Important Tips for Relocating

Whether you are staying in the Charlottesville area, or moving across Virginia or even on longer distance moves the following information will make a huge difference in how smooth your relocation will go..

When packing basic household articles for a big move, following these moving tips will ensure the safety of your belongings:

Soft items such as sweaters and stuffed toys can be packed in trash bags instead of boxes to save space.
When packing breakable items, be sure not to pack them with other heavy articles. One inch of crumpled-up paper between breakable items will keep them the safest; towels and other soft linens can provide good cushioning as well.
When packing valuables, be sure to pack them together and either move them in your own vehicle or check them quickly upon arrival to make sure they made it safely to your destination.
If possible, repack electronic devices in their original boxes. Take a picture of complex wiring with your cell phone to remember how to re-connect in your new home. Be sure that everything is unplugged before moving day. Everything not in the original box can be wrapped in padding by movers.
Picture frames, mirrors, electronics, and lampshades can easily be damaged. Be sure to bubble-wrap as much as possible, or we can provide packing materials at affordable prices.
When moving mattresses, they can be plastic wrapped or put on the moving truck after being wrapped in furniture pads, or special mattress plastic bags can be purchased ahead of time. Also, upholstered furniture can be shrink-wrapped by request.

Moving & Packing for Appliances

Follow these packing tips for moving appliances so that they arrive in great condition:

The gas company must service all gas appliances prior to moving day.
Refrigerators & freezers must be emptied, defrosted & dry prior to moving day.
Please remove or safely pack the glass tray inside your microwave.

Moving a Washer: Step-by-step

For both top loader washing machines and front-loaders, follow the same directions (unless the owner's manual instructs otherwise):

Clean the washing machine. Run the empty machine through a normal wash cycle on hot. Instead of using detergent, use bleach or white vinegar. This cleans the drum and drain lines of detergent residue. Now, leave the lid open for 24 hours to allow it to dry.
Shut off water supply. You should be able to do this by turning the hot and cold water supply valves clockwise. They are located behind the washing machine.
Turn off power to the washing machine. You’ll do this from your home’s electrical panel.
Unplug the washing machine.
Disconnect the hoses from the valves. You’ll need a bucket handy in case water is still present in the hoses, and slip-joint pliers for removing the hoses. Disconnect both the hot and cold water supply hoses from their valves. Make sure to disconnect just one at a time, and make sure to hold it upright to keep water from spilling out.
Disconnect the hoses from the washing machine. You’ll need slip-joint pliers for this, too.
Remove drain hose from the back of the washer. This will depend on the type of washer you have – if it’s a spring clamp, you’ll squeeze the tabs together with your fingers. If it’s a screw-type clamp, you’ll remove the clamp with a screwdriver.
Clean the outside of the washing machine.
Install washer locks. This is where the instruction manual comes in handy. It will tell you how to prepare your specific washer for moving. You will need to install washer locks to keep the drum and other parts in place. If you no longer have the washer locks that originally came with your washer, you will need to purchase some. Contact the manufacturer to purchase them.
Tape the lid closes and tape cords to the back of the washer. This helps you avoid a tripping hazzard on moving day.
Wrap in moving blankets and/or paper padding. This will protect the washing machine from scratches while it's being moved into and out of your home.

General Packing Tips

Even with the best moving and packing tips, it is hard to move from one home to another. Following these general guidelines will make your move easier when it comes time to pack:

It is best to start packing early. Boxes usually take around a half-hour to pack. A home can take between two and four days to pack, while an apartment can take about one day.
Try to eat all of your food so that you don’t have to move it. Anything that you plan to move must be unopened, especially liquids.
Using a black marker and packing tape to label and seal each box will save you tons of time later. Write on the box it's contents, which room it will need to be put in, and if its contents are fragile or not.
Start packing the areas of your home that you use the least. Pack your essentials last so that you will have what you need first in your car after you’ve arrived at your new home.
Tape boxes on the top and on the bottom well. If you are carrying heavy articles, they should go on the bottom, and you will need to double-tape those boxes for your moving service.

Moving Day and Leaving Town

These basic moving & packing tips will ensure that your day goes smoothly and that your belongings stay safe:

If you need packing, please request that service when you are booking your move.
All elevators, parking areas, and loading docks necessary should be reserved before moving day.
Be available to answer any questions your crew may have regarding where items should be placed.
Don't forget to fill out that Change of Address form and drop it off at the local Post Office before you skip town!

Try not to stress, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way!