It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to lift weights at the gym, but to actually lift your couch and carry it into a moving van? You can pretty much forget it. The prospect of moving is daunting. You might be able to handle the little things on your own, but here are ten things you’ll definitely need some help with.

1. Hot Tubs

Hot tubs aren’t usually self-contained. They come with a number of accessories, such as a heater, blower, pumps, electrical and plumbing units. Moving requires disconnecting all sources of gas and electricity to prevent potentially fatal accidents. It’s important to thoroughly clean the hot tub both before and after moving to eliminate all contaminants. Hot Tub Works offers excellent products for sanitizing and testing the safety and cleanliness of your hot tub. After cleaning, you’ll want to fully drain the hot tub, turn it on its side and hoist it onto a large furniture dolly for easier transporting.

2. Art

Even if you don’t have an original Picasso, art carries a lot of monetary and sentimental value. To move this fragile item, you’ll also want to carefully wrap the frame with cloth, bubble wrap or whatever soft material you can find. If there’s a glass cover, make sure to protect it with newspaper and cardboard to prevent cracks or breakage.

3. Pianos

Even if you haven’t tickled the ivories for years, you can’t simply get rid of that trusty (albeit rusty) piano. Even if you might not be able to move the piano by yourself, you can help protect it for movers who sometimes aren’t as gentle. Make sure to close and lock the keyboard lid first to ensure these fragile components remain free of damage. Now comes the fun part — wrap the piano with blankets, padding and any soft materials you can find around the house. Secure these dressings with rope or packing tape to protect against bumps or scratches.

4. TVs

Even though modern TVs are getting a lot thinner, they remain relatively large and heavy. Not to mention, that new crystal LCD monitor is just asking for a scratch. Ideally, you’ll want to package the TV inside the box it came in. If you don’t have the original box, contact a local electronics store to look for the model’s specific packaging material. Alternatively, you can wrap the TV in a blanket by detaching all cables and spreading the blanket neatly across the floor. Place the TV on top of the blanket, wrap it by pulling all blanket ends upward and taping them together for security.

5. Fish and Aquariums

Opting for a fish over a dog or cat seems like the easy way out as far as pet-owning goes, but when moving day comes you start to pay for all your everyday conveniences. Many fish won’t survive the sloshing and temperature fluctuations that occur naturally during the move. TLC recommends putting your fish in a holding container and draining the original tank, making sure to leave a little water at the bottom to maintain the same bacteria colony. You’ll also want to make sure to store your aquarium plants in a bag with some of the aquarium water, and store the filter in a chemical-free container.

It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to lift weights at the gym, but to actually lift your couch and carry it into a moving van? You can pretty much forget it. The prospect of moving is daunting. You might be able to handle the little things on your own, but here are ten things you’ll definitely need some help with and some moving tips to make things easier.

1. Hot Tubs

Hot tubs aren’t usually self-contained. They come with a number of accessories, such as a heater, blower, pumps, electrical and plumbing units. Moving requires disconnecting all sources of gas and electricity to prevent potentially fatal accidents. It’s important to thoroughly clean the hot tub both before and after moving to eliminate all contaminants. Hot Tub Works offers excellent products for sanitizing and testing the safety and cleanliness of your hot tub. After cleaning, you’ll want to fully drain the hot tub, turn it on its side and hoist it onto a large furniture dolly for easier transporting.

2. Art

Even if you don’t have an original Picasso, art carries a lot of monetary and sentimental value. To move this fragile item, you’ll also want to carefully wrap the frame with cloth, bubble wrap or whatever soft material you can find. If there’s a glass cover, make sure to protect it with newspaper and cardboard to prevent cracks or breakage.

3. Pianos

Even if you haven’t tickled the ivories for years, you can’t simply get rid of that trusty (albeit rusty) piano. Even if you might not be able to move the piano by yourself, you can help protect it for movers who sometimes aren’t as gentle. Make sure to close and lock the keyboard lid first to ensure these fragile components remain free of damage. Now comes the fun part — wrap the piano with blankets, padding and any soft materials you can find around the house. Secure these dressings with rope or packing tape to protect against bumps or scratches.

4. TVs

Even though modern TVs are getting a lot thinner, they remain relatively large and heavy. Not to mention, that new crystal LCD monitor is just asking for a scratch. Ideally, you’ll want to package the TV inside the box it came in. If you don’t have the original box, contact a local electronics store to look for the model’s specific packaging material. Alternatively, you can wrap the TV in a blanket by detaching all cables and spreading the blanket neatly across the floor. Place the TV on top of the blanket, wrap it by pulling all blanket ends upward and taping them together for security.

5. Fish and Aquariums

Opting for a fish over a dog or cat seems like the easy way out as far as pet-owning goes, but when moving day comes you start to pay for all your everyday conveniences. Many fish won’t survive the sloshing and temperature fluctuations that occur naturally during the move. TLC recommends putting your fish in a holding container and draining the original tank, making sure to leave a little water at the bottom to maintain the same bacteria colony. You’ll also want to make sure to store your aquarium plants in a bag with some of the aquarium water, and store the filter in a chemical-free container.

The way we go about planning for moving has changed drastically over the last decade.

What used to require a trip to the local AAA, and lots of highlighters on fold-out maps larger than your average 10-year-old, can now be accomplished in less than five seconds on a device that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. A smart phone with built-in GPS capabilities will plan your route, talk back to you, and even find the cheapest gas along the way.

 

Still, even though technology has made moving day much simpler, some pre-planning is still required. Waiting until you’re in the driver’s seat of your moving truck to pull up directions for the very first time spells disaster. What if your new home is so new that it’s not even on the map yet? What if there are unexpected road closures or restrictions? These are all things that could wreak havoc on your trip if you’re not prepared.

 

So, what can you do to minimize the chance of a moving day disaster? A few Google searches and 20 minutes of your time should get the job done! Follow the steps below to make sure you are ready to make the trek on moving day.

 

1. Plan and Decide on your Route:

Plug in your start address, end address, and any planned stops along the way in to the navigation service of your choice. Usually, multiple routes are suggested; the first route is usually the fastest, although it may not always be the shortest. Choosing the best route will depend on your time limitations. Be sure to examine your route for and any major restrictions that could block the access of a moving truck. For example, things like overpasses, bridges and tunnels can pose a problem if there is not enough clearance.

 

2. Research your Route:

It’s best to look at your route at least once on a computer or laptop before moving day. Make mental note of any long stretches, like driving straight for 10 hours. Plan out the rest areas or lodging locations you will stop at along the way to take a break. Remember to purchase a padlock for your moving truck to secure it at these stops. Once the route is planned, make sure all potential drivers are familiar with the route. It is also wise to check websites for extra information about road closures or detours during the days leading up to your move. Sites like fhwa.dot.gov and apps like Waze provide specific information about national highways.

3. Print out Directions:

Although it may seem old-school, having a hard copy of directions will come in handy if cell phone batteries die, GPS signal is lost, or if anything else renders your device useless. It’s even advisable to print out two copies, just in case. Use a two pocket folder to create a ‘moving day’ file and include the printed directions, plus any other important moving documents like moving truck paperwork. Put a folder with the same information in every vehicle that will be travelling as part of your move.

Moving day can seem stressful sometimes, especially if you are going across the country. Luckily, following the steps above to plan your roué will arm you with everything you need to make moving day travel easier, and prepare you for any hiccups.

Do you have any tips to  plan your moving day route? Let us know below in a comment.

 

This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization.

The way we go about planning for moving has changed drastically over the last decade.

What used to require a trip to the local AAA, and lots of highlighters on fold-out maps larger than your average 10-year-old, can now be accomplished in less than five seconds on a device that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. A smart phone with built-in GPS capabilities will plan your route, talk back to you, and even find the cheapest gas along the way.

 

Still, even though technology has made moving day much simpler, some pre-planning is still required. Waiting until you’re in the driver’s seat of your moving truck to pull up directions for the very first time spells disaster. What if your new home is so new that it’s not even on the map yet? What if there are unexpected road closures or restrictions? These are all things that could wreak havoc on your trip if you’re not prepared.

 

So, what can you do to minimize the chance of a moving day disaster? A few Google searches and 20 minutes of your time should get the job done! Follow the moving day tips below to make sure you are ready to make the trek on moving day.

 

1. Plan and Decide on your Route:

Plug in your start address, end address, and any planned stops along the way in to the navigation service of your choice. Usually, multiple routes are suggested; the first route is usually the fastest, although it may not always be the shortest. Choosing the best route will depend on your time limitations. Be sure to examine your route for and any major restrictions that could block the access of a moving truck. For example, things like overpasses, bridges and tunnels can pose a problem if there is not enough clearance.

 

2. Research your Route:

It’s best to look at your route at least once on a computer or laptop before moving day. Make mental note of any long stretches, like driving straight for 10 hours. Plan out the rest areas or lodging locations you will stop at along the way to take a break. Remember to purchase a padlock for your moving truck to secure it at these stops. Once the route is planned, make sure all potential drivers are familiar with the route. It is also wise to check websites for extra information about road closures or detours during the days leading up to your move. Sites like fhwa.dot.gov and apps like Waze provide specific information about national highways.

3. Print out Directions:

Although it may seem old-school, having a hard copy of directions will come in handy if cell phone batteries die, GPS signal is lost, or if anything else renders your device useless. It’s even advisable to print out two copies, just in case. Use a two pocket folder to create a ‘moving day’ file and include the printed directions, plus any other important moving documents like moving truck paperwork. Put a folder with the same information in every vehicle that will be travelling as part of your move.

Moving day can seem stressful sometimes, especially if you are going across the country. Luckily, following the steps above to plan your roué will arm you with everything you need to make moving day travel easier, and prepare you for any hiccups.

Do you have any tips to  plan your moving day route? Let us know below in a comment.

 

This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization.

As you prepare for your move, you have many things to coordinate. When will you pack? Which day will you move? How long will you allow yourself to make the trip? To help things go smoothly on moving day, you want to be as prepared as possible. In this post, we’ll share what you will need on moving day in order to rent your moving truck.

1. A reservation. In all cases, you will need to make a reservation for your moving truck rental in advance. If you simply walk into your local moving center and expect to drive away in a truck, you may be faced with a very stressful moving day dilemma. It’s best to make your reservation far in advance, as soon as you know which date you will need it. This will help ensure that the moving center is able to satisfy your reservation.
2. A valid driver’s license. While driver’s license requirements vary from state to state, you will absolutely need to posses a valid driver’s license in order to rent a moving truck. Some rental companies may even require a Commercial Driver’s License, though this is not as common. Call ahead or check online to make sure you have the correct license to operate your rental truck.
3. Driving experience. Many companies have age restrictions above and beyond those established by your state in order to get a driver’s license. For example, U-Haul requires you be at least 18 years old to rent a truck (although one only needs to be 16 to rent trailer). If anyone who is under 18 will be operating your truck, you should check with the rental company beforehand to see what the minimum age is.
4. Moving day coverage. Heaven forbid something goes wrong on moving day; it is something no one wishes for. Unfortunately, accidents are just as likely to happen on moving day as they are any other day of the year. When you are on the road with every single worldly possession you own, it feels good to have peace of mind, and know you are protected. Most regular insurance policies do not cover your moving truck rental and cargo, so you may want to consider purchasing additional damage coverage through the rental company.

By knowing what to expect on moving day, you will avoid surprises that can cause unnecessary stress. Planning ahead will help you manage your tasks, and ensure your big day goes smoothly.

This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization.

Whether you’re moving for a job, family or a simple change of pace, a fresh atmosphere can broaden your horizons and jumpstart your attitude. But one hurdle stands in the way of you and your new life: the dreaded move. It’s expensive, time-consuming and stressful. Move once, some say, and you’ll never move again. Not because you’ll be blissfully content with your surroundings, mind you, but because you’ll do anything to avoid the next logistical nightmare that is moving.

Don’t let airlines, brown boxes and furniture keep you from your dreams. With a few tips for moving cross-country, some help from experts and the right attitude; you can relocate without losing your head.

photo by TheMuuj

The Right Strategy

Moving cross-country isn’t a haphazard decision, so don’t go at it with a haphazard plan. Before you start loading boxes, draft a tight schedule with dates listing when you need to have everything packed up, when you’re going to be traveling and when you’re going to be unpacking. Small tasks can turn large while moving. Without a schedule, you’ll fall behind.

Here are some additional cross-country moving tips:

• If you have young children, send them on a plane with mom (or grandparents). A multi-day car ride is hard enough as it is. With impatient children, those days will feel like weeks.
• Create a system to organize where you pack belongings. Whether you color code or write the contents on every box, you’ll thank yourself when its time to unpack.
• Keep valuables close by. Important papers, jewelry and other valuables have a way of disappearing during moves. Prioritize your belongings and you’ll avoid misplacing a key possession.

The Right Help

The first mistake cross-country movers make is trying to do it alone. Hopefully you can afford some professional help to ease the load. Movers can lift the weight of packing and/or driving off your shoulders. But don’t expect to be care free if movers handle the load. Moving also usually entails a new house (which requires extensive paperwork) a new job (which demands attention and focus) and new people (which can be the toughest part).

Upack.com offers a cost-effective solution to moving. The movers themselves pack belongings into a truck, and professionals transport the truck. If you’re willing to put in the dirty work of packing, you can avoid the time and hassle of driving and stay under budget.

For larger, unusual objects that require special handling, you might consider shipping your items as less than truckload freight though companies like uShip, which coordinated shipping for more than $3 billion worth of goods, according to its website. It’s a pretty cool service that connects shippers with primarily businesses that have special shipment needs. The service allows transportation companies to bid on projects to fill empty spaces on their trucks.

The Right Attitude

Logistics and strategies aside, sometimes a good move comes down to attitude. Stress can feel unmanageable during such an involved event, but a clear perspective can help. As you and your family head to a new place, you’re completely uprooting your life. Things won’t fall into place right away. Stay patient, and focus on the excitement of the your new life. Eventually, you’ll feel comfort and satisfaction that comes with becoming integrated into a new community. Until then, keep your head up and enjoy the fresh start.

May is National Moving Month and no wonder. As thousands of college students across the country prepare to graduate and start the next phase of their left many of them will be moving. Some will pack up and move across the country, others will move home and others may just be moving from the dorm room to the apartment complex down the street. But whether you yourself are a new grad preparing to move or just helping one, these five steps will have you get there organized, while minimizing the amount of the stress.

Moving Tips for College Graduates

1. Don’t over pack your boxes. Lift them as you go to ensure they don’t become too heavy to carry.
2. Know what your credit report says
3. Toss broken belongings or items with missing pieces
4. Label the side of the box, so you can read it when they’re stacked
5. Buy doughnuts, coffee, pizza or beer if you want to people to help you load and unload boxes.

 

Share your own moving tips in the comments.