Answering Important Moving FAQs to Make Your Move Easier

Key packing supplies needed for a move are moving boxes, tape, markers and labels, bubble wrap and packing paper, plastic wrap, furniture pads, and trash bags. These items will ensure that your items can be properly packed and kept safe and organized during your move.

To make your move easier there are a few hacks you should know. Start by creating a packing schedule well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. For fragile items like large mirrors or glass panes, use painter’s tape to form an ‘X’ on the surface to reduce the risk of breakage. For smaller glass items—like vases or candles—wrap them in long socks for extra cushioning.
Need a quick way to pack clothes on hangers? Slip a garbage bag over them by cutting a small hole at the bottom for the hooks, keeping everything clean and together during the move. Instead of buying extra packing materials, use what you already have: clothing, towels, and blankets make excellent padding. You can also skip some boxes by using existing containers. Fill pots, suitcases, and other storage items with clothing or small belongings.

Packing moving boxes will depend on the size of the box, however, you want to make sure you utilize all the space in each box. Smaller moving boxes are perfect for your heavy items since they are more sturdy and less likely to bottom out. Medium boxes are good for a mix of heavy and light items, just make sure you don’t overfill them with heavy items. Large boxes are meant for lightweight items that take up a lot of room and shouldn’t be used for heavy items. In all boxes, you can fill extra space with smaller items or soft padded items like socks or dish towels.

The easiest type of apartment move is typically moving on the same floor, especially if your apartment’s front access doors are inside the building. You’ll only need to move your items down the hall.

While renting or buying a dolly or cart isn’t essential, it can significantly ease the move, especially if you’re not hiring movers. Using a cart or dolly makes transporting items easier and more efficient, especially if you need to make multiple trips.

This will completely depend on whether you hire movers, the type of movers, and the size of your apartment. For loading and unloading, UniMovers charges between $240-$480 for a studio apartment, $360-$600 for a one or two-bedroom apartment, and $720-$900 for a three-bedroom apartment. Different companies will have different rates, but local moving companies are your best option if you want to save a little money and support a local business.

Some of the main costs involved in moving apartments are hiring movers, renting a moving vehicle, cleaning supplies, packing supplies, and gas. While these are the main costs, everyone’s move may involve a different list of items needed.

Everyone’s list will vary based on personal needs, but key categories to consider include kitchen supplies, bathroom essentials, bedroom items, and furniture. Focus on buying what you’ll actually use to avoid unnecessary spending.

First, research local utility providers ahead of time to avoid delays. Second, make a list of the utilities you’ll need and decide on the level of service. Some important utilities to set up include electricity, water, internet, and natural gas. These are utilities that you will need on day one in your new home. Finally, check for any fees and deposits with your chosen provider and budget for these costs in advance.

It is important that you pack a “first-week box.” Your first-week box, or suitcase, should have what you will need during your first week in your new place. This includes but is not limited to clothing, toiletries, shoes, medications, and work equipment.

Take this opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep. Separate out items you no longer need. If they’re in good condition, consider selling or donating them to reduce waste and avoid adding to landfills. You can utilize sites like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and Depop to help sell your items quickly.

Start packing 2-3 weeks before your move. Begin with items you won’t need regularly, and pack room by room to stay organized. Be sure to label each box so you can easily find things when you unpack. Don’t forget to buy packing supplies, estimate how many boxes you’ll need, and rent a storage unit if necessary.

The top items you’ll need are moving boxes, tie-downs, blankets and furniture pads, and garbage bags. Buying professional moving boxes may cost more, but it’s worth it to keep your items safe. You can save money by using blankets you already have to pad the wood and fragile items in your truck. It’s also important that you have enough tie-downs, such as ratchet straps, to secure your items in the moving truck so they don’t move around.

When packing a moving truck, it’s all about using walls and tiers. Start by placing your heaviest, boxy furniture—like dressers, tables, and nightstands—on the bottom to create a sturdy base. Then, stack heavy boxes on top, working your way up to lighter ones. Pack tightly to the ceiling for stability. Once your boxes are in place, stand your mattress upright next to them to act as a barrier, keeping everything secure. Finally, fill the remaining space with miscellaneous items, packing all the way to the truck’s door. This last step is less technical, but be sure everything is snug to prevent shifting during the move.

The ‘mom’s attic’ refers to the small space above the cab in a box truck. This area should be packed first, and tightly, before moving on to the rest of the truck. It’s ideal for storing heavy, fragile boxes that might not fare well in the main body of the truck. You can also place fragile, non-boxed items or open-top boxes on top of them for added protection. However, the key is to avoid using the mom’s attic if the rest of the truck won’t be packed to the ceiling, as this could cause shifting during transport.

When renting a moving truck there is a lot you need to consider. These include the size of the moving truck, the distance of your move, the cost of truck rental, hiring a driver, and additional fees that companies charge. To find the best deal and the services you need, you can price-compare different companies and their services to find which one is the best fit for you.

In-home moving services are simply a service to help you move large items throughout your home, whether that be up and down the stairs or from one room to another. These services can also help you transfer new furniture or large appliances, such as stoves or refrigerators, into your kitchen. 

Labor-only moving companies are typically associated with in-home moves, however, some traditional moving companies also offer this service. The type of movers you hire will depend on how many services you need help with and your moving budget. Since you are looking for someone to move items within your home, your best and cheapest option is hiring labor-only movers.

There are plenty of commercial and office moving services to choose from. You may only need help with a couple of parts of the moving process or you may need help with every stage. Some commercial moving services include moving preparation, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transporting, and organization in your new office space.

Hiring a commercial moving company can significantly reduce stress for you and your employees, making the move quicker and more efficient. Plus, choosing a local company allows you to support your community while benefiting from professional help.

You can consider many companies for your office move, both big-name and local moving companies. Some of the top commercial moving companies include Office Movers, Meyer Moving Company, Suddath Moving Company, JK Moving Services, and UniMovers. These companies offer a range of standard and customized services to fit your office moving needs.

The key to making an office move go smoothly is planning ahead and communication. Some of the important steps you need to take are budgeting, creating a moving timeline, mapping out your new space, communicating with your employees, and hiring a local moving company.

Labor-only moving companies specialize in the heavy lifting during your move but do not provide moving trucks. While you’ll need to arrange transportation, they take the burden of moving heavy items off your shoulders.

Think of moving as a five-part process: packing, loading the truck, driving to the new location, unloading, and unpacking. Labor-only moving companies offer help with any part of the process other than transportation. Their services can also include in-home moving, commercial moving, and hourly labor.

Labor-only moving companies are usually around 30-50% cheaper than traditional moving services. You need to factor in additional costs such as renting your own moving vehicle, buying packing materials, and tipping your movers. While hiring labor-only movers is cheaper than traditional movers, it’s more expensive than a DIY move. Using local moving companies can also give you a better deal than using a household name.

To obtain an accurate moving estimate, provide detailed and precise information about moving items. Communicate any special requirements or challenges like large items or stairs. The more your moving company knows about your upcoming move, the better. This will help your movers provide more accurate estimates based on a realistic understanding of the moving process. Most labor-only moving companies charge by the labor hour, so having everything planned out in advance benefits you and your wallet!