Moving Tips

MOVING TIPS

If you’ve ever had to get a bunch of things done at once, one thing in particular will absolutely streamline the process: Organization. A move of any kind, no matter the distance, will always go more successfully when organization can be implemented.

Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach of Manhattan Beach has compiled their list of best practices when moving across the street or across a time zone!

Here are our “Moving Musts” – our free resource to better prepare you for the move ahead (Note: Manhattan Beach DOES NOT require you to do any of these things in order for us to help you move! This list is simply a resource to help you prioritize your move, if only from a third party perspective.)

Last Minute/ Anytime Tips

No matter what the timeline or the size of your move may be, keeping lists of what gets packed in what order is incredibly helpful! Creating one “template” for your list, and making a list for each room, or space within a room.
On your checklist, include the things that are fragile and/or special care
Upon completing a room, area or like, create two copies of each checklist. Tape one checklist on the outside of each box, so when it comes time to unpack, you’ll know where you put all of your forks and spoons, or socks and underwear.
Anytime Moving List
Another great way to stay organized is to create a list of which rooms and/or areas will have items that need to be packed last. In other words, don’t pack your coffee maker and toaster two weeks ahead of time! All kidding aside, to prevent having to go back and re-pack things over and over, decide what you need to continue to live day-to-day as you unveil the back wall of your closet, and decide which rock collection gets the axe.
Start up high (or down low)! By high, we mean start up in your attic, or down in your basement and parse through items stored away for the season.
Throughout itemizing your “packing areas” or rooms, decide which things are definitively a yes (Aunt Ethel’s gold plated statue, for example). If you can make a list of the “definite yes’s, that list will be invaluable to you and those who are counting on you to move their cherished belongings.

In the same way, perhaps you can itemize what furniture or other items are better left behind, or belong in the space that you are leaving. Sometimes a certain artwork or custom built-in are better left in the area for which it was made.

5 weeks

Make a Plan, Have a Strategy
There is no “right” way to come up with a organizational plan that will work for you. What works for one person or situation doesn’t necessarily apply to all people or circumstances. Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach understands that despite there being common procedures and professional standards, just like you, your move will be uniquely yours. With that said, any details you feel are important give us about any narrow enclosures, big ticket items, possessions that are especially valuable (monetarily and sentimentally) and any other items that put a question mark in your head. These details allow our team to make the best plan of action for you and your home, and so we can ensure the these specific needs are met.

4 weeks

With each monthly bill you pay, begin to contact your utilities, cable and internet, banking services, doctors, dentists and other services. Verify these services are transferred to your new location to minimize downtime! [If you are moving because of a relationship (coming together or separating,) refer to your advisor about best practices for handling these types of accounts.]
If you have machinery (ATV’s, Lawn Mowers, Motorcycles,) don’t forget about them! Ensure that these items will have the facilities to be moved, as well as the proper storage where you are moving.
Packing: The preliminary items are always non-essentials (Hence why it is previously mentioned to start with the attic or basement). Out of season clothing, tchotchkes, tool benches, outdoor furniture, and any other items not used daily. If this includes a swimming pool, drain that baby!

3 weeks

Start clearing out your pantry!
If you are taking artwork off of the walls, don’t forget to patch your walls up.
Be a good do-be! Label and/ or leave any paint, hardware, keys or other items that will stay with your old home or office could be labeled and placed somewhere for whomever will replace you.

2 weeks

As you continue to pack, and pack, and pack, this piece of advice can be extremely useful:
If you are having a hard time getting rid of non-essentials, or things you have several of:
You can use the method known as Komono (developed by Marie Kondo) – If you hold an item in your hand, and while holding it, don’t feel as though this item gives you joy, get rid of it! Komono is a wonderful way to de-clutter anywhere from your bedroom to your junk drawer. Don’t forget: Sometimes it is easier to cherish the things you do have when you don’t have to look through a billion things in order to find the one item for which you were looking. And on that note…
When considering your new location, both the building and the physical address, try to absorb the space in which you will now be living. Sometimes the space is better utilized when there is nothing in it! In other words, while making sure that you bring what is important to you, make sure to appreciate the space prior to unpacking. Take some measurements, and maybe even doodle a few sketches trying a few arrangements before committing to an interior set-up.

1 week!

You have mastered your domain, and are now an organizational sensei. You’ve forwarded your mail. You have packed and packed and packed. You have made arrangements with your subscriptions throughout the past few weeks, and it’s paying off! You’ve decided what’s definitely coming along with you, and what will be left in the past (or in the building). Taking these steps have given you great confidence for the big day…

Don’t forget (On the Day of the Move)

FOR BUSINESSES:

Anytime

Decide what type of downtime you can allot to this move. If minimizing downtime is of critical importance, ensure that the services your business offers can continue to be offered, whether it’s remotely, or if you have a bit of a crossover period while inhabiting both the new and old establishment.
While most companies have an atmosphere wherein everyone is privy to major transitions, reminders never hurt! Gathering your employees together and discussing a plan of action can be absolutely catalyst to the forwarding going group effort.
Just like any other move, it is important to establish with all personnel who will be responsible for what regarding the move transition.
Little things like parking at the new location, or protocol for moving an employee’s work space all add up. When done correctly, all employees are on board to make the transition a positive and efficient transition, and there is little downtime when many hands are working to get the job done.

Where Do We Serve? (We Are Local!)

At Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach , our team of professionals is local to Manhattan Beach and the outlying cities of L.A. We know the side streets, and may even know your new neighborhood better than you do! Choosing a local company to help you make your move is just another one of the many reasons to use Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach . Our team strives to make your move the best move you have ever experienced. Our name and likeness depend on our customer’s satisfaction. No matter what the reason you are moving, Choosing Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach is the right choice. Moving to Manhattan Beach?

Moving Safety Tips

Our Full Moving Service is highly recommended and one of our most popular options, here are a few safety suggestions for Do-it-yourself moving:

Take Your Time – With the proper amount of planning, there is no need to rush around, putting yourself in harm’s way.
Should you need Same Day, Last Minute, or Emergency Moving Services, we at Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach are happy to tell you we have successfully performed what was perceived as impossible! See our “Same Day Service” section, or call 1-424-955-8122 for more information.
Stay hydrated – Dehydration from sun exposure and intensive labor can be extremely dangerous!
Use your legs: When lifting heavy objects, it is imperative that you use your legs, and don’t strain your back or neck. Repetitive strain of your back muscles can and will eventually herniate a disk, or create a hernia on your torso!
Use your head! – Finally, while undertaking any labor intensive job, especially as a mover, Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach stresses the importance of working smarter, not harder. When under duress, we as people often lose sight of the simpler solutions! Having a plan of action prevents lack of focus, along with making unnecessary mistakes.

Here is an excellent example (albeit slightly anecdotal) of how to work smarter and not harder.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

I’m sure everyone has heard that expression before, but if you apply it to our moving services, you’ll understand why Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach has the reputation that we are so grateful to have achieved throughout our community. When you understand how “working smarter, not harder” will ultimately save you from the grief of a move filled with anxiety, you will also understand how our services can save you real money. There is unbelievable value in knowing your strengths, and knowing when “saving money” really costs you time. As we all know, time, unlike money, is impossible to make back.

Have you ever worked on a project, only to realize that you could have paid someone to do the same thing in much less time, therefore saving you money? Often times, this is the case with moving commercial businesses. Whether you operate a small restaurant or a large call center, moving your business location is no small feat. When one considers the amount of time, especially critical downtime, that is absolutely where paying for moving assistance truly will save you money.

With business and commercial moving and relocation, challenges include streamlining the process – From purchasing boxes, to finding available and readily accessible storage, even transporting furniture or other commercial machinery becomes a job in and of itself! This is where our services truly shine, and our company can showcase the latitude of our resources.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Call 1-424-955-8122 today for more information, or to set up your own moving appraisal. Let us prove to you that our customer service is unmatched. Ask us about our success as some of the most highly acclaimed movers on the West Coast, from Manhattan Beach throughout the interstate.

We at Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach have countless moving experiences all over the coast, and our insured professionals will take the stress of moving your commercial business away. Choosing Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach will allow you to continue to do what you do best as your business, and get you back up and running without missing a beat.

On Working Smarter, Not Harder

From restaurants, to corporate offices, our “Full Service Moving” support will take much of the stress off of you and your company. Affordable Movers Manhattan Beach will make any moving any operation so simple, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t called sooner. Call 1-424-955-8122 today for your business relocation service today!

What is included in Full Service Moving?

As a business, choosing the right relocation service can make all the difference. We know that a company thrives when a business is status quo: Your employees will be affected by any discord of an unsuccessful move, which can causally affect more than just a few hours or days of downtime. Don’t lose company morale (or employees) over perceived lack of control!