having enough so you don’t have to stop and run out and buy more. Also get the dispensers to hold the tape and have more than one if there will be more people helping pack.
3. Garbage bags: Preferably, the kind that you can see through. That way you will not have to reopen the bags to see if it is trash or something you packed that would not fit in a box. Get very strong ones. Mark them with colored ribbons for code.
4. Colored Magic Markers: I use colored ones so that I can give each room a different color and that way, when we are unloading the truck, all I have to say is: “Yellow boxes go in the kitchen, green in the bedroom, purple in the living room, etc”. Then you can post the color of boxes over the top of the doorway to that room. I have also used colored ribbon to tie around the garbage bags. Stickers and markers usually don’t work, because they either fall off, or you can’t see them. Clothes are usually in these bags, so raid your sewing stash for old ribbon or your Christmas stash for Christmas ribbon. It is cheap and easy to recognize. Decide ahead of time what your color codes are going to be and put those supplies in the room. Just don’t label all the boxes “Misc”. You can also give the boxes a number and put the contents of that box on your notepad, so you can find where the item is without tearing open each and every box.

During Your Move

Moving day at your old home…..

1. Get up early and don’t panic!
2. Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
3. Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
4. Make sure your movers know where they are going.
5. Give the house a final clean.
6. Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
7. Have a final walk round to check you’ve remembered everything – do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
8. Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you’ve arranged.
9. Make sure you load everything you’re taking yourself in the car and lock it!
10. Switch everything off, lock up and leave!

Moving day at your new home…..

1. Check everything is working such as power, gas etc – if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
2. Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
3. Offer the movers a drink and snack!
4. Clean before you start unpacking.
5. Start unpacking essentials.

After Your Move

1. Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
2. Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
3. Don’t worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
4. Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
5. Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage – you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
6. Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
7. Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
8. Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
9. If necessary change your driver’s license and car details etc.

When making arrangements for any move, THE EARLIER THE BETTER! The more notice you can give, the more likely it is that the movers will be able to meet your preferred dates. You may prefer to not tackle this moving project solo and would rather hire the “big dogs” to just come in your home do all the packing and delivering to any location. With the demands of work, kids, spouses and chores, moving can become stressful. Contact a Minnesota moving professional that can provide you with some or all of these services.

There are many steps that goes into planning an international move.  If one is going away to another country only for a short period of time, one ought to first look around and decide what are you definitely going to need and what can you leave behind. Most often, one will find that when you’re relocating for only a short period of time, you can find your basic amenities on a rental basis at your new destination. It’s a good idea to look into if it’s possible and if so, can you travel light? Several international moving companies offer their own storage services and it may be a good idea to make the most of this service. Thus, there will be only one company shipping and storing your possessions.  It would be ideal if you had access to a friend or family’s basement or attic to store your things, but not everyone has that as an alternative.

Before you move there are essential steps to consider:

• Inquire recommendations from neighbors, friends and co-workers, regarding the moving company you choose.
• Find out what the moving companies responsibilities are for damages that may occur to your belongings.
• Acquire estimates from at least three moving companies, and compare costs and all other services to be provided by the mover.
• Verify whether the international mover is registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Understanding an International Move

The costs involved an international relocation is a huge and can be very stressful, the more prepared you are during your move the more smoothly it will be. There may be many factors that influence you when you move. Save both time and money by letting the professional moving company to help you determine your moving needs. Wherever you are……to wherever you need to be……Quality and Storage will get you there!

Useful box recommendations:

These particular boxes are heavy-duty, generally used by professional moving companies. There are boxes just about for everything.  Some of the types and size boxes include:

File boxes- Purpose made file boxes come with attached lid and required tape, though is advisable to us tape for long distance transport. These are used to pack home office equipment including documents (8.5”x 14”) and letters (8.5”x 11”) sizes.

Electronics-32” up to 50” Flat screens (35 1/2” High/50” Long and 17”Deep) Up to 60” (46’High/64” Long and 18”Deep)

Components- Purpose designed for televisions, microwaves and stereo equipment (20” x 20” x 12”)

Wardrobe boxes- A perfect size for moving your wardrobe (24”x24”x40”) the higher-end wardrobe boxes also has a metal bar to hang your clothes, so they don’t’ get wrinkly.

Artwork/mirrors- This is an Excellent size for shipping large but thin items.  Such as, paintings, mirrors and large picture frame (41”x6 x 26)

Poster tubes- This is ideal for storing paintings, blue prints and posters  . (36”x6”x6”x6”)

Wine/Glasses- Offers a barrier to separate and protect fragile items.

Kitchen boxes- Avoid using expensive, pre-packaged cell dividers and partitions to pack your kitchen.  As an alternative, pack then in heavy-duty.  Six to eight boxes should be plenty go pack a standard size kitchen. (18”x 18”x 22”)

Moving is a pain in the neck and very time consuming. There are so many products out there to help ease your load.  There is everything available such as boxes of all shapes and sizes, packing paper, tape, bubble wrap, styrofoam and pads.

There may be many factors that influence you when you move. Save both time and money by letting the professional moving company to help you determine your moving needs. Wherever you are……to wherever you need to be……Quality and Storage will get you there!

As fast as time flies, your summer move will be here before you know it. Now is the time to get your moving plans organized. An experienced Moving Company is a valuable resource to help you with your moving or relocating needs.

Moving can be a huge hassle, especially if it has been a long time since your last move. Most likely, you have accumulated a great many things. With a number of things to do before moving day, packing is most likely the most time consuming one.

Most people dramatically underestimate the amount of time and work that is involved in getting their things packed because they may think that all they need to do is get everything into boxes.  Even with friends and family helping, delegating tasks and getting everything in the right boxes, is a huge hassle.

A Moving Professional knows there is much more to a successful move than randomly sticking things into boxes. Moving experts know how to figure what you should put in certain boxes to make unpacking easier and optimize space. Hiring our professionals will guarantee proper packing, leaving you with more free time to deal with the things that only you can do.

Minnesota and Wisconsin Moving Company

Depending on your needs, a Moving Expert is an assistant, advisor, tour guide, and moving experts who can help make your move less stressful. We can take care of all those details that come up during a move. Even the little last minute details.  Through it all we guarantee the safe and secure handling of your precious property.

Start planning your move by calling a Minnesota /Wisconsin Moving Company today!

Before any move, a lot of detailed planning and researching is required. You have to collect all relevant information pertaining to the different aspects of moving. Moving boxes and other supplies play an important role for packing your different household articles. Even if you choose to do all your own packing and moving, you will still need certain supplies.

Professional Packing Supplies | Moving Boxes

Moving can be an expensive affair. So, it makes sense to economize on aspects that you yourself can take care of. One such aspect is about the corrugated board boxes you use to put your belongings into are packed before they are loaded on to the moving van.

A limited number of these corrugated board boxes, usually called ‘moving boxes’, are sometimes provided by moving companies for free. But, more boxes are often required and the company charges you for it. And these charges can be quite a bit in order to cover the cost of the ‘free’ boxes too. It is therefore a good idea to organize boxes yourself.

All Boxes Are Not The Same

There are two main points to be considered while looking for moving boxes. They are:

• Technical specifications of boxes
• Types of boxes

Technical specifications:

All moving boxes are not the same. They come with different properties. The three most important properties that you must consider for your moving boxes are:

• Burst Test
• ECT value
• Size

• • Burst Test: This indicates the weight capacity of boxes made from specific types of cardboard. This is the older, though still valid, method of determining box strength: the newer one is ECT value.
  • ECT value: ECT is abbreviation for ‘Edge Crush Test’, an industry standard test that determines the minimum force required to crush a standard size of board standing on an edge. Essentially, ECT is a measure of the box’s sturdiness.
  • Size: Remember that the box should be bigger than the size of its intended content in order to keep space for cushioning materials like packing paper or – where ink-sensitivity is not an issue – old newspapers.

General purpose box recommendations:

Which of the above specifications your moving boxes should have depends on what will be accommodated in them. The following are some recommendations of box specifications (remember that these recommendations are only indicative):

• To pack larger books, collectibles, glasses, dishes and nearly all kitchenware.
  • Box size: Medium, 18x14x12 inches.
  • ECT value: 32
• To pack stereo and computer equipment, larger household items such as pillows, bigger collectibles, larger dishes, serving platters, lamps, and plants.
  • Box size: Large, 20x20x15 inches
  • ECT value: 32
• To pack larger household items such as blankets, comforters, pillows, clothes, lamps, and any large but light items.
  • Box size: Extra large, 23x23x16 inches
  • ECT value: 32

Special purpose box recommendations:

Special purpose moving boxes are heavy-duty boxes normally used by professional moving companies. You too can purchase them to pack your own kitchen with or without professional help. Such boxes include:

• Kitchen boxes: Avoid using expensive, pre-packaged cell dividers and partitions to pack your kitchen. Instead, pack them in heavy-duty boxes and wrap your glassware in protective packing paper. Ideal kitchen moving boxes come with an ECT value of 44, and size 18x18x22 inches. Six to eight such boxes should be enough to pack a standard size kitchen, including glasses, china, dishes and cookware.
• Wardrobe boxes: An ideal size for wardrobe moving boxes is 24x24x40 inches with an ECT value of 44. The higher-end wardrobe moving boxes come with a metal bar to hang your clothes, so that they are not crumpled.
• Artwork / photograph frame boxes: Boxes to ship large but thin items – such as paintings, picture frames and mirrors – should always be extra-tough (ECT value of about 44) and their usual size is 41x6x26 inches.  Always wrap such items in bubble wrap before placing them in the box.
• File boxes: Purpose-made file boxes come with attached lid and require no tape, though it is advisable to use tape for long-distance transport. They are used to pack home office items including documents of legal (8.5 x 14 inches) and letter (8.5 x 11 inches) sizes. The preferred size of files boxes is 16×12.5×10 inches.

Of course, all of the boxes described above – with the exception of file boxes that come with locking tabs – require certain accessories such packing tape and dispenser as well as bubble or stretch wrap. Professional packers will advise packing paper which comes at a cost. You can substitute packing paper with old newspapers for items that are not ink-sensitive.

Minnesota and Wisconsin Packing Services

Moving home or office can be expensive, but there are ways to economize. One area where you can definitely economize is: moving boxes. Some moving companies do provide some free boxes, but more boxes might be needed to pack all your items. You can buy, or even get some free or at throwaway price if you have good relations with the neighboring supermarket. You also don’t necessarily need new boxes since used ones can also suffice if they are not damaged.

You can further cut costs by doing the packing yourself as much as possible with help from friends. Do, however, keep in mind the ECT or the older Mullen Burst values of the boxes and look for the stamp that shows these values. The better moving boxes have an ECT value of 32 for general-purpose boxes and 44 for the heavy-duty ones. The best general-purpose moving boxes have ECT value of 32 while the special purpose or heavy-duty boxes – such as for kitchen and wardrobe – should ideally have an ECT value of 44. Minor accessories such as packing tape and dispenser, as well as bubble or shrink wrap, will also be needed. Expensive packing paper can be substituted with old newspapers for items that are not ink-sensitive.

Professional movers and packers can help you to make a trouble-free move with your family. It is best to look for a moving company that has a reputation for providing superior service to its customers. Don’t choose a packer mover only on the basis of the lowest moving estimate you get.

Start looking for a reliable mover well before moving day. Obtain quotes in writing from a few reputable packer movers, and check their licensing and insurance details.

Moving boxes are generally the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes, unless you purchase some made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing. So, the question most people have is, should I purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who’ve just recently moved.

Moving home or office can be expensive, but there are ways to economize. One area where you can definitely economize is: moving boxes. Some moving companies do provide some free boxes, but more boxes might be needed to pack all your items.

Moving Boxes. Lots and Lots of Moving Boxes

The answer is usually found in a combination of need and cost. For expensive, fragile or sentimental items that you don’t want damaged, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase new moving boxes.
So, when choosing to purchase moving boxes, keep these tips in mind:

Buy small moving boxes. The rule of thumb is that each box should not weigh more than 50 lbs. Even if you’ve hired movers, remember that you may have to move the boxes yourself, from one room to another, so make sure you’re able to lift them yourself. Some boxes, such as wardrobe or electronic boxes may naturally be heavier. Just try to keep the number of boxes over 50 pounds to a minimum.

Type of boxes you may need and what they’re used for:

• 1.5 cubic foot moving box which is 16 x 12½ x 12½ inches – the box used the most and can safely carry up to 60 lbs. Again, keep weight under 50 lbs. This box is great for books, for packing kitchen items, dishes, fragile and small appliances, lamps or shades.
• 3.0 cubic foot moving box which is 18 x 18 x 16 and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. Great for clothing, pots and pans and electronics.
• 4.5 cubic foot moving box which is 18 x 18 x 24 and can safely carry up to 65 lbs. Great for larger lamps, linens and larger kitchen appliances.
• 6.0 cubic foot moving box which is 22 x 22 x 21 1/2 and can carry up to 70 lbs, but a word of caution: Do not overstuff this box as it can become very heavy. Use this box for pillows, toys, large blankets and couch/chair cushions.
• 6.1 cubic foot moving box which is 24 x 18 x 24. This box is a rectangular shape and may work better for blankets and comforters and cushions. Use it for objects that do not fit properly into the 6.0 cubic box.
• Hanging wardrobe boxes come in various sizes (small, medium and large) with each having a metal bar and shaped just like a wardrobe. They are great for hanging closet items that you can’t pack flat. Just remember that they are heavy and take up a lot of room. If you can pack clothes flat, this will save you some money. Some movers use these boxes to move chandeliers or delicate wind chimes that are better to move hanging than flat.
• Lay Down Wardrobe Box, which are approximately 32 x 19 7/8 x 9. This resembles a dresser drawer and is great for packing clothing that you prefer to only fold once. Just remember not to over pack this box as it cannot withstand heavy items.
• Picture and/or Mirror Boxes: All mirror boxes can be telescoped, meaning that two can be put together to get a longer fit. When fitting two boxes together, make sure you use a strong filament tape to secure them together and to handle the additional weight. Mirror boxes are designed to handle framed pictures, artwork and mirrors. Bubble wrap is recommended for all framed items.
• Dish packs: Great for packing glasses, cups or liquor/wine bottles. Just make sure you don’t over pack them. Check the weight to ensure they are still manageable. Over packing dish packs can result in dropped boxes and shattered items.
• Mattress boxes: These boxes aren’t necessary as most movers will wrap your mattress in plastic bags which are much cheaper to purchase. However, boxes will keep your mattress from being punctured or if it’s being stored for a while, it’ll protect it better from outside forces. Mattress boxes come in many sizes from cribs to twin to king-size.

Professional Packing Supplies & Techniques

Packing is more than just throwing some stuff in a box. It’s an art! A professional moving and packing company uses the most effective techniques and supplies available, whether it be crating heavy items for a long distance move, or making sure the box holding your best china dishes is properly sized and padded to do the job.