Whether you buy a new home or relocate for work or to be closer to family, moving can be a long and stressful process. But while the thought of moving can be stressful, a great deal of people still move each year. In fact, recent reports estimate 40 million Americans move each year.
If you plan to move soon, proper understanding of the packing and moving process can make the entire task much easier. This guide will debunk a few common myths, which will help you pack and move with ease.
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1. All Boxes Are Equal
One common myth you may believe is that all boxes are the same. Therefore, using boxes from different retailers may seem good enough to pack up most of your belongings. Unfortunately, these boxes are not necessarily smart for packing certain items.
Toys, books, movies, games, and clothing may fit into the basic boxes found at grocery and other stores, but the cardboard may not be strong enough to support the weight of all your belongings. If you pack a large number of belongings into each box or you pack heavier items, you likely need stronger boxes.
For example, a 1.5 cubic foot moving box, whether found at a store or purchased through a moving box company, is good for books, kitchen supplies, and other items, but remember to keep the total weight under 50 pounds. A 6.0 cubic foot moving box is much larger, allowing you to safely pack a large number of items into it. However, this box is only strong enough to accommodate up to 70 pounds.
Also, remember to pack and transport specialty items in specialty containers. Pack flat-screen televisions in flat-screen TV boxes with special padding. Plus, invest in dish packs, which are durable cardboard boxes lined with extra padding and support, for packing your dishes and china pieces.
2. Movers Move Everything
Another misconception many people believe is that once you hire a moving company, they will transport each and every one of your belongings. Although every company is different, most movers will not transport items that are considered hazardous. Here are a few items your movers may not be able to legally transport:
- Automotive batteries
- Charcoal
- Propane and gas tanks
- Ammunition
- Bleach
- Darkroom chemicals
In addition to the above items, you should ask your movers if they can transport other items, such as household plants, outdoor equipment, pool chemicals, lawn care chemicals, and paints/stains.
Knowing what your movers can and cannot transport beforehand is key to avoiding unnecessary stress on your actual moving day.
3. Movers Are Too Expensive
Finally, you may think hiring professional movers would be too expensive. In reality, hiring professionals to pack and move your belongings to your new home will be a worthwhile investment.
If you are like most people, you do not have a large truck suited to moving all of your belongings and furniture. Without a truck or trailer of some sort, you will either need to make multiple trips to bring your belongings to your new residence or rent a vehicle.
Also, taking extra time off work to pack and transport your belongings plus asking friends and family to help may not be possible.
By hiring movers, you can reduce the physical and financial stress of moving items yourself, renting a vehicle, taking time off work, and asking friends or family for help.
Moving does not have to be a complicated and stressful ordeal. For more information or to schedule your move, contact Bell Moving & Storage today. We are happy to answer your questions and address all moving concerns.
