Overlooked Moving Tips from Frontline Professionals
Moving can be a stressful experience. Between packing boxes, coordinating logistics, and getting settled into your new home, it’s easy to overlook some crucial details. Here at John Volken Movers, a non-profit relocation company serving Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; and Surrey, British Columbia, we’ve seen it all. Here’s a compiled list of essential moving tips that often get swept under the rug.
TIP 1: Establish an Organized Supply Station
A common source of frustration is misplaced markers, tape, and box cutters. Create a dedicated area with essential materials such as colored labels, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and sturdy boxes. Keep these items in a container or on a table that everyone can reach. This small effort prevents the hassle of rummaging through various rooms whenever you need to seal a box or label fragile items. Maintaining order in this way sets the tone for the rest of your move.
TIP 2: Measure and Plan for Large Objects
Bulky possessions like pianos, pool tables, and hot tubs demand careful attention. Hiring skilled piano movers in Phoenix ensures that your instrument remains secure from pickup to destination. With professional care, your belongings will arrive undamaged, and you can avoid potential injuries or property damage.
TIP 3: Label Boxes by Room and Priority
Instead of tossing a random mix of items into each box, group your belongings by room and urgency. Write clearly on the top and sides of the box, such as “Bedroom – Bedding (Open First).” You can even attach a color-coded or numbered sticker for quick identification. This labeling system spares you from opening every single box once you get to your new home. By integrating this habit, you also help your moving team deliver items to the correct room swiftly.
TIP 4: Keep an Essentials Box for Day One
After a long day of hauling furniture, no one wants to rifle through multiple boxes just to find a toothbrush or phone charger. Set aside a box filled with immediate necessities: basic toiletries, important documents, a few changes of clothing, and simple kitchen tools. Label it “Open Me First.” This ensures you can handle the first 24 hours without feeling lost in the sea of boxes. For large, specialty pieces, it can also help you confirm that everything arrived intact when professional movers drop off your items.
TIP 5: Protect Fragile and High-Value Goods
Items like antiques, artwork, or electronics should be given extra protection. Wrap them with bubble wrap, foam padding, or specialized protective sheets. For oversized valuables such as safes, it is best to rely on a gun safe moving company that uses the right equipment to handle weight distribution. A safe mover reduces risks of damage to your property and the floors or door frames in your home. The same principle applies to pool table movers, who carefully deconstruct and pad large items for safe transit.
TIP 6: Choose Not-for-Profit Moving Services
Choosing John Volken Movers offers meaningful benefits beyond the move itself. Our organization contributes proceeds to local communities by supporting job training and personal development. You receive reliable moving assistance while contributing to a social initiative that uplifts individuals in need. By doing business with a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit company, you can ensure that your relocation funds a wider community impact.
TIP 7: Arrange Specialty Services in Advance
Scheduling is crucial, especially for items that demand special tools or training. Hot tub movers and spa movers often have peak seasons. Planning several weeks ahead ensures you secure a date that aligns with your timeline. The same rule applies to pool table moving company bookings, which are highly sought-after for both residential and commercial jobs. Early planning also gives you time to confirm any building regulations that might require coordination with property management.
TIP 8: Gather Accurate Dimensions for Doorways and Staircases
Large furniture or safes sometimes require disassembly if they can’t fit through doors or up staircases. Confirm measurements of hallways, corridors, and elevator capacities before moving day. By sharing this information with your mover, you reduce the chances of delays or last-minute alterations. This step is particularly vital for older homes and buildings with tight entrances.
TIP 9: Secure Proper Insurance or Liability Coverage
Unexpected mishaps can occur, so it’s wise to obtain insurance or confirm the moving company’s liability coverage. Double-check that their coverage protects items from accidents or loss. If you have highly valuable possessions, you may want to discuss additional riders with your own insurance provider. Taking these measures offers peace of mind on moving day.
TIP 10: Double-Check for Building Requirements
Some locations have specific rules about loading zones, elevator reservations, or permit requirements for large trucks. If you live in a condominium with limited loading space, coordinate with management to ensure hassle-free movement. Meanwhile, if you’re relocating a spa or hot tub, certain neighborhoods might have noise or time-of-day regulations for heavy equipment use.
Move Forward with a Purpose
Smooth transitions happen when preparation meets the right help, especially for specialized items like safes, pool tables, or hot tubs. If you’re seeking a streamlined move, John Volken Movers is here to assist with everything from smaller boxes to heavy-duty cargo. Contact us today and let us manage your relocation needs so you can settle into your new space swiftly.