Moving In and Unpacking Tips

Tips to Help Unpack

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

Unpacking is the the last and often hardest step of moving. Chances are that you'll already be worn out and absolutely exhausted after all that moving entails. It's so easy to just let those boxes sit there for a little while. After all you surely deserve a break after the hard work, right? Then the little while becomes a week, and then a month, and then...

Well, we have tips to make this last step less challenging, and even a little exciting. Follow these tips and suggestions, and we'll have you settled into your new home and enjoying it fully.

1. Where and How to Start Unpacking

D.Schmidt

A difficult journey begins with the first step, and this is the step that will get you on the road to being moved in. It's easy to lose steam at this stage of the move and look for a break. I know you're excited to go check out the neighborhood, but hang in there. That time will come really soon, I promise. Meanwhile GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER! Well, it's not that big of a chore really. Follow these steps to an easy first day in your new home.

2. What to Do the Second Day in Your New Home

D.Schmidt

So you've done well in day one, and are now hitting your stride. Not to sound too discouraging, but sometimes day two requires some fortitude. The excitement of the new house is still there, but perhaps the adrenalin may not be pumping quite as strongly. This is where laying down a plan and sticking to it will help you maintain momentum. We have devised the plan for you. It is a matter of taking stock of what needs to be done first, and then dividing and conquering these tasks one at a time.

3. How to Unpack and Organize the Kitchen

D.Schmidt

The kitchen is undoubtedly the most important room in the house. This is where the majority of life in the home happens. Stands to reason, then, that this should be the first room that gets set up during a move. We've all experienced the inconvenience of trying to run a household when the kitchen is still in boxes. You can only do so many take out pizzas. Follow these tips to a quick and organized set up of your new kitchen.

4. 15 Ways to Store More in Your Kitchen

D.schmidt

So you've downsized and moved into your new home where the kitchen is not as large as your former home's. But you've trimmed your kitchen gadgets, pots and pans to a minimum, and now only have what you absolutely need to be the budding gourmet chef you've been grooming yourself to be. No worries. You'll be surprised at how much you can store in even the tiniest of kitchens if you organize well. Here are some useful suggestions to help you get the most out of your kitchen space.

5. How To Set Up and Install a Computer After a Move

D.Schmidt

Setting up the home office and my computer is one of the fun things I enjoy when moving into a new home. There's just something cozy about having that new workspace just to yourself and having it set up just the way you like it. My computer, of course, is the most important piece of electronic equipment in my home office, and seeing that it is set up correctly as well as ergonomically is of some concern for me. See my tips for how to do this the right way.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/tp/Moving-In-And-Unpacking-Tips.htm

Movers Escondido

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How To Prepare Major Appliances for Your Move
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

Moving companies will insist that all major appliances are prepared before they arrive and most offer a professional service that will prepare major appliances for you for a fee. While it may seem pretty simple to prepare your appliances for moving, if it isn't done correctly, you may find units not working when they arrive at the new destination. If you decide to prepare them yourself, follow this step-by-step guide so they're ready to go when you are.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: As required.

Here's How:
For all major appliances, contact the dealer for specific move instructions or refer to the owner's manual if you have a copy. If you don't, go toAppliance411.com, a great place to find or order an owner's manual.


The refrigerator should be unplugged at least 24 hours prior to the move. Dispose of all perishables. Once the freezer unit has defrosted, thoroughly clean and dry all surfaces and removable containers to prevent mildew and odors from forming. Remove all racks or secure them so they don't shift during the move. If your unit has an ice maker, disconnect the waterline and make sure it's completely drained.


The stove should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out with the racks removed or securely fastened. If you have a gas stove, make sure the gas is turned off before you start disconnecting the line and be very careful. Gas lines can be fragile and need special handling. If you're unsure, call your gas company and ask for help. Tape down the knobs and elements to ensure no parts are lost during the move.


Dishwasher units need to be emptied and the utensil holder/rack removed and packed separately. Tape the door closed.


Washer and dryer units need special handling. It's a good idea to consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. Remove all hoses and pack separately in a box. Fill the empty spaces in the box with packing popcorn or cushioning objects (towels/pillows). For the washer, you'll need to secure the drum. Again, consult the manual for thorough instructions.


For all appliances, unplug each unit and secure the plug to the back using packing tape. Don't let cords dangle or come loose.


For all appliances, if you choose, pack lightweight, unbreakable items in empty caverns, such as in the refrigerator crisper or the oven. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, chair cushions or clothing can be stored and moved this way. Simply protect the items by wrapping them in a plastic garbage bag.


Tape all doors and lids shut.


What You Need:
Hot water and household cleanser
Cleaning gloves
Packing Tape

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/packingtipsandtricks/ht/major_appliance.htm

Movers Encinitas

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Local Movers in El Cajon

Movers in El Cajon California

Moving and Unpacking Tips - What to Unpack the First Day
What to Do the First Day in Your New Home
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

I really, really dislike unpacking after moving. It's probably because I'm usually excited by moving so unpacking just gets in the way of enjoying a new place, a new neighborhood and a new city. I tend to resent all those boxes and all that stuff. So, to make sure I don't feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the project ahead of me, especially after the stress of moving, I break down the steps into several unpacking days.

Moving and Unpacking - Day 1
Place large pieces of furniture. Whether you're unloading the truck yourself or you've hired movers to do it for you, you still need to know where the large pieces of furniture will be placed. I always recommend that these decisions are made before you move. But in a lot of cases, you don't have the opportunity to get a really good layout of your new space in order to make those decisions before you unpack the truck. If you're in this position, then try to get to the new location before the movers or take a half hour to decide where certain pieces will be placed, such as the couch, the big screen tv, the piano - any items that are difficult to move on your own.

Install and check all large appliances. If you've moved the household appliances from your old residence to the new or if you've purchased new appliances, you should always consult the manuals that came with each unit when attempting to hook up items such as the refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer and dishwasher. If you don't have manuals, or if you're uncertain about how to install the appliances, seek professional advice.

Put together essential furniture. Beds are usually the first pieces of furniture that need to be put together. This task might even come before installing appliances since a good night sleep is essential for feeling at home in your new space. The dining room table or a desk might also be essential to your ability to create some kind of routine. Remember that routine is important to maintain, especially if you have children or if you have difficulty with change; establishing a somewhat normal routine will help you and your family feel more at home.

Unpack the essentials' box.An essentials' box should contain everything you need for your first night in the new space. It should be clearly labeled and easy to find among all the other boxes. Families might actually have packed one box per person. Whatever the number, locating and unpacking the essential box will be your key to having everything you need in one place.

Make up the beds and order take out. This is probably the best part of unpacking Day 1: ensuring that the beds are ready to fall into after indulging in take-out or delivery food. If you have children, try to make this part of the move an essential part to the first day, a kind of reward for the main part of the move being over and a celebration of good things to come. This will help ease tensions and to help everyone relax before catching their first night sleep in the new home.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/unpackingtips/a/unpacking_dayone.htm

Movers El Cajon

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Movers Encinitas

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Renting a Moving Truck - In Pictures
By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide

What Other Tools Do You Need?



When you pick-up your truck, take a look at the other tools that are available for rent. Moving pads or blankets are a great and easy way to protect furniture and other more fragile items. A moving dolly is almost a necessity. It's the easiest way to move several boxes at once or to help with a more awkward piece. I never move without one!

There are also straps that can help move large, heavy items that are unable to be taken apart. We usually use straps to move our heavy armoire that won't fit on the dolly. They cost just a few cents per day and are an inexpensive way to save strain on your back.

Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/rentingamovingtruck/ss/step_renttruck_6.htm

Movers Del Mar

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Local Movers in San Marcos

Movers in San Marcos California

Moving Yourself - 5 Tools to Help You Move
Essential Equipment and Tools for Self-Moves

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide


If I'm moving myself, what other equipment do I need?

This is such a great question. There's nothing worse than starting to move your things onto the rental truck and you realize you're missing some key tools to make the move easier and safer. Here's my list of "must haves" if you're moving yourself:

Top Tools for Self-Moves
Furniture dolly and/or utility dolly: I can't tell you how much lifting and frustration a dolly and can save you. I often rent both types, depending on the number of people who are helping with the move. A utility dolly - the upright kind with two wheels - can be used to stack and move several boxes at once, saving your back and the possibility of dropping a box that contains breakables. Also, a furniture dolly, which has a large flat base with four wheels, is essential for moving large awkward items such as televisions. You just need to make sure the heavy items are well-secured.

Moving blankets or pads: I never used to rent moving blankets when I moved, as I thought they were a waste of money and the time needed to secure them to furniture. But now that I'm older, and I have pieces of furniture and items that I care about, I wrap everything that's precious with a moving blanket or pad. Blankets can be used to protect a couch from spills and dust. You'll find that moving blankets are pretty much indispensable.

Ropes and straps: Moving straps are another item that most people forget to include in their shopping list. Moving straps are a great tool for carrying heavy pieces such as a big-screen television or couch or anything that requires more than one set of hands. Moving straps also prevent back strains and can be used to secure items to a dolly or once they've been loaded on the truck. Ropes can be used the same way. It's just always good to keep extra on hand.

Packing tape and scissors: A mover's best friend! Keep packing tape and a pair of scissors with you at all times. Packing tape can be used to secure a blanket's corners, to repackage a box that had to be opened, or to secure furniture parts together.

Stair-roller: Of course, this only applies if you have stairs. But this little device has saved me a lot of effort. They're easy to attach, allowing heavy objects to be rolled down a set of stairs. This device is especially useful for carpeted stairs which can create resistance, making it difficult to slide a heavy object.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/movingityourself/a/five_tools_for_selfmoves.htm

Movers San Marcos

Moving Companies in San Marcos

Movers Del Mar

Movers Coronado

Moving Appliances - How to Move a Refrigerator
Appliance Moving Made Easy

By Diane Schmidt

Moving a refrigerator can be a difficult endeavor, but if you have the right equipment, time and some extra help, then it can be done using these easy steps.

Step 1: Gather Supplies
Large moving dolly
Rope or strong cord and/or moving straps
Cleaning supplies
Plain paper or moving blankets
Packing tape
Scissors
Marker or labels
Time required: 12 hours

Step 2: Clear Out the Contents
Remove all contents, including freezer items.Give away perishables and pack up items that you're going to take with you. Remember, if you're moving a long distance, leave refrigerated items behind. Remove and pack magnets and any items that are on top of the fridge.

Unplug the refrigerator and let the freezer defrost. This will usually take at least 6-8 hours depending on the state of the freezer. It's best to defrost it overnight, which will allow you enough time in the morning to wipe out the inside.

Remove all shelves and other loose items. If you prefer, tape the fridge drawers closed (be careful that tape doesn't leave a mark) or remove them. Wrap the shelves with moving blankets, towels or plain paper to protect them during the move. Label the shelves appropriately.

Turn off the power source and wrap the cord, securing it so it doesn't get caught while moving.

Secure the doors. With a strong cord or rope, tie the doors closed by wrapping the cord around the fridge. If you have a double-door, tie the doors together tightly. Tape will work as well, but just remember that when you remove the tape, the paint surface might be disturbed.

Step 3: Moving the Refrigerator Out
Use the right equipment. I recommend that you use a dolly, one that can handle heavy equipment especially if you have to negotiate stairs or are loading the fridge into a moving truck using a ramp.

Position the fridge on the dolly. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall. Slide the dolly underneath. If you prefer, tie the fridge to the dolly using moving straps. Moving straps can be rented from moving companies or box supply stores; they can be easily adjusted and are a great tool for moving heavy items.

Helping hands. Once the refrigerator is in position, tip it back, with one person at the front and one at the back. A third person can help direct and jump in when someone needs help.

Moving it down a flight of stairs. It's best to move the refrigerator down the steps, bottom first. Take it slow, easing the dolly down one step at a time. If the person holding the dolly handles needs help holding the weight, have an extra person help.

Moving it onto the truck. Pull the refrigerator up the truck ramp, using extra help, if needed.
Step 4: Moving the Refrigerator In
Position it into its new space. Before you plug it in, let the refrigerator sit for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the fluids to flow back into the compressor. This is critical to its cooling mechanism.

Leave it plugged in. It'll take a while before the fridge is ready to use. Some require 3 days before they'll reach an optimum temperature. Check your manual for details.
Essential Moving Advice
Don't lay it on its side.

Always keep the refrigerator standing upright as much as possible. This ensures that oil won't seep into the cooling tubes which can cause permanent damage.

Read the manual. Check moving instructions in your refrigerator's manual before you move. It'll highlight important safety tips and advice and warn you of potential problems.

Don't hesitate to call a professional. While it seems simple enough, refrigerators are heavy, awkward and moving them incorrectly can cause permanent damage. If you're unsure about moving it, call a professional. Or if you do move it on your own and find that it isn't working effectively in the new space, have a technician look at it.

Source:  http://moving.about.com/od/packingoversizeitems/a/move_fridge.htm

Movers Chula Vista

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Will my sofa fit through the door?

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide




Moving a sofa or couch into a new space often requires a lot of wiggling and pushing and removing of doors. It's not easy to determine if a sofa will fit through a door or up a flight of stairs or into an elevator. Find out how to maneuver your sofa to make it fit.
Answer:

There are two lengths that are most important: the sofa width and the height of the sofa's back (the back of the sofa when you're sitting down - measure from floor to top of back). Let's start there.
Measure the dimensions of the sofa: height, width and length. If the sofa legs can be removed, it's best to remove them first. If they cannot be removed, then you need to measure the height with the legs attached, from the floor to the top of the sofa's back.


Measure the dimensions of the opening, whether it's a door or stairwell or elevator door.


If the sofa's back height is longer than the door's width, then the sofa's width will need to be narrower than the door's width.

For example, a door's width is 40" and the sofa's width is 43" and the sofa back height is 38". This means you can turn the sofa so that the sofa's back is facing the ceiling.


The sofa should slide through as long as the inside space will accommodate it (hallway or foyer).


If both the width and the back height is too long for the width of the door, then you need to consider the sofa's length. Measure the length of the sofa and the height of the door opening. The sofa's length will need to be shorter than the door's height.

Also check the entrance way to see how much room you have to maneuver - there should be at least a foot or more of space on either side of the doorway in order to shimmy the sofa through. If the inside space is a narrow hallway, the couch may not fit.

You may also need to remove the door in order to gain some additional room.


Stand the sofa on one end with the bottom, where the feet are, positioned to enter the doorway first. Now angle the sofa so the back and the bottom form a V. If you're behind the sofa, about to push it through the door, you should be looking at the sofa back and part of the bottom. The sofa's seat should be facing inside.


With someone on the inside and someone on the outside, angle the sofa by sliding the seat through the door, letting the sofa curl around the doorway.


If neither of these techniques work, then you can hire a professional to actually dismantle your sofa, move it, then reassemble it inside your home, including reapolstering it. It can be a little pricey, but I think it's completely worth it, especially if the sofa is a piece that you love.


Source: http://moving.about.com/od/movingspecialtyitems/f/movingsofa.htm

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