If you’ve hired a professional moving company like Big John’s Moving, here’s exactly what to expect on moving day.

Arrival of Your Professional Movers

On moving day, your licensed and insured movers will arrive within your scheduled time window. The crew leader will introduce the team and perform a detailed walk-through of your home.

During this initial assessment, movers will:

• Confirm the inventory of items being moved
• Identify fragile or high-value belongings
• Note large furniture requiring disassembly
• Evaluate stairs, elevators, and tight spaces

This step allows the team to create an efficient loading plan, which is essential for a stress-free moving experience.

Protecting Your Home and Furniture

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional moving service like Big John’s Moving is property protection. Before loading begins, movers take preventative measures to protect both your home and your belongings.

This may include:

• Floor runners to protect hardwood and carpet
• Padding for door frames and banisters
• Heavy-duty moving blankets for furniture protection
• Shrink wrap to secure upholstered items
• Disassembly of beds, tables, and large sectionals

Professional furniture movers are trained to prevent damage during lifting, carrying, and transporting something that DIY moves often overlook.

Packing Services and Secure Loading

If you’ve scheduled Big John’s Moving professional packing services, they will carefully wrap and box your belongings using high-quality packing materials. Fragile items like glassware, electronics, artwork, and antiques receive extra protection.

Once packed, the moving crew begins strategically loading the moving truck. This process is more technical than many people realize. Heavier items are placed toward the front of the truck to maintain balance, while fragile boxes are secured to minimize shifting during transportation.

Efficient truck loading is a key part of preventing damage during a local or long-distance move.

Transportation to Your New Home

After the loading is complete, your belongings are transported to your new home or office. For local moving services, delivery typically happens the same day. For long-distance moving, you will receive a projected delivery window.

Big John’s Moving maintains clear communication throughout transit so you know exactly when to expect your items.

Unloading and Furniture Placement

Upon arrival, movers begin unloading your belongings with the same level of care used during loading. Boxes are placed in designated rooms based on labels, which helps streamline the unpacking process.

Large furniture pieces are reassembled, and items are positioned according to your instructions. Professional residential movers understand that placement matters, especially when it comes to heavy appliances and oversized furniture.

Final Walk-Through and Move Completion

Before completing the job, the crew leader conducts a final walk-through to ensure:

• All items have been delivered
• Furniture is placed correctly
• No belongings were left behind
• You are satisfied with the service

This final step is part of delivering a reliable and customer-focused moving experience.

How to Prepare for Moving Day

To ensure a smooth and efficient relocation:

• Complete packing before movers arrive (unless using packing services)
• Label boxes clearly by room
• Keep valuables and important documents with you
• Arrange care for children and pets
• Confirm moving day logistics in advance

Proper preparation combined with experienced professional movers can make your relocation seamless.

A Stress-free Move

Hiring a trusted local moving company like Big John’s Moving transforms what could be a stressful day into a streamlined process. When you understand what to expect on moving day, you can feel confident knowing your belongings are handled safely and efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space.

The post A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Professional Moving Process appeared first on Big John's Moving Inc. NYC.

Start With a Plan

Planning is the first step to saving money. Waiting until the last minute often leads to higher costs and added stress. By scheduling your move early with Big John’s Moving, you can take advantage of free estimates and ensure you get the best value for your move. Planning also helps you select the most convenient time and avoid peak pricing.

Declutter Before You Pack

The fewer items you move, the lower your costs. Go through your belongings and donate, sell, or recycle what you no longer need. This reduces the number of boxes and the labor required on moving day. And when you order supplies from Big John’s Moving, enjoy free delivery right to your door, making packing easier and more affordable.

Be Smart About Packing

Packing materials can add up quickly. Look for ways to protect your items without overspending. Use towels, blankets, or clothing to wrap fragile belongings. Big John’s Moving offers discounted packing materials with free delivery, saving both time and money while ensuring your items stay safe.

Take Advantage of Timing

Moving during busy seasons or weekends can be expensive. If possible, plan your move during off-peak periods or weekdays to save. Long-distance movers can also benefit from one month of free storage, allowing you flexibility and reducing extra costs if your new home isn’t ready immediately.

Avoid Hidden Costs

Some movers add fees for stairs, long carries, or special services. Big John’s Moving is transparent about pricing and offers discounts for seniors and military personnel, so you can get professional service without surprise charges.

Professional Movers Save You Money

DIY moves might seem cheaper upfront, but the risks are high, such as damaged furniture, lost items, and personal injuries can quickly outweigh any savings. Hiring Big John’s Moving ensures your belongings are handled carefully, and our discounts and free services make professional moving affordable.

Efficiency Counts

A trained moving crew works quickly and efficiently, saving you both time and money. With Big John’s Moving, you get a reliable team, free estimates, and optional storage for long-distance moves, all designed to keep your move smooth, safe, and budget-friendly.

Saving Money on Your Next Move

Moving doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By planning, decluttering, and using smart strategies for packing and scheduling, you can save money without cutting corners. And with Big John’s Moving discounts, free estimates, free delivery on supplies, one month free storage, and senior/military savings, you can enjoy a professional move that’s efficient, safe, and cost-effective. Moving smart means moving with Big John’s Moving.

The post How to Save Money on Your Next Move Without Cutting Corners appeared first on Big John's Moving Inc. NYC.

Movers Love These Items:

1. Uniform, Stackable Boxes
   These are the golden retrievers of moving: friendly, reliable, and always do what they’re told. They stack like Jenga blocks, ride like a dream, and don’t surprise us by spontaneously exploding on the stairs. Want us to weep tears of joy? Label them “Books – Heavy!” so we can mentally prepare.
2. Pre-Disassembled Furniture
   A disassembled table is like a gift from the Moving Gods. Nothing says “I respect your spine” quite like pre-removed legs and bagged-up screws. You did your homework, and we salute you.
3. Lightweight, Sealed Containers (That Don’t Make Noise)
   Bins full of seasonal clothes? Bins full of loose change, live batteries, and 47 pens with no caps? That’s how you summon chaos (and possibly a small fire).

 Movers Hate These Items (But We’ll Still Move Them)

1. Fish Tanks
   Glass box. Slippery bottom. Sloshing water. If you leave the fish in, we’ll have an accidental aquarium tour on the highway. Pro tip: Fish don’t like road trips. Neither do we—when they’re in the back seat.
2. Packed Garbage Bags
   Is it trash? Is it your winter wardrobe? A cursed bowling ball collection? We’ll never know. What we do know is: they rip, they leak, and they never stack. Moving them feels like playing Jenga… blindfolded… during a windstorm.
3. Pianos
   Graceful in a concert hall, but in a stairwell? A vengeful beast with 88 teeth. And let’s not forget: it only takes one bad angle to start a full-blown, furniture-based Tetris meltdown.
4. Loose Items That Roll or Slide
   Carrying 12 rogue brooms and curtain rods down a hallway is the closest we’ll ever get to being in a slapstick comedy. And don’t even get us started on rolling suitcases that develop a mind of their own halfway down the ramp.
5. Plants. Giant, Branchy Plants.
   At Big John’s Moving, we love your love for greenery, but moving a six-foot palm is like wrestling a leafy octopus. It pokes, it sheds, and if we had a dollar for every time someone whispered, “Please don’t damage its spirit,” we’d be rich enough to retire from moving plants altogether.

Moving Tip: If it wiggles, leaks, rolls, or requires an emotional support group to lift, it’s probably in our “not-so-favorite” column. But rest assured—we’ve seen it all, moved it all, and lived to laugh about it.

The Bottom Line

At Big John’s Moving, we move it all with care, strength, and the occasional muttered joke about your collection of lava lamps—but that doesn’t mean we don’t have favorites. Want to make your movers’ day? Ditch the mystery bags, empty the fish tank, and consider leaving the grand piano to the professionals.

We’ll treat every item—beloved or bizarre—with the respect it deserves.

The post Why Your Movers Secretly Love or Hate Certain Items appeared first on Big John's Moving Inc. NYC.

6:00 AM – Wake Up and Final Prep

The earlier you start, the smoother the day will go. Get a good night’s rest and wake up early to allow enough time for last-minute tasks. Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, and ensure you’re dressed in comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Do a final walkthrough of your home to double-check that everything is packed, labeled, and ready to go.

7:00 AM – Pack Essential Items

Before the movers arrive, pack a bag with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home. This should include:

• Important documents (lease, contracts, IDs, etc.)
• Medications
• A change of clothes
• Chargers for electronic devices
• Snacks and water
• Basic toiletries

If you have kids or pets, pack items to keep them entertained and comfortable throughout the move.

8:00 AM – Movers Arrive

Make sure everything is ready for loading. Walk through your home with the Big John’s Moving team to discuss any fragile or valuable items that need special handling. If you’ve labeled boxes by room, it will make the unloading process much smoother at your new home.

9:00 AM – Loading the Moving Truck

Movers will start loading your belongings onto the truck. They typically begin with large furniture items, such as couches, dressers, and appliances, followed by boxes. You can help by keeping pathways clear and directing the movers if needed. 

11:00 AM – Final Walkthrough and Lock Up

Once everything is loaded, do a final walkthrough of your home. Check every room, closet, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind. Turn off lights, close windows, and take pictures for documentation (especially if renting). Lock the doors and hand over the keys if required.

12:00 PM – Travel to Your New Home

Depending on the distance, you may have a short or long drive ahead. If traveling far, make sure to take breaks and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on your moving truck if driving separately, and plan an alternate route in case of traffic or delays.

2:00 PM – Arrive at Your New Home

Once you arrive, do a quick inspection of the home to ensure everything is in order. Check utilities (water, electricity, gas) and make sure the locks work. If renting, take photos of the condition before moving in your belongings.

3:00 PM – Unloading and Furniture Placement

Direct movers or helpers to place furniture and boxes in their designated rooms. This will make unpacking much easier. If you have labeled boxes properly, this step should go smoothly. Prioritize setting up essential areas like the kitchen and bedroom.

5:00 PM – Unpack Necessities

Unpack your essentials first—bed linens, toiletries, kitchen basics, and a change of clothes. If you have kids or pets, set up their space so they feel comfortable in the new environment. Order takeout or prepare a simple meal to recharge after a long day.

7:00 PM – Relax and Settle In

After a busy day, take some time to relax. Explore your new neighborhood, introduce yourself to neighbors, and enjoy the excitement of your new home. Tomorrow, you can begin unpacking and settling in more thoroughly.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Moving Day:

✔ Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.  ✔ Keep important documents and valuables with you. ✔ Have cash on hand for tipping movers (if applicable). ✔ Expect minor delays—flexibility is key. ✔ Make a checklist to stay organized.

By following this timeline and staying organized, you’ll make moving day a smooth and successful experience. Welcome to your new home!

The post What to Expect on Moving Day: A Timeline for a Smooth Transition appeared first on Big John's Moving Inc. NYC.

Your Unpacking Strategy

1. Start with a Plan
Before you begin, take a few moments to plan your unpacking process. Consider the layout of your new home and prioritize the rooms you use most frequently, such as the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Create a checklist of tasks and set realistic goals for each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Label and Sort Boxes
If you’ve labeled your boxes by room and content, unpacking will be much easier. As you unload the moving truck, place each box in the corresponding room. This simple step saves time and reduces the chaos of searching for items later on.
3. Unpack Essentials First
On your first night in your new home, you’ll need some basics to get by comfortably. Unpack an “essentials” box containing items like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, basic kitchenware, and bedding. This box should be easily accessible and unpacked first to meet your immediate needs.
4. Tackle One Room at a Time
Focus on one room at a time to maintain organization and prevent clutter from spreading throughout your home. Starting with essential rooms, such as the kitchen or bedroom, allows you to quickly establish a sense of normalcy and functionality.
5. Set Up the Bedrooms
Having a comfortable place to sleep is crucial, especially after a long day of moving. Begin by assembling beds and unpacking bedding. Setting up the bedrooms first ensures you have a restful space to retreat to at the end of each day.
6. Organize the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it’s a good idea to set it up early in the unpacking process. Start by unpacking and organizing essential items like pots, pans, utensils, and dishes. Arrange your pantry and food items in a way that makes sense for your cooking habits.
7. Create Functional Spaces
As you unpack, think about how you want to use each space in your new home. Arrange furniture and decor to create functional, inviting areas. For example, set up a cozy reading nook, a practical home office, or a welcoming living room.
8. Organize Closets and Storage Spaces
Properly organizing your closets and storage spaces from the beginning can save you time and frustration later on. Use organizers, shelves, and storage bins to maximize space and keep things tidy. Group similar items together for easy access.
9. Decorate Thoughtfully
While it might be tempting to rush through decorating, taking your time to thoughtfully arrange your decor can lead to a more cohesive and personalized space. Hang artwork, arrange furniture, and place decorative items with intention, reflecting your style and making your new house feel like home.
10. Tackle Less Urgent Areas Last
Once the essential areas are set up, you can move on to less urgent spaces like the garage, basement, or guest rooms. These areas can be unpacked gradually, allowing you to focus on the main living spaces first.
11. Stay Organized
Throughout the unpacking process, maintain organization by breaking down boxes as you empty them and recycling or disposing of packing materials. Keep a running list of tasks to stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
12. Take Breaks and Pace Yourself
Unpacking can be physically and mentally exhausting, so it’s important to take breaks and pace yourself. Set realistic goals for each day and reward yourself for completing tasks. Remember, it’s okay to take your time to ensure everything is unpacked and organized properly.
13. Involve the Whole Family
If you’re moving with family, involve everyone in the unpacking process. Assign age-appropriate tasks to children and encourage them to set up their rooms. Working together can make unpacking more efficient and enjoyable.

Settling into Your New Home

You’ve decluttered, organized, packed, and chosen a reliable moving company like Big John’s Moving. But, you’re not done. Unpacking and settling into your new home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With an unpacking strategy, you can efficiently transform your new space into a comfortable and functional home. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your new surroundings and start creating memories in no time.

The post Unpacking Strategies: Settling into Your New Home appeared first on Big John's Moving Inc. NYC.

Packing Glassware

Glassware is one of the most common fragile items in any household. Here’s how to pack it safely:

Materials Needed:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes
• Packing paper or bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Dividers or cell boxes (optional)
• Labels and markers

 Steps:

1. Preparation: Start by gathering all the glassware and the packing materials. Ensure the boxes are sturdy and can withstand the weight of the glassware.
2. Wrap Each Item: Wrap each piece individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For extra protection, use both. Ensure that the entire item, including handles and spouts, is covered.
3. Box Lining: Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper or a layer of bubble wrap to create a cushioning base.
4. Packing: Place the wrapped glassware in the box. If using a divider, place it in the box first and then insert the glassware into each section. For stemware, place them upside down to prevent damage to the stems.
5. Fill Empty Spaces: Fill any gaps in the box with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent movement during transit.
6. Seal and Label: Once the box is filled, add a final layer of packing paper on top. Seal the box securely with packing tape, label it as “Fragile” and indicate the contents (e.g., “Glassware”).

Packing Electronics

Electronics require special care due to their sensitivity and value. Follow these steps to ensure their safe transport:

Materials Needed:

• Original packaging (if available) or sturdy boxes
• Anti-static bubble wrap or foam
• Packing paper
• Ziplock bags
• Labels and markers

Steps:

1. Back-Up Data: Before packing, ensure all important data is backed up on an external drive or cloud storage.
2. Disassemble: Carefully disassemble any removable parts like cables, batteries, and accessories. Place small parts in labeled Ziplock bags.
3. Wrap Components: Wrap the main components in anti-static bubble wrap or foam. If the original packaging is available, use it as it is specifically designed to protect the item.
4. Box Lining: Line the bottom of the box with packing paper or foam padding.
5. Packing: Place the wrapped items in the box. Ensure that there is no space; fill gaps with packing paper or foam.
6. Seal and Label: Seal the box with packing tape and label it as “Fragile – Electronics”. Note the contents and which room it belongs to.

Packing Artwork

Artwork can be particularly challenging due to its size, shape, and value. Here’s how to pack it securely:

Materials Needed:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes or custom-sized boxes
• Glassine paper or acid-free paper
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Corner protectors
• Labels and markers

Steps:

1. Preparation: Measure the artwork and find appropriately sized boxes or custom-crate a box.
2. Wrap Artwork: Place a layer of glassine or acid-free paper over the artwork to protect it from dust and moisture. Then, wrap it with bubble wrap, securing the edges with packing tape.
3. Protect Corners: Use corner protectors to safeguard the edges of the artwork, which are particularly vulnerable during a move.
4. Box Lining: Line the bottom of the box with packing paper or bubble wrap for added cushioning.
5. Packing: Place the wrapped artwork in the box, ensuring it fits snugly. If there is extra space, fill it with packing material to prevent movement.
6. Seal and Label: Seal the box with packing tape and label it as “Fragile – Artwork”. Note the contents and the room it should go to.

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Fragile Items

• Do Not Overpack: Overpacking can cause boxes to become too heavy and more likely to be dropped.
• Label Clearly: Always label boxes with fragile items clearly and indicate the correct side up.
• Use Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality packing materials to ensure maximum protection.
• Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time to ensure each item is packed properly.

You can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your fragile items during your move by following this guide to packing fragile items. Transporting and storing delicate items requires skilled handlers and master packers, as well as the highest standards in shipping crates, wrapping materials, and climate control.  Big John’s Moving will make your transition smooth and easy and deliver your purchased supplies free of charge. Happy moving!

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Packing Tips For Couples

1. You Don’t Need Two Of Everything 

When moving in with a significant other for the first time, you will likely have duplicates of many household goods, like kitchen appliances, dishware, furniture, and linens. Your new home will need to contain all of your belongings and all of your partner’s belongings, so it makes sense to get rid of, or at least externally store, duplicate items to save storage space. 

2. Take This As An Opportunity To Declutter

Many newly combined households suffer from clutter because two homes worth of stuff are now being stored in one home. Beyond just getting rid of duplicate items, you and your partner should also take the opportunity to generally declutter and get rid of other items you no longer want. There is no reason to pack and ship items you no longer want into your new home. Take the opportunity of moving in with your partner to get rid of household items you no longer want or need by selling, donating, or throwing out these items.

3. Consider Renting A Storage Space 

If you do not want to throw out duplicate items, or you just generally are worried about lacking storage in your new home, consider renting an external storage unit. A storage unit will allow you to keep more of your possessions, without cluttering up your new home. Our modern storage facility offers regularly cleaned, climate-controlled units with 24/7 security, so your belongings stay safe, secure, and in excellent condition for as long as you need them stored with us.  

4. Hire A Professional Moving Company

Moving is a stressful process and it can put a strain on even the strongest relationship. Moving in with your romantic partner for the first time is stressful enough without personally managing all of the intricacies of packing, heavy lifting, renting a moving truck, and unpacking all by yourselves. Calling Big John’s Moving to help you with your move will take some of the burdens of this process off the shoulders of you and your partner, allowing you to focus on building your new household.

Call Big John’s Moving

The most important tip for all couples moving in together for the first time is to contact Big John’s Moving for all of your professional moving and storage needs.

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Pre-Move Resolutions

Moving Resolution 1: Make a checklist/schedule for your move.

There are obviously many things that need to be done before you and your family can move from your current home into a new one. Not only do you need to pack or get rid of every item in your current home you may also need to perform other tasks. Some non-packing, pre-move tasks may include buying packing supplies, booking movers, filling prescriptions, switching doctors, finding baby/pet sitters, and more. You should make a resolution to put all of your pre-move errands onto a single list, with set deadlines to make your move go smoothly.

Moving Resolution 2: Declutter your home before moving day.

Decluttering is a New Year’s resolution that many people struggle to fulfill every year, but moving allows you to achieve it. There is no reason to use precious time and money transporting the possessions you do not want or need. Take this opportunity to sell, donate, give away, and throw out any unwanted items that will make your move easier.

Moving Resolution 3: Learn how to pack correctly.

If you commit to learning how to pack correctly, you will protect your possessions and make unpacking less stress-inducing. Some rules for correct packing include putting heavier items at the bottom of boxes, not leaving empty spaces in boxes, using detailed labels, properly taping boxes closed, and not packing items from different rooms in the same box.

Moving Resolution 4: Start packing early and do a little bit each day.

If you make and keep a resolution to start packing early, and gradually, it will save you a lot of stress. It is a lot easier and less stressful to pack up your home, and accomplish all of your other pre-move tasks over a month than it is to do so in just a few days. You will be very happy you made this resolution when moving day finally arrives. 

Resolutions For Moving Day

Moving Resolution 5: Make sure your kids and pets are prepared for moving day.

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it can be particularly hard on children and pets. You should make a resolution committing yourself to giving your kids and pets extra love and attention during the packing process, on moving day, and in your new home. Both kids and pets also benefit from their routines being maintained before, during, and after the move as much as possible. 

Moving Resolution 6: Have an essentials bag. 

Another potential moving resolution you can attempt to achieve is to create an “essentials bag” and add any items you may need during or immediately after the move. Items to put in an essentials bag include daily medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, pet supplies, your child’s favorite toy, phone chargers, and other similar items.

Moving Resolution 7: Take a family photo in your old home and your new one. 

While this resolution is not necessary to have a stress-free move, it can be fun and meaningful. You may have had some great memories in your old home, and you may want to look back on your last days there at some point in the future. On the other hand, you may want to look back on your first day in your new home. Commemorating your move with family photos is just a good way to mark the occasion. 

Resolutions For After The Move

Moving Resolution 8: Create an effective unpacking system.

Creating an effective unpacking system will make the process of getting settled in your new home much easier. Unpack your boxes methodically, in order of importance to you and your family. It can make sense to start with your essentials bag and then move on to the kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, living areas, and finally the garage/attic.

Moving Resolution 9. Keep in touch with friends and family.

Moving can be emotionally difficult, especially if you are moving far away from friends or family. It is emotionally and psychologically beneficial to keep in touch with friends and family, no matter how far away they live. Thanks to the internet, maintaining long-distance connections is easier than ever. Take advantage of this technology and stay in touch with the people that matter to you, whether you are just moving to a new neighborhood or across the country.

Moving Resolution 10: Make an effort to meet your new neighbors.

While maintaining social relationships after a move is important, it is also important to make an effort to meet your new neighbors. When people move, they can often feel socially isolated. To combat social isolation, you should make an effort to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. 

Moving Resolution 11: Explore your new neighborhood.

The world is an interesting place and you are getting the chance to live in and explore a new slice of it. Make a resolution pledging to take advantage of this opportunity. Walk around your new neighborhood to get the lay of the land. Take note of nearby restaurants, stores, parks, and other points of interest.

The Most Important Moving New Year’s Resolution

The most important of all potential moving resolutions is promising yourself that you will call Big John’s Moving to assist you with your move. Big John’s Moving offers professional moving and storage solutions for residential and commercial customers throughout New York City. Fulfill this resolution and call us today!

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Helpful Packing Tips

1. Create a moving checklist and timeline. 

It is very important to plan ahead whenever you are moving. Sit down with your family and figure out, specifically, when everything needs to be packed. There are many different strategies for packing up an entire house, and the best one for you will depend on how much time you have between the creation of your moving timeline and your actual moving day. You can pack for an hour a day over many months or you can pack up one room a day over the course of a week. The important thing to figure out is everything that needs to be done, and setting a schedule for accomplishing everything before moving day.

2. Embrace this move as an opportunity to declutter your home. 

Moving is a good opportunity for you to go through all of your belongings, and figure out what you can and cannot live without. Perhaps your new home will not have as much room for furniture, or maybe you have old toys or electronics you don’t need any longer. A move is the perfect time to get rid of junk. You do not have to throw away everything you no longer need because there are plenty of alternatives. You can consider selling, donating, or giving away items that you have purged during the packing process. The internet is filled with resources for selling and giving away items. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craiglist are great websites for selling items. Buy Nothing groups are a great resource for rehoming items that are not worth selling, and unlikely to be accepted by traditional charities. 

3. Pack up as far in advance as possible. 

Ideally, you will know about any moves weeks or months in advance, so you have time to start the packing process early. Even if this is not the case in your situation, the earlier you start your packing process, the less stressful the process. Starting early will also give you more time for decluttering, selling/donating stuff you no longer want, and generally following a comfortable packing schedule. Plus if you start far enough in advance, you will be able to pack items that you don’t often use or need, like off-season clothing and holiday decorations far ahead of time, which can decrease the stress of the packing process for you and your family. 

4. Pack your boxes correctly. 

There are many factors that go into “correctly” packing a moving box. First of all, it is essential to pack heavier items at the bottom of every moving box and lighter items closer to the top to prevent damage to your possessions. It is also important to make sure that your moving boxes do not have empty spaces because movers may refuse to pack boxes that feel unbalanced or loosely packed. Finally, it is very important to properly tape your boxes by closing box seams and wrapping the tape around the edges of your boxes.

5. Organize and label your boxes 

Make sure not to mix items from different rooms in the same box because this will make unpacking at your new home much more stressful and complicated. Instead, make sure that every box only contains items from one room and label that box with both the room and the box’s contents. You can also consider using color-coded labels to identify boxes that contain items from different rooms. For example could use a blue label for the bathroom, red for your bedroom, green for the kitchen, pink for your child’s bedroom, etc. Alternatively, you could also achieve the same effect by creating a system of code numbers and letters for each room. 

6. Be prepared for last-minute problems 

On moving day there are always a few items that need to be packed at the last second. Keep some packing materials handy to handle this inevitable situation. You should also keep essential items like medicine, cell phones, wallets, and anything else you or your family may need during the move with you on moving day in an accessible bag rather than in an inaccessible moving box. 

Big John’s Moving

The most important of all the helpful packing tips is to call Big John’s Moving for all of your packing and moving needs. We offer professional packing services, moving services, private storage, moving supplies, and FREE on-premise estimates. Call today!

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Moving Hacks

• Create a Moving Timeline: Time management is crucial during a move. Start by creating a moving timeline that outlines tasks you need to accomplish leading up to moving day. This can include packing specific rooms, notifying utility companies, and scheduling a moving company like Big John’s Moving.
• Declutter Before Packing: Take this opportunity to declutter your belongings. Go through each room and decide what items you want to keep, donate, or discard. Fewer items mean less to pack and move, making the entire process easier and more organized.
• Gather Packing Supplies: Collect all necessary packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Ask local grocery stores, bookshops, or liquor stores for spare boxes, and consider investing in reusable plastic bins for a more eco-friendly option.
• Pack Strategically: When packing, think ahead to the unpacking process. Pack items from the same room together and label boxes clearly. You can use color-coded labels or simply write the room name on each box. This will save you time and frustration when settling into your new home.
• Use Soft Items as Packing Material: Instead of buying extra bubble wrap or packing paper, use soft items you already own as padding for fragile items. Clothes, towels, and linens can provide cushioning and help you save on packing supplies.
• Take Photos of Electronics: Before disconnecting your electronics, take photos of how they are wired and connected. This will make reassembly much easier in your new home, preventing the frustration of untangling cords.
• Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box containing essential items you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. This can include toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen utensils, and important documents. Having this box easily accessible will help you avoid rummaging through multiple boxes to find necessities.
• Wrap Drawers with Plastic Wrap: Instead of emptying out drawers, simply wrap them with plastic wrap to keep their contents secure during the move. This saves time and effort while also preventing items from shifting.
• Enlist Friends and Family: Moving is a big job, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Enlist the assistance of friends and family members to speed up the process. You can even turn it into a fun packing party with some music and snacks.
• Plan for Children and Pets: If you have children or pets, consider their needs during the move. Arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter on moving day to keep them safe and entertained. Pack a bag with their essentials, including snacks, toys, and comfort items.

Mastering Local Moves

A local move doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. By implementing these moving hacks, you can streamline the process and ensure a successful transition to your new home. Remember to plan ahead, declutter, pack strategically, and find a reliable and skilled moving company like Big John’s Moving. With a little bit of organization and a positive attitude, you’ll be settling into your new space in no time. Happy moving!

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