Author: Bill Mulholland

Bill Mulholland is the owner of ARC Relocation, a company that relocates thousands of employees annually, to every state in the United States, and more than 90 foreign countries, for organizations like DHL, Overstock.com, GNC, and the U.S. Government. Bill owns a real estate brokerage servicing Maryland, Virgina and Washington DC as well as a title company servicing Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and Florida

How To Create A Business Relocation Strategy

Written by Bill Mulholland on November 5, 2022. Posted in Moving Tips.

If you are a business owner and considering a company move, there are several things to keep in mind. Our friends at ARC Relocation put together the following guest post, to help those of you that are moving more than just your home. For more information on relocating your business or employees, contact them here.

You are considering relocating your business. It might be for many reasons; your target market has moved, you’re trying to lower taxes, perhaps it’s an office relocation because your company has outgrown the space you are currently in, and the list goes on.

Relocating your business is time-consuming and stressful. It’s stressful for employees and customers. To help ease the stress of moving, you should develop a relocation plan for your business. When your employees know they are relocating strategically, their stress levels will lower.

Let’s get started creating your business relocation plan!

1. Determine a New Location

The first step in your business relocation strategy should be to determine the place to which you are relocating. You should consider the well-being of your employees, opportunity for growth, relocation expenses, and many other factors when choosing a new location for your business.

Physically visit each potential new location to come up with a pro vs. cons list for each site. Compare the lists against each other and choose the best fit for your company.

After you have determined the new location, it’s time to clear a few things up.

2. List the Reasons Why You Plan to Relocate

Your company’s unique needs will determine your reasons for relocation. When you list the specific reasons for relocating out on paper, it will allow you to focus on the best solutions for your situation. The size of your company and the risk associated with relocation are two reasons to consider.

Possible Reasons Why Your Company Plans to Move

In search of lower taxes
In search of a larger, more diverse workforce
Your company is growing and needs more space
Your lease has expired
A downturn in the economy is forcing you to downsize
Move closer to your target customer
Move for the sake of your employees well being and mental health
Lower cost of operations
Ect.

No matter your reasons for moving, having your reasons neatly listed will aid you in knowing what you need to add to the budget and what you can leave out.

3. Create a Budget

Create a relocation budget, just as you do for everything else in your business. Be as detailed as possible and leave room for unexpected expenses. Consider how hiring a relocation company, such as ARC, can save you time and money.

Creating a budget gives you the freedom to make quick decisions that will benefit your company short term and on into the future.

Does Your Budget Include

Employee relocation costs for each employee
Office furniture moving costs or new office furniture
Relocating equipment or tools (if necessary)
Office computer and telecomm moving costs or new office equipment
Moving company
The new office building (might be in a separate budget)
Miscellaneous expenses

Creating the budget is only a step in the process. You must keep track of your expenses and follow the budget for it to work effectively. The funding can quickly get blown if you fail to manage your time correctly.

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4. Create a Timeline

Now that you have a budget, you can create the timeline for the relocation. When will this move take place? How long will each step take? How long will the entire relocation process last? Be as detailed as possible when creating your timeline. Setting milestones to help track where you are currently in the process ensures everyone stays on track. If helpful, create an office relocation checklist to make everything clearer.

Don’t forget to allow for unexpected delays! You might have to adjust the timeline as you encounter a delay.

Share your timeline with your employees, vendors, and customers, so they are not surprised by any delays on your end.

Logistics, Logistics, Logistics

Determine how you will move office supplies and when you will move them. You might be able to go without some supplies and furniture longer than others, so be sure to keep that in mind as you figure out the logistics of everything for the move.

Organizing the entirety of the relocation process is a stressful event, especially when this is your first time going through the process. It might be worth the investment to hand over the process to a company that regularly handles relocation logistics.

5. Ease Your Employees Minds

You can relieve your employees’ stress by answering their questions and being clear on when, why, and how you are moving. They don’t have to know every detail, but making them aware of the general situation will help keep rumors to a minimum and your employees on board with the relocation. You might find out they have strengths that can contribute beneficially towards the move. Under communicating is far more stressful on a team than over-communicating.

If you are moving multiple employees or an individual employee, you need to consider several factors. We created the complete Employee Relocation Guide to help ease your burden!

6. Give Vendors a Heads Up

Now is the time to renegotiate contracts with vendors and let them know you will be changing locations. Vendors such as food and beverage vending, internet, phone, copier, and cleaning services need to be notified reasonably in advance about the company’s plan to relocate.

Having the vendors set up before your company moving into the new space means less downtime as you are settling into your new location. This should be a matter of letting vendors know your relocation timeline.

7. Bring Your Relocation Plan Together

You can now centralize the separate parts of the business relocation strategies you have created in an easy to read shareable format. The best practice is to make it accessible to everyone involved in the relocation. When everyone has the access they need to the relocation plan, it ensures they can be held responsible for their part during the move.

You create less confusion with more precise communication by having the plan in one centralized document. If your employees have any questions about the move, then you can direct them to the document where you should have answered all of their questions.

Whether their questions are about relocation tax implications, logistic questions, vendor questions, timeline questions, or anything else, this document can help to make everything clear.

8. Execute Your Business Relocation Plan

Move week is here! It’s now time to execute your relocation plan. The hard work of organizing is over. You now get to see how well your strategy comes together. Keep in mind everything is not going to go perfectly according to plan.

This period of transition is stressful, so be flexible and offer grace to everyone involved.

Delegation is the Key to a Successful Relocation

Whether you delegate to capable members of your team or a specialized relocation company, your relocation will be more successful working as a team instead of individuals. That is why having a well-communicated plan is critical. Everyone can know their roles and work as a team.

Don’t put the stress of moving your business all on one person’s shoulders; that that includes yourself!

Final Considerations

If relocating your business is overwhelming, don’t hesitate to schedule a free call with us today! We can walk you through your options and give you a customized quote, no matter the size of your business!

We have helped transfer over 75,000 people to over 220 countries and provinces. Let us help you today!

Moving From New York to San Francisco: Costs, Expectations, and More

Written by Bill Mulholland on November 3, 2022. Posted in Moving Guides.

Maybe you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City and want to move somewhere beautiful and coastal, like San Francisco. Moving from New York to San Francisco might be just what you need if you are looking to experience a new adventure and scenery that is different from New York.

Cost of Moving to San Francisco

The average cost of moving from NYC to San Francisco ranges from about $2,500 to $7,200. Moving from NY to San Francisco is a very large move, as San Francisco is about 2,913 miles away from New York City. The cost estimate of moving depends on how much you plan on moving, how large your items are, and what season you are moving in.

Why are People Leaving New York?

The main reason people are leaving even the best places to live in NYC is due to the cost of living. State, city, and federal taxes are at an all time high and if property taxes are in the mix, many people are ready to leave New York City behind. Even the cost of renting is extremely high. Since most jobs offer work from home positions, many people can move wherever they want and still keep their jobs.

Why are People Moving to San Francisco?

There are many great reasons to move from New York to San Francisco, but there are also a few factors to be aware of before planning to move.

Cost of Living

Their economy is booming, the weather is nice, and there are endless options for getting outdoors and staying active in San Francisco. However, their cost of living is just as bad as New York City, if not worse. The housing cost and childcare costs are almost twice as much as NYC but food and groceries cost about the same between the two cities. Many people are moving to San Francisco strictly for the relaxed vibes and mild weather, not because the cost of living is less expensive than NYC.

Entertainment and Nightlife

There are so many fun things to do for entertainment in San Francisco, especially at night. If you have never gone on the Alcatraz Night Tour, you should make it a priority. It is a short ferry ride from the city that will give you a look at where some of the most well-known criminals were imprisoned (like George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone).

If seeing Alcatraz is a bit much, consider seeing a midnight movie at The Clay Theater in Fillmore. Every Friday night they play a movie, such as Pulp Fiction, The Room, or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You can visit the Exploratorium and Academy of Sciences as well, as they offer a museum, planetarium, and more. They do something called “After Dark at the Exploratorium” where they open up their cocktail bar and allow you to explore the exhibit. Of course, there are many other great restaurants, bars, and clubs you can visit too, like F8 Nightclub and Bar, and Smuggler’s Cove.

Economy

San Francisco’s economy isn’t all that bad. The unemployment rate is 5.4 percent in San Francisco, while in NYC it is 8.4 percent. San Francisco’s job market has increased 1.3 percent over the past year and their future job growth throughout the next decade is likely to be close to 39.1 percent, which is higher than the United State’s average of 33.5 percent. So if you move to San Francisco, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a job.

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Weather

The cool, coastal climate in San Francisco usually reaches 80 degrees or higher about 21 days out of a year. This weather is great because it doesn’t usually get cool enough to have to scrape frost off your windshield in the morning, which is a huge time saver. You will not want to consider leaving California once you get a taste of their mild weather.

The coolest San Francisco typically gets is around 50 degrees in the winter. There is a long stretch of what is considered their “rainy period” from November to April where the temperature is cool and it rains about 70 days throughout that timeframe. The annual average of rain in San Francisco is around 24 inches, which seems like a lot but isn’t that bad. Some people would prefer to live in an area that is hot and sunny most days of the year, which is why there are quite a few people that move from California to Florida.

Public Transportation

There are quite a few options when it comes to public transportation in San Francisco. There are multiple means of public transportation, like bus, cable car, and streetcar. The costs of using bus and rail rides are $2.50 and the cost of using a cable car is $7. With all of these options, there are available discounts that can be applied for senior citizens or for children. If you purchase a Muni passport for the public bus system, you can get unlimited rides of one, three, or seven-day periods ranging in price from $21 to $42.

There is also the Golden Gate Ferry Service which offers transportation through the water between central San Francisco to nearby communities, like Tiburon and Sausalito. The cost of one-way fares varies depending on where you are heading, but typically prices begin at $11 for adults. You can also take the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry service where their one-way tickets start at $6.60 but can be higher depending on your destination.

Culture

The culture is extremely diverse in San Francisco. When it comes to music, arts, cuisine, architecture, and museums, there is so much diversity. The culture in San Francisco is greatly influenced by its large Hispanic population, Mexican culture, and their history of once being a part of Mexico and Spanish America.

Considering a Move to San Francisco?

If you are considering moving from New York to San Francisco, using an online platform like Agoyu can be beneficial. With Agoyu, you can view and compare the costs and mover services without worrying about being scammed by movers when moving from NY to Sa Fran. Check out Agoyu today to find a moving company from New York to California so we can help make your dream a reality.

Own a Business? Move Your Large Equipment the Right Way

Written by Bill Mulholland on November 2, 2022. Posted in Moving Guides.

If you are moving long distance and have a small business, chances are, you may need to move some equipment. For those of you who find yourself in this boat, our friends at ARC Relocation put together the following guest post.

To make the whole process easier, hiring equipment relocation service providers is a popular option. Doing so takes a lot of the work out of your hands plus, you don’t have to worry about losing production time because everyone can continue working as much as possible while the relocation company handles everything for you.

In this article, we’re taking a look at equipment relocation services and by the end, you can decide if this is a viable option for your business.

Types of Equipment Moving Services

Here are some examples of the services provided by industrial relocation companies:

Equipment Moving

When you’ve outgrown your current facility and you need to move into a larger space, that doesn’t mean you’re going to leave all your equipment behind. You’ll want to bring a lot of it with you. The money you invested in that equipment is significant, and you need someone who will handle it with care and experience. It’s crucial that you have a knowledgeable heavy equipment mover to handle the job.

Planning and Coordination

You can’t just throw everything on a truck and expect it to get there safely. There are lots of other factors that come into play when coordinating a large-scale relocation of industrial equipment. You need to have the proper cranes and rigging for moving the equipment, forklifts, boom lifts, and whatever else you may need to get the equipment out of your facility and onto a truck.

Coordinating the transportation is another factor. These are all things you’ll have to do in addition to what you do already. This is simply not an option for some companies that operate with a limited staff and need to maintain a certain production level to stay profitable. It makes a lot more sense in this case to figure out the relocation costs and stack them up against hiring equipment relocation services.

Equipment Storage

No matter what, things never happen exactly as you want them too. In the event that there are some timing overlaps, you’ll need somewhere to store the equipment until you can get it to the new facility. We’ll help you with that by determining the proper storage and transportation to get it there.

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Enter Move Details

STEP 2 OF 3

Select services

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Ongoing Support

When you’re on your own, you’re on your own. You don’t have a team of dedicated representatives to turn to when something goes wrong. That’s the advantage of hiring equipment moving services from a company like ARC Relocation. They won’t leave you hanging, and we’ll help by providing you with ongoing support in the future to help acclimate you to your new facility.

Industrial Equipment Relocation — *Industrial equipment relocations require careful planning and attention to detail. Weights, measurements, timelines and guarantees become more important than ever before.*

Why Hire Professional Equipment Relocation Services?

Now that you understand what professional relocation entails, why should you hire someone for this rather than do it yourself? The reasons are endless and here are just a few:

We Understand Our Business

We do this all the time, in fact, it’s all we do. We can recognize potential issues before they become a problem and with our team of experts, we’ll develop a strategy that gets you from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We Minimize Downtime

The biggest challenge any company faces during a relocation is downtime. In equipment heavy business like manufacturing or services, limiting downtime is one of the most important factors of profitability. When the machines aren’t running, the company isn’t making any money. Our goal is to limit the amount of downtime by acting as an extension of your company. We’ll work around your schedules and move equipment in a way that doesn’t interfere with your standard operations.

We Have The Specialized Skills

Industrial moving is much different from office relocation. These are big machines requiring complex disassembly, rigging, reassembly, and packing of small but fragile parts. All of this requires resources such as cranes, lifts, and flatbeds, and can cost you a lot of time and money. We have everything needed to move your business wherever you want to go. If we don’t have it, we’ll find a way to get it.

Factors to Consider with Industrial Relocation

Before you commit to anything, there are some factors to consider. When it comes to machinery relocations, you’ll want to assess the situation so you know what to expect when you call us.

1. The size of the project

You’ll want to first get an idea of just how big the project is. Some industrial relocation won’t require much more than a forklift and some pallets. On the other hand, some will require us to contract out for heavy-duty cranes and we may even have to clear space just to get some of the equipment out.

Everything that is moving should have dimensions, weights, and any hazardous information we need to know. Be sure you also understand OSHA transportation laws pertaining to chemicals, flammables, and such.

2. The type of equipment

Having a good idea of the type of equipment you’re moving will help us determine what we need as well. Moving small things like computers and printers won’t be a problem but some large industrial equipment may require additional experts to come out to dismantle and pack the parts.

Another reason it helps to know the exact type of equipment is so we can coordinate transportation. Certain pieces of equipment can go on certain trucks while others can’t. Once we have a total of the weight and quantity of the machines, we can then determine what type of transportation we need and how we will go about it.

3. Safety and liability

Safety is the most important factor so you’ll want to have a general idea of how you plan for us to get the equipment out. Do you have a loading dock where we could back up a flatbed to it and truck most of the equipment onto it? Do you have a shipping bay with an overhead crane that a certified operator could run?

When you’re handling all of this yourself, you’re placing the liability on your back in the event that something goes wrong. When you hire equipment relocation services, it’s our problem at that point.

4. Packaging of smaller equipment and parts

Keep the smaller pieces of equipment in mind too because these can add up. If you have small CNC machines, grinders, lathes, and other parts to go along with it, these can get heavy. It’s important that you have a general inventory of everything so we know what to expect when we come to provide you with a quote. Of course, we’ll take a hard inventory on everything but it makes the process run smoother if we have a general idea of what we’re walking into.

5. Getting a quote

If you’re reading to get an equipment relocation services quote, contact us today and we’ll set up a free consultation to get things started. During that initial call, we’ll talk about the move, get an idea of what type of equipment you have, take plenty of notes, and likely schedule a time to come out and look at everything.

Streamlining the process for you is the name of our game and hiring a relocation company for industrial relocation is a smart choice.

Moving a Mobile Home: Costs, Expectations, and How to Find a Moving Company

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 30, 2022. Posted in Moving Guides.

If you are considering moving your mobile home, it is not as simple as you might think. You cannot just attach your mobile home to the back of your truck and begin your move. You will need to obtain any necessary permits to move your mobile home, deal with mobile home removal and assembly, have insurance coverage, up-to-date inspections, and more.

Having professional movers help to move your mobile home will make the difficult process of moving less stressful. They can help you understand your local moving laws and ensure your moving process runs as smoothly as possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Mobile Home?

The cost of moving a single wide mobile home can vary between $5,000 and $8,000. The cost to move a mobile home that is double wide is anywhere from $10,000 to $13,000. There are a few different factors that can determine this cost.

The Size of Your Mobile Home

Usually, older mobile homes weigh about 40 pounds per square foot, while newer mobile homes weigh about 50 pounds per square foot. If you have an 800 square foot mobile home, it can weigh up to 40,000 pounds.

The heavier your mobile home is, the more moving equipment is required. This will make the cost go up to move it. Single wide mobile homes will cost less to move than double wide mobile homes. If your mobile home is too wide to be driven down the street safely, you might need a police escort or for the police to temporarily close the road.

Total Distance

If you are wondering how much it costs to move a trailer, it typically costs between $5 and $10 per mile to move it. If you are not moving very far, the cost will not be as high as if you were moving far away. Tugging a mobile home behind a large truck will use up a lot of gas and your movers won’t be able to move very fast because of the heavy load.

Moving across the country will likely require your moving company to purchase new tires and new equipment to handle your mobile home throughout the long distance. For example, moving from California to Florida is a large move that will consume a lot of time. This type of move will require experienced movers, new tires, and it will use a lot of gas.

Inspection and Permits

If you are moving your mobile home to a new state or a new county, you may need to get a permit to do so. Your movers should be able to help with getting the permits you need before the move. You might even need to get a permit to set up your mobile home in a new city. As for inspections, some states require a mandatory inspection for older mobile homes when they are moving to a new state. Doing this ensures your mobile home is up to code and is safe before moving.

Materials for Moving a Mobile Home

You will need plenty of moving materials when you begin to move your mobile home. Tools, tow hitches, and tires are just some of the materials needed to move a mobile home. Your moving company can help you understand the cost of the moving materials you will need in your contract.

The Condition of Your Mobile Home

If you have an older mobile home or it needs to be repaired, your movers will have to spend additional time repairing it and getting it ready before it can be put on the road. It is dangerous to move your mobile home if it is damaged because it can fall apart while being transported, making it more damaged. It also has the potential to harm others on the road if it begins to disassemble.

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

Recommended

Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move

Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

STEP 1 OF 3

Enter Move Details

STEP 2 OF 3

Select services

**Please note you may check more than one service

Household goods shipping Selected Select

Vehicle shipping Selected Select

or Have a Top Mover Call Me Now!

Do it the old fashion way! A top mover will call you to provide an instant quote over the phone or at your house!

Set up Services

You should expect to pay your movers more if you are hiring them for full service. Professional movers usually charge a separate fee for disassembling and reassembling the mobile home. This fee is in addition to the expected transportation charges. This separate fee can include turning off and turning back on utilities, reinstalling a porch, or reconnecting a double-wide home. This service fee can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on what needs to be done.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

If you are using professional movers to move your mobile home, it is necessary to purchase liability coverage for your move. It is also a good idea to consider purchasing other insurance as well to cover your mobile home. You may already have mobile home insurance. If you already have coverage for your mobile home, check with your insurance company to find out if they cover your mobile home while it is being transported.

How to Get a Permit for Moving a Mobile Home?

Moving permits are issued by your state or your county. To get a moving permit for your mobile home, you will need to prove there aren’t any taxes that aren’t paid or unpaid liens in association with your mobile home and that you can prove ownership. You will need to have a Title Certificate to prove ownership of your mobile home.

The process of obtaining a moving permit can be lengthy and frustrating, so it is important to start this process as early as possible to ensure it gets taken care of before your move. This should be your top priority once you know you are going to move, as most professional movers cannot commit to helping with your move until you have a moving permit.

Why Hire Professional Mobile Home Movers?

Moving a mobile home, large or small, requires a team of professionals. Professional movers are trained in setting up a mobile home and know how to properly drive a large load attached to their truck. If you are moving your mobile home to a new state, you will need multiple professional movers to handle the transportation of your home. This is because a professional mover might only be licensed to drive a mobile home in one particular state and would need to hand off your mobile home to a different driver in another state.

It can be expensive to hire professional movers, but it is worth it when it comes to moving mobile homes. Professional movers do so much to ensure your move runs smoothly:

Obtain any necessary moving permits for you
Transport your mobile home properly
Save you a ton of time

How to Find Mobile Home Movers Near Me?

Using one of the best moving apps, like Agoyu, can help you find professional movers to help with the moving of your mobile home and help you understand how much it is to move a mobile home. Agoyu is an all-in-one platform that allows you to read customer reviews, compare pricing, and connect with moving companies in your area for free. There are usually some professional moving companies that focus mainly on manufactured home transport.

Agoyu allows you to choose the moving company that is the best fit for you based on what you are moving and your budget. Being that moving will take up a lot of your time, it is important to choose a mobile home moving company that can help with packing for a move to take some of the stress off your shoulders.

Final Thoughts

The process of moving a mobile home can be a stressful and lengthy process. Agoyu can help you find the right mobile home moving company quickly and easily. Click here to get an online moving quote today!

How to Move a Pool Table: 4 Steps to Simplify the Job

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 28, 2022. Posted in Moving Guides.

So, the pool table is your prized asset in the game room, basement, or garage. No doubt about it. But moving it to your own home is not an easy task at all.

In fact, it is probably the heaviest and largest item in your home that you will move. At the same time, it is also one of the most delicate ones. Now, you can hand over the entire process of transfer to professionals. That is the best way for those who do not have the necessary time for this cumbersome task.

In that case, a quick search of the “pool table movers near me” will provide you with a list of some companies that move pool tables. Do keep in mind, this is an expensive process. But if you want to make it a DIY project, you need to know the basics of carpentry and have the right organizing skills.

The reason is, moving a pool table without taking it apart will increase the chances of damage or breakage. This means you have to learn how to disassemble and assemble a pool table in the right manner. In this article, we will take a look at the steps that will answer the question- how to move a pool table?

1. Get the Right Tools and Supplies

Before you start to disassemble a pool table, you need to gather the right tools. Here are some of the necessary tools and supplies that you will need.

A power drill
A socket wrench
A screwdriver
A staple remover
Cutting tools
Shrink-wrap
Carpenter’s level
Thick blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape for protective wrapping.

A pool table consists of multiple large and small parts. To make the transfer process smooth, you need the right level of planning and organization.

The best way is to reopen the owner’s manual and find out how every part fits. That way, you will be able to gather sufficient bags or boxes of the right size for storing each item. Keep in mind, the right labeling of the items is also important.

Now, a pool table’s weight can be close to 1000 pounds. The individual parts can weigh up to 400 pounds or even more. So, this is not something a single person can handle. It is necessary to have at least 3 helpers to help you with the packing and moving process.

2. Measure the Exits and Entrances

Before you progress further, measure the doorways, staircases, and passages that the table will need to pass through. This way, you will be able to move the table without damaging it. This will also help you to determine the size of the largest disassembled parts. You can also plan about maneuvering the parts in the right manner in advance.

The other important aspect is to find the right vehicle for transportation. The best way is to rent a pickup truck for the move. There are plenty of moving apps that can help you out in picking the right one. Also, don’t forget to measure the destination as well. It’s easy to get caught up in the current location and making sure you can get it out of there but remember to check the new house too.

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

Recommended

Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move

Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

STEP 1 OF 3

Enter Move Details

STEP 2 OF 3

Select services

**Please note you may check more than one service

Household goods shipping Selected Select

Vehicle shipping Selected Select

or Have a Top Mover Call Me Now!

Do it the old fashion way! A top mover will call you to provide an instant quote over the phone or at your house!

3. Taking Apart the Pool Table

One of the first questions that might come to your mind is- how to take apart a pool table?

Without a doubt, this is a process that will need some skill. You need to disassemble the legs, rails, and felt, and assemble them back in the new location.

Here are the steps that you need to follow

The first step is to remove the ball pockets. These are usually connected by screws or staples. Then, remove the bolts that connect the side rails to the table. Store the pockets and rail in a safe place.
The next step is to remove the felt. You should be extremely gentle while removing the felt to avoid any damage to the material. If the felt is stapled, it’s easy to remove. In some tables, the felt is glued. In such cases, you need to rip it off carefully.
Once the felt is removed, you can remove the slate pieces. The slate is a piece of rock and is the heaviest part. It is also brittle and can get damaged easily. Since the slate pieces are matched, damaging even a single piece will need a complete replacement. Remove the connecting screws, and lift the slate off the frame of the table. Wrap the pieces carefully.
Now, it’s time to remove the legs. Turn the table upside down or on its side and unscrew the legs from the frame.
If the frame is pre-built, you do not need to disassemble it. If not, you can take them apart for ease of transportation.
Every connecting hardware that you have removed needs to be carefully cataloged. It is necessary to ensure that not a single screw or bolt goes missing. This will also help you to reassemble the table quickly.
To prevent damage to the edges of the table, cover them with thick blankets or towels. Use protective cushioning or bubble wrapping to ensure that the parts do not suffer any damage during the move.

4. Reassembling the Pool Table

The only thing harder than disassembly is putting the pool table back together. For this, the best way is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines about how to set up a pool table. Otherwise, you can simply follow the steps for disassembly in reverse order.

If you have disassembled the frame, start by reattaching the pieces together. Next, connect the pool table legs to the frame. Once this is done, you can place the frame in an upright position.

Then place the slate back on top. Keep in mind, you need to level the state according to the floor. Without a perfectly level surface, the game will be off.

Next, you need to add the felt. The felt has to be perfectly flat and free from any wrinkles or bumps due to air bubbles. A smooth felt is a must for making the perfect shots.

Finally, attach the rails and pockets to make the table ready. Make sure to fill up all the gaps.

Hiring Professional Help to Move Pool Tables

Are you still wondering how to move a pool table in the easiest way?

There are multiple small factors during the move that can have an effect on the performance of the table in the long run. We feel taking help from professional companies that move pool tables is the best way. A reputed pool table mover can make the process simple for you while preventing any damage to your favorite table.

Moreover, moving a pool table will need manpower. If you do not have strong helping hands around you, hiring a professional is the only option.

A specialist can take care of the disassembly and assembly process, while the moving can be handled by packers. This will also give you the time to concentrate on moving other items like fish tanks, pet supplies, and even hot tubs. other important items.

Admittedly, doing it on your own is less expensive. However, if you are not experienced with the process of dismantling a pool table, the task can be overwhelming. Even after disassembly, the components of a table are incredibly heavy. The vulnerable parts like the slate can be difficult to move without professional help.

A professional pool table mover can take the right steps to ensure proper transportation. They can also analyze the table for cracks and arrange the packing accordingly. They are also accustomed to leveling the slate in the right manner. Another option is to follow the middle path. You can disassemble the table on your own and hire a professional team for the movement and reassembly. This will help you to cut down the expenses to some extent.

Do You Really Need to Move the Pool Table?

Before you start planning for the move, think about this. Even though you love your pool table, the cumbersome process of moving it to your new location may not be the best choice.

Considering that the pool table weight is on the higher side, hiring professional movers for a pool table will be expensive. In addition, there will be separate charges for taking it apart and putting the pieces back together. You could even get charged for a moving quote from some companies.

Theoretically, it is possible to do it on your own. Even so, the process will take considerable time, skill, and manpower. Consider whether you have the time and energy to get it done right. Also, you need to consider the safety aspects related to the transfer. You do not want to get anyone injured while handling tools or transporting heavy pieces.

That means you have to consider the effort, logistics, and expenses involved in the entire process. One practical solution is selling the old table and purchasing a new one in the new house. We suggest you consider all the options before deciding how to move a pool table.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to move a pool table is sometimes a job better left to the professionals. While you can do it yourself, some things are more trouble than they’re worth. If you agree, it might be time to hire a moving company. Agoyu helps homeowners get free quotes online to find the most qualified moving companies in your area. Click here to get a free moving quote from Agoyu.

How to Transport Fish When Moving: Follow These Tips From Expert Movers

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 27, 2022. Posted in Moving Guides.

If you are wondering how to transport fish in a safe way, there are a few different ways you can do so. Transporting your fish properly, whether for a short or long-distance move, is important to ensure your fish does not suffocate or become overly stressed out. Knowing what to pack first when moving is difficult enough as it is, especially when packing fish is included. Let’s look more into how to move a fish to a new house in the best ways possible.

How to Travel With Fish in a Car

Knowing how to transport fish in a car is not as difficult as you might think. However, if you don’t do it properly, you are taking the risk of killing your fish. It is important to remember that it doesn’t take much for fish to become stressed, especially when they are inside a moving car for a long period of time.

If you are planning on bringing your fish along with you for a long distance drive, there is a high chance that your fish might not make it to your destination. If you want to give your fish the best chances at survival in the car, consider these suggestions on how to best transport your fish in a car.

Keeping Your Fish in the Aquarium

Moving an aquarium with the fish inside is not the best form of transporting your fish, but it can work. If your fish is in a glass aquarium, it is necessary to use extra caution when transporting your fish in the car. Glass aquariums are difficult to travel with, as the water inside the aquarium moves around a lot and they really cannot be secured.

If you plan on keeping your fish in the aquarium when you travel, be sure to remove enough water so it is not super full, but it should be full enough for your fish to have room. Learning how to move a fish tank can be difficult, so it is important to take the right steps to move it properly. Make sure to take out any decorations or objects inside the aquarium or tank that can move around easily so your aquarium does not become cracked.

Try Not to Use a Bucket

Using a bucket to transport your fish is definitely not the best idea. This is because there is a high chance of the bucket spilling in the car if you need to hit your brakes quickly or you need to make a sharp turn. If that happens, your fish are going to spill out of the bucket and can die.

It is highly recommended to not use a bucket when transporting your fish, but if you have no other means of transportation for your fish it can be done. Be sure not to fill the bucket up too much and have a passenger securely hold the bucket when in the car to help it from moving around too much.

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Use a Plastic Bag

This is the best way of transporting your fish in the car. All you need to do is fill up a clear and strong plastic bag halfway with water from your fish tank. Once you do that, place your fish in the bag. It is important to use the same water your fish has been living in from its tank or aquarium since it has the right specifications to help keep your fish alive while outside of its normal home.

Your fish can only survive in a plastic bag for about an hour due to a limited oxygen supply. If you need to keep your fish in a bag for longer than an hour, you will need to get pure oxygen to put in the bag from your nearest pet store or aquarium store. Check out this video to demonstrate how to properly travel with your fish in a plastic bag.

How to Take Fish on a Plane

Traveling with your fish on a plane can be stressful, for both you and your fish. It is possible to travel with your fish on a plane if you are moving. Fish are allowed as a carry-on item on an airplane but need to be inside clear plastic bags. If you need help packing for your move, check out a moving app like Agoyu to help locate the best movers in your area so you can get the help you might need when packing. If you are not hiring a moving company, take note of these steps to help prepare you for traveling with your fish.

Prepare for Transport

You will need to start preparing to move your fish about five days before you move. Regularly clean their tank to make sure it doesn’t change color or get dirty. You will need to make sure your fish’s water has the right elements. You can do this by not feeding your fish for one to two days before you are going to move so the water does not become polluted or cloudy.

Pack Up Your Fish

As previously mentioned, use a clear and strong plastic bag to transport your fish. Make sure to not overfill the bag. You definitely should check in with your local aquarium or pet store to make sure your fish gets extra oxygen in their bag so they don’t suffocate. A pet store can add pure oxygen to your bag to ensure your fish is prepared to stay put in the bag for your trip.

If you have tropical fish, you will need to insulate the bag to keep the water at the right temperature. Goldfish, for example, will do fine without insulation. You can purchase insulated travel bags for your fish at a pet store. Getting your fish through the Transportation Security Administration at the airport can be complicated. Check out this video to learn how to safely get your fish through security and keep your fish as a carry-on item on the plane.

Reintroduce Your Fish to The Aquarium

You can safely reintroduce your fish to their aquarium a couple of different ways. You can pour your fish with the water from the plastic bag directly into the aquarium. Or you can keep them in a smaller tank temporarily until you can see that your fish is not visibly stressed out before putting them back in the aquarium.

As soon as you arrive at your destination, make sure your fish is the first thing you unpack. The last one is normally the first one you should bring out.

5 Tips for Transporting Fish

If you want to be sure your fish are transported safely throughout your moving process, follow these 5 tips for transporting fish.

1. Have Your Supplies Ready Early

You will need to have everything planned out for transporting your fish tank. It is important to pack your aquarium with care, just like you would pack any glasses for moving.

Everything inside the tank will need to be moved, such as your fish, decorations, plants, and any equipment. To make this happen, be sure to have all your supplies ready.

Plastic bags for your fish to travel in
Buckets with water in them to transport any pants from the tank (they need to be submerged in water when transporting them)
Packing tape for securing lids on any containers
A fishnet to move your fish to the plastic bag
Siphon hose to remove water from inside the tank
Any other packing supplies you need to pack up the rest of the tank

2. Place Your Fish in Their Container for Transport

This could be a plastic bag, the aquarium, or in a bucket. Be extra cautious when transporting your fish and make sure the water is right.

3. Secure Your Fish

Make sure your fish are secure and all of the belongings from their tank are secured as well. Be sure the tank is completely dry when transporting it and remove the filter.

4. Pack Up The Tank

Handle your fish tank with care as they are very fragile. Wrap the tank in bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure it does not break or crack.

5. Everything is Ready to Be Loaded Up

Load up your fish tank, accessories, and fish gently until you arrive at your destination.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to transport fish can be a difficult task, but it isn’t impossible. If you need help packing your fish tank when moving, contact Agoyu to help get a free moving quote today.

11 Best Moving Apps to Make Your Life Easier: Use These Apps for Moving

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 25, 2022. Posted in Technology.

Believe it or not, Americans think moving is more stressful than divorce. We can understand why they feel that way because so many things can go wrong; from choosing a sub-par moving company to packing and sorting. Moving takes up a lot of your time and packing up a large home can be a nightmare.

The best moving apps can do a lot to make your life easier. Whether you need help with packing, sorting, or choosing a moving company. These moving apps have something for everyone.

The Best Moving Apps: Our Favorites

These are our top picks for the best moving apps to help assist you with your move.

1. Agoyu

Simply put, there is no other all-in-one platform that allows you to take the lead like Agoyu does. Its proprietary technology allows you to simply take a photo or video of the items you need to move and receive a quote. You can read customer reviews, compare pricing, and connect with other moving companies all for free. To start using Agoyu, you will need to determine the weight of your shipment. If you don’t know the exact weight of what you are going to ship, you can use the Agoyu weight calculator or download the app for a quote. You can video the contents you would like to ship and Agou will digitally analyze the video and create a list of all the content you want to ship with a weight estimate.

Once the weight of your shipment is determined, you can then calculate a price estimate based on your inventory. You will receive accurate pricing, which is based on the weight of your goods and your destination. You will then be able to compare moving companies and their costs. Once you choose the right moving company to fit your budget, you will need to confirm your destination. Be sure to provide the exact address of your destination and specify if it is an apartment, a single-family home, and how many floors your new home will have.

Once everything is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation number that will be used by the moving company as a reference. Now you just have to wait for the moving company to contact you and schedule a visit.

2. Magic Plan

Magic Plan is a moving app that can create and share sketches, estimates, and field reports. Magic Plan helps you feel connected to your moving team and understand everything that is happening, even if you aren’t there. You will have the ability to sketch interior plans in 2D and 3D to help you visualize what you currently don’t have, but soon will have. You will also have the capabilities of adding photos, 360-degree images, custom forms, notes, and markups to Magic Plan to help create an organized plan without the risk of any confusion. When you are finished adding your images, you will receive an estimate, which is automatically estimated on your mobile device.

Using Magic Plan will help your company work more efficiently and have access to any important data. Having a plan that is easy to sketch, report, and estimate will inspire your employees to get their work done anywhere, making it easier for you.

3. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit offers a wide range of moving services, varying from the heavy lifting to the organization, that will help make your move a lot easier. If you need your belongings hauled away for a move, TaskRabbit can certainly help. They also can help with all of your packing services, such as folding, boxing, and organizing. They will make sure all of your belongings are well organized and are packed efficiently, especially anything that might be fragile.

TaskRabbit will help search for a local mover that is decently priced to take some stress away from you. If you need any junk removal from your home before you move, TaskRabbit can help remove it and haul it away so you don’t have to. That makes things so much easier when you are preparing for a big move. Having extra junk around when moving can get stressful.

When searching for a local mover, make sure to enter the exact street address you are at and then enter the exact address that you are moving to. You will have to enter how large your task is (small, medium, or large) and what kind of vehicle you need for your task, like a car or a truck. This will prompt you to tell TaskRabbit a little bit more about your move and what you need to be done. Prices will then be shown to you once you complete all the necessary steps, making it super simple.

4. Sortly

Sortly is another great app for moving. With Sortly, you can create a visual inventory of all your belongings, decide what to keep and let go of, and add detailed notes to your belongings. You will be able to place all of your belongings into a category and make tags for them to make it easier for you to locate where they are. You can even label your boxes with QR codes to make it simple for you to scan them and know what is inside the boxes. For example, when packing a box of shoes, you can label it with the QR code instead of writing out the word “shoes”. You can then add detail to what type of shoes are in the box to avoid any confusion.

First, you will start off by creating an organized list of everything you own. Add the item, mark how many of that item you have, and the cost of the item. Sortly will automatically calculate the total cost of your items. You can share this list with your movers to help make moving easier for them and you.

Instead of labeling your boxes something generic like “kitchen” or “living room”, Sortly will allow you to tag your box and track it. Not only will this help you to avoid any late nights of wondering where your belongings are located, but it will allow you to feel comfortable enough to unpack and relax because you know where everything is.

5. Handy

Handy is great for moving help, especially for office relocation or moving to a new home. You will save time and money when using Handy to book moving help. Handy will be able to connect you with local house movers that are skilled and experienced, making your move run smoothly.

With Handy, you will be responsible for providing a moving truck or van. However, that is the only thing you will have to provide yourself. Handy will assist you in finding professional movers to help move your furniture, help you pack and unpack, wrap your items, and lift anything heavy. Once you reach your destination, Handy will also help with unpacking to make it less stressful for you.

It is important to note that Handy is specifically for moving help, it isn’t a full-service moving company and no transportation is provided. To start using Handy, pick a time, book your appointment, and then an experienced professional will arrive at the time you chose.

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

Recommended

Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move

Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

STEP 1 OF 3

Enter Move Details

STEP 2 OF 3

Select services

**Please note you may check more than one service

Household goods shipping Selected Select

Vehicle shipping Selected Select

or Have a Top Mover Call Me Now!

Do it the old fashion way! A top mover will call you to provide an instant quote over the phone or at your house!

6. Google Keep

Google Keep is designed to be clean and easy and is one of the best moving apps. The purpose of Google Keep is to capture what is on your mind and later receive a reminder at the right time or place. This is perfect to use when you are moving, since moving is so stressful and chaotic. When you are moving, there are so many things on your mind that you are trying not to forget. With Google Keep, you will be able to organize your thoughts and not forget a thing.

With Google Keep, you can create notes and lists when you are preparing to move. You can create ordinary notes that you physically type out, voice notes, photo notes, checklists, and handwritten notes that you can write using a stylus. All of these options are very cool!

In addition, Google Keep is a moving checklist app that will help organize your notes by allowing you to pin a note for high priority, set a reminder, make copies of a note, share with your friends and family, archive, delete, search your notes, label by color, and sync across multiple devices. For example, if you want to pack your books but aren’t ready to do it yet, make a note with Google Keep to remind you at a later time which books you are ready to pack. Google Keep is free to download and use with your Google account.

7. OfferUp

OfferUp is a very large mobile marketplace for sellers and buyers. It is good to understand that cleaning out your home before you move and decluttering everything will make moving ten times easier for you. Deciding what to pack and not pack when you are moving can be overwhelming. With OfferUp, you will save money by packing fewer items and transporting less of your belongings. You will save time by not needing to pack so many items. You will also be less stressed out because when you clear out your home, you clear out your mind too.

Once you declutter your home before your move, you can sell anything you are not bringing with you on OfferUp. OfferUp allows you to list your items for sale, specify your zip code, and then the OfferUp app works its magic and will help you sell any of your unwanted belongings in your neighborhood.

All you have to do is take a picture of your unwanted items, add a title to the picture and select a category, note the condition the item is in, and describe the item briefly in a few words. Once you do that, set a price for your unwanted item and list it. This is super easy and will allow you to make a few extra bucks. When you are settled in your new home, you can use OfferUp to buy whatever you might need with a discount.

8. SpareFoot

Trythe Sparefoot app for moving if you are looking to store your belongings in a storage unit during your move. It is such an easy and quick way to find, compare prices, and reserve a storage unit for your belongings. SpareFoot has great reviews, with many of them being positive and having a great experience using SpareFoot.

Many of those who are moving, especially those who have a big move, use storage units to help stay organized during the process of packing up their belongings.

9. NextDoor

NextDoor is a great app to use to help connect to your new neighbors and your new neighborhood. It is helpful to use when trying to learn about some fun local events, the best local restaurants, the best doctors in your area, finding a babysitter, and even just asking any question because you are unfamiliar with the area still.

NextDoor is trusted because they connect to real people in real neighborhoods, making it helpful to you if you are asking a question. There is a local perspective as well, such as if your pet gets out and you can’t find them. Ask NextDoor and you will get immediate responses about your pet’s whereabouts. Your new neighbors that are connected to NextDoor will help you find your pet in no time.

10. Updater

Updater is a great moving app full of many helpful moving resources. Updater is an invite-only moving app and you will need to enter your email to make sure you qualify to use it. Once you get connected to Updater, they will update your address for you and set up mail forwarding. Updater will also update your address with any businesses and vendors, voter registration, and your driver’s license.

Updater will keep you updated with many resources in your local area, like child care and information about school. Updater partners with local and national businesses to help supply you with great offers to help you save money.

With Updater, you can reserve a mover online, get a moving estimate, rent a moving truck, hire movers, ship your car to your new location, calculate your moving expenses, and much more.

11. Thumbtack

Thumbtack is great to use to look for professional movers. You will never have to pay to use Thumbtack, but you will receive cost estimates, professional contacts, and a way to book the right moving company. You will need to enter your zip code, allowing all movers in your area to be listed out for you to choose from. Before you book, you will be able to see the cost of the mover, whether it is a long-distance or short distance.

Thumbtack is a moving planner app that has over one million customer reviews, most of them being positive reviews. You will be able to see the professional mover work history as well, making the decision on who you choose a much easier one to decipher. Thumbtack will definitely be able to help you find the right moving company that can help meet your moving needs. The best part is that it is completely free.

Final Thoughts

Using any of these apps will help you feel much more organized and ready for your move. They can help make many of the stressful tasks of moving easier for you, like wrapping, packing, unpacking, moving your belongings, making lists, and even helping you find some new neighbors.

None of the best moving apps on this list have the capabilities of Agoyu though. With the Agoyu moving app, you can get a free quote by simply taking pictures of your items and choosing the best moving company in your area. Agoyu has comprehensive features to help you whether you’re moving a one bedroom apartment or five bedroom house.

How To Pack Books For Moving: Keep Your Books Safe and Save Money

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 21, 2022. Posted in Packing.

If you’re a bookworm chances are you have a vast collection of the greatest novels and biographies ever written. The last thing you’d want is for something you’ve spent years compiling to get ruined on your more. Knowing how to pack books for moving will ensure that your books are safe and that the moving company has an easy time transporting them.

8 Tips for Packing Books for Moving

When you decide to move, there are many things you can do to make moving your books easier.

1. Make Your Book Collection Smaller

It is a great idea to carefully go through your book collection and weed out the books you no longer need, especially if you have hired movers to help with your move. You can be charged by weight per box, so it is important to narrow your book collection down to books you must have and books that can be parted with.

If you want the books you are no longer keeping to be put to good use, donate them. Second hand stores, libraries, schools, and churches are just some examples of places you can donate them to. Donating your books gives them a chance at being reused by somebody else instead of being buried in a landfill.

2. Use the Right Type of Box

Make sure that when you pack your books, you are storing them in the right sized box. The best boxes for moving books are 1.5 cubic foot boxes or a smaller size will work as well. You can purchase these types of boxes on Amazon, at U-Haul, Walmart, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Book boxes for moving that are bigger than this tend to break because they are not meant to hold the weight of your books and might break open from the bottom.

3. Know How to Pack Books the Right Way

Your books need to be packed the right way so you can properly store them and utilize the space inside the box. So many people assume that books need to be packed standing up like they would on a shelf, but that is actually the incorrect way to pack them. You should pack them laying down flat and build them up into columns. Pack them binding to binding so the spines of the books can brace each other. If there is any space left in your box, you can fill in the empty spaces with paperback books and fill it right up to the top edge of the box.

4. Have Lots of Tape and Supplies

Clear packing tape is the best kind of tape to use when packing boxes. It will be sure to keep your boxes closed. However, you can also use masking tape if you are looking for a tape that is easier to remove. The choice is completely up to you. In case you don’t have a lot of paperback books to fill the empty spaces in your boxes, you can use newspaper, rags, towels, or basically anything that you can stuff in there to prevent your books from moving around. Have these things on hand in case you need them when packing your books.

5. Care for Your Fragile Books

If you have books that are expensive, old, or damaged in any way, you should pack them very carefully. Even if you have a somewhat small move from California to Washington, it is important to properly care for your books to avoid any damage. Wrap them individually in either old newspaper or packing paper. Use acid free paper for your really old books so the covers do not get damaged. You even can place bunched up newspaper or bubble wrap on the bottom of the box to ensure that the covers don’t bend or get damaged in any way.

If you have any old photo books or albums, first edition books, or anything else of great value, put a piece of sturdy cardboard in between each book. This will keep the spines straight and prevent them from moving.

6. Pack Your Heavy Books First

It is important to know how to pack boxes when moving. Pack your heavy books first and put them at the bottom of the box. Stack them on top of each other so they are level. Packing your heaviest books first is best so your lighter books don’t get damaged from being on the bottom.

7. Set Your Favorite Books Aside

Many book lovers can’t imagine a day without reading one of their favorite books. The thought of all your books being packed away inside of a box is tough to think about. Keep some of your favorite books set aside and maybe carry them in a backpack so you have them available to you. Having your favorite books nearby may help you feel some comfort in a stressful time.

8. Place Them Correctly in the Truck

Whether you have hired professional movers or are moving your belongings yourself, it is important to understand where to place your books in the moving truck or van. Besides placing the heaviest boxes on the bottom, make sure your book boxes are not topped with anything heavy like furniture or other heavy items. Load your boxes with care and do not pile them high.

Best Way to Pack Books for Moving

Libraries pack and ship hundreds of books across the country every week. For example, if you are moving from California to Florida, it makes the most sense to follow the procedures perfected by libraries when moving our books. Here are instructions to follow on how to pack books for moving.

1. Pack Your Books Into Boxes

Since you have already sorted through your book collection, it is safe to say you are packing your “must have” books. The best way to pack books is to place them in small boxes, placing the heaviest books on the bottom. If you do not have any boxes, there is always an alternative. You can also carefully pack your books in suitcases, preferably rolling suitcases to make it easier to move, or large backpacks will work as well.

2. Fill In Empty Spaces

Once you have your books stacked from heaviest to lightest, fill in the empty spaces with paperback books, packing paper, newspapers, yarn, old clothing, or anything you can think of that you can stuff into the empty spaces. If you are filling in the spaces with paperback books, be sure to pack them with the paper edges facing up so the pages don’t bend. Make sure there is no wiggle room so your books do not get damaged.

3. Seal the Boxes

When all your books are packed, close the box. Use clear or brown packing tape, or you can use masking tape if you want to easily remove the tape. It is important to keep in mind that if you use masking tape, the box might come open at some point. Packing tape is much sturdier, but does not open easily. Make sure to use a few layers of tape to prevent your box from opening up during your move.

4. Label Your Boxes

Write on your boxes “Books” so you know that those specific boxes contain your books. You can label the top of the box, side of the box, or both. Labeling your boxes is important so there is no confusion about what the box holds. In case you have your books separated by category, label the boxes based on the category of your books. For example, instead of “Books”, you can label your boxes “Classic Books”, “Mystery Books”, “Horror Books”, “Adventure Books” and so on.

5. Pack It Up

If you have professional movers helping you with your move, have them carefully place your boxes on the floor of the moving truck. Ensure that they are not placed in a pile or by any heavy pieces of furniture. Placing your boxes of books near anything that is really heavy is not a good idea. If that heavy object were to fall over or slide, it might damage your box of books. It is important to make sure they are not stacked so the boxes do not fall over and cause any damage to your books or other belongings.

Conclusion

With all these tips, knowing how to pack books for moving should be much easier now. Packing your books is not as difficult as it sounds. The most difficult part might even be parting with the books you no longer need. If you need help packing your books, using a moving app like Agoyu can help you locate the best moving companies to help make the process smoother.

How to Pack Shoes for Moving: You Don’t Have to Part with Your Shoes!

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 20, 2022. Posted in Packing.

So, you need to know how to pack shoes for moving? Don’t ask my wife because she always has me pack them for her and if you’re anything like her, you’ve got a lot of shoes. Packing shoes is challenging because you want to do it in a way that is economical and doesn’t take up any more space than necessary.

Quite often, it may seem that the easiest solution is to pack them in a box. But that might leave them damaged or scratched at the end of a long journey.

So here’s how to pack shoes the right way, when moving to your new home. With a little bit of time and ingenuity, you will find the task not so difficult at all.

Organize

When was the last time you purged your shoe collection? This is the right time to get rid of the worn-out or damaged pairs to reduce your packing volume. In addition, there can be pairs that you do not wear anymore. Chances are, you aren’t going to wear them in your new home either. If they are in good condition, you can donate them to a charity.

Before throwing your shoes into the trash, check for options for recycling them in your neighborhood. The plastic-based components like PVC and EVA in shoes take a long time to decompose. However, reusing is better for the environment than recycling.

Once you have decluttered your shoe collection, the final lineup for packing is ready. This will make the entire task easier for you.

Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice

Recommended

Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move

Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.

STEP 1 OF 3

Enter Move Details

STEP 2 OF 3

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Keep the Shoes Clean and Dry

Before you learn about how to pack shoes for a move, make sure that you clean them properly. For this, you may need to start a while before the actual moving date. Make sure to remove the dust and dirt and repair the shoes if need be.

Almost all sneakers and synthetic shoes can be cleaned up with a mild soap solution and water. In the case of boots, make sure the soles are clean of dirt or mud and small pieces of stones. You can also use rubbing alcohol or antibacterial sprays to keep the insides free from smells and bacterial growth.

Once cleaned, you need to dry them properly. Air drying the shoes for the right period of time is the best option. Consider powdering the insides of the shoes to help draw out the moisture Remember, dry shoes will prevent mold formation during the transfer.

It’s also important to eliminate any odors from your shoes before packing them up. Peels of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange, can absorb odors effectively. You can also sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight to remove odors.

Make sure to remove any excess powder in the morning. Any buildup of baking soda can cause damage to leather and suede shoes.

Sort your Collection

Once you have organized your shoe collection, divide them into various categories. You need to categorize your collection in terms of casual, seasonal, sports, dress shoes, etc. Basically, different materials will have different packing and storage needs to prevent damage. Sorting them out will help you to pack them accordingly.

For example, dress shoes or loafers should be wrapped in tissue paper, and packed in the original shoe boxes to keep them protected. Sneakers can be packed more easily as they are not prone to scratches. In case you don’t have the original shoe boxes, the best way to pack shoes for moving is by using any cardboard box or plastic beans. Other than that, you can also use travel shoe bags.

Season shoes can be packed separately depending on the season of your movement. If you are moving in summer, winter boots can be packed in separate boxes. That way you can get around to unpacking them only when the right season arrives.

Keep in mind, the best way to pack shoes for moving is to pack them in pairs. For shoes like sneakers, you can also tie the laces together to keep them together. This will ensure no shoe goes missing.

You need to keep a pair separately for use during the moving week. These will be needed for immediate use once you reach the new location.

Stuff the Shoes

The next step of how to pack shoes for moving is an important one. You need to stuff the shoes properly with socks, plastic wraps, or packing paper. This will prevent them from getting smashed during a long transit.

Stuffing the shoes with socks will also help you to pack the socks as well. However, avoid stuffing and packing shoes with newspaper. Printed ink can leave permanent stains on the shoes.

To avoid scuff marks, wrap the shoes on the outside as well. For dress shoes, you can use shoe trees. This will keep them in shape after packing. In the case of boots with high ankles, stuff them till the topmost part to prevent any damage. When wrapping high heels, use bubble wrap to prevent the heels from breaking.

Additionally, you can place fragrant tea bags inside the shoes to keep them fresh. This will add to a good feeling when you start unpacking in your new home.

Distribute the Weight Properly

One of the key aspects of how to pack shoes for moving is arranging the shoes in a proper manner. If you are using a large box, start by placing a cushioning layer at the bottom of the box. Then you can place the heavier shoes first. It’s best to place a layer of cushioning between each layer of shoes you place.

Make sure that you don’t overload the boxes. Tape the boxes and avoid placing heavier items on top of them. Label or mark the boxes to make the process of unpacking easier. Also, consider the weather conditions on a moving day. In case it’s raining, keep the box away from moisture as much as possible.

Avoid using plastic bags for packing shoes. These bags can easily tear during the move and leave your footwear vulnerable to damage. Since plastic traps moisture, it can also result in mold formation and deformation of the shoe materials. However, clean and dry shoes can be stored in plastic containers. Transparent containers will also make it easy to see what shoes are packed inside.

Conclusion

There you have it. We have shared the best tips about how to pack shoes for moving.

The secret of how to pack shoes for moving involves planning as well as the right style of packing. With a bit of extra time and effort, you can make sure that your shoes reach your new home in the best condition.

That said, you will need the help of professional movers to ensure that the entire process of moving works out smoothly. Honestly, picking out the best services at an affordable rate from a competitive market isn’t easy. This is why getting moving quotes online from a variety of moving companies will help you make the right choice. You need a company with experience but also an affordable rate. Agoyu can help.

What To Pack First When Moving: Step-by-Step Moving Guide

Written by Bill Mulholland on October 19, 2022. Posted in Packing.

Moving to a new location is an exciting experience. No doubt about it.

But where do you start? Do you start with the heavy stuff first? The fragile items? Or do you knock out the simple rooms and move onto the more difficult stuff later?

When you consider the wide range of your household belongings, it seems difficult to point out where to begin.

But with the right planning and timely action, you can finish up your packing in the right order much before the moving vehicle arrives. To make your task easier, we will discuss how and what to pack first when moving so you can get started off on the right foot.

Begin Packing Well in Advance

Before you decide where to start when packing to move, you need to initiate the process well in advance. Honestly, you don’t want to start packing at the last moment and risk damaging or misplacing your valuable belongings. It needs the right effort and time to make the entire process of packing less stressful.

Obviously, the time factor will depend on the notice period you get before your move. The important thing is not to procrastinate while deciding how to pack for moving house.

Ideally, a month should be sufficient for a small home. For larger homes, two months should be good enough. By starting as early as possible, you won’t have to rush or cut corners at the end of the process.

Taking Inventory of Your Belongings

Before you jump into the process of packing, it’s necessary to know about all the items you have in your possession. So taking an inventory of all your belongings and sorting them out is a must.

If you have a large collection of items like books, video games, CDs, or kick-knacks, a detailed inventory list will be necessary. You can prepare a comprehensive checklist in a spreadsheet and take a printout.

This will also prevent any items from slipping out of notice. A list will also help you to track all the items more effectively.

Chances are there will be items that you won’t be needing anymore. Spending your time and effort in packing these items will be a waste. This is a good time to give these items away or arrange for a garage sale. The thing is, the fewer things you need to pack, the easier the entire process will be.

In case you have any hazardous materials in possession, dispose of them before packing. These can be flammable solids and liquids, corrosive substances, or explosives. Transportation of such materials might be restricted and will increase the overall cost of moving.

Besides, items like fire extinguishers, paints and varnishes, and auto batteries should not be packed with other items. Leaks from these items can be dangerous during the moving process.

Once this process is done, you can start planning about what to pack first when moving.

Gather the Right Items

The next step is to gather all the items that you need for the packing process. Keeping everything at hand will save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some items that you need at hand.

Packing tape
Packing paper
Ruler to rip the paper
Markers for labeling
Bubble wrap
Scissors
A knife

Other than these, you will also need packing boxes of various shapes and sizes. It’s best to invest in some quality moving boxes which will withstand wear and not fall apart during transportation. Make sure not to overpack a box. Ideally, each box should be kept between 30 to 40 pounds to ensure they are easy to lift.

Also, designate an area in your house where you can store the boxes. A place like a garage or a guest room is the best option. Keep separate boxes for items you want to throw away or donate.

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Pack Non-essential Items First

If your question is “what should I pack first when moving?”, the answer is simple. Start with non-essential items like books, magazines, decor artwork, picture frames, off-season clothes, etc.

The uniform shapes of books and DVDs make them easy to pack. Artwork and decor will need careful packing and take more time. Also, pack up other items like mirrors or shelves mounted on the wall at the same time.

In the next stage, pack items like vases, clocks, lamps, and antiques. Since they come in irregular shapes, packing these items can be a challenge. This is where you need to use bubble wraps and packing paper.

Finally, pack up the off-season clothes and shoes. You can also pack away additional clothes that you won’t be needing until the move is complete.

Pack Essential Items Next

Now that you know what to start packing first when moving, it’s time to move to the next stage. These include the essential items. These are items that are of regular use and ones that you will need as soon as you reach the new location. Some of the common essential items are listed below.

Electronics
Utensils and dishes
Toiletries
Linens
Office supplies
Cleaning supplies

It might seem difficult to pack some of these items in advance. But once you know where to start you will notice there are plenty of items that you can do without for a few days.

The trick is to separate the essential items that you will need for daily use. The rest can be packed up depending on their category.

For example, you can pack most of your cookware a week before the moving date. You can also pack up the dishes in advance and use disposable plastic utensils for a few days. When it comes to food items, try to consume as much as possible before the day of the move.

Packing up electronic devices comes next. Truth is, it’s best to go without your television and game console for a few days, rather than leave them for the last stage of packing. Electronic items are sensitive and you need to pack them carefully to prevent any damage.

In the last stage, you need to pack the toiletries and cleaning supplies. Get rid of any items that have expired or those you haven’t used for months. To prevent liquids from spilling out of bottles, use plastic wrap for additional sealing.

When it comes to fragile items, pack them with extra cushioning to prevent breakage. When it comes to clothing, roll up the clothes to save space while packing. Delicate fabrics and shoes should be packed separately with special care to prevent any damage.

Start with the Most Difficult Room

It’s best to start with the most difficult room at the beginning. Picking it up in the end when you are tired, can result in disorderly packing.

In most cases, garages and sheds are the most difficult spaces to pack as they contain items of various shapes and sizes. In case you are taking help from a professional mover, consult them for packing special items.

Beyond that, kitchens and dining rooms are also hard to pack as they contain numerous breakable items. Since these spaces will take more time and care to pack, don’t leave them for last.

In the next stage, you can start with living rooms and bedrooms. Usually, these spaces contain items that are relatively easier to pack.

Once you know where to start when packing to move, the question is whether you go by the rooms or by item category. While this is a matter of personal choice, we suggest packing items one room at a time. This makes it easier to determine which box goes where once you have reached your new location.

Moving is always a challenge and it’s believed that it’s one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do. Make life a little easier with an instant moving quote from Agoyu. You can choose between the best moving companies in your area and get a quote that fits your budget in only a few minutes!