Category Archives: Moving Tips

Tips For Moving In Freezing Cold Weather

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Moving at any time of year can be stressful, but it can be even tougher when you Moving In Freezing Cold Weather. From snow on the ground to bitter cold temperatures, moving during the winter comes with its own set of challenges.
Tips For Moving In Freezing Cold WeatherRead on for tips to make your winter move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Be Prepared to Be Flexible

The weather can be unpredictable in winter; it’s clear one day and then dumping down rain or snow the next. In addition, you may have to deal with wind, hail, or other wild weather. In the weeks leading up to your move, keep a close eye on forecasts and potential conditions.

If there is a large storm coming through on the day you plan to move, you may wish to contact your movers or truck rental company and reschedule. This may not be possible for you, but with their lighter workload in winter, this shouldn’t create too much of a problem for the vendor. After all, they don’t want to be out in that blizzard any more than you do!

Start Packing Well in Advance

Don’t wait until moving day to start packing up your belongings. The sooner you start, the easier it will be for everyone involved.

Prepare Your Home for the Move

Before you start loading anything into the truck, car or storage container, create a safe environment.

Winter weather conditions can make moving more dangerous than in summer, spring or fall. Before you start loading anything into the truck, car or storage container, take care to create a safe environment.

Shovel away any snow, making sure to create a wide path to allow for moving large furniture from your house. Also, ensure that your walkways are free of ice. Using a de-icer or anti-icer on your steps and sidewalks is a good solution. The last thing you want is to slip and fall causing injury or breaking any fragile items.

You might also want to consider creating shelter along exposed areas. Large party tents and tarps create excellent coverage from rain, but if you’re dealing with snow, make sure to use something that can withstand the weight, or that has an angle to slide the buildup off.

For the inside of your home, lay down plastic sheeting to protect your floors. You and the movers will be in and out of the house frequently, tracking in moisture, snow and dirt, so you’ll want to protect your floors from stains, scratches, or the need for excess cleaning. You’ve got plenty of other things to worry about on moving day; scrubbing mud out of your carpets after you’ve moved out shouldn’t be one of them.

Protect Your Belongings from the Weather

When packing your items, take special care to protect certain items from the cold.

Breakable items, like dish ware and glass, are particularly susceptible to temperature changes and can crack or break if the temperature shifts too quickly. Double-wrapping everything in thick blankets can help ease the transition from the warmth of your house to the cold of the container. You may want to consider loading these items into your moving container last, and unloading them first, to minimize their exposure to extreme cold.

Another option is to pack these items in your car, rather than in the moving container. Electronics are another item that should be packed in your car, as they are also easily affected by the cold. Wait until you’re about to leave before loading these items to keep them as safe as possible.

Take Good Care of Your Movers

Moving in winter weather is much more difficult than in summer, so it may be best to hire professionals to load and unload your belongings. They will have a lot more experience with winter moving than you do, so they’ll be better equipped to deal with the challenges that come up.

To thank them for all their hard work, prepare a pot of coffee, hot cocoa or apple cider (non-alcoholic, of course!) to warm them up when they need to take a break. There is no doubt that they will greatly appreciate it.

Prepare Your Car for a Long Distance Move

If you’re moving a long distance, have your car serviced prior to the move to confirm that everything is running properly. Just in case anything does go wrong, pack warm blankets, coats, hats and gloves in the car rather than with the rest of your belongings in the moving container or truck. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road without warm clothing.

Load up anything else you’ll need for driving in cold weather, like tire chains and ice scrapers, so you’ll be prepared for anything that might happen while on the road. It’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared, that way you’re ready for anything.

Allow Extra Travel Time

Driving in snow or in inclement weather always takes longer than driving on clear roads, so allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination. If movers will be meeting you at your new home to unload your belongings, keep in contact with the driver so they’ll know if any schedule changes come up.

Plan out your route in advance, but be prepared to make changes on the fly. Snowplow schedules are not always predictable, so you may find that your preferred route is unavailable. Most smartphones these days come with mapping apps that will adjust your route if there are possible traffic issues that might slow you down.

Make Sure Your New Home is Set Up for Unpacking

As you did with your previous home, make sure that all walkways are clear and ice-free, and lay down protection for your floors before you start moving things into your new home.

Since it gets dark much earlier in winter, you should also plan the timing to unpack your things. If you’re moving with a portable storage container, find out when it will be delivered to your new home. If it’s later in the day, you may want to leave your things in the container overnight rather than starting to unpack right away. That way, you can start fresh in the morning when you have plenty of light.

If you have to unload in the dark, make sure you check exterior lighting in advance to make sure they’re all working. Hanging lights or headlamps are two other options that will help light your way towards a better after-dark move!

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you’ll also want to make sure that the utilities are on in your new home they day before you unpack!

Take a Deep Breath

Moving in winter isn’t easy, but with proper planning and care, your stress can be minimized.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services When Moving In Freezing Cold Weather. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Tips for Moving During The Holidays

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Moving during the holidays can be a stressful situation, but it also sets you up for a fresh start at the beginning of the new year. The key to successfully moving in the winter months is to plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected. Follow these 8 tips for a much smoother experience so you can still enjoy the Christmas season, even while getting ready for a major move.

Tips for Moving During The HolidaysTips for moving during the holidays

Explore our best moving in winter tips for a stress-free holiday.

Plan your calendar early

Moving in the winter months eats up a lot of time during a period that is already extraordinarily busy. Look at your calendar well in advance and mark off dates of things you can’t change, like the end of your lease or your kids’ exam schedules. Then block off time for other, less essential commitments, like social events.

Take your time packing

Give yourself plenty of time to pack, especially if you’re moving during Christmas. A move takes up a lot of time anyway, and you’re likely to be slowed down by other obligations, not to mention fun things that you want to do. As you work on your calendar, consistently schedule time to pack so the days don’t slip away, leaving you knee-deep in moving boxes when you’d rather be celebrating.

Remember daylight savings

Each day gets darker and darker leading up to the winter solstice, which usually occurs a few days before Christmas. Even more disrupting is Daylight Savings, which causes the time to fall back one hour in early November. That means the darker evenings are accelerated, which can make moving in the winter months more difficult. Get an idea of your area’s usual sunset time so you know how much daylight you have to work with so you can avoid loading in the dark.

Create multiple budgets

A move at any time of year is costly, but your wallet may be stretched even further when moving during the holidays. A local move averages around $750 for a one-bedroom apartment and you can expect those expenses to increase if you have a larger family. Plus, you’ve got Christmas expenses to think about as well. Create two separate budgets for both holiday spending and moving to make sure you’re not caught by surprise during the winter moving process.

Save holiday delivery boxes

One of our best moving in winter tips is to set aside all of your delivery boxes to use for packing. You’re likely ordering more things online than usual this time of year. Saving those leftover boxes instead of chucking them can help keep your budget in check. Ask your friends and family to keep theirs for you to use as well.

Donate to those in need

Moving is always a good time to purge items you don’t need anymore. And moving during the holidays is perhaps the best time to donate your unwanted possessions to your local charity thrift store. You’ll not only lighten your own load during your move, but you’ll also help families in need.

Schedule utility activation

A night without heat will not be comfortable when moving in the winter months. It’s more important than any other time of year to promptly schedule your utilities to be turned on. That way you don’t have to worry about an unheated home after you’ve been moving.

Prepare for inclement weather

Winter weather can be unpredictable, even a day before you’re scheduled to move. Prepare for the worst by covering things like mattresses and sofas in case the weather takes a turn. A snowstorm doesn’t seem as scenic when you’re moving during the holidays so think ahead on how to keep your belongings safe no matter what the weather is doing.

Pros of moving during the holiday season

1. Access off-season discounts

Most movers have a busy season (late summer, usually) and an off-season. If you can get out of your lease in mid-December, you’re probably not going to face a lot of competition when it comes to finding a moving truck. In fact, the movers may be thrilled to have the business.

From hiring movers to renting storage facilities, moving during the holidays means you can usually take advantage of lower rates. Your truck will cost less, allowing you to add on extra services like packing assistance. Alternatively, you could use some of the money saved to outfit your new home with new furniture and decor!

2. Avoid family drama

People generally understand that the logistics of a move become all-consuming for a few weeks, so you have the perfect excuse for getting out of boring parties or dreadful dinners at your disposal. If there are family events that you simply can’t stand to attend, schedule a furniture delivery or get to bubble wrapping. Some traditions are meant to be broken.

But seriously, if traveling during the holidays gets you down, the excitement and positive stress of a local move could actually make your holiday season much more delightful this year.

3. Be prepared for the new year

Maybe you went through a divorce this year, or you’re about to quit that job you hate. Or maybe your resolution for the next year is to get healthy and stop spending too much money on the fast food from around the corner. No matter what plans you have for the following year, having a different address is a good place to start. Moving in the winter months may usher in a new chapter in your life, and you’ll be happy to be settled into a different place when the fresh calendar year arrives.

Cons of moving during the holiday season

While there are benefits to moving during the holidays, there are some downsides to consider as well.

1. Holiday moves may add stress

For many people, the holiday season brings up a lot of stress. Add to that a major life event like a move (and any other life changes that may be causing you to move), and you can really start to feel the strain of your responsibilities. Avoid getting burned out by managing your time well and asking for help when you need it.

2. Weather may cause delays

There’s simply no way to control every detail of your move. Unfortunately, weather is one of those variables that simply acts on its own schedule. Do your best to remain flexible to accommodate any delays caused by wintry weather. Also try not to move until the last minute so that you do have some breathing room in case you have to push back your moving day.

3. Extra spending could tighten budget

Another downside to moving during the holidays is that you’re adding a major expense to a time of year when you may already have a lot of extra costs to manage. Do your best to start saving money well in advance of your move (and the holidays). Also look at ways you could cut back on your holiday spending in order to get professional help with your move so you can reduce your own stress levels.

The bottom line

Budget your time and your money early on in the process when moving during the holidays. Also take time for some self-care so that you’re ready to handle any unexpected surprises that may come your way.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Moving Electronics Tips

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We recommend the following procedures when moving electronics to prevent any damage. If you take these steps before moving, your components should arrive intact.

Moving Electronics TipsAudio and Video Components

If you don’t have the owner’s manuals, or even if you do (they can often be found online), you may want to draw a diagram or take a photo of the wiring configuration to help you reconnect your components correctly after your move. Another good tip is to put small pieces of matching colored tape on the ends of the cables and on the corresponding inputs and outputs of the components.

Remove all discs from your CD and DVD players before packing to prevent scratches to your discs and damage to the laser in your player. This is also a good time to make sure that all your discs are back in their proper cases. Some players come equipped with a “transport screw” usually located underneath the unit (check the owner’s manual). Tighten this screw before you pack your player, which will immobilize parts of the mechanism.

If your unit comes with a cartridge (stacker) for multi-play, remove it before packing. The cartridge can be wrapped and packed in the same box as the player. All trays, whether single or multi-play, should be in the closed position before packing.

The best way to move your components is in the original boxes with the original packing. If you don’t have them, use boxes with enough room for adequate packing material. Your mover can provide a sturdy packing container and materials. Packing material should snugly fill the excess room in the box so that the unit will not move around. Plastic bubble sheets make ideal packing material. Newspaper is not recommended, as it may not securely hold the unit in place.

If you have a remote control, be sure to pack it in the same box as your player. All wiring used with your player should also be packed in the same box if you have room. Seal the box with reliable packing tape. Use this same packing method for packing your receiver, speakers and other audio and video components.

Plasma and Flat-screen Monitors

Plasma TV displays can be difficult to ship because they are essentially two thin panels of glass with plasma, an electrically-charged gas, held in suspension between them. They are delicate and relatively heavy. LCD screens, on the other hand, are lighter and less susceptible to damage, but still require careful handling.

If you are considering doing your own packing (not recommended for plasma TVs) be sure to let you mover know during the estimate that your shipment will include the TV and that special handling or crating may be required.

While plasma televisions are susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures, mishandling and from operating at high altitudes, they are shipped worldwide by their manufacturers without damage. The key is the packing. Whenever possible, you should use the manufacturer’s original packing container if you have kept it. If not, your mover can provide you with a special shipping container, or the unit should be packed and shipped in a container that meets the manufacturer’s specifications as closely as possible.

Plasma TVs should always be shipped and stored in an upright position. Shipping the units double-boxed and upright strapped to a pallet is recommended.

If storage is involved, the requirements vary by manufacturer, but plasma TVs should be stored in a climate-controlled warehouse where the temperature does not fall below 15 degrees F or above 122 degrees F, and where the humidity does not fall below 10 percent or exceed 90 percent with no condensation. Such units should not be stored at altitudes above 9,800 feet.

Some manufacturers recommend using only third-party specialists for dismounting and preparing plasma TVs for shipping, with professional installation at the destination for re-installation.

Personal Computers

Manually back up all your data. Remove any CDs from the disc drive and close all drive doors. Shut down the computer and the monitor before disconnecting them. Draw a diagram or take a photo of the wiring configuration to help you hook up your system up after your move. You may want to label each cable according to its corresponding piece of hardware (use this method for your printer, monitor, modem, scanner, etc.)

Use the original boxes if you have them. Otherwise, use boxes larger than the equipment and use plenty of packing material, especially on the sides.

Printers and Scanners

Again, the original packing box and material is the best choice for transport because they are customized to fit your specific items. Remove ink cartridges from printers and pack them separately. If you are moving a laser printer, remove the laser ink cartridge as the toner may spill and contaminate the laser engine.

At Your Destination

Avoid plugging in electronics on delivery day if possible. You should wait 24 hours to allow the units (TV, stereo or otherwise) to acclimate to room temperature and humidity, especially during colder months.

Special items

During an estimate, be sure the mover is aware of any particularly unusual items you’ll be taking with you, such as a chandelier or in-ground swing set. Movers often rely on their own or outside specialists to handle disassembling and/or crating (and uncrating and reassembling) such items as grandfather clocks, high-end appliances and home gyms.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

How to Get Packing When You Don’t Know Where to Start

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Packing is not easy for everyone. It can be tough to get started, or to even know where to start. You may intend to do your own packing but find the task pretty darn daunting when you start with the first box. How do you get your whole house into boxes and then loaded into a single truck? If you’re not sure where to start, when to get started, or how to pack your stuff – you’re in the right place.
How to Get Packing When You Don't Know Where to Start
From managing your very first move to packing when you’re too overwhelmed to think, these simple suggestions from professional movers can help you start putting one box on top of another until your house is packed and ready to go.

Start with Boxes and a Permanent Marker

Start with that first box. Grab a stack of ‘Medium’ packing boxes and a permanent marker. Start with the rooms you use least, like the garage or den. Clear shelves into boxes (with padding, if needed) and label the box for its contents. Then start another box. Then another. Empty your off-season clothes into one box and your backup toiletries into another. Empty your bookshelves and desk drawers into one box and your less-used kitchen pans into another.

One box at a time, label by label, your home will get packed.

Break Up Your Packing into Manageable Chunks

If packing the whole house seems like a big task, break it up. Pack your office first, or everything in your closet you don’t wear weekly. Pack up your storage areas, they’re already half-packed anyway. Section your house into areas, leaving your most-used things for last. Tackle packing one evening and weekend at a time and congratulate yourself on hitting milestones.

Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need

Moving is the perfect time to purge your possessions of anything you don’t need or don’t want to bring with you. All those shirts you never wear, the pans you never cook with, or the furniture too shabby to be worth the truck space can get kicked to the curb or – even better – donate them. There might be a young couple who desperately needs an old sturdy couch or a family who could really use that extra mattress.

Get rid of things you don’t need. Anything you wouldn’t miss in the new house is now a candidate to lighten your load and reduce the amount you’ll need to pack.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

If you’re not a professional mover, start early. Most people can’t pack their house over a long weekend, or even over three or four weekends. So, give yourself plenty of lead-up time to pack the house – and know when it’s time to call in the moving company reinforcements if you just don’t make enough headway before your moving date approaches. This is normal, not everyone is a packing machine.

Hire Professional Movers

Professional movers are an important resource when you’re planning a move. Many people hire movers to pack just their big furniture and most fragile objects, trusting their expertise to ensure these items make it to the new home safely. You can also count on a professional moving company to take you past the finish line if your personal moving efforts aren’t quite done when moving-truck weekend arrives.

Whether you need moving services to augment your busy schedule or because you’re not sure where to start, Pony Express Moving is here to help you get where you’re going. Contact us today to consult on your moving plans and schedule the professional moving services you need. We look forward to making your upcoming move a breeze.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Millennials Moving Tips

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Millennials are growing up; managing your first move without the benefits of parental castoffs or finances. The first thing you may have discovered about picking up sticks and relocating is that the expenses mount up fast. The second thing is that it’s going to take mad organizational skills to get everything you own from point A to point B without mistaking your X-Box box for your Ninja box.

Millennials Moving TipsUse Your Tech for Good

There are tons of apps to help you organize a move–they’ll track everything from your packing (store photos of what you put in every box) to setting up utilities (big life skill) to hiring a moving company. You can share the info with roommates or family so everybody is always on the same page.

Low-Tech Still Rules for Moving

All the fun apps in the world can’t replace old-fashioned boxes and packing tape. Here’s a moving tip that you’ll use for the rest of your life–get small boxes. Sure, you can get more stuff in a large box, but they get heavy very fast. Lots of small boxes are more useful than a few giant ones.

So, you’ll need boxes, packing tape (spring for the tape gun), some newsprint or bubble wrap for padding, and markers. If you’re really organized, you can use color coded markers for your boxes, but most people are happy with a black wide-tip Sharpie.

One large box that’s worth investing in is a wardrobe box–a heavy duty box with a metal hanging bar across the top. You can stow your hanging clothes in this box and not worry about wrinkles and dry cleaning when you unpack. Check with your local moving company for any specialty boxes that you might require.

Allow Yourself Plenty of Time

Remember when you were in college and could pack up and move to another apartment (or room in the frat house) in an afternoon? Forget that. Now you have furniture, electronics, kayaks, and all the stuff that you used to keep in your parent’s basement. Not to mention your t-shirt collection. Give yourself a couple of weeks at least to pack up for your move–the further you’re going, the more time you’ll need.

A good rule of thumb is a few days for each room–you can pack up a studio apartment a lot faster than you can a two-bedroom condo. Collect all the stuff you don’t use or don’t need–donate it, give it away or throw it out.

Realize Your Limitations

Sure, you’re young and ready to take on the world, but you may still need professional movers, especially if you have stuff like a motorcycle or a jet ski. If you’re moving a long distance and flying to your new home, you’ll also likely need to transport your car. Professional movers can pack and move ALL your stuff for you, and you won’t have to worry about it not getting there in one piece.

If it’s at all in your budget, seriously consider hiring a professional moving company for your move. If you’re relocating for a job, your relocation package probably includes this bonus, so definitely take advantage of it.

Take a Selfie

Nothing is ever real until it’s a story on social media, so be sure to take a picture as soon as you’re in your new house.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Home Improvements to Make Before You Move In

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Most homebuyers have a list of things they’d like to change about their new properties. And while a lot of it can be pushed off until after recovering from the move and its associated costs, some home improvements are much easier-and cheaper-to get done prior to moving day.

Home Improvements to Make Before You Move InHere are some of them:

Flooring

A home’s flooring takes on a lot of wear and tear (and occasionally, some latent and unrelenting pet smells as well), so it’s pretty typical to want to refloor a home after you buy. But it’s a large expense, and many buyers choose to wait to get it done. Unfortunately, that usually results in spending a lot more money in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with carpet, vinyl, tile, or hardwood, you’re always going to be able to keep costs lower if you schedule the installation to take place prior to move in day, when the flooring company doesn’t have to take on the added task of moving all of your furniture.

Interior painting

Just like flooring, painting the interior of your home is considerably easier when you don’t have to worry about clearing out rooms first or covering up furnishings. And if you’re hiring a pro to do the job, it’s also much more cost effective, since 75-85 percent of the cost of a professional paint job goes toward labor. Safeguard your savings and your furniture by getting the interior rooms painted when the house is empty, and simplify the task even further by painting before you have new floors installed. As an added bonus, getting this done early means that you get to avoid all the fumes that come with fresh paint.

Popcorn ceilings and walls

If you’re moving into an older home, there’s a strong chance you’ll run across popcorn ceilings or walls. While the style used to be popular for its aesthetic and ability to hide imperfections, now it’s much more of an eyesore than anything else. Popcorn ceilings or walls can also contain asbestos or other irritants, meaning even if you don’t hate the style you’re better off having them removed. Having popcorn ceilings or walls professionally smoothed out is simple enough, but it’s also messy. Similar to painting, the handyman will have to cover all furnishings and move things around, adding on time and money. Get it done ahead of time and save the trouble and expense.

Closet shelving and organization

Unpacking is stressful enough without having to worry about where you’re going to put everything. Set yourself up for success by having any DIY or professional closet fixtures installed prior to the first box of stuff getting dropped off. You’ll be able to plan for exactly what you need, plus you’ll simplify the entire process and save yourself the trouble of filling up a closet only to have to empty it out again to install shelving.

Fencing

If you have pets or young children who like to run free in the backyard (or you just like your privacy), you’re probably going to want to install a fence. And while you may think this is an easy thing to take care of at some undetermined date after move in, having your indoor and outdoor space optimized for livability before you turn the key in the front door goes a long way toward making your new house feel like home. If you know you’re going to fence in your yard, get it taken care of early, before it inevitably gets pushed down on the to-do list. And don’t forget that you may need to file a permit in order to build a fence, so this is one project you should get started on as soon as you can.

Exterior locks

This is one of those easy home improvements that can be done in just an hour or so. Even if you’ve met the previous owner of the home and they seem nice and trustworthy, you have no idea who else may have copies of the key. Instead of taking on the risk, give yourself some peace of mind and have a locksmith come out to replace all of the exterior locks before you move in. It’s the only way to know for sure exactly who has access to your home.

Batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

This is another area where you’re always better safe than sorry. Not all home inspectors check the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and if they do, there’s still no way to know how recently they were replaced. Instead of sitting back and waiting for the inevitable “beep” of a dying battery (or worse, finding out that an existing battery is defective), take a few minutes to pop in fresh replacements.

Heating and cooling filters

A heating or cooling system with an old or faulty filter can cost you some serious dough by causing the system to work inefficiently, or worse, break. A fresh filter is cheap and easy to install on your own, and will provide you with cleaner air and greater protection against having to replace the heating or cooling system itself-a repair that is neither cheap nor easy.

Leaks

Any leak, no matter the size, can cause major damage over time if left untreated. So if your home inspector alerted you to a leak, don’t waste any time in getting it repaired. In addition to water damage, untreated leaks open up your home to a host of problems, including mold, mildew, and rotting surfaces. Plus, treating the leak could result in a disruption of your water services-an inconvenience that’s not so bad if you’re not living in the property at the time.

Childproofing

Never wait until after you move in to take the necessary precautionary steps to protect children (or pets) from household hazards. Any childproofing adjustments you need to make, be it covering outlets, securing cabinets, or installing corner and edge bumpers definitely need to be done before any two- or four-legged little ones walk through the door. And if the previous owners already had childproofing in place, be sure to double check each safety fixture to make sure it’s in proper working order.

Moving is a big task, and it’s often fraught with complications and added expenses. While you can’t prepare for every what-if, you can do your future self a huge favor by taking care of these types of home improvements projects prior to move in. Not only will doing most of these ahead of time save you money, they’ll also save you a ton of time and frustration.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Don’t Forget Your Outdoor Items

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When you are planning for a move, it is common to think about all the items inside your house that will need to be moved to your new home. However, many people have numerous items, such as grills and patio furniture, outside that cannot be overlooked. Preparing and packing outdoor items for a move can be like packing some of your indoor furniture, but like with all home items, it is important to take special care to do the job right. Otherwise, you may arrive at your new home with broken furniture and a dented-up grill.Moving Outdoor Items

Deep Cleaning

Even before packing a cushion, do some deep cleaning of the outdoor furniture and grill. If they aren’t clean for the move, you might end up with dirt and grime on other belongings that ride beside them in the moving van. Spray all surfaces of the patio furniture down with cleaner, wipe clean and rinse with water. Make sure and get all the cracks and crevices on the furniture. For the grill, remove the soot and ashes from the inside and clean the grease or ash catcher. Additionally, consult the manual to see if there is a suggested cleaning solution for the inside and outside of the grill and to see if they have further recommendations for cleaning.

Packing

After you have cleaned your furniture and grill, you can begin to pack it up for your move. Remove pillows and cushions from the patio furniture and set them aside. Take apart any furniture items that can easily be disassembled and make sure to keep track of all the hardware in a bag or box that you can label and tape to the frame. Wrap the furniture pieces in moving blankets and take care to cover all the sides with the blankets. Once they are securely wrapped, secure the pads with tape to prevent damage. Make sure that any pillows or cushions are completely dry before packing them in boxes. Label the boxes for easy identification at your new home.

Remove grates, trays and small parts from your grill and carefully wrap them in packing paper and place them in boxes. You’ll also want to remove the propane tank from the grill. Verify with your moving company if they can load the tank on the moving van. You will likely need to transport it yourself or leave it behind and purchase a new tank after arriving to your new house, as most professional movers will not move anything flammable or combustible. Wrap the grill in moving blankets and secure with tape for safe moving.

Remember that a professional mover can assist with the packing and moving of your patio furniture and grill (minus the propane tank). If you want to forego the hassle of packing your outdoor and indoor items, Pony Express Moving Services would be honored to assist with your move.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Stay Safe When Moving

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The house moving process is often both stressful and expensive. To make matters worse, moving from one house to another can also be a dangerous endeavor, especially on Moving day when its notorious uncertainty could bring about a few unexpected surprises.

Stay Safe When MovingYes, money and time are important, but you should never forget that your health and the health of your family members, including your lovely pets, is your number one priority.

And that’s exactly why it’s imperative that all of you stay safe when moving to a new home.

Here are the top 20 safety tips for packing and moving that will help you stay perfectly safe and healthy throughout your own house move.

1. Ask for assistance

Don’t try to lift and carry exceedingly heavy household items entirely on your own. Instead, protect your health by asking good friends to give you a hand with the heavy lifting.

As a rule of thumb, the more helping hands you manage to secure on Moving day, the safer it will be for everybody involved in the house move.

2. Plan your actions

Plan your actions a few steps ahead to prevent major accidents from taking place on the Big day. Planning is especially critical when you’re moving large and heavy furniture – after all, you wouldn’t want to get stuck in the doorway underneath a huge couch.

On Moving day, plan each and every step before you actually take it.

3. Use good moving boxes

Make sure all the moving boxes you intend to use for your things are strong enough to withhold the weight of whatever will be packed inside them. Inspect thoroughly each and every cardboard container before using it, especially when using second-hand moving boxes.

The cardboard boxes you have should be sturdy, perfectly dry, and without any signs of previous damage. Be extra wary of infestations of any kind.

4. Secure all cardboard boxes

Keep your valuable items safe by ensuring that the cardboard boxes that hold them won’t break under the weight. One of the most neglected moving day safety tips is to double-tape the bottom of each cardboard container before filling it up.

To stay on the safe side, you should do this precautionary measure even when using brand-new packing boxes just because you never know.

5. Don’t skimp on packing supplies

Don’t skimp on packing materials only to save a few dollars – such a tactic almost always turns out to be counterproductive. When you’re packing extra-fragile items, remember to use enough packing paper and bubble wrap to protect well those breakables until they are safely delivered to the new residence.

A good rule to remember is to prepare more wrapping paper and bubble wrap than you think you will need to pack up your delicate possessions. After all, it’s always better to be safe when packing than sorry when unpacking, right?

6. Don’t make boxes too heavy

Provide an accident-free house moving experience by not making cardboard boxes too heavy when filling them up with your things. As a rule of thumb, a moving box should not be heavier than roughly 40 pounds. In reality, cardboard containers heavier than that safety limit pose risks for the persons who are to carry them and for the items that are packed inside them.

Don’t waste any precious time trying to weigh your packed boxes. Instead, lift each one slightly off the ground – if you’re able to do that comfortably without straining yourself too much, then you should be good to go.

7. Use proper moving equipment

Take advantage of the proper moving equipment to guarantee yourself an easy and safe haul of super-heavy items such as large furniture pieces, bulky household appliances, and big moving boxes.

The moving dolly and furniture sliders should become your new best friends when you’ve made up your mind not to hire professional movers to help you out.

8. Protect your back

NEVER bend or arch your back when lifting heavy items on Moving day. In fact, this is one of the most important moving day safety tips you should remember. The thing is that your back muscles are weak and when you strain them too much, bad injuries tend to occur.

Back injuries during house moves – pinched nerves, strains, and herniated disks – are more common than you think so you must avoid them at all costs. And since prevention is the best medicine, ALWAYS lift heavy objects using your strong leg muscles while keeping your back as straight as possible.

9. Use your legs as a hoisting device

Use the power of your legs when lifting heavyweight items, always. Just bend at the knees, keep your back straight (critically important!), and use the strongest muscles in your body (the leg muscles) as a hoisting device. Also, keep a stable base with your feet – they should be shoulder-width apart and one of your feet needs to be slightly forward.

Keep in mind that personal injuries during the action-packed Moving day can happen in the blink of an eye, so you must be extremely careful when handling heavy things.

10. Measure up your furniture

Increase moving day safety by preventing bad accidents before they happen. One way to do it is to ensure that the largest furniture pieces you’re moving will fit through all doors and hallways without any problems whatsoever.

Measure up those furniture items in advance, then measure the doorways and corridors along the intended exit path and do the math. If the numbers spell trouble ahead, get your largest furniture pieces disassembled safely before you move them out of the home.

11. Have a good grip

Ensure you have a good grip on whatever it is that you’re lifting and carrying to prevent personal injuries of any kind or untimely property damage, or both.

First of all, wear high-quality work gloves that will not only give you a better grip on things but will also protect your hands as well. And secondly, use box handles or side openings when carrying heavy boxes. If none are available, use both hands and get your fingers underneath the box bottom for a secure grip.

12. Dress appropriately

Minimize the moving day risks by dressing appropriately for the occasion. The day of your move is the most unpredictable time period when anything can happen, and that is why you should be 100% ready for any bad surprises.

Wear clothes that will give you the best level of comfort and protection. Pick garments made of breathable fabric that are flexible enough to not restrict your movements. Avoid baggy clothes at all costs.

13. Wear good shoes

Pick your most comfortable pair of shoes for the move-out day – the footwear that will give you the best possible protection for your feet and toes. Also, the shoes you wear on Moving day have to have anti-slip rubber soles and, ideally, offer good support for your ankles.

In most cases, you can’t go wrong with a pair of good sports shoes when moving in spring, summer, or fall, and a pair of high-quality boots when moving in winter.

14. Keep all paths clear

Make sure all hallways and pathways along the exit routes are clear of any types of obstacles – no random moving boxes or other disorganized clutter should be in your way when you’re moving large and heavy things out of the home.

Don’t forget that one wrong step or an accidental slip could easily ruin your house move. Randomly scattered stuff along the exit paths spell TROUBLE and pose a real trip hazard.

15. Secure outside areas

Don’t leave anything to chance and take care of the outside areas as well. The path that leads to the moving vehicle should be clean and free of excessive dust, mud, water, snow, or ice. Remove any debris from the ground, no matter how harmless it may look.

Also, trim down overgrown shrubs or protruding tree branches that may hurt someone during the house moving process.

16. Keep your kids safe

Keep young children safe in a room that’s far from the packing and moving action. You definitely don’t want to have kids running around when large furniture items are being taken out of the place. Moving day can be dangerous for adults, let alone for young kids who may not yet fully understand what’s happening.

Ask a relative or a close friend to look after your children in the designated Safe Zone while you’re working on the tasks at hand.

17. Keep pets from trouble

Guarantee the safety of any pet animals you may own – cats, dogs, birds, fish, and so on. Similar to kids, the last thing you’d need on the day of the move is to have your playful dog or mischievous cat to be running around your feet.

All in all, moving day safety is about taking precautionary measures before an accident could occur. Have your pet in a room away from danger, leave them with some tasty treats and water, and consider locking the door temporarily for fear of somebody letting them out by mistake.

18. Mind the weather

Stay safe during your move by monitoring closely the weather conditions outside. For example, when moving during a particularly hot summer day, avoid overheating by drinking plenty of liquids, having the home cooled down through the AC on, and wearing light-colored clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

During a winter move, keep the home heated properly and wear warm clothes in layers when working outside so that you can regulate your body temperature more easily.

19. Use your common sense

Use your common sense to stay safe and healthy throughout the move. Sometimes it’s the little things that can lead to serious problems when you least expect it, so you’ve got to keep your eyes open from start to finish.

Don’t try to be a hero and do things that are more than you can handle. For example, carrying a few boxes at the same time may look cool, but it also is risky for you and the items inside those boxes. So, know your own limits and always think before you act – possibly the best advice to guarantee safety when moving house.

20. Hire licensed movers

Don’t underestimate the dangers when moving from one home to another – trouble can come from anywhere so you just have to remain vigilant at all times.

For your own sake, you must stay protected from dishonest movers – rogue moving companies that have only one purpose – to scam unaware customers. It can be really frustrating, to say the least, to get scammed by bad movers, so stay safe by only working with a properly licensed and adequately insured moving company.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

Tips For Celebrating Valentine’s Day When You Just Moved

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Moving is a busy time, but you can still spice things up with a little romance on Valentine’s Day. Show your partner/moving buddy how much you care with a special meal, a thoughtful gift or an at-home date night in your new house.

Tips For Celebrating Valentine’s Day When You Just MovedThere may be plenty to do after moving, but there’s also plenty to celebrate. Don’t let the excitement wane from your romance just because there’s a stack of boxes to unpack. Here are a few suggestions on how to keep the romance alive while you adjust to your new home.

Take Out and Eat In

Moving into a new neighborhood is the perfect time to discover that special café or hole-in-the-wall that becomes your new favorite restaurant. A quick search online or, better yet, a recommendation from a neighbor, will hopefully point you in the right direction.

Even if your kitchen is still packed away, you can have a romantic picnic on the floor. Throw in some candles and a bluetooth speaker, and you’ve got the mood set for a perfect Valentine’s date in your new home.

Flowers

Bringing your Sweet Babboo flowers may seem cliché, but we think flowers never get old. They brighten spirits and rooms, especially when you skip the painted carnations and get a bouquet that shines or a potted plant to bring some added oxygen into your home as you get a workout moving boxes around.

In a new home without much furniture or decoration yet, a vase or funky pot full of floral love is a wonderful first step toward making things feel homy. Have you checked to see where your nearest florist is yet?

Balm for Achy Muscles

If you find yourselves a bundle of aches and pains after carrying that sleeper sofa upstairs, a massage could be just the thing to help relax and celebrate.

Many spas offer couples massages and treatments. Treat your partner to a relaxing getaway for a Valentine they’ll surely appreciate.

Valentine’s Day at Home

There’s plenty of ways to enjoy being under your new roof. After a long slog, a quiet evening doing some of your favorite activities may be the ticket. Here are a few ideas:

  • Board games and a bottle of wine.
  • Turn your open floor into a dance floor.
  • “Camp out” with a tent in your living room.
  • Project a romantic movie on an empty wall.

Get creative and use those unfurnished surroundings.

Explore Your New World

Whether you moved across town or across the country, there’s a different world outside your door. Valentine’s day is the perfect time to get out and explore it with your favorite companion. Take a drive, walk the beat or pedal around your new hood.

Find a new park to enjoy, discover new trails to hike or bike or just learn where your hardware store and local grocer are. You never know what you’ll find once you set out.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without the Stress

Moving into a new home doesn’t have to come at the cost of romance. We hope you’ll find ways to celebrate Valentine’s day and every day after your move. New rituals and new traditions come with the change of scenery. Make sure you start off right, and that your special someone doesn’t feel left out.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Free moving quotes.

The Challenges of Local Moving in 2021

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Boston is a place of diversity, culture, creativity, and plenty of urban vibes. There are multiple reasons as to why many individuals are deciding to move here in recent times. The key is to be prepared ahead of time. With a bit of research and a solid plan, anyone can move there fast and hassle-free. In addition, throughout the rest of the post, we’ll evaluate some of the challenges of local moving in Boston in the upcoming year. With that being said, we’ll make sure you leave here with a few moving tips as well!

Relocating in 2021

The year 2020 has definitely been a challenging year for the entire world. With many adjustments and lifestyle changes month to month, we have had to adapt to the new way of doing things. For example, for a few months, no one really knew what turn the real estate market would take and whether moving, in general, would be possible. With new measures in place, and things gradually becoming the ‘new normal‘, relocating in 2021 is possible.

The Challenges of Local Moving in 2021How do you handle something that is yet to be known? The key is to remain organized and to plan ahead. Being prepared ahead is important.

Local Moving in Boston

In order to ensure that your local moving in Boston is successful and faces the least amount to zero challenges, it’s important to plan ahead and do the necessary research. A well-structured plan serves as a guide throughout the moving experience. It enables you to remain organized and efficient day to day. Writing everything down on paper and making a checklist will help you break down the moving process while being able to visualize the entire situation. Evaluating it all prior will inform you better, hence you will be better prepared.

Moreover, set up a moving timeline as it will help you organize everything from start to finish. While you are doing that, do a bit of research on hiring a moving company. It’s important that you make sure you hire someone experienced so that you can rely on your belongings being delivered safely and securely to your new home. Someone with a reliable experience will know exactly how to proceed. The team will also have the necessary equipment and supplies to handle the move properly.

Professional Assistance

As we mentioned above, hiring a team of professionals to help you face the challenges of local moving in Boston is definitely an excellent solution. It’s important that you get in touch with Pony Express Moving early on to discuss everything from moving terms and fees to how this process will be handled in 2021 with everything going on. In addition, as we don’t really know the turn of events for the next couple of months, it’s important to be prepared to adjust quickly and handle things accordingly. 

Real Estate

Relocating and looking for a new home this year and in 2021 might be a bit different from what we know and are used to. For example, depending on the situation, some house tours might have to be completed virtually due to the Covid circumstances. Due to the inconsistency with a lot of things lately, it’s also important to always communicate with your real estate agent and to always be in the loop with new information coming in and out. All in all, simply being in the know and understanding that you have to go with the flow is already being prepared enough.

Packing Stages

Although we don’t have control over a few aspects of local moving in Boston, there are a few things we can control. Packing is a very repetitive process, therefore in order to simplify it and be efficient throughout, we suggest breaking it down into multiple stages. For example, begin by packing items you don’t need on a daily basis. As the moving day comes closer you can gradually move on the items you use more frequently. In addition, going room by room will help keep you organized while helping you categorize everything properly. Ensure to label each and every box as it will be easier to handle the move.

Boston

Overall, local moving in Boston can be simplified even throughout these tough times. Having a plan and thinking ahead are big aspects with much influence on the move altogether. This is why a checklist is a good way to keep things organized and orderly. Since 2020 has been the way it has, and we don’t know much about the upcoming year, simply stay informed with the latest news and updates, and take the necessary measures as you move along with your move.

Mission Complete

Relocating from point A to point B can definitely be a little overwhelming, especially in these times. With added precautionary measures and different ways of doing things, moving can become quite hectic. However, if you allow yourself enough time prior you will have the luxury to plan well ahead and to stay organized. Breaking down the moving process is something that will help you organize the entire ordeal while being able to focus on each task individually. Going step by step will definitely ease the stress and hassle of the process.

No one really knows what 2021 will be like. Therefore, we cannot foresee certain challenges when it comes to local moving in Boston next year. All we can do is rely on what we know now and what we are used to. Therefore, in order to avoid the basic challenges of moving in general, simply have a plan in mind. Furthermore, remain organized, do the necessary research, and experience this move day by day, step by step.

Save money with Pony Express Moving Services. Lower prices than traditional moving companies and you don’t have to drive! Request a Free Quote Online for Moving in 2021!!!