Top 10 Moving Tips

Save time and money on your moving day using the following tips:

1. Pack as much as possible. Having fewer "small items" greatly reduces the time to load and unload, and reduces the potential for damage.
2. Clearly mark each box with the destination room and special instructions (ie. Fragile, This Way Up, Do Not Stack).Cross out old instructions if boxes have been used before.
3. Book the elevator and loading zones at pick up and destination well in advance - especially on peak moving days.
4. De-install large items such as light fixtures (chandeliers, trampolines, hot tubs, swing sets etc.) prior to the moving day.
5. If parking is scarce, ensure spots are available as close to your home as possible, perhaps by parking your car(s) in these spots early on the morning of your move.
6. Use the "right sized boxes".Heavy items in small boxes and light items in large boxes.
7. Leave clothes in dresser drawers and closets.We will move dressers intact and provide wardrobe boxes for closet items.
8. Move valuable or fragile items before or after the major move.
9. Ensure that walkways and sidewalks are free of snow or ice.
10. Be on-site during the entire move process so we can be sure we are meeting your needs.

Moving Checklist

Preparation and organization are the keys to a stress and damage free move, in addition to greatly minimizing the expense of the move. Here is a downloadable Moving Checklist to give you a hand.

Before the Move:

• Start packing early.Packing only a few boxes a day will help you have all your possessions packed well before the moving day.
• Check your homeowners insurance policy to see if it covers any losses or damaged incurred during the moving process.Be sure your new home if also covered.
• Boxes are your friends!Having all of your items packed in good quality boxes filled to capacity.Partially filled boxes become structurally weak and can collapse.Over-filled boxes can also create instability and result in crushed objects inside.
• Ensure that each box is labeled with its contents, if they are fragile and the destination room in the new location (ie. Kitchen).
• Leave any non-fragile or non-valuable items (such as clothes) in dresser and desk drawers. These will be secured shut any moved intact.Only lightly pack drawers if the furniture is old, antique or fragile (ie. Particle board construction - IKEA!).
• Use up all food items.Empty and clean refrigerator and freezer.
• Get rid of anything you don't need or aren't taking with you.A moving sale can generate extra money to help pay for the move and reduce the actual cost of the move.Also consider donating items to charity or calling a junk removal service.
• Make arrangements to dispose of paints, chemicals, or other hazardous items that cannot be carried on the Firemen Movers Inc. trucks.Empty gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other small engine appliances.
• Firearms, ammunition and other restricted or illegal materials cannot be moved by Firemen Movers.
• Arrange to have your non-electrical appliances disconnected and prepped for the move.
• Take down curtains and curtain rods. Uninstall and pack any light fixtures, wall art or similar items that are being taken with you.
• Dis-assemble all particle board, press board, and prefab furniture as them items are often fragile and can break during the moving process.
• Re-pack electronics, computers and stereo equipment in their original boxes if they are still available.
• Collect all keys to locking items and keep them in a safe place.
• Gather all of your valuable documents and possessions, such as passports, birth certifications, medicines, cash, jewelry etc. and keep them segregated in a safe place.
• If moving to or from an apartment or condominium building, ensure that you have booked the freight elevator.
• Pack a separate box with items you will need on the first day or two at your new location.Clearly mark this box so it can be easily found when you arrive at your new home.

Moving Day:

• Collect all keys and put them in a safe place.
• Strip all beds, and leave them intact.Firemen Movers Inc. will dismantle them.
• Ensure you are at home when the moving crew arrives and make sure everything is packed and ready.
• Walk through your home with the crew to survey the work to be done.
• Ensure that high value, fragile and other important items are identified.
• Identify items that require knock-down or de-installation work.Discuss how best to accomplish this.
• Fully discuss what is to be done, what your legal liability is, and what your expectations are.
• Confirm the delivery destination, price estimate and anticipated completion time.
• Do a final work through checking all closets, drawers etc. to make sure nothing is forgotten.
• Be present during entire time your possessions are being deliveredto your new home.Assist by ensuring that items are delivered to the correct room.
• And most importantly - Relax, you have chosen the right mover to provide you with a stress free experience.