Moving & Storage Tips

When moving into a new home, it isn’t always possible to move in all of your belongings right away. Some things need to be stored in a warehouse or other facility until your house closes, you move into your new property or your possessions are shipped to you from another country. Most long-distance movers double as moving and storage companies, providing facilities for their customers to store items in the interim. Their costs vary based on how long you need the items stored. They can also offer add-on services like disassembling and reassembling furniture, providing wooden crating or moving specialty items that require extra skill.

The best way to pack up for a move is to start with your non-essentials, such as artwork and large pieces of furniture that don’t need to be transported to your new property. This will help you get the job done quickly and leave essentials for last, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

It’s also helpful to keep a box with items you will need immediately upon arrival in your new property, such as blankets, pillows, paper towels and cleaning supplies. This will save you a trip to the store and give you an idea of what needs to be packed in advance.

There are several items you cannot ship with a moving company, including flammable liquids, aerosol cans, perishable foods and plants. It is important to take the time to dispose of these items properly before your move, or you will have to transport them yourself. Check with your local waste management or trash company for information on how to do this.

Before you hire a moving company to transport your goods, it’s wise to read customer reviews and compare quotes from multiple companies. Look for a company with a good reputation and prices that are within your budget. Be wary of any movers that provide very low quotes. They may have hidden fees or poor service.

Some moving companies offer a consolidated service where your goods are picked up with the belongings of other clients and transported to your new property at once. This option can reduce your overall shipping costs by up to a few hundred dollars each month.

When packing, remember to protect your furniture and belongings Ciao Moving & Storage with padding materials such as bubble wrap and mattress covers. You should also label each box clearly, using flag tape (available at any big-box store) in two different colors to indicate which boxes go into storage and which are for your new property. Lastly, don’t forget to take photos of furniture and home appliances that you take apart so you can put them back together easily later on. This will save you a lot of time and money. This is especially true for a long-distance residential move.