Moving Tips

Safe and Sound Moving

When moving to a new home or business location and your belongings include items such as musical instruments, gaming tables, or specialty equipment, the need for professional care becomes critical. In fact, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines (2022) emphasize the importance of choosing a reliable moving company to reduce the risk of damage and liability. At John Volken Movers, we understand that your belongings are more than just things. They are cherished possessions that hold memories and value. That’s why we take special care to ensure your items arrive at your new home safely and securely. Here are five tips for a safe and sound moving…

Tip #1: Sort and Declutter Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to decide what to keep or discard. Moving everything you own—even the things you have not used in years—wastes effort and money. Before you order boxes or tape, walk through each room with a critical eye. Ask yourself: Do I really need that old desk with a broken drawer? Will I ever use those mismatched plates again?

• Set Aside Time: Plan a few days, or even a few weekends, to go through closets, garages, and storage bins. Creating a schedule for sorting prevents last-minute panic.
• Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Discard: Items that you do not use anymore could find new life through donation or recycling. Many charities accept furniture, clothing, or tools in good condition.
• Involve Your Family or Team: If this is a home move, get everyone to join in and sort their belongings. If this is an office relocation, let employees decide what can be thrown away or shredded.

When you remove unneeded items, you lower shipping weight and reduce the total volume of boxes. This leads to lower costs and a simpler moving day. It also helps you begin life in your new place free from clutter. For special objects like pool tables or hot tubs, decluttering ensures you have the space to handle them.

Tip #2: Take Inventory of Important or Large Items

Once you have streamlined your belongings, it is time to list your key items. This is more than just writing “bedroom furniture” or “kitchenware.” Try to be specific, especially if you have delicate or large pieces. Note down their approximate size, weight, or special features.

• Reason for Detail: Having a record helps you prepare for any special steps. If your piano has delicate legs or if your hot tub has custom steps, you will know in advance if you need special wrapping or different routes for hauling.
• Share with Movers: When you contact professional movers from John Volken Movers, let them know if you have items that are fragile, heavy, or bulky, such as a gun safe or a large wooden armoire. This helps them organize the right staff and truck.
• Insurance Matters: If you are considering extra coverage for high-value objects, a detailed list of your belongings makes any claims process smoother.

This step also helps you verify that everything arrives safely. You can check off items as they go into the truck and as they are unloaded at the new location. In case anything seems missing or damaged, your inventory serves as an instant reference.

Tip #3: Pack with the Right Materials

Many people underestimate how important good packing materials are. If you wrap a fragile bowl in a thin piece of newspaper and toss it into a flimsy box, you are almost inviting damage. Using top-quality supplies, however, can make a big difference.

• Boxes of Various Sizes: Small or medium boxes are ideal for heavier items like books or dishware, while large boxes can hold lighter things like pillows or bedding. Overfilling boxes with heavy objects makes them prone to tearing and also causes lifting challenges.
• Protective Wraps: Bubble wrap, foam corners, and sturdy blankets protect breakables. Tape them securely around edges and corners that might bump into doorways or other furniture.
• Padding for Large Objects: Pianos, pool tables, or hot tubs often need extra cushioning. Piano movers in Phoenix typically bring special blankets and straps. If you plan to do any part of the move yourself, consider renting or buying padded blankets for surfaces that scratch easily.
• Sealing and Labeling: Always seal each box carefully, and mark the top and sides with the room name and a brief list of contents. This simple habit helps direct each box to the correct place in your new home or office.

Quality packing materials reduce the risk of breakage. According to moving industry surveys, poorly packed boxes are one of the top causes of damage claims. Spending a little more on strong boxes, protective wrap, and tape is far less costly than replacing a shattered TV screen or repairing scratched furniture.

Tip #4: Disassemble Large Furniture Properly

Taking apart certain furniture items before the move is often a smart step. This might include removing table legs, headboards, or shelves. Disassembly not only lightens the load but also helps some pieces fit through narrow doorways or tight hallways. However, doing it incorrectly can cause headaches later.

• Keep Track of Hardware: Nothing is worse than arriving at your new place and realizing you have no idea where the screws or brackets went. Use small, sealable bags to store hardware and label them with the furniture’s name. Attach each bag directly to the item (for example, tape it to the underside of a tabletop).
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: If you still have the original assembly guide, consult it for the best way to take the item apart. If not, take photos at each stage of disassembly. This visual record is handy for reassembly.
• Let Movers Handle Complex Items: Sometimes it is best to rely on professional teams for tricky pieces. For instance, pool table movers often dismantle the rails and slate, then reassemble and level the table at the new address.

Taking furniture apart can be intimidating, but it usually makes the move go smoother. You also lower the odds of scraping floors or chipping wood when you do not have to tilt a giant piece around corners.

Tip #5: Secure Valuables and Documents

Even the most organized people can misplace jewelry, passports, or birth certificates in a flurry of moving activity. That is why it is wise to separate these items from the general shipment and transport them yourself if possible.

• Use a Special Bag or Box: Collect your IDs, legal papers, and valuable heirlooms in a small container you can keep with you during the move.
• Label Discreetly: To deter theft, do not mark the box “expensive jewelry” or “cash.” Keep the label vague, such as “personal files.”
• Consider a Fire-Safe Box: If you own a fireproof or waterproof container, store your most vital items in it. This reduces the chance of damage in the event of accidents or harsh weather.

For bulky valuables like gun safes or large artworks, look for a gun safe moving company who can handle the physical weight and the sensitive security concerns. John Volken Movers have the gear and knowledge to move heavy steel safes without compromising floors or lock mechanisms.

Choose John Volken Movers for a Safer Move

Set your mind at ease by selecting John Volken Movers for dependable help with pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, and more; we serve Phoenix, Seattle, and Surrey with a focus on safety and honesty—reach out for a seamless relocation handled by caring professionals.