Proper Planning and Preparation Go a Long Way
There are many different things that can go wrong during a moving experience. At Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., in Blacksburg, VA, our expert team properly plans for and tries to safeguard against any and all issues during our customers’ moves. We pride ourselves on doing our absolute best, all of the time, to make a move as stress-free as possible. But as careful as we are, it greatly helps the situation when our customers do their best to ensure the safety of their possessions. They can do this, in part, by properly organizing and packing their belongings. There are some definite “don’ts” they should keep in mind, too.
Here are Some Packing Don’ts
First, give some deep thought to when and what you want to pack in getting ready to move. This same advice holds whether the move is over to the other side of town or across the United States. Start planning way in advance because we know there is plenty on everyone’s “to-do” list. No one ever benefits by waiting until the last possible moment to plan their packing arrangements for moving.
As you plan, remember that there are some definite things you do not want to do. Let’s look at a list of some moving and packing “don’ts”:
- Don’t forget to pack a “first-night” bag. This will consist of things you will immediately need when you arrive at your new home. Why is this so important? At Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., we do our absolute best to make sure we get boxes, furniture, and other possessions there on time, but unfortunately, delays and life happen. As well, people may arrive at their destination tired and worn-out. The last thing they want to do after traveling that far is unpack a bunch of boxes to find their toothbrush, toothpaste, and pajamas.
- Don’t pack your most treasured items, if at all possible. Here at Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., we make it a point to handle every single one of our customers’ possessions with care and respect, but again, life happens. Never pack cash, securities, bonds, and other financial documents. These are items that people should keep close at all times, especially when moving. Keep other important documents – such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports – close, too. Don’t pack up items of great sentimental value, either, if it is possible. Transport Grandma’s wedding ring or Grandpa’s pocket watch along with you.
- Here are some other things to add to the “don’t pack” list: Medications, flammables, and items, like foods that can go bad and rot during the moving process.
- We have already advised about the importance of keeping secure documents with you, but don’t bring every single piece of accumulated paper from the past 20 years or more. Schedule some time to sit down and go through the documents. Determine what you need, and shred the rest. Birth certificate? Keep it. Fast food receipt from 1995? Trash it.
- While we’re thinking about things to leave behind, don’t feel the need to pack and move every last thing in a closet or a drawer. Take inventory of clothes, shoes, and other possessions. Have you not worn that outfit since 1975? Get rid of it. Is that a random bicycle wheel covered in dust in the corner of the garage? Get rid of it. Go through every household item. Determine if it has been days, months, years, or decades since you’ve used it. If it has lingered in a forgotten corner for 15 years, trash it, recycle it, or donate it. Don’t pack it.
Don’t Pack Haphazardly When Moving
So we’ve established what not to pack when moving. You’ve separated all of your stuff into “taking” and “not taking” piles, as well as “packing” and “not packing” piles. When the time then arrives to start packing those items set to go, here’s a little advice on how not to pack them:
- Don’t pack “willy-nilly” or haphazardly. In other words, don’t just throw things into a box and tape it up. Make sure to sort out breakables and delicate possessions, and pack those with special care, using bubble wrap or some other kind of protective cover. Even with your more hardy items, however, it will benefit you to pack them in an orderly manner. Use some organization.
- Don’t forget to label the boxes as to what items are where. People in the middle of a moving experience may handle this task in different ways, but it is just common sense to make sure you know what is in each box. Depending on the amount of organization somebody is comfortable with, they may even want to chart out what is in each box with a corresponding list they can carry with them while moving. At the very least, remember to write on the box with permanent marker to give a general idea of its contents and its designated room (for example: “dishes, kitchen”).
- Don’t use broken-down, old boxes to pack up your belongings. Use sturdy containers or strong boxes that will survive the “wear-and-tear” of a move, even if it is just down the street. Don’t tape and glue pieces of torn cardboard together into a box-shaped “thing,” and then wonder why your grandmother’s china set broke.
Call Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., and Call Us Early
Finally, we personally feel this is one of the most important “don’ts” of the moving experience. Even if the move will take you and your family just two streets over in your town, don’t procrastinate and wait to call and schedule the moving company. At Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best moving service available in Virginia’s New River Valley, but we can’t do that on a week or two weeks’ notice. We have many clients to handle and a schedule to keep. We want to give you our best, and that takes planning and preparation. Help us help you by calling early to schedule your move.
At Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., we are the moving authorities for the New River Valley. Whether you are moving across town, across the area, or across the country, we are the smart choice for a moving company. Moving can be stressful, and we always work hard to ease any worries.
For more information on what to do and what not to do when packing for a move, call Clinton’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., at (540) 552-3201. For future updates, follow us on Facebook, and check out our website.
