Moving Tips for All Seasons and Weather

Beautiful British Columbia is majestic and unique, but it also comes with some tricky weather.  Here are some tips for moving is each climate and season.

Moving in the Rain

Unfortunately, you can’t predict the weather on your moving day.  Everyone hopes for clear weather, but sometimes the forecast calls for rain.  With some extra planning and a few extra steps, you can still enjoy a stress free and dry move.  As the premier Kamloops movers, we would like to offer you the following tips to keep yourself and your belongings safe and dry if it rains during your long-distance move.

Extra Prep

A rainy day means some extra preparation is necessary.  You will need to keep all surfaces dry, as rain can make tile or linoleum floors very slippery.  Place down old towels, blankets, and mats at the front door so that people can wipe their feet.  This extra protection will also keep your floors free of mud and dirt and reduce the amount of clean up that you will have after you are done moving.  Another great way to keep mud and water damage to a minimum is by using disposable runners in your home.

Safety First

You always want to put yours and the mover’s safety first.  Lightning can be a concern when moving or handling metal appliances outside.  If possible, try to outwait the rain or at least the worst part of the storm before moving anything that is conductible. Other safety precautions that you will need to account for include:

• Wear appropriate rain gear and use non-slip footwear.
• Always use dry gloves to get a better grip on wet items.
• Watch your step on slippery surfaces such as the ramp and steps of the moving truck.

Protect your Belongings

You will also want to protect your household items from water.  Keep in mind that certain belongings such as electronics are far more prone to water damage than others.  Some ways to keep your belongings safe and dry include:

• Prioritize your move. Try to move all items that are large or cumbersome first and save the more fragile items until later when the storm may have weakened or passed.
• Park the moving truck as close as possible to minimize the actual moving distance.
• Hold boxes from the bottom and make sure to seal them properly to keep out any moisture.
• Dry off all items once they have been loaded into the moving truck or your home to prevent any mold or mildew from forming.

These tips will ensure that regardless of the weather, your long-distance move will be a dry and successful one.  If you would like other rainy-day moving tips or are interested in our moving services, please contact us today.  We look forward to being a part of your next long-distance move.

Moving your Electronics Safely in all Weather

Probably some of the most expensive things you will move are your electronics. We live in an age of technology. Packing up your televisions, computers, and surround sound systems to keep them safe is an important part of a move, especially if the weather outside is not cooperating.

There are things that you can do to make packing, and ultimately unpacking them, much easier.

Mark Your Cables

It took you forever to figure out how to get your 7.1 stereo to talk to your Blu-Ray player. There is no need to lose that configuration. Label your cables by using colored and numbered tags.

As you are disassembling your set up, tag each end of the cable and the port that it plugs into with a number or color that matches. This will let you keep what goes where straight when you arrive at your new home and want to hook everything back up.

Use Cable Ties or Wraps

A common mistake that can damage cabling is to not wrap it properly. Remember, inside those cables are small metal wires. If you are not careful when you pack your cables, wires can be bent, twisted and break, making the cable useless.  Some things to remember:

• The ends of cables near connectors are particularly sensitive. Try not to bend them.

• Do not wrap a cable around itself. As you wrap a cable up, secure it with a Velcro wire wrap or a zip tie.

• Protect the ends of your cables. Dirt, debris and other things can get lodged in them causing bad or no connections when you try to plug them back in.

 Pack in the Original Boxes

If you have saved the original boxes for your electronics, make sure to use them for the move. Nothing will protect your electronics better than their original packing material.

If you did not save the boxes, do not worry. Many manufacturer websites will have recommendations on proper packing methods for their products.

Wrap in Layers

When you move your electronics, you want to protect them from any damage that can occur from shock or vibrations (being dropped or banged around in a moving truck), or inclement weather.  You will want to protect them from dirt as well. This means when you wrap them up, you want to take a twofold approach.

First, wrap them in linen or paper that is going to keep the dust and dirt out. You can secure this with something simple like packing tape. Make sure not to affix tape to the electronics, this can cause damage.

Once they are wrapped in a clean layer, pack them using bubble wrap or paper to keep them safe.

A Winter Move

Winter is not usually thought of as the ideal season to move.  Cold weather, short days and snow can all make a winter move not only challenging, but downright miserable.  Sometimes a winter moving date just cannot be avoided.  As the premier mover in Kamloops, we would like to offer you these 5 tips on how to survive your winter move.

Pack for the Season

How you pack your belongings will be different for a winter move.  Breakable items are even more fragile in cold weather so make sure to add another layer of protection such as bubble wrap to keep them safe. Electronics may also be more susceptible to damage in cold weather so make sure that they are properly protected and in boxes during the move.

It is also important to protect the inside of your home from the winter weather as well.  During the move you will be tracking snow and debris into your home as you transport your items.  Lay down cardboard to protect your flooring and prevent slipping.

Clear the Path

This may sound like common sense, but it is so important to clear the snow and ice from your driveway, walkways and sidewalks.  Not only can snow and ice be a huge safety concern, it can also slow or hinder the moving process.

Here’s the Deal:

Sometimes shoveling away the snow is not enough, if you encounter a layer of ice try using salt to break it up.

Get an Early Start

There are far less daylight hours in the winter, so it is essential to get an early start to the day.  Not only is it easier (and safer) to move when it is light outside, it is usually warmer as well.  Make sure to take advantage of the limited daylight hours and plan accordingly.

Dress for the Occasion

You are moving during winter so make sure to dress appropriately.  Proper winter attire includes:

• A scarf, gloves and a hat or tuque.
• Layers that can be easily removed or added, as you will be between two climates (indoors and outdoors).
• A warm pair of boots with good traction to prevent slipping.
• A warm winter jacket.

Turn on the Heat

One of the most overlooked moving tips is not having your utilities up and running in your new home before the moving date.  Make sure that you have hot water, heat and electricity in your home before you move in.  Not having working utilities can be more than a mistake, it can be a winter moving disaster.

By adhering to these simple winter moving tips, you would be able to enjoy a relatively problem and stress-free move.  If you would like more information about moving in the winter or are interested in the many moving services that we offer, please contact us today.  We would love to be a part of your next winter move.

Moving During the Autumn Months

Fall is one of the most spectacular seasons with its colours and crisp mornings.  Fall is also one of the best seasons to move your belongings.  Although it can present its challenges, a fall move can also offer unprecedented advantages, especially if you have a flexible schedule.

As the premier movers in Kamloops, we would like to offer you the following tips on getting the most out of your fall move.

The Perfect Time of Year

The cool weather combined with sunny days makes for perfect moving conditions.  The mild weather makes it so much easier to move those heavy boxes and furniture.

Remember:

Because the days are getting shorter you will not have as much daylight to work with, especially if you move later in the season.  Plan your move accordingly.

Although the fall season offers many sunny days, it is important to also plan for rain.  Here are some tips to help you with a move in the rain in case it occurs:

• Have tarps and blankets on hand to cover your boxes and personal items in case it begins to rain mid-move.
• To avoid any moisture issues with sizable items that may not dry quickly, such as mattresses, make sure to wrap them in plastic.
• Bring an extra jacket so that you can keep dry throughout the entire move.

A Real Fall Bargain

Fall is not only one of the most agreeable times of the year to move in terms of weather, it can also be one of the least expensive times of the year to move as well.  Summer is the busiest time for movers and the moving industry is a supply and demand industry.

You should be able to negotiate a better price in the fall, especially if you are adaptable.

Here’s the deal:

If you can remain flexible in your moving dates and not book your move at the end of the month, you should be able to negotiate a better deal.

Clear the Path

Fall is synonymous with falling leaves.  These leaves provide a spectacular backdrop to the season, but they can also pose a safety risk.  This is especially true if it is raining.  Make sure to clear a path that is free of leaves and other debris from your door to the moving van.  Not only will this alleviate the safety risks, it will also make the move faster and less cumbersome.

Dress for It

Fall is a time for layers, make sure to have a jacket and sweatshirt, as well as a t-shirt so that you are ready for all possible scenarios.  Most fall days warm up so having a choice of garments will keep you comfortable, regardless of the temperature.

Although moving can be a busy time, a carefully and well thought out transition can alleviate some of the pressure.  If it is possible, take advantage of the fall season and its many moving benefits.  We offer competitive rates and professional moving services.  If you would like more information about moving this fall, please contact us today.

More Information

If you would like to see other packing tips please see our Moving Tips page or stop by today. We would love to be a positive part of your moving experience.

Spring Storage Tips

The warmer weather and longer days make spring the perfect time to get to all those cleaning jobs that you have been putting off.  You may find that part of the clutter in your home is an overabundance of belongings that are in desperate need of storage.  As the premier movers in Kamloops we would like to offer you the following spring storage tips.

Let the Rotation Begin

A self-storage unit is the perfect solution for your needs.  It allows a seamless rotation between your winter and summer items and will free up much needed space in your home.  Some of the items that you may want to consider moving into storage include:

• Seasonal sporting equipment such as skis or golf clubs.
• Bulky seasonal clothing such as winter jackets and sweaters.
• Christmas and other holiday decorations.
• Summer balcony furniture.

By storing these items, you will free up space in your home and better organize your living space.

As you begin to gather the winter items that you will be moving into your storage locker, take the time to see what can be donated or simply thrown away.  The seasonal rotation of your goods is the perfect time to take stock of what is and is not of importance.

Here’s the deal:

A general rule of thumb is if you did not use a particular item over the course of the winter, do you really need it?  Something to keep in mind as you are packing up your seasonal goods.

Have a Plan

Spring is the season that is synonymous with cleaning and decluttering because it is that transitional time between summer and winter.  It is also one of the busiest times for movers and self-storage rentals, so make sure that you have planned accordingly.  Try to reserve a unit that will accommodate your stored items before the big spring rush.  This will guarantee that you get the proper sized unit at a lower rate.

While you are moving your winter gear into your self-storage locker, we recommend that you:

• Pack and store your belongings in an orderly fashion and according to when you will need them again. Anything that you will be needing in the near future make sure to pack near the front of the unit.
• Use bins and stackable shelves to keep your items better organized.
• Label all boxes and storage bins because there is nothing more frustrating than forgetting what and where you have stored some of your seasonal items.

A storage locker is the perfect way to organize, declutter and open up space in your home and now is the perfect time to begin.  We offer first class storage facilities for your goods for both short-term and long-term usage.  Our facilities are safe, clean, and secure.  If you would like more information on our storage units or to see how we can help with your storage needs, please contact us today.

A Summer Move

The summer months are by far the busiest and most popular time to move. The warm weather, long days, summer vacation and the peak of the home buying season are all advantages when it comes to a summer move.  Even with all these advantages, a summer move can still be a challenge.  As the premier moving company in Kamloops, here are some summer moving tips that will help you enjoy a stress-free move.

Be Prepared and Start Early

Make sure to give yourself a head start if you already know your move out and move in dates. By being prepared for your summer move, you will:

• Keep your stress levels under control, because you have completed many of the most arduous and difficult moving tasks.
• Have extra time to compensate for any mistakes or errors that you may encounter over the moving process.

Get the Mover and Dates You Want

Unfortunately, you are not the only one who is going to be taking advantage of the summer moving season.  Almost 70% of all residential moves take place between May and September which means that moving companies are in great demand during this period.  Make sure to book as early as possible so that you get the moving company that you want at the time you need.

Here’s the deal:

Booking early can also allow you to call around and secure the best possible price.  You may even get a discount by booking early.

Manage the Higher Moving Costs

The increased demand for moving companies coupled with the popular advantages of a summer move all translate into higher moving costs for you.  Some ways to help manage these higher costs include:

• Do as much of the packing by yourself and leave only the furniture and other heavy and bulky items for the professional movers.
• Have a garage sale or sell the items that you will not be taking with you and put that money into your moving budget.
• Pack only the items that you intend to keep – less items mean a lower transportation cost.

Choose a strategic Move In/Move Out Date

A major advantage of planning your summer move as early as possible is that you can choose your move in/move out date.  Make sure to avoid any long weekends such as Canada Day or the August civic holiday.  In general, try to avoid weekends and instead try for a less busy weekday option.

Remember:

If you have kids, they will be out of school during the summer months, so there will be no disruption to their academic studies.

The Right Movers for You

Using the right moving company is an essential part of any move.  We offer a wide range of moving services and are up for even the most difficult of moves.  Our staff is friendly and professional with years of moving experience.  Let us make your move as stress-free as possible this summer.  For a free quote or to see how we can assist you, contact us today.  We look forward to being a part of your positive moving experience.