How to Load That Moving Truck
You got all the boxes packed up and ready to go to your new home. Now all you need to do is put them on the truck, or in the van. Along with the couch, and the love seat, and the dining room table and the…well you get the idea.
Your dad would tell you packing up the truck is an art known only by a few select journeymen. While it isn’t quite that complex, here are some tips so you can make sure everything fits and makes it to your new place in one piece.
Know Your Moving Truck Load Distribution
Large trucks need to have the proper weight distribution. The larger the trailer of the moving truck, the more critical it is to get this distribution correct. Typically you want to have about 60% of the weight of the load towards the front end of the truck, with the remaining 40% towards the rear. While this will vary from truck to truck, using this as a guideline is a good start. The company you rented the vehicle from can provide you with more details to the specific equipment.
Plan Your Load
Keep this mantra in your head: “First in, last out.” When packing your truck, remember that the items that you place in the truck first will be the last items you take out of the truck at your destination. Make sure not to pack anything that is critical to the move into the truck first, as you will not be seeing it for a while.
Once you know when something is going in the truck, you can plan what. Remember to stack your items with the heaviest on the bottom, decreasing the weight as you stack up to the top. Strong items should also go on the bottom, to make sure they can handle the load of things being placed on tip of them. If a box on the bottom collapses, this can cause damage and shift the load in transit.
Secure the Load Inside the Truck
Resist the urge to assume everything is okay because the trailer has a door. You need to make sure that the load cannot shift as you are driving the truck to your new destination. Shifting can not only damage your items, but it can also cause the truck to behave badly at high speeds. Tie you boxes and furniture down to tie points in the moving van, truck or trailer.
Also remember to secure any items that might swing open during transit. Empty drawers of items, and secure them so they do not open during the drive. Do the same to any doors your furniture might have.
Hire Professional Movers
When you add up all your time, effort and potential damage to items that might occur during a move, you might find professional movers cost less. Kootenai Moving are local Creston movers that have years of experience. Call us today for a quote!
Packing up The Garage
It may be the last place in the house you decide to pack, simply because it can be the most challenging. After all the dishes, pillows, books and clothes are packed, the only thing that is left to pack is the garage.
Most garages can be a cluttered collection of odds and ends that seem to defy the ability to pack with any sort of logic. Here are some tips for organizing the items you might find in those spaces for your upcoming move.
Purge those Chemicals
The first place to start is by removing things that cannot be moved by professionals or in rented vehicles. Typically garage chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, gasoline and oil are the types of items that you should leave behind. Check with your local laws on how to dispose of these chemicals properly.
Group Those Tools
Once you have all the hazards out of the way, it is time to gather up your tools. Start by grouping your tools by size. One example is to keep your long handled tools like brooms and rakes together.
After you have your tools grouped, secure them based on their size.
- Long handled tools should be taped or wrapped together with shrink wrap then boxed if at all possible.
- Sharp tools like pruning shears or hand saws should be carefully wrapped and their blades protected from damage. This will also help prevent injury. Pack sharp tools on the top of boxes where they can clearly be identified, not at the bottom of boxes where they may cause injury.
- Hand tools can be left in tool boxes or cases. Box them together, but remember, their weight can add up quickly. Do not overload packing boxes!
- Power tools should have all attachments removed, moving parts secured and wrapped, and then boxed separately for the move.
Lawn Furniture and Outdoor Items
Pack your lawn furniture by removing all of the cushions and boxing them. Load up your outdoor furniture the same way you loaded your indoor items.
Grills should have all flammable materials removed. This includes charcoal and propane cylinders. Clean your grill of any oil, debris or dirt. Secure any parts that might shift around during your move.
Child swing sets, fire pits, sports equipment and other recreational items should be dismantled as best as you can. Bundle like parts together with shrink wrap or tape. It is a great idea to take pictures and notes when you are taking them apart so they can be easily reassembled.
Lawn Mowers and other Gas Powered Equipment
With any equipment that runs on gasoline, you will need to drain the system of all gas before moving. Clean equipment as best you can and secure any moving parts with tape, wire ties, zip ties or locking hardware provided by the manufacturer.
Once you get all of your garage items packed, contact Kootenai Storage and Relocations, trusted Creston movers, for all of your moving needs including professional movers, moving supplies, storage or moving equipment.
Organizing Your Move
The best move is one that goes off without a hitch. The best way to ensure that your move goes smoothly is to organize things before you pack a single box.
Here are some ways to organize your move, both before and during, to make sure that everything goes as well as you would like.
Buy a Notebook and Write Everything Down
Before your move starts, you need to create a record of what you want to do. The more you write down, the less you will tend to forget important items.
Try developing a numbering system for packing. You can organize your boxes by number and create a list of the contents of each of the boxes. This will help in finding items when you are unpacking.
Create a To-Do List
A to-do list is the best way to ensure that you will not forget a critical item. Make sure to stick to your list, and check things off as they are completed. A half used list can be more cumbersome than no list at all.
Sort Before Packing
Before you start putting things in boxes, sort through them. You might find quite a few things you no longer need. If you do this far enough ahead of your move, you could have a garage sale or take your unwanted items to a flea market. You can also donate unwanted items to charity.
During your sorting, group like items together. Belongings can be scattered about your home. Now is the time to gather everything up and get it all in one place for packing.
Identify Items You Wish to Personally Move
If you are having professionals move your items, or if you are having friends help with your move, there might be some fragile or important items that you want to move yourself. Gather and set those things aside first, if you can.
Use the Right Box For the Right Job
Packing a large box full of books can make the move difficult. Packing a small box full of towels is a waste of a box. You want to keep heavy items in smaller boxes that are easier to carry. Larger bulky items should be packed in large boxes; they take up more space but weigh less. Try to keep box weights around fifty pounds.
Make sure to include some bottom padding when packing your boxes. This will prevent damage to your packed items if your boxes are jostled around while being moved.
Label your boxes both for contents and destination rooms. This makes unpacking a much easier process.
Purchase the Correct Moving Supplies
Do not cut corners with your packing supplies. Items like tape and bubble wrap are important for your move. If you improvise or pick cheap alternatives, your items might get damaged during the move.
With a little organization, your move can be a snap. When looking for Creston movers, contact Kootenai for your moving needs. We are here to help!
How to Move Your Aquarium
A fish tank can be one of the more difficult parts of your move. It is hard work to keep the balance of life working in your tank. Moving it improperly can upset that balance.
Not only is moving the lives in the tank tricky, aquariums are generally difficult to move due to being heavy and easily broken. Here are some tips to successfully move your aquarium to your new home.
Prepare the Temporary Tank
In order to move your fish and plant life, you are going to need a temporary home for them during the transport. Moving fish can be a shock their system, so you want to try to keep their temporary home as close to their current environment as possible. This means you want to use water from the current tank. You will want to move the fish as quickly as possible to get them back to their home.
Make sure to select a container that will be big enough to house all of your fish. Once you have their temporary home selected, you are going to want to make sure that it is clean and chemical free.
Once your move tank is clean, start by syphoning off some of the current tank water and placing it in the temporary home. You might also want to take some free stems from any plant life you have in your tank and place it into the transport container.
Move Your Fish
Once there is enough water in your moving tank, very carefully move the fish into the new tank. Make sure to use a fish net that has been soaked in your tank water to move them. The idea is to not shock the fish’s system too harshly, so take your time and take care.
Drain the Tank
Once your fish are moved, you want to syphon off the rest of the water in your tank. If your tank contains plant life you may need to uproot it. This is not necessary if you have a fresh water tank.
Carefully syphon off the water until you have just enough left in the tank to keep your gravel in place. You don’t want to drain the tank completely. In order to preserve as much of the fish’s environment as possible, you may want to save the water and transport it with you. If this is not possible, you will have to recondition your water once you get to your destination.
Move the Tank
Now it is time to move. Remember, the seals on an aquarium are delicate. Be sure to have enough people to handle the weight and move the tank gently. Make sure that it is loaded and secure in the moving truck. Be sensitive to temperature. You do not want to change the temperature of either of your tanks too much, or you risk killing your fish.
Rebuild your Tank at your new Destination
Once you arrive at your destination, place your tank where you would like it to stay. If you saved the water from its old location, carefully refill your tank using it.
Remember to go slow and do not disturb the gravel. If you need to use new water, remember to condition it before placing your fish in their new home.
Long term moves of a fish tank may require a professional’s assistance. In the Creston area, contact Kootenai movers for any assistance you might need in moving your fish tank!
Storing Your Valuables: Questions To Ask For New Customers
Storing valuables and other possessions can be a little nerve wracking. Objects we care about enough to store are also often things we would rather to keep a personal eye on. Space is a valuable commodity, though, and sometimes storing valuables and other possessions can’t be avoided. This is especially true during a move, as uncooperative possession dates, pre-move renovations, and downsizing can all necessitate storing items for a later date. That’s why as full service Creston movers we have our own storage facilities for clients who require them. You need to find the right storage facility for your needs, somewhere your valuables will be safe and sound until you find the space for them again. As a result, it’s very important that first time customers know what questions to ask when storing possessions to avoid an unpleasant surprise down the road.
One of the more anxiety inducing aspects of storing your valuables is the fear of theft. If your items are in storage for a long period of time without ongoing inventory, theft can go unnoticed. That is why it is important to ask if the storage unit you are considering is secure. In doing so, consider the number of entry points to the wider storage complex as well as how secure the individual space is, as it’s difficult to steal anything from a room you can’t get to. As a result, a storage facility with fewer points of entry is often a more secure choice.
Another part of theft prevention that is the responsibility of the storage facility is monitoring the storage units. You should always ask how much the facility is monitored and what kinds of precautions they take to keep your possessions safe. These precautions could include technological monitoring, such as with motion sensors or cameras. There should also be staff monitoring the facility. Some storage facilities are monitored 24/7 to make sure there is no opening for opportunistic thieves to access your unit after everyone goes home, which is obviously desirable. Even if you are taking these anti-theft precautions when choosing a unit, you should still try to have a full inventory of what went into the unit and what comes out when you are done with it.
Finally, you should ask about the features of the storage space itself. Is it climate controlled? For some possessions intense heat or cold can be problematic, so depending on what you are storing this may be a large or a small concern. Humidity can also be an issue, especially if you are storing paper items like books and magazines. It is also a good idea to check storage spaces for signs of water damage, as a leaky unit and a long period of time unchecked tends to add up to mold and rust. A storage facility with the right climate can preserve your items better.
We hope this information helps you to store your items safely and securely!
3 Tips to Help You Move on a Rainy Day
It is good to properly plan and schedule when you would want Creston Movers to assist you with your move. But in the event that there is a sudden and unexpected downpour, it will make your move a lot more complicated. If you are able to catch up with the news and keep up to date with your area’s weather report, you’ll be able to prepare in case it rains on your big move.
But how can you make your move worry free during the rain? Here are a few tips:
Prioritize your own safety
During a rainy day, make sure you check how strong the rain is and how long it will last. If there is a storm, it may be best to reschedule with your Creston Movers so you can keep yourself safe. But if the weather will not be a hindrance for the move, you can push through with your big move. Just remember that you need to keep yourself warm and dry at all times. You can do this by doing the following:
- Wear sturdy boots perfect for the rainy weather. You can also wear gardening gloves as your furniture and plastic boxes may be more slippery than usual.
- Instead of using plastic drop sheets, you can use old sheets on hardwood floors. This will prevent accidentally slipping on a wet floor.
- If you will be driving yourself to your new home, make sure to drive carefully.
Go with the right boxes
When cardboard boxes get wet, they lose their structure and become soggy. These boxes won’t be able to protect or hold their contents. Unless you would want your items to fall out, prepare for the rainy weather by using plastic moving boxes instead of the normal ones. Apart from remaining rigid in the rain, these boxes are also water resistant. With this, you are guaranteed that the contents of the box will remain dry during the move.
Protect your home
Another thing you have to remember is that you need to protect your home at all times. Since you wouldn’t want your home to have wet furniture or boxes, make sure that you protect the floors. As mentioned, you can use old towels or carpets to protect your hardwood floors. You can also move your things to one or two rooms that are near the entrance of your home. This way, you can limit the amount of leaves and water that get dragged along with the move.
Just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you have to cancel your big move. There are some things you can do to go through with your move, especially if you have a busy schedule. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to move during the rain without any problems. Call us today so we can help you prepare for your move, no matter what the weather is like.
Tips for Settling in Your New Home After a Big Move
For anyone about to move to a different house, the process can be frustrating as it requires getting used to plenty of new things. In some cases, your family members may even feel disoriented since they will have to get used to the change. If you are leaving a place you have called home for the past years, it might be difficult for you to adapt to the changes quickly. Apart from leaving behind all your close friends, you also have to say goodbye to your old memories. This is usually what makes moving to a new home difficult.
If you have already contacted our Creston Movers to help you with your big move, the next thing you have to prepare for is the changes that will be happening in your life. Here are some tips to help you get accustomed to your new neighborhood and help make you love your new place:
Find the Essentials
The first thing you have to do when you arrive in your new neighborhood is to familiarize yourself with the essentials. Be aware of where the closest hospital, police station, vet, or dentist to your home is. With this, you won’t have to panic when there’s an emergency in your household.
Walk Around
One of the first things you should do when you move to a new neighborhood is to get acquainted with your surroundings. It is pretty normal for an individual to want to discover his new home the convenient way. But if you really want to be familiar with your surroundings, the best way to do it is to get lost. This way, you can find your way around and even discover new friends and delicious finds.
Learn to Make Friends
When you’re curious to know where to spot a good market in your neighborhood, the best way you can find it is to ask other people. See to it that you ask your neighbors where the best restaurants are so you can make friends with them too. This is a great way you can easily get over the anxiety of leaving home. At the same time, you can easily get accustomed to your new neighborhood.
Pay Close Attention to Posters
If you’re trying to find the nearest Yoga class, the best way to do it is to look around. Make sure that when you leave home, you keep an eye out on posters that are available. This way, you get to update yourself on the latest events and happenings in your new neighborhood.
Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things
Whenever you discover a new restaurant that you’re interested in, make it a point to visit at least once. This is a great way you can keep yourself entertained with the discoveries you’ve made. Soon enough, you’ll be knowledgeable of the dining options in your area. You can even start a food blog for all your latest food finds!
Go Online
If you can’t find a specific something that you need, the best way to do it is to go online. You can read up on reviews and discover the feedback of people so you get an idea on important matters.
By following the above-mentioned tips, you’ll feel like a local in no time! For more help on how you can prepare for your big move, contact our Creston movers for some valuable tips!
Nelson Movers Tips to Moving Plants
Moving can be hard on house plants, especially if you are moving a long distance. Some people think that plants are more durable than they actually are and this can often lead to depressing endings. Even though plants require little attention, they are still very sensitive beings. We thought we’d help prune away any confusion and offer some tips for your next move.
6 Tips to Moving Plants
1. Repot – About a month or 3 weeks before moving day, repot plants from heavy clay planters to light plastic ones which are the same size as the original planter. Repotting a plant from a large planter to smaller planter may harm your plant.
2. Prune – Pruning down your plants before moving them can make the job easier. It allows your plants to be more compact and easier to handle. Pruning also promotes healthy regrowth with bushier and attractive yields.
3. Wrap them up – Before you wrap the plants up, make sure you do a routine check for any insects or parasites. Wrap your plants in a light sheet, firmly but not tight. You can also purchase special wrapping sheets from your local gardening store for this specific purpose but cotton sheets also work well. Place smaller planters in crates or boxes for security and easy handling. Punch holes in the box and mark as fragile.
4. Last thing out, First thing in – Just like your kitchen perishables, the house plants should be some of the last items out of the old home and some of the first things in the new home. If you are travelling long distance with your plants make sure to give them water and avoid giving them too much direct sunlight in the back of the car.
5. Temperature control – A couple days before your move. Water your plants normally and make sure to not over water them as some people do this before they move. Try to match the climate your plants are used to in your vehicle. It will be a balancing act of rolling the windows up and down, adjusting the AC and blocking out the sun, but your plants will love you for it.
6. Take Cuttings – If you can’t take some of the plants you’ve grown while living in your home, try to take a clipping of the plant. This is most often the case with trees, large outdoor plants or bushes. Place the clipping in a plastic bag with some damp peat moss and allow for oxygen to get in. Plant the clipping once you arrive at your new home.
We hope that these tips come in handy while preparing for your next move. If you have any questions regarding our Nelson moving and storage services, please feel free to contact us today.