There’s more to the standard moving hacks than you might suspect.
Here are three common truths of the moving experience, and why they’re worth a second look.
Moving Hack 1: Enlist Help
Call up friends and family members, and ask them to pitch in. You’ll provide abundant pizza and other refreshments, often beer or soda. Simple!
The Second Glance: Not Everybody Has To Lift
The conventional wisdom is all well and sound if you’re acquainted with a bunch of muscle-bound triathletes. What about those of us who are moving with family members, some of whom might be relatively young or quite advanced in age?
They can all help, and sometimes they can be total lifesavers!
If you’re moving with young kids, consider asking one of their fun older cousins to spend time with them during the day, freeing you up to pack, lift, and haul the family’s belongings. You might have an older parent who can no longer hoist a sofa, but they may have the keen spatial reasoning needed to pack efficiently, limiting your overall back-and-forth.
Think creatively about how the people around you can contribute, and show them your gratitude in a way that resonates with them. (At least let them pick the pizza toppings!)
Moving Hack 2: Plan Your Trip
You booked the van, and you’ve got GPS. What more could you possibly need to consider? Well, that’s a good start.
The Second Glance: Don't Forget The "Last Mile"
Even if you’re only moving one mile, your “last mile,” from the van door to your front door, could present challenges if you don’t plan.
For starters, many shared buildings have designated times during which new residents can load and unload their belongings. Make sure to clear that hurdle, and if you need to reserve a freight elevator or time in the loading zone, do so accordingly.
If you’re driving a large vehicle you’re not accustomed to, ensure you’re aware of the spaces you’ll need to navigate, including any narrow alleys or tight corners. You don’t need to add last-minute driving anxiety to your moving-day adrenaline.
Long-distance moves require even more advanced planning. Professionals like J.W. Cole & Sons, Inc. of Florida can help!
Moving Hack 3: Pack like a Pro
You’re well-versed in padding the breakables. You’ve got small boxes for your books. If you’ve hired movers and packers, you’ll have a separate box for your items. You may even have detailed lists so you know exactly what’s in the box marked “Kitchen #3.” Good on you.
The Second Glance: Pack Early, and Pack For The Worst
If you’re moving things that could potentially leak fluid, you’ll want to drain them well in advance, especially heavy-duty items with oil and gasoline. Drain your lawn mower, snow blower, or other gas-powered tools and small vehicles well in advance of your move. The same applies to hoses and gardening equipment as well.
The timing of your move might force you to make some contingency plans. If it’s a winter move, have tarps handy, as well as shovels and tools for dealing with icy roads and walkways, and for clearing snow away from passageways. If it’s particularly hot and sunny, be prepared with ice packs or washcloths to help you stay cool. Have sunblock handy if you need it.
What’s the most important piece of common wisdom to consider? Professional movers and packers can make every step of the moving process much simpler.
If you need professional packing and moving services in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas, call J.W. Cole & Sons, Inc. of Florida at 239-694-3400 or contact us online today to learn more about their services.
Extra Tips
How To Move Or Dispose Of Non-Allowable Items
Before you move, you should understand how Atlas regards “non-allowable” items.
Essentially, these fall into three categories:
- 1. Items we cannot move.
- 2. Items we will not move, except under special circumstances.
- 3. Items you should move yourself.
What are Hazardous Materials?
These are dangerous or flammable materials that Atlas will not transport.
- Acids
- Aerosols
- Ammonia
- Ammunition
- Car Batteries
- Charcoal
- Charcoal Lighter Fluid
- Chemistry Sets
- Cleaning Solvents
- Darkroom Chemicals
- Fire Extinguisher
- Fireworks
- Gasoline
- Household Batteries
- Kerosene
- Lamp Oil
- Liquid Bleach
- Loaded Guns
- Matches
- Motor Oil
- Nail Polish
- Nail Polish Remover
- Paint Thinner
- Paints
- Pesticides
- Poisons
- Pool Chemicals
- Propane Tanks
- Gun Reloading Supplies
- Scuba Tanks
- Sterno®
- Weed Killer
Safe Disposal of Hazardous Materials
How can you safely get rid of your leftover products? You may give them to a friend or neighbor who will use them, or take the products to a collection point for hazardous waste in your community. Your local or state health department can inform you of its location.
Online directories, such as Earth911, can help you find ways to recycle within your community.
Some products, such as pesticides, are highly hazardous. They will even require special care for disposing of the container. Read the labels so you know what to do for each product.
- Never dump hazardous products.
- Never burn hazardous wastes, not even in a barrel or stove. Burning can cause toxic gases and make hazardous ash and smoke.
- Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze. Many auto service centers and auto parts stores will accept used motor oil or antifreeze, or both.
- Call to dispose of mercury, a threat to your health. Fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, thermostats, and blood pressure meters all contain mercury. Call your local trash department or health department to find out where you can recycle these products.
In General, J.W. Cole & Sons of Florida Inc. does not transport materials that may die or spoil during transit. These include:
- Food (fresh frozen, refrigerated, or opened food products)
- Plants (read "How To Move House Plants").
A Few Exceptions...
Your J.W. Cole & Sons, Inc. of Florida agent may consider taking some perishable items under certain, particular conditions. Ask about special arrangements for perishables if they:
- Are properly packed
- Require no servicing in transit
- Will travel fewer than 150 miles
- Will be delivered within 24 hours of pickup
After you empty your refrigerators and freezers of food, keep the doors open at least 24 hours before moving. This will allow them to dry out, air out, and prevent mold.
Atlas can transport your personal or sentimental items, but it’s best if you take them with you. This is especially true for anything that cannot be replaced. Should your shipment encounter unforeseen problems, you won’t have to worry.
What Should I Take with Me When I Move?
Consider packing and taking these personal items with you during your move:
- Address Books
- Airline Tickets
- Car Keys
- Car Titles
- Cash
- Cell Phones
- Certificates of Deposit
- Checkbooks
- Financial Documents
- Family Heirlooms
- Insurance Policies
- IRAs/Deeds/Tax Records
- Jewelry
- Keys to Furniture, Safe, and Home
- Laptop Computers
- Medical & Dental Records
- Medicine
- Photographs and Photo Albums
- Professional Files(Attorney, Accountant, and Physician)
- Research Projects
- School Records
- Sterling Silver
- Stocks/Bonds
If you’re worried about safely packing a sentimental item, J.W. Cole & Sons, Inc. of Florida can make a special crate for it.
Call J.W. Cole & Sons, Inc. of Florida at 239-694-3400 or message us online today to learn more about their services.
