Moving and Packing Tips

Moving and packing can be a huge undertaking. Here are some helpful moving and packing tips to make your relocation process as smooth as possible.

Moving Checklist

Moving can be extremely stressful. Get organized and start planning with our helpful moving checklist. Click on the title and let us help you on your journey.

DIY Packing Tips

1. Clearly label your boxes with the room they’ll be going into and an item description—include labeling on the top and side so if one is covered, you can hopefully spot the other
2. Create a color-coding system for each room to clearly identify items and where they should go
3. You may even want to number your boxes per room so you have a count for each and can verify when they arrive
4. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials you’ll need when you arrive
5. Pack the items you will need first in a clear plastic bin
6. Items in boxes should be packed tightly together so they won’t move
7. Pack plates vertically, like record albums—they’ll be less likely to break
8. Keep drawers intact by covering them with Press’nSeal
9. Use sandwich bags to hold small parts like screws and mounts and tape the bags to the back of the item with packing tape
10. Take photos of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how to reconnect everything
11. Cut down on boxes by making all your baskets, laundry bins, hampers and suitcases packing cases
12. Vacuum seal your out-of-season clothes
13. If your refrigerator is making the move, remember to defrost your freezer at least a day before and wipe up any liquid
14. Use the right size boxes putting heavy items like books in smaller boxes and lighter items like pillows in larger boxes
15. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same boxes
16. Tape boxes well using a couple pieces of tape to close and use the mover technique—making a couple of wraps all the way around
17. If you’re moving expensive artwork, ask your mover for special crating
18. When packing your dishes, use packing paper around each one then wrap bundles of five or size together with more paper. Pack dishes on their sides—never flat and use plenty of bunched up paper as padding above and below Cups and bowls can be placed inside one another with paper in between and wrapped three or four in a bundle. Pack them all in dish-barrel boxes
19. Store small items in large bowls or pots such as your spices inside your crock pot

Items Not Allowed to Transport

Yes, there are some items that Beltmann will not move long distance due to safety reasons. This includes:

1. Perishable items such as produce, plants, frozen or refrigerated foods or open/half-used food
2. Hazardous items such as explosives, flammable gases and toxic substances
3. Many of the following items are considered hazardous and must be disposed of properly to comply with federal, state and local laws to protect the environment:
   • aerosol cans
   • ammonia
   • ammunition
   • car batteries
   • charcoal/lighter fluid
   • charged scuba tanks
   • cleaning solvents
   • darkroom chemicals
   • fertilizer
   • fire extinguishers
   • fireworks
   • fuels/oils
   • household batteries
   • kerosene
   • liquid bleach
   • loaded guns
   • matches
   • nail polish/remover
   • paint thinners
   • paints/varnishes
   • pesticides
   • poisons
   • pool chemicals
   • propane tanks
   • rubbing alcohol
   • sterno fuel
   • weed killer

Move-In Checklist

1. Allow time to clean up and do minor repairs before the moving truck arrives including basic cleaning.
2. Assure an authorized adult will be present to accept the delivery when the movers arrive
3. Have the balance of your payment ready, if it hasn’t already been paid. The movers won’t start unloading until final payment has been made
4. Tape a sign to the door of each room to correlate to your labeling sequence and have a map of the floor plan near the front door for the movers to use
5. Carefully inspect items as they are brought in to verify that everything is in good condition. Any damage should be noted directly on the van operator’s copy of the inventory when you sign the receipt
6. Confirm that your appliances and electronics are in working condition. For larger appliances, it is recommended that you have a professional technician service and safely install each appliance.
7. Beltmann movers will re-assemble beds but should check with your move coordinator when wanting help with unpacking your mattresses.
8. We recommend that you start unpacking the kitchen first then begin with bedrooms and at least one bathroom.

First Night Checklist

With all the efforts placed on packing for the moving team, it’s easy to forget to pack an overnight bag that is easily accessible. But, what exactly should you plan for?

1. The first night box should be either loaded last or better yet, travel with you.
2. Cleaning supplies and maintenance items like a hammer, screwdriver or drill are very important to have handy for your first night.
3. And, make sure you have light bulbs available or you’ll possibly be working in the dark.
4. Since your new kitchen will not be in working order, it still important to have items available for snacks or to order in. Items might include paper plates, disposable cups, napkins, granola bars and lots of water.
5. Basic hygiene supplies such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, brush, comb and toilet paper
6. Bedding items are important as well such as sheets, blankets and pillows for each bed.
7. Shower items such as towels and a shower curtain.

If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about our moving services, contact us today at 1-866-252-2383!