How Protect your Furniture During a Move

The process of moving all of your belongings from one home to another can be challenging to say the least.  It is the more cumbersome items, such as your furniture that are usually the most difficult to move because of their size, weight and bulk.  The last thing you want to do is damage your furniture, the walls or doors as you move them from one home to another.  As the premier movers in Nelson we would like to offer you this guide on how you can protect your furniture come moving day.

Measure and Assess

Take the time to assess each piece of furniture and establish a plan on how you are going to move each piece.  Consider if any of the pieces of furniture will need to be professionally packed such as antique chairs or tables.  While you are assessing your furniture, decide if you are going to replace any of it when you move to your new home.  If this is the case, you will need to discard the old furniture instead of packing it.

Now it is time to measure each piece and decide how it will fit through the doors and hallways of both the old and the new house.  Make sure to:

• Measure the width, height and length of each piece of furniture.
• Measure the diagonal dimensions of each piece to see how you can negotiate stairs, corners and doorways.
• Have a floor-plan of the new home with you to gauge how each piece will fit in the space of your new home.

Disassemble

Now that you know the measurements of your furniture, it is time to disassemble some of the bulkier pieces to make them more manageable and lighter to carry.  We recommend that you:

• Take legs off couches and chairs, so that they will better fit through doorways and around corners.
• Remove table legs.
• Remove and safely pack glass elements to prevent them from breaking.

Remember:

Label each disassembled part and safely fasten and store the bolts, washers and screws with the corresponding piece of furniture.

Pack and Protect

It is a good idea to cover your furniture to prevent any dings or scratches as well as your walls and door frames.  Some of our recommendations for covering your furniture include:

• Furniture Blankets – these blankets are usually thicker than traditional blankets and weighted so that they will not slip off mid-move.
• Bubble Wrap – Excellent for fragile items. Make sure to wrap each piece multiple times to ensure proper protection.
• Shrink Wrap – Can be used to keep the pieces of your furniture together, especially useful for disassembled pieces.

Professional Help

No amount of protection and assessment can replace the knowledge and experience of professional movers.  We have moved countless pieces of the most difficult and cumbersome furniture all without damage.  We offer free quotes and provide professional moving services that are guaranteed to make your moving experience a more positive and stress-free event.  To see how we can help you, contact us today.

 

 

 

 

Protecting your Walls and Floors During a Move

The last thing you want when you are moving is extra work or extra costs.  A damaged wall or flooring are unwanted byproducts of moving and unfortunately, happen more often that you may think.  As the premier movers in Nelson, we would like to offer you the following tips on how protect your floors and walls during the moving process.

Cover Your Furniture

When you are moving any type of cumbersome or heavy item, it is a good idea to cover it in a blanket.  A blanket will provide a buffer from a sharp edge on your furniture and protect your walls from scratches and scuffs.  A furniture blanket will also provide extra padding and soften an impact in case a heavy object is accidentally dropped on the floor.

Don’t Drag It

Dragging or pushing your furniture will damage or scratch your floor.  If you cannot lift and carry these items across the floor, think about using:

• Furniture sliders. Make sure to use a high quality slider that is made of either hard plastic or hard rubber.  A quality slider will lessen or eliminate the friction between the heavy object and the floor and will not mark or damage the floor during the process.
• A rubber wheeled dolly. A dolly will make moving even the heaviest and most difficult items a cinch.  Make sure that the wheels of the dolly are non-marking and are clean before use.

The Right Box

Believe it or not, all boxes are not created equally.  It is important to use boxes that are not damaged or torn in any way.  When you are packing your boxes, make sure to pack them light enough that you can carry them up and down stairs without struggling or bumping into walls.  You do not want the bottom falling out of your box, damaging or breaking your items as well as the floor.

Here’s the Deal:

Reinforce your boxes with packing tape to give that added protection and reassurance.  A reinforced box is less likely to come apart at the most inconvenient time.

Doormats

A doormat is a great way to prevent unwanted debris and dirt from entering your home and ultimately staining your carpets.  Make sure that your doormat is clean and remember to wipe your feet each time you enter your home.

Cover Your Shoes

On rainy, wet or snowy days, a doormat may not offer enough protection.  Shoe covers take carpet protection to a whole new level.  Proper use of shoe covers will guarantee that your carpets are neither stained nor soiled at the end of your move.

Leave it to the Pros

The best way to ensure a damage-free, stress-free move is to hire professionals.  Professional movers have the experience, know-how and tools to get even the most awkward items out of the door without marking or damaging your floor or walls.

At Kootenai Moving, we offer outstanding customer service and provide free estimates. We can tackle any move and our attention to detail from beginning to end is second to none.  If you would like more information about our services or how we can assist you on moving day, contact us today.

 

 

Spring Storage Tips

Spring has sprung and so has the time to clean house, organize and store your winter gear away for another year.  If you are struggling with space and are looking for storage help, then this is the blog for you.  As the premier movers in Nelson, we would like to offer you these spring storage tips.

Storage Lockers – the Perfect Solution

A personal storage unit is the answer for all your storage needs.  It allows you to seamlessly rotate and transition your summer and winter gear and items without taking up any space in your home.  A personal storage locker is ideal for:

• Seasonal sporting goods such as skis and golf clubs.
• Summer patio furniture.
• Holiday decorations.
• Bulky seasonal clothing such as jackets and sweaters.

These are just a few of the many items that are probably taking up space in your garage or home that can easily, securely and safely be stored in a private storage locker.

While you are organizing and preparing your home for that seasonal rotation, take the time to see if you can downsize any personal items by either donating them or throwing them away.

Here’s the Deal:

When deciding if you are going to keep or discard an item, ask yourself the question – did I use this item this season?  If the answer is no, then chances are it is not worth storing and you should think about moving it on.

Plan Ahead

The longer days and warmer weather make spring the perfect time to get your house organized and ready for summer.  Spring is also traditionally the busiest time for movers as well as storage needs and demands, so plan ahead.  We recommend that you reserve a private storage unit before the busy spring season.  This will ensure that you get a unit that can accommodate your storage needs.

If time or proximity is a factor that is affecting your storage needs, portable storage containers may be the answer.  Portable storage containers can keep your goods and items safe and close to home and can be easily relocated.

Storage Tips

Here are some tips that will make the packing process and organization of your seasonal items easier and more manageable:

• Use storage bins, boxes shelves and even tables to keep your items organized in your storage locker.
• Remember to label your bins and boxes. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find an item in a certain box because you forgot where it was stored.
• Store the items that you will need in the immediate future near the front of the locker. This way you will not have to go rearranging and digging for that item when you need it.

Spring is the perfect time to get your winter items ready for storage and begin the seasonal rotation.  We offer a wide range of storage solutions that are safe, clean and secure.  Please call us today so we can discuss and offer solutions for your unique storage needs.

 

 

Tips for Moving in the New Year

The New Year is the perfect time to move into a new home and give you that fresh start on life.  Although moving can be a stressful time, we as the premier movers in Nelson would like to offer you these moving tips to ensure a smooth New Year’s move.

The Right Moving Company

Finding the right moving company is the key to making your New Years’ move a success.  Some of the qualities that you will want to look for when choosing your movers include:

• An accurate quote
• Friendly, professional and reliable service.
• Fair and competitive pricing.

These factors are important because a quality moving company will ensure a stress and problem free move.

Start Early

The earlier you begin the entire moving process, the less stressful the move will be.  Once you know the date you will be moving and have found the moving company that will help with the move, it is time to prepare your belongings.

Begin by packing up the items that you are not using.  For example, your summer attire as well as summer toys can be packed away.  By starting early and doing a little bit of packing each day, you will be surprised how little packing you will actually have once moving day finally comes.

Keep Organized

As you begin to pack up your personal belongings, make sure that your boxes and storage bins are properly labeled.  We suggest including a checklist in each box in case the labelling becomes damaged.  A checklist can provide the details of the contents of any box, while the outside label can be far more general.

For example, the label can read kitchen and the checklist can read dishes, cutlery and cups.  This way when it comes to unpacking boxes, you can save time and begin with the items that are most important.

New Year’s Resolutions

A New Year’s move is also a great time to start some New Year’s resolutions.  Use the move as a beginning to better organize your life.  Anything that you do not need or do not use, either sell, donate or throw out.  Not only will you have to move less things into your new home, you may be pleasantly surprised with the end result of owning less.

If you want to take organization to a new level, take the time when unpacking to think about how you want your new surroundings to feel and where you want certain items.  Again, look hard at whether your items have a place in your new home or if they do not fit into your new life.

These New Year’s moving tips will not only provide you with a fresh start in a new home, they will also make the moving process a stress-free event.  We would love to be a part of your New Year’s move and offer friendly, professional moving services at a competitive price.  Stop by or call today and see why we are Nelson’s premier movers.

 

 

Winter Moving Tips: Be Prepared For Any Type of Weather

Regardless of what season you decide to move in, you are sure to face challenges.  Unfortunately, if you have to move in the winter, many of these challenges are compounded; however, with a little planning, flexibility and patience you should be able to enjoy a seamless and stress-free move.  As the premier mover’s in Nelson, we would like to offer you the following winter moving tips.

Weather Watch

One of the complications of a winter move is of course the unpredictable weather.  A snow storm can bring about a whole new set of challenges that will further complicate your move.  Frigid weather can be another challenge and can make the move very unpleasant.  Unfortunately, there is usually little flexibility in a move as there are deadlines, but by being prepared for the winter weather, you should be able to lessen its effects on moving day.

Prior to moving day or on moving day, make sure to do the following to ensure a safe and efficient move:

• Shovel a path from your door to the moving van. You may need to do this a number of times if it is snowing heavily that day.
• Salt the walkways, driveways and sidewalks to remove any ice to ensure a safe, non-slippery pathway.
• Have tarps on hand to cover boxes to prevent snow accumulation.
• Lie down spare plastic or sheets on the entrance ways and hallways of your old and new home to limit the amount of post-move clean-up.

Start Early

Another challenge of moving in the winter is the lack of daylight.  The days are shorter in the winter, so you will need to get an early start on moving day to avoid working in the dark.  Moving in the dark is not only difficult, it can also be dangerous.  By taking advantage of the entire day, you are also taking advantage of the warmer hours of the day.

Pack Accordingly

Winter weather should also influence how you pack your belongings.  Snow melts and the water that is left will damage boxes or the items in boxes.  Try not to over pack boxes because of the added challenges of moving – heavy boxes can be cumbersome with gloves and slippery sidewalks.

Remember:

Frigid weather makes breakable items more brittle.  Make sure to properly wrap and protect all breakable items, so you are not left with a box full of broken glass.

Dress Appropriately

It is important to dress in layers for a winter move.  You will want the ability to be able to shed layers, so that you do not overheat or get too cold.  You will be going from and indoor climate to an outdoor climate many times that day.  Dress appropriately.

Besides dressing in layers, make sure that you have a winter jacket, gloves and a hat or toque that is easily accessible.  You want to be comfortable and warm for prolonged periods of being outside.

With the right planning and a little foresight, winter can be a great season to move.  If you would like more information on how to move in the winter, please contact us today.  We offer competitive rates and are a professional moving company that strives for customer satisfaction.

Happy moving.

 

Fall Moving Tips

There may be no better time than fall to move your belongings.  With a little planning and foresight, this season can offer many opportunities and advantages to the overall moving process.  Here are some tips by the premier movers in Nelson to help you fully utilize the fall moving season.

Fall – The Perfect Season

For the most part, the fall season offers many advantages in terms of the weather.  Although you will have less daylight to work with, you should also have cooler, more agreeable temperatures that will make packing and lifting those heavy boxes so much easier.

However, it is important to also prepare for rain which is synonymous with the fall season.  Try to line up your moving day with a clear sunny day to avoid all the complications that rain can add to the moving process.

However, here are some tips if rain just cannot be avoided:

• Have tarps and blankets on hand to cover up your boxes and belongings in case the rain starts mid-move.
• Protect fragile and electronic items with plastic wrap.
• Keep a jacket or extra layers on hand that you can change out of, to keep you comfortable during the entire moving process.

Transportation

One of the main advantages of moving in the fall is that movers are less busy than in the summer and thus rates are better.

Remember:

Most people move at the end of the month, so try to book a more convenient time to move.  If you can play with dates; that flexibility should allow you to negotiate a better deal.

Clear the Path

With fall comes leaves, and lots of them.  Make sure to clear a proper path from the moving truck to your front door and keep it clear of leaves and fallen branches.  Not only do leaves and other debris create a safety hazard, and can become treacherous, especially if it rains, a clear path will also make for a faster move.

Plan Ahead

It is so important to thoroughly plan out your move regardless of what season it is, but this is especially true in the fall.  During this time of year, the temperature drops and cold nights are the norm.  Make sure that you have set up the utilities in your new residence in advance, so that you will have heat and light when you move in.

A move can be both exciting and busy at the same time.  Make sure to do as much planning and preparation as possible, to lessen the load and make your overall moving experience as positive and enjoyable as possible.  We offer professional moving services at a competitive rate and are always ready to lend a helping hand.  Contact us today for all your moving needs.

 

Decluttering – A Guide to Minimalist Moving

Even though moving can be one of the more stressful times in one’s life, it can also be used in a constructive way.  Instead of getting all stressed out about the move, think of it as a way of taking inventory of what you own and an opportunity to downsize, declutter and ultimately simplify your life.

As the premier moves in Nelson, we would like to offer you this guide to minimalist moving.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

The first step to decluttering your home begins with you making decisions about what is really necessary.  When it comes to sorting through your belongings, we recommend that you start with packing your necessary items that serve a practical use.

If in doubt, start three separate piles – keep, toss or donate and undecided.  This will give you a visual of all of your items and give you some time to think about some of the undecided items.

Keep in mind:

The overall goal is to declutter and minimize your belongings, so if in doubt, donate or throw it out.

The kitchen is a great place to start and you can really declutter some of the following items:

• Utensils
• Pots and pans
• Technical gadgets

A general rule of thumb is that if you have not used an item in the last 6 months, it is time to either give it away or throw it out.

Once you are done with the kitchen, the next spot to declutter is your wardrobe.  If you have clothes that are too big or too small for you, it is time to leave them behind.  The same goes for shoes that you have not worn in over a year.

Room by room

Once you have decided what you will be taking from your kitchen and wardrobe, you can now go room to room and continue on your decluttering purge.  The actual downsizing process may be more difficult and time consuming than you think.

Remember:

Although many of our belongings do have an emotional attachment, do not hold on to belongings out of guilt, or obligation.

Do not forget to include the garage and attic.  Again, the same rules apply to your holiday decorations, heirlooms, hand-me downs and even old furniture or seasonal gear that you just never get around to using.

You will be pleasantly surprised about just how quickly you can downsize the amount of things you will need to pack.

The New You

Once you have decluttered your home, take a minute to enjoy all of your hard work and bask in the simplified moving process.  We at Kootenai moving would love to be a part of your moving experience and offer friendly, professional moving services at a competitive rate.  Call us today and see how we can help you with all of your moving needs.

 

 

 

3 Ways to Save Money on Moving Costs

Moving is a very exciting time in your life, but it can be costly if not done right.  As the premier movers in Nelson, we would like to offer you these three money saving tips that will help ease the stress of moving and save you some money at the same time.

Set a Budget

The entire process of moving will instantly feel less stressful and far more manageable if you set a moving budget.  It is important to keep in mind that the budget you set needs to be realistic and should include the following:

• The moving company’s expenses – I recommend getting a quote and an agreed upon price before beginning the actual moving.
• Self-moving expenses – boxes, packing tape etc.
• Relocation costs-eating out, extra gas, hotel, airplane ticket,etc.
• Miscellaneous/unexpected expenses

I recommend that you always budget for 10-20% more than you originally thought.

Remember:

If you have overbudgeted, any money left can be quickly redistributed to other needs.

Do it yourself

Take a long look at your belongings and see which ones you can pack on your own and what items you will leave to the pros.  The most arduous and time-consuming task that you will face in your move is the packing and unpacking process.  If you are willing to undertake this task, you will reduce your overall moving costs.

I would advise that you leave all specialty items such as pianos, pool tables or hot tubs to professionals.

Find the right moving company

It is so important to find the moving company that will save you money but that can also accommodate your moving needs.  I recommend that you look at different moving companies and get quotes from each of them.  We offer free quotes and provide additional value at no extra charge to you.

I also recommend that you go with a local, reputable moving company that can accommodate and manage local, cross country and international moves.  See what services various moving companies are willing to provide at no extra charge and read some of the testimonials from previous customers.

We are a local Nelson based moving company that offers friendly, professional moving services and offer exceptional value.  We would love to be a part of your next move, whether it is just down the road or across Canada.  We look forward to moving you soon.