Author Archives: Ed Mezer

Final Moving Out Checklist

Moving Out Checklist

Final Moving Out ChecklistThese are the final few steps that you should take when you are moving out of an apartment or home. This ensures that you don’t leave anything left over when you leave, and that you are protect yourself financially from potential squatters.

  • Check the utility meter. Make note of the levels of the utility meter for your home as you leave. The best way to do this is to take a picture of the meter with a date. That way, if you are billed for the next tenant you have evidence of your last use of the utilities.
  • Leave a note for the tenants moving in. Give them your new address just in case of any incoming mail you hadn’t redirected yet, or if someone calls you at your old house number.
  • Check all of your rooms and closets on your way out. People often leave things high up in their closets, tucked away and forgotten. Check your wall cabinets in the kitchen as well; high cabinets also end up having left over items as well.
  • Check behind furniture you are leaving behind. If you are leaving an apartment with furnishings, check behind couches and tables for extension cords, phone chargers, and whatever else may have fallen back there.
  • Unplug your fridge and leave the door open so that no mold collects.

Moving is a struggle, but with the right preparation the process isn’t so bad. For questions about packing and moving services in your area, contact us today !

 

Five Tips for Moving in the Winter

Five Tips Moving

 

Five Tips Moving in the WinterThe winter can be a great time to move. Apartments can be found at better rates and moving companies tend to have more open schedules as the majority of moves happen during the spring and summer. But, moving in the winter comes with its own risks. Here are a five tips moving to consider during the winter.

  1. Clear the snow from walkways at your old house and your new house. Get plenty of salt if the walkways are icy so that you can avoid the risk of falls.
  2. Don’t pack winter clothes and supplies. Have some shovels, salt, ice scrapers, and ice picks easily accessible when you get to your new place. You should also bring along extra warm clothes that you can pull on quickly.
  3. Protect your floors with broken down cardboard boxes. Moving in the winter is pretty messy, but you can spare some of the mess by putting down cardboard or plastic in the entryways of your home.
  4. Check the weather forecast and have a back-up plan. If the weather is too rough, make sure you and your moving company are on the same page and have a back-up day planned. If there is someone moving into an apartment that you are leaving, make sure to get in contact with them. If the weather is so bad that you can’t move, they probably aren’t moving either.
  5. Make sure that your utilities will be turned on by the time you get to the new house. In the winter season, sunlight is limited. You’ll need to have your electricity turned on before you get there. You’ll also want your heating to be going before you get to your house.

At Pony Express we are committed to helping you with a smooth transition into your new home. For questions about packing and moving services in your area, contact us today

What should I pack last before move?

What should I pack last before move?

What should I pack last? Before you move, you probably want to get everything stored away as quickly as possible. But you can’t forget about the things you’ll need to have accessible for the last few days in your old place. Here are a few things you should avoid pack till the last day, unless you want to go digging back into your perfectly packed boxes.

–          Toiletries including toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper.

–          Snacks and coffee. A lot of people will order food out for the last few days before they move, but you may want to keep some light snacks and your coffee maker around.

–          Box cutter or pocket knife. You’ll be happy when you start to unpack.

–          Tape measure. This will come in handy when you are moving into the new place.

–          Phone charger, both for your car and a wall charger.

–          Extra extension cords, a flashlight, and batteries. In the off-chance of an emergency, you won’t want to have to sift through all of your packed things.

–          Trash bags. You’ll want to keep a couple bags to clean anything up on your way out.

–          Medications. This can go along with your toiletries. Keep these handy and throw them together with your toiletries as you leave.

If you keep these things handy, you’ll probably be in good shape for the last few days in the old apartment or house. Good luck!

Where to get Moving Boxes and Supplies for your Move

Moving Boxes and Supplies

Moving Boxes and SuppliesFor some of your more delicate and fragile items, you will want to buy Moving Boxes and Supplies for your move. However, for other bulk items, there are many places that you can get free boxes and other moving supplies that would otherwise get thrown away.

  1. Grocery stores – Ask the produce section for boxes. They have lots of wooden boxes that are great for medium weight items. These boxes will probably be very dirty, however, so use them for garden and hardware items you need to move.
  2. Bookstores – Ask your local bookstore if they have any extra boxes. Boxes for books tend to be better quality and good for heavy objects.
  3. Bars and restaurants – They will also have good quality boxes for heavier items you need to move.
  4. Craigslist – A quick search in the free section will often produce quite a few boxes and other moving supplies that people are trying to get rid of. Don’t forget to pass them on when you’re done with them on Craigslist.

For all of these places, the gracious thing to do is to call ahead and check if they have any boxes they are trying to get rid of. That way, you save yourself time and they will know that you are coming ahead of time.

At Pony Express we are committed to helping you with a smooth transition into your new home. For questions about packing and moving services in your area, contact us today.

How to Safely Pack China and Other Fragile Dishware

Safely Pack China and Other Fragile Dishware

Safely Pack China

If you have any china or fragile dishware, you should take extra care to safely pack these items before your move. China can crack easily if it isn’t packed properly. Take the extra time to make sure these items are secure before your move.

Packing Plates + Bowls:

  1. Layer the bottom of a box with packing peanuts or crumbled up newspaper.
  2. Pack the china plates on their side! It is safer not to stack the plates. Put newspaper between each plate.
  3. Fill the box with plates and bowls, then fill in additional space with packing peanuts, newspaper or bubble wrap. It does not matter which material you use, so long as there is no room for the china to move around in the box.
  4. Seal the top and sides of the box. Label which way the box should be facing, and which side should be the bottom. Also, label the box “china”, or “fragile”, right away so you don’t lose track of it!

Packing China Cups:

  1. Again, layer the bottom of the box with packing peanuts or crumbled up newspaper.
  2. Wrap each cup individually using bubble wrap.
  3. Use cardboard dividers in the box and stack the cups up in the separate dividers. Try to find dividers that are appropriately sized for the cups. If the dividers leave open space around the cups, fill that space in with packing peanuts or newspapers.
  4. Place a layer of packing peanuts or cardboard after each stack of cups.
  5. Don’t forget to label the box right away!

At Pony Express we are committed to helping you with a smooth transition into your new home. For questions about packing and moving services in your area, contact us today at 617-983-8700

Moving with Kids Tips

Moving with Kids – Fun and Less Stressful for You and Your Kids

Moving with Kids

Moving is a stressful process with or without children. If you and your family are moving, here are some tips to make for an easy transition and less stress on moving day. Making your kids a part of the move is important to making a smooth transition into your new home as a family.

Assign Tasks

You may be thinking your kids will only cause you chaos during the moving process, but think of ways they can help. This will keep them occupied and will help you get more done. Make moving day easier by assigning tasks to your kids. Make sure the tasks are age appropriate. The added responsibility will keep them focused and busy. No one knows your kids better than you do, so assign them things they can handle.

Make Moving with Kids Fun

Turn packing into a game to make things more interesting. Turn sorting clothes or stuffed animals into basketball. Use I-Spy and Hide and Seek to cross things off your packing list. On moving day play energetic music that your kids like so everyone stays upbeat and excited. Make a playlist or CD that is a mix of everyone’s favorite music.

Keep Favorite toys or Items in a Special Place

Give your kids 2 minutes to pick out the most important things they can’t live without. The items they collect will give you a good idea of what is important to them. Pack these items in a special suitcase or overnight bag so your kids can have the security of knowing their most prized possessions are safe and accessible. You can also let them pack their favorite toys in a special box and let them color on the cardboard to personalize it.

Keep Snacks and Water Handy for Everyone

Everyone gets a little cranky when they’re hungry. Moving with kids is strenuous and takes a lot out of everyone. Make sure you and your kids are staying hydrated and fed with easy things like granola bars or trail mix.

At Pony Express we are committed to helping you with a smooth transition into your new home. For questions about packing and moving services in your area, contact us today at 617-983-8700

 

Transition Your Family Into Your New Community After You Move

Transition your family into your new community after you move

Transition Your Family Into Your New Community After You Move

At Pony Express we are experts in all things moving. With over 19 years of experience we have moved  a great number of families into their new home. We understand how important it is to make your new home your own as you transition into a new town or city.

Be sure to involve the whole family in activities that will help you settle in take some family time after your move to explore and get to know your area. Support each other and explore as a group and get involved in the community. It is important to build those ties and bonds not only for yourself, but for your kids as well. Transitioning to a new school with new friends can be traumatic. Make the moving and Transition Your Family easier by taking the time after you move to settle in and get to know your new home together.

Explore the Neighborhood on Foot

Take an evening walk after dinner or on the weekend during the day to get to know your neighborhood. Make this a habit when you first move in. Familiarize your kids with the area. You want them to like their new home and feed safe playing outside. Take bikes and explore a little further. Go as a family to nearby hiking trails and family fun spot. Find a favorite pizza place or ice cream parlor and begin to make new family rituals in your new town. Transition Your Family

Join Groups in the Community

Have everyone in your family choose an extracurricular group to join. This will help you get to know other people with similar interests and adjust to the new area. Committing to it as a family will help you all follow through with it. Let your kids choose their group or activity so they are personally engaged and connected to it. Think about sports, theater, or a class at the YMCA. Joining groups helps you become a part of the new community.

Break the Ice With Your neighbors

Think of fun and creative ways to get to know to your neighbors. Host a cookout and make sure everyone’s involved. It’s important to meet your neighbors and engage with them so you feel safe and at home in your new neighborhood. This is also a great way for your kids to connect with the other children in the area.

Tour the New School

Avoid the trauma of the first day of school by touring the building beforehand. Most schools offer new student orientation which is a great opportunity for your kids to familiarize with the building so they don’t get lost and perhaps meet some other students and staff members so they have some familiar faces when their first day rolls around.

 

Pony Express is committed to helping you with a stress free move to you new home. For more tips on moving and packing for move or your relocation. Whether is local, long distance, or even interstate moving, we are the movers to call to get the job done right. Take the stress out of your move and call today 617-983-8700

 

Moving into Your College Dorm or Apartment Tips

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 Moving into Your College Dorm or Apartment – Hire a Mover

Moving into Your College Dorm or Apartment TipsAt Pony Express Moving we have 19 years of experience moving college students in and out of dorms and apartments locally or out of state. There are more colleges in Boston than any other city in the world. We have helped students from all over on move in day. Hiring a professional mover means you don’t have to carry boxes to and from the car back and forth. It means you won’t have to beg your friends with a pick up truck or a van, and it allows you to bring as much as you want to your new space.

Here are some tips to make things even smoother:

1. Don’t Double Up

Find our what furniture your school provides so you only pack what you need. There is no use moving heavy objects like appliances and furniture that will already be available to you. Talk to your roommate to see what they are bringing and work together to buy what you need.

2. Get there early. 

Don’t sleep in! Be prepared for moving day by having everything packed in advance. Eat a good breakfast and get out the door. For first year students, expect total chaos in your new dorms. Getting there early will help you beat the line and the crazy parking at your new home away from home. The closer you can park to the dorm or apartment, the shorter the distance you will have to carry things.

3. Think Ahead Of Time

If you don’t like the idea on sleeping on a used mattress that the school provides, you are going to want to bring your own mattress and bed frame. If you are bringing any furniture along with you, they will fit best in moving trucks and vans. Know ahead of time and tell your mover what to expect.

4. Stay Organized

Use a checklist to keep your move organized. Write it out in advance and use it to help you pack. You don’t want to forget anything at home. Think out of the box to make sure you’ll have everything you need to live away from home. Label all of your boxes so you know where everything is. This will help you pack and unpack and know what’s breakable.

For more information about moving into your new college dorm or apartment in the Boston area, contact Pony Express at 617-983-8700

 

How Long Should You Schedule Your Move in Advance?

Schedule Your Move in Advance

Schedule Your Move in Advance

Trying to work a move into a busy life is always very difficult. It requires a lot of logistics and schedule juggling to ensure everything lines up and goes smoothly. One of the best ways to facilitate this is to schedule your move early with a moving company.

How Early Is Too Early?

It’s never too early to book your move! There’s really no downside to booking with Pony Express Moving Services.

Why Is Booking Your Move Early Important?

Getting your move locked down early offers a myriad of benefits.

If you wait too long to start that process, we might be full, and you might miss out on your ideal mover. If you delay significantly, it might inhibit your ability to book any reputable mover like us, which could have significant ramifications for your moving plans.

Booking far enough out also ensures you have the time to properly pack, donate, or sell all your items. This helps you be organized and prepared come moving day.

For instance, if you are at all familiar with Boston on September 1st then you know what kind of chaos to expect. Most leases and move in dates for students start on Sept 1 which clogs the streets with moving vans and trucks. This is the busiest time of year for most movers, so plan your move in advance and contact us early.

Our services for the summer and fall book up fast. Schedule in advance. Be prepared ahead of time and call us to start the process. For more information on scheduling your move contact us at 617-983-8700.

Protect Furniture When You Move

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Protect Furniture

Protect Furniture When You Move

A lot of furniture gets scratched or broken during a move. If your furniture is not well protected in the moving truck or van, it is at risk for scratches, dents, and breaks. Whether you are moving on your own or hiring a professional mover, here are some tips to protect furniture when moving:

  • Wrap the legs of furniture
    For chairs and tables, use cloths, old socks, or towels to wrap legs or protruding parts of your furniture. This will not only protect your piece of furniture but it will also minimize damage to walls and doorways in case of bumps along the way. This will also protect your floors and carpets while you’re moving in and out.
  • Be Wary of Loose Items
    Protect your furniture from other objects in the truck that might cause scratching or nicks during the move. Tie down loose items like brooms, rakes, etc that might fall or jumble around in the truck causing dents or damage.
  • Sharp Corners and Scratching
    Use furniture padding and blankets between pieces of furniture in the truck. Cover sharp edges of headboards, picture frames and mirrors in cardboard or padding. Be sure to also allow padding or blankets between the walls of the truck and your furniture. when loading and unloading.
  • Keep Track of Small Pieces
    If you disassemble your furniture, take all the hardware and keep it together. Take the pieces like bolts, nuts, and screws and wrap them in bubble wrap and tape them securely to the piece of furniture they belong to so they don’t get lost.
  • Use Pillows
    You can use pillows and bedding in between items in the truck to reduce movement and friction. This will help prevent scratching, bumping, and scraping. Be sure to wash your bedding after the move before you use them again.

For more information on moving locally or long distance, contact the experts at Pony Express Moving. We are located in Jamaica Plains, Boston and we have moved our clients all over the country including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Chicago. Call today at 617-983-8700