Moving can be a very stressful thing.  There’s so many variables involved in the process.  Whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, there’s always a million things to consider, so it’s really easy to overlook some pretty important stuff. We at Blackhawk Moving & Storage decided to ask our moving professionals “what are some of the questions that frequently don’t get asked prior to the day of the move,” in order to help you have an easier, stress free experience.



What items go in boxes?


One of the most commonly missed questions by people that are packing themselves is what should/shouldn’t be packed.  A good rule of thumb is “If it fits in a box, pack it!”  The best defense against potential damage to your personal belonging is to pack them.  Things that are commonly overlooked when packing include:

·  Lamps

·  Lampshades

·  Larger glass/ceramic pieces (shelving, planters, frames, etc.)

·  Electronics

These are all valuable and fragile items, so why wouldn’t you pack them? When packing goods such as these, it’s best to use a large carton (6 cubic ft.) and lots of packing paper.  Never pack more than one fragile item per carton, either.  It may seem like overkill, but when it comes to keeping you household goods safe in transit, one can never be too careful.

 Another important thing to consider when packing yourself is avoiding packing hazardous and personal/sentimental items for transport on the truck. For more information regarding what not to pack, click here.



Will the movers unplug and pack my electronics?


Another question that often gets overlooked is what to do about entertainment systems and home office electronics.  Though our skilled moving professionals can handle the task of unplugging and packing your home electronics, who knows them better than you? To ensure that your move goes smoothly, we recommend that you unplug your components prior to the day of your move.  To keep track of your cables and remotes, try using a book carton (1.5 cubic ft.) and label the carton appropriately (i.e. Entertainment Center- remotes and cables). Use twist ties to help keep your cables from getting tangled, and consider labelling your cables to make it easier at your destination to figure out which goes where.



Are there any parking restriction at Origin/Destination?


When moving to or from a major city, moving companies often have issues with parking restrictions and permits. If you will be relocating to or from a big city like New York or Chicago, be sure to look into whether or not you will need to acquire permits. Sooner rather than later is always the best strategy, because quite often cities need as much as 5 business days to process a permit.  The last thing any person wants is to get to their move date, only to have their delivery delayed because of a permit issue.



How do I pack my house plants?


For some people, house plants are another member of the family, so transporting them safely can often be a top priority.  When preparing for the big day, it is important that you pack your plants properly to ensure that they will make the trip.  Unfortunately, federal guidelines prohibit us from moving most house plants on interstate moves, but if you’re moving locally, or transporting your house plants yourself, here’s a few helpful suggestions:

·  Wrap each pot in aluminum foil or polyethylene film so moisture will not seep through and weaken cushioning materials or cartons.

·  Large or tall plants are more easily handled if the branches are bound loosely against the main stem in the direction of growth with a soft band that will not cause injury.

·  Carefully pack plants into prepared cartons, cushioning them with crushed packing paper or other shock-absorbing materials so they won’t shift.  Try to keep plants of similar size together, and use cartons that are an inch or so higher than the tallest plant.

·  If you are moving the plants yourself, it’s unnecessary to close the cartons unless they will be stacked on top of one another in the car.  When traveling, park the car in the shade if it is hot and in the sun if it’s cold.



Do I need to reserve an elevator?


When moving in or out a of high rise building, you will most likely need to reserve an elevator.  It’s an annoying part of moving, but can be a real hassle if not addressed.  If you fail to reserve an elevator, it could result in the delay of your move, and ultimately wind up costing you time and maybe even money too.  It’s best to reserve your elevator window as soon as possible to ensure you’re able to get the exact window you want. Also be sure to inform your move coordinator of the window to help ensure that the movers get there at the appropriate time. The last thing anyone wants is to have their movers waiting around for the elevator to open up.



These are only a few suggestions to help you in the process of getting ready for your big day.  If you find yourself with similar questions, our experiences salespeople and move coordinators will always be happy to answer whatever questions you may have, because our goal is to make your moving experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

For more helpful moving tips, or to get a free quote, visit us at:  www.blackhawkmoving.com