What to expect from professional movers

It’s no secret, moving can be a difficult task! Between packing up your belongings and preparing the kids for a new school, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the options before you when it comes to hiring professional movers to help.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we have more than 30 years of experience in the moving industry and make it our top priority for our trained, uniformed, and caring teams to exceed your expectations. We treat your items like our own and strive to make your moving experience stress-free and enjoyable.

We asked our move heroes what customers can expect when they move with the Movers Who Care®, here’s what they had to say.

Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

What movers can’t move

Written by Jessy Howe

The last thing you’ll want to run into come moving day, is learning a handful of items in your home are ones your movers are unable to move. To avoid being in a situation where you’re left to move certain items on your own, we recommend speaking with your movers in advance so you know ahead of time what the crew may not be able to transport to your new home. This way, you have plenty of time to make other arrangements for these particular items and there are no surprises on moving day.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, there are few items we are unable to move due to certain rules and regulations. Federal law bans moving companies from the transportation of any hazardous materials including propane, paint, antifreeze, or ammunition to name a few. This means items that have gas in them such as lawnmowers and grills are also prohibited. Other items we are unable to move include food, money, jewelry, living things including plants and animals, and other sentimental items.

As the Movers Who Care®, we have your best interest in mind and make it our goal to provide you a top notch move. Watch our animated video below for a detailed list and to prepare for a successful move!

For a complete list of items movers are unable to move, please contact your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® office!

Be sure to like us on Facebook and subscribe to our blog for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®’s busiest move weekend is quickly approaching!

Written by Katie Peterson

 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK's busiest move weekend

While most summer-lovers are looking forward to a relaxing weekend away from work, our teams at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® are gearing up for our busiest time of year. On Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® will experience its busiest weekend of the year, totaling 5,400 moves across the country in just those two days. This averages out to about 21 moves per franchise or three moves each minute! We cannot wait to get started, as this will be a great opportunity to move so many of our customers forward on to the next chapters of their lives.

As exciting as this is, we also know how stressful the moving process can be. Because of this, we have helpful tips and tricks to make your experience the best it can be. Together, we can ensure our busiest weekend of the year is also the best weekend of the year.

Get (and stay!) organized

We want to ensure you are prepared and ready for us when we arrive, and we know just how to help make sure that happens!

  • Pack and label your boxes according to which room they will go in at the new place and have them in a centralized location when the movers arrive. This will make it easier on you and on your movers for unloading and unpacking.
  • Make sure all appliances and electronics are unplugged before we arrive. You also may want to take a photo or make a note of how your electronics are set up before you unplug and pack. This will save you time later and maybe even a call to the cable guy.
  • Be sure your movers have enough space to move! Not only inside your home but outside as well. It’s important your movers have adequate parking for the moving truck near your driveway or entrance, and that walkways are clear to avoid trip hazards.

Being organized is important! If you take these steps beforehand, you’ll be sure to come out ahead.

Keep communication open with your movers

With more than 30 years of experience in the moving industry, there isn’t much we haven’t seen at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. It is important to communicate with us throughout all aspects of your moving process so we can provide you the best experience possible.

“Even if you don’t know the exact day of your move, calling in early and giving us an idea makes things easier. This gives us an opportunity to create more options to fit the needs of your move,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Boise General Manager Chris Jones.

The more communication we can have with our customers, the faster and easier the job will go, and the quicker you can be settled into your new place. Even after your move, keep in touch! We love to hear reviews of things we did well or even things we can improve on for our future moves.

Try not to stress

We’ve got this! Our professionally trained movers have the muscle and experience to handle your moving stress, and we are here to exceed your expectations. This is an exciting time for you and we want you to enjoy it. In the end, all you should have to worry about is how you’re going to decorate your new place. Even with this busy weekend ahead we are excited and inspired by the sheer amount of families we will be able to help and interact with, and we are well-prepared for the challenge. With your help and participation, we are looking forward to this fun adventure!

Like us on Facebook for more helpful tips and updates. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

 

7 tips for making a move without derailing your 2016 budget

Stay on budget during your move

Moving can be very stressful. Aside from hauling heavy furniture, balancing cardboard boxes full of fragile items, and struggling to stay organized amidst all the chaos, moving between homes can also be financially demanding. An unexpected major expense can really derail your yearly budget.

There are ways to keep spending under control, however. If you have an upcoming move in 2016, use these tips to prepare yourself so you don’t feel the sting of excessive moving expenses.

1. Change your mindset

Treat your home budget as if you were running a business. Not only will you take money more seriously, but you’ll discover plenty of new ways to look at spending. To start, make sure all major expenses are justified by weighing the total cost against the potential returns. Develop a reserve fund in case some element of the move goes amiss. Pay close attention to each expenditure, and eliminate those that aren’t working.

When you treat your family finances as if you were a professional accountant, you’ll quickly find yourself more prepared for any unexpected moving expenses that may arise.

2. Cut costs wherever possible

If keeping your move costs as low as possible is a top priority there are ways to minimize the expense. If you plan on keeping the same phone and internet services, then you can take your equipment with you. You can pack your belongings yourself, schedule a shut off date for utilities to avoid paying for time you are no longer there, cancel or forward any magazine and news subscriptions, and be sure to be ready when the movers arrive.

Not only should you cut costs that directly relate to the move, but also those that arise indirectly as a result of the move. It may be tempting to eat out or take quick sightseeing excursions when you’re in transit, for example, but those options cost more money than making sandwiches and playing board games in the hotel.

3. Get quotes from more than one reputable mover

Every moving company has different rates, and some of them are much higher than others. Do keep in mind that cheaper isn’t necessarily better and you will get what you pay for. The most important part is understanding what you are buying, what is included in the rate. Conveniently many companies such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offer free online estimates but you’re always welcome to call. Be cautious when considering nonprofessional movers, as scammers and thieves abound. A truckload of lost or stolen belongings will end up costing you much more than the services of a reputable company. Take the time to read reviews of the company and ask friends or family who have used the movers how their experience was.

4. Predict major upcoming expenses

Factor your moving expenses in with any big ticket purchases you plan to make throughout the year. Being aware of upcoming costs can help you to shift things around in your budget enough that you won’t have to scramble for extra money at the last minute.

If your schedule allows, booking your move on a weekday versus weekend is typically cheaper as there is more demand for moving on the weekend. If you have the flexibility, you may also consider timing your move to fall during a less financially stressful time of year.

5. Track your finances using an app

Budgets can be hard to follow, especially when you’re juggling receipts and bank statements. By using an app to simplify the process, you’ll be able to review your budget more often and stick to it more naturally.

Mint is one such financial tracking app that makes it easy to keep tabs on your income and expenses. You can easily create budgets and get a bird’s eye view of where your money is going, as well as manage your bills and monthly expenses.

6. Take only what you need

Moving can be a great incentive to do some spring cleaning, and getting rid of unnecessary possessions can make your move easier and cheaper. Take the opportunity to do a large eBay sale or an old-fashioned yard sale to recoup some of your expenses. You may find that the money you make can heavily subsidize your moving costs.

If you can’t sell all your unneeded items, donate the rest to charity and claim a deduction on your yearly taxes to save even more.

7. Claim work relocation expenses on your tax return

On the note of deductions, the IRS may allow you to claim a moving deduction if you are moving for employment. As long as the distance from your old home to your new workplace is at least 50 miles greater than the distance from your old home to your old workplace, you’ll likely qualify.

This deduction applies to all reasonable moving expenses, including the cost of the move, hiring a professional moving service, and insuring your possessions. You can also deduct several other expenses, including the cost of temporary lodging or the cost of storing your possessions at a facility.

With a little time and careful planning, you can ensure a smooth, successful transition to your new home without breaking the bank.

Alice Williams, AT&TAlice Williams is a digital communications expert for AT&T with an MA in Communication Studies. She writes extensively on communication, business and tech and is currently based in Salt Lake City.

A big move and even bigger change

Written by Nicole Harrison

Moving is a difficult time in many people’s lives. Imagine moving after living in a home for more than 30 years. You have deep roots in your home and within your community. Your family grew up there, and essentially you’ve built a life in your home. All of your fondest memories and special milestones were made there. Could you ever say goodbye?DSC_0980

Byron and Jo Anne lived in their family home for 38 years. After raising their two children, they decided it was time to downsize and move into a condo closer to their kids and grandkids, which was just a few hours from their long-time home. I was able to meet Byron and Jo Anne during their recent move and chat with them about their moving and downsizing experience.

After decades in one home, it’s no t uncommon to collect both investment pieces and useless clutter without even realizing it. Imagine living in a home as long as Byron and Jo Anne did. For them, the most difficult part of the move was the de-cluttering and downsizing process.

“After living in our home for so long, getting rid of items we’ve accumulated over the years was the hardest,” said Byron.

I have a feeling most people in their situation would have to agree.

Curious, I asked them if it was difficult to say goodbye to their home they lived in for so long and created so many memories in.

“The memories we made weren’t attached to the actual house.” Byron said smiling, “The memories were more about the kids, their friends, and other family members. We still have the memories – and of course lots of photos! A lot of the furniture and pictures came with us.”DSC_0982

Byron told me the most difficult part of their downsizing process was decision-making. Determining what to keep and what to get rid of is always the hardest part. Byron and Jo Anne made a good team and worked together while making decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of.

“I would say we got rid of about one third of the household-type possessions. Our kids took some of them and we donated a lot to thrift stores,” Byron said. “A majority of the stuff of which we disposed were paper products like newspapers and magazines we’ve collected over the years. Also, a lot of it was the kids’ stuff we’ve collected over the years.”

Once Byron and Jo Anne listed their house, they started de-cluttering and getting rid of small knickknacks. They did their best to donate all the items they could before throwing them into a landfill. Throughout the downsizing process they remained sensitive to the environment. They were even able to leave a few of the larger items for the young couple who bought their home.

As we know, downsizing can be a daunting and emotional process. Luckily, Byron and Jo Anne gave one crucial piece of advice for couples who are looking to downsize. Start early. Start today. Start right now.

“Once you start thinking about downsizing, start weeding things out. We’ve been downsizing for years.”DSC_0973

It’s smart to go through your home a few times a year and clean out what needs to go and make room for new items. Even if you’re not downsizing, it will save you from living in a cluttered home.

Ultimately, Byron and Jo Anne moved to be closer to their family. They have always lived on a busy street, so locating to a quieter area was on the top of their list when searching for condos. They are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them in their new home.

Have fun on your new adventure, Byron and Jo Anne!

Check out our recent downsizing blog for help deciding what to keep and donate: Preparing Yourself to Downsize.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes moving into your new home

Written by Hannah Conlin

Moving in with your spouse

So, you’ve just said, “I do.” You’re ready to head into a lifetime of happy, wedded bliss with your spouse, and begin making memories you’ll cherish forever. However, before you begin planning your first family vacation, you need to move into your new home. For many this is the first hurdle in the relationship, and can be a difficult, stressful time.

Moving in with your spouse for the first time is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. Being a newlywed is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life. Before you find yourself drifting out of the honeymoon state, consider doing the following to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible:home sold

  • Out with the old and in with the new. Before move day, take an inventory of everything the two of you have, and make a list of things you want to keep and what you can get rid of. Chances are you will have duplicates of some items, and taking inventory will prevent you from moving unwanted duplicates. In addition to avoiding duplicates, an inventory exercise prevents you from moving into a cluttered new home.
  • If you are packing your own stuff, organize and re-organize. Pack your boxes with similar items from the same room. If you have small hardware from furniture or decorative pieces, put them in zip lock bags and label them. Baggies keep the small, easy to lose items kept together in one place. Also, labeling and color coding your boxes will make the move much smoother. Moving as newlyweds is an exciting time, you don’t want to cause unneeded frustration with your spouse because you can’t find certain items.
  • If you are moving to a new area, consider renting before buying. By renting, you are not committing to anything right away, and it allows you and your spouse to get to know the area, ensuring you will like your new town before becoming a permanent resident. Keep in mind, if you’re moving from an apartment, or condensing into one apartment with your spouse, our move crews are familiar with apartment complex rules and regulations, such as parking arrangements and service elevators in high rise buildings. Let us do the heavy lifting up and down those pesky flights of stairs or through those narrow hallways.
  • If you are ordering household items, because no one bought you that Keurig or Pottery Barn duvet set you had on your registry, have these items shipped to OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAyour new home several days after you move in. This will avoid moving the items twice if they arrive before your move day and will save you from chaos if they are sent to your new home on the day of the move.
  • Have a decor in mind so you can get on top of your interior decorating right after you move in. However, don’t get too stuck on a design. Be open to ideas and be willing to work with your partner to make each room decorated with a blend of both styles. Remember, the key to a happy marriage is compromise!
  • Most importantly, leave the actual moving to the professionals. Hire a moving company. Not only will this save you the heartache of finding your new china piece dining set in a shattered mess because it wasn’t packed properly, but it will save you from a heated argument with your spouse over who packed that box. This is a busy period in your life, let us help make your move a fun transition in your new lives together. Look for companies seen frequently within your community. This will illustrate the company is a credible organization with a strong reputation.

Now go, begin this next chapter of your life. Enjoy your new, clutter-free, perfectly decorated, and professionally moved new home.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

A guide: What movers won’t move

Written by Nicole Harrison

Picture this: Its moving day. The day you’ve been obsessing over for weeks. You have packed and organized and then reorganized. The movers have pulled up and started loading the truck. Half way into your move you are told they can’t move some of your items you have packed up. You think to yourself, “so much for a perfect move.” Frantically you start emptying boxes trying to find a way to transport the non-moveable items to your new home.

There are laws prohibiting moving companies from moving certain items for you. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® wants to help you avoid this scenario by sharing exactly what items moving companies will not move, also known as non-allowables. Safety is a priority at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. We want our workers and all of your belongings to be safe and protected. There are four categories of non-allowables you should be aware of before your move.

Perishable items

These items cannot be moved by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, or other moving companies, for a variety of reasons. Perishable items can rot, smell, and spoil in the truck. We recommend planning meals a few weeks out from your move to be sure you have eaten all perishable items. If you still have some at the time of your move, you will be responsible for transporting them or giving them away. Perishable items include fresh foods, frozen foods, refrigerated foods, and produce.

Living thingsMoving with pets

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® does not transport any living things. Whether you have a plant, pet, or both. Depending on the weather, the trucks can get very hot or cold inside. In addition to the sometimes extreme temperatures, there is a lack of air flow in the trucks which can be harmful for your plants and furry friends.

Hazardous materials

No matter the circumstance, moving companies will not move any flammable, explosive, or corrosive items for you. If you want your lawn mower, weed wacker, or snow blower (or other machines that run with gasoline) moved, it is your responsibility to empty the machines. Examples of hazardous materials include fertilizer, fireworks, fire extinguishers, batteries, household cleaners, weed killer, gasoline, and propane tanks. *For a complete list of hazardous materials we will not move, contact the franchise you will be moving with.

Personal items

Personal belongings have a lot of sentimental value and have different levels of importance to our customers. We do not move prescription drugs for a few reasons. We would never want to pack anything on the truck that our customer may need if they suffer from a life-threating illness. It’s best if the customer keeps their medications with them during the move. The American Moving and Storage Industry recommends that you “take valuables with you. Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or sent ahead separately.” Moving companies will not move firearms, fine jewelry, keys to safes, and other sentimental items of high importance and value to you. If you have items you can’t live without, we recommend keeping them with you during your move. *If you have questions about what personal or sentimental items we can’t move for you, call the franchise you are moving with.

The four categories listed above are examples of items not permitted on the moving trucks. In order to avoid dealing with last minute conflicts, it’s important to be aware and either move these items yourself or dispose of them properly before your move. Develop a plan ahead of time so you are prepared for your move.

Note: It’s important to understand franchises might have different policies and may or may not move certain items. Contact the franchise you will be moving with for a complete list of non-allowables.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help you move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Preparing to downsize using these helpful tips

Written by Nicole Harrison

You’ve decided to downsize. After finding the perfect place and closing on your new home, oftentimes the panic starts to set in. Thoughts start racing through your mind as you lay awake at night wondering what you’re going to do with all your stuff. You have so many treasured items you’ve been holding on to for years, now you’re asking yourself “keep it or trash it?”

As you start the downsizing process, it is recommended you make a concerted effort to work on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you begin assessing and sorting through your household items, keep three categories in mind: save, donate, or throw away.

Questions to ask youOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERArself

We have created a few questions to help make your downsizing plans go as smoothly as possible. When sorting through items stored in various areas of your home, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I love it? Have I used/worn it in the last six months?
  • Does it have sentimental value?
  • Am I keeping it out of obligation or expectation?
  • Is it broken? If yes, is it fixable?
  • Do I own more than one of these?

Asking yourself these simple questions should give you some guidelines when going through your items. How you answer these questions will give you a more definite idea as to whether you want to save, donate, or throw away items. Remember, if you find yourself keeping something “just in case,” it’s a good indication you should donate it or put it in storage.

Measure your furniture

In addition to sorting through smaller items, you need to reassess the “big” stuff. Measure your furniture and large decorative pieces such as sculptures, paintings, etc. Get the measurements of your new rooms to be sure your current furniture will fit. Before moving into your new home, create a mock layout of each room. Use the furniture and room dimensions to ensure your large items will fit. Creating a mock layout is a terrific way to evaluate your furniture and to decide if you will keep it or buy new.  Two Men and a Truck

If you find yourself getting rid of numerous household items, consider hosting a yard sale! Getting extra cash from your old stuff is always nice! Yard sales are great incentives for household owners to part with more items.

Storing your items

Once you have downsized and completed your move, you may be challenged with a lack of storage space in your new home. Take advantage of the nooks and crannies your home may have. These hidden spaces, such as under a staircase or odd-sized closets, can be transformed into storage spaces. Both are great places to build shelving units. Shelves are one of the best ways to store a variety of items, and you can even add decorative bins to shelving units to group together smaller items that are hard to store — while dressing the shelf up! Another great place to utilize for extra storage is under your bed. Invest in long, skinny containers that you can slide under your bed, as this storage spot is perfect for those “someday” items. Finally, invest in an ottoman that has a removable top where you can store blankets or other household items. Ottomans are a terrific asset that have multiple uses.

Oftentimes, downsizing creates a headache and a whole lot of stress no one wants to add to their daily lives. With these pointers, we are hoping it will help make your downsizing process go as smoothly as possible.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® we realize moving needs are unique for every customer, so we’re ready to customize a move to ensure the best moving experience. Our uniformed movers and drivers participate in extensive training; they are permanent employees and undergo background checks and drug testing. They are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring your move is completed efficiently to keep your moving costs affordable.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For additional tips and information on moving or packing services, subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

7 winter moving tips

Written by Mariah Obiedzinski

winter movingThe ice, the snow, the cold winter. This is possibly the worst time to move, right? Wrong! Moving during the winter presents a unique set of challenges, but it’s manageable with a few extra precautions.

Use these seven winter moving tips to make sure you and your belongings arrive at your new home safely:

  1. Get help. Hiring a professional moving company is imperative this time of year. Invest in a quality move team instead of trying to do everything on your own will minimize your time in the cold, decrease your risk of frostbite or injury, and avoid the chance of a friend or family member losing their footing in rougher conditions. Deciding what moving company you want and trust to move your valuable possessions can be difficult. Make sure to do your research when selecting your movers by verifying their reputation for high customer service and a track record that supports it.
  1. Clear the path. Take time to shovel or plow the driveways and sidewalks at both your old location and your new location. It’s easy to misjudge stairs and drop-offs when they’re obscured by snow. Taking a few extra moments to clear the way will make moving easier and safer for your crew.
  1. Watch the weather. The temperature can change quickly in the winter. What starts as slush can turn to ice within a few hours. It also gets dark earlier in the winter, so plan trips to and from the new location accordingly.
  1. Carry emergency supplies. There are plenty of small unplanned challenges which are a natural part of the moving process, but don’t let snow or ice be one of them. Whether you drive your own vehicle or rent a moving truck, ice and snow on the road may get in your way. You can get yourself unstuck quickly if you carry a shovel and salt or sand. It’s also wise to keep a vehicle emergency kit, water, snacks, and blankets handy just in case.
  1. Layer up. It’s important to dress warmly, even though you will be working hard on moving day. Consider wearing layers you can peel off as necessary. It’s better to start with too many clothes on than to deal with being cold all day. Make sure your ensemble includes a hat and warm gloves.
  1. Wipe it down. Keep old rags and towels handy to wipe away the snow, salt, sand, and dirt which will likely get caked to your shoes and your moving containers. This will not only protect your belongings but will also keep the floors at your new location clean and dry.
  1. Raise a glass. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you won’t sweat. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the moving process. It’s also a nice gesture to provide warm drinks or water for your crew to enjoy during or after the move (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are inexpensive and will be much appreciated by your friends, neighbors, or professional movers).

With a few extra precautions, moving during the winter can be easy and safe. If you feel overwhelmed, remember this: At least it isn’t hot!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mariah Obiedzinski  is a freelance blogger for USCargoControl.com, an e-commerce company specializing in moving supplies for both professional and DIY movers.

Store holiday decorations with ease

Written by Claire Schneider and Nicole Harrison

Does the thought of tearing down your holiday decorations stress you out? Proper storage of holiday decorations can save you time and hassle, so consider it a pay-it-forward pursuit, and set yourself up for success for next year’s decorating efforts by packing up properly now. This goal alone will keep you motivated and prevent you from hastily and randomly stowing your things in bins and boxes.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has some helpful tips and tricks to make storing your holiday decorations easier.

IMG_9579Get organized – Before commencing the pack-up process, take some extra time to sort your items. Once your holiday décor and related materials are sorted, boxing them up will go much more quickly. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has a variety of boxes tailored to your packing needs. Some unique boxes include a dish pack box with inserts for your Christmas tree ornaments. You can adjust the inserts to the desired size making it perfect for the large and small ornaments. We also recommend using the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® dish pack box to store gift-wrapping supplies. The full instructions to utilize the box are here.

Manage lights and garlands — As you coil delicate lights and garlands, take extra care since they tend to tangle easily. Repurpose an old paper towel roll or a piece of cardboard and wrap the lights around it.

Protect the bows – Christmas ribbons and bows are commonly the items which get damaged the most in storage. To prevent them from warping and wrinkling, cut cardboard tubes and wrap them with paper towels so they fit snugly inside. Then place all the bows flat in a box together to ensure they lay flat and smooth amongst heavier items.

Label everything – Nothing is more frustrating than searching through box after box looking for one specific item. Make this process less frustrating and time-consuming by labeling items found in each box. To make the unpacking effort a breeze the following year, consider labeling the boxes in the order they should be opened. Choose the order that makes the most sense for your natural holiday set-up plan (e.g., room by room).

Protect Christmas linens – Christmas linens are commonly forgotten items when considering your Christmas storage plan, but if you take a little extra time to store them, it will prevent nasty surprises next year. First it’s important to pack them in a proper storage container like a suitcase or a waterproofed box to protect them from moisture. Then, place your favorite scented dryer sheet in-between the linens. This will repel moths while keeping them fresh and smelling wonderful for next year. This process only takes a couple minutes, and your guests will love the extra care.

Breakable Items — Christmas plates, platters, ornaments, and other breakables need to be handled with care. No one wants to open their Christmas decorations next year and find half of their ornaments broken, so it’s imperative you pack them well. The most important tip to remember is to wrap the breakables with a few layers of newspaper, paper towel or whatever padding in which you choose to wrap your items. It’s never a bad idea to put layers of extra cushion between your items to ensure more padding.

Hire moving muscle – Are you not looking forward to moving the heavier items back to their spots? Give us a call to schedule your internal move. We are happy to rearrange any heavy furniture as our movers are professionally trained and will move the same piece until you are happy with its final resting place.

Do you have any packing tips which have saved you from the hassle and time-consuming storing process? If so, please comment below to share your ideas with us; we’ll incorporate your best practices into future blogs. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here to move you forward with any packing tips and challenges you may have.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.