Moving Companies in the Twin Cities Offer These Moving and Packing Tips

Moving your entire household is never easy, but perhaps these moving tips from Beltmann, one of the top moving companies in the Twin Cities can help

Hot Tips for Your Next DIY Move

• Most moving companies in the Twin Cities mark their boxes as they are packed. You can do the same by color coding them for each room and numbering them to make sure all of the boxes arrive in your new home.
• Write a list of what’s inside each box on the outside, this will help you to determine which boxes to unpack first.
• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag with things each member of your family is likely to need during your trip and for the first night in your new home. Be sure you keep them separate so they don’t end up in the moving truck.
• Press ‘n Seal plastic wrap is a great way to seal your dresser drawers and keep everything in them from falling out.
• Take pictures of the cables connecting your electronics together so you reconnect them when you get to your new home.
• When you take a piece of furniture apart, put the screws, nuts, and bolts, in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the piece so they don’t get lost.
• Buy a few of those “Space Bags” you can find in most department stores and put your clothes in them. Suck the air out of them with your vacuum cleaner. This will make your clothes take up less space and easier to pack in boxes.
• Most moving companies in the Twin Cities pack light things in large boxes and heavy things in smaller ones. This makes them easier to carry and load.
• When packing your plates, stack them vertically like vinyl albums and place a sheet of packing paper between them. Bowls and cups should be stacked with packing paper for protection. Use things like towels, t-shirts, and bed linens to fill the voids in the box and keep everything from moving around.
• Things like clean plant pots, saucepans, the toaster oven, and the microwave are perfect for packing small items like spices. You can use kitchen towels to keep everything from rattling around.
• To finish packing, moving companies in the Twin Cities tape the boxes top and bottom, Then they wrap tape twice around the boxes for added security.

A List of Items the DOT Says Cannot be Transported

Regulations created by the US DOT have created a list of things moving companies in the Twin Cities that cannot be transported in their moving vehicles.

1. aerosol cans, ammonia, charcoal/lighter fluid, cleaning solvents
2. fertilizer, fire extinguishers, fireworks, fuels/oils
3. pesticides, poisons pool chemicals, propane tanks
4. matches, nail polish/remover, paint thinners, paints/varnishes
5. household batteries, kerosene, liquid bleach, loaded guns
6. ammunition, car batteries, charged scuba tanks, darkroom chemicals
7. rubbing alcohol, Sterno fuel, weed killer

Things You Need to Do On Day One in Your New Home

• Before the first box is unloaded, take the time to clean your new home and take care of any small repairs.
• Moving companies in the Twin Cities require an authorized adult present while they work and to sign the paperwork when the job is done.
• When the movers have finished is the time to pay any balance owed to the moving company.
• Mark each door with a piece of colored paper that matches the colors on the boxes to the door of each room. This will help speed the unloading process.
• Keep a close eye on everything as it is unloaded for any signs of damage. Be sure to make note of any damages on the driver’s copy of the inventory. In the event you decide to file a claim, these notations will make it easier.
• Consider hiring a professional to install your appliances.
• While most moving companies in the Twin Cities will help by assembling your beds, they generally won’t unpack the mattresses unless you’ve made prior arrangements.
• Take your time when unpacking your boxes, start with the kitchen and bathroom, then move on to the bedrooms, and finally the rest of your home.

After the Movers Have Finished and Left

• Make sure the things you are likely to need first are the last ones to be loaded into the truck. This way they can be the first boxes off the truck.
• You should create a “moving in” box that contains things like a cordless drill/screwdriver, screwdrivers, a hammer, drill and driver bits.
• Your “moving in” box should also contain a few lightbulbs, you never know whether those in your new home are going to work. Having a few spares will mean not having to unpack it the dark.
• Create a “kitchen box” containing disposable plates, cups, and silverware, add snacks and bottles of water to keep everyone from starving until you can set up your kitchen or order food to be delivered.
• Create a “personal hygiene box” containing a shower curtain, towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Add hairbrushes and combs along with some deodorant.
• Finally, create one box that contains enough bedding for each bed. This will help everyone get a good night’s sleep the first night.

If you need more tips and information, Beltmann Moving and Storage of St Paul can help. As one of the top moving companies in the Twin Cities, our experts are here to make sure your next move goes smoothly. Contact us at (651) 760-0816 and let’s get started today!