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What You Need to Know About a Zero-Waste Move

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:29:00 GMT

Do you want a zero-waste move? Eliminate the excess waste and take a look at what you need to know about this type of green move.

What Is a Zero-Waste Move?
While a move might not seem like a major waste generator, the transition from one home to another can leave behind a trail of trash. As the name implies, a zero-waste move won't create waste.

Ideally, the move would reduce the amount of waste to zero. But this isn't always possible. If you can’t completely eliminate all waste from the process, a greener move with minimal waste is an eco-friendly alternative.

Why Choose a Zero-Waste Move?
In 2017, Americans generated 67 million tons of paper and paperboard municipal solid waste (MSW), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than 18 million tons of the MSW paper and paperboard waste ended up in landfills across the country.

Landfills contain potentially harmful chemicals and substances that can leak out and contaminate drinking water or enter the air. Gases (such as methane) that come from landfills may contribute to the greenhouse effect, which results in climate change.

Cardboard boxes, cardboard or paperboard dividers, and protective newsprint paper are primary moving materials. Even though these items can prevent damage and contain your belongings during the move, they can also add to the overall landfill pollution problem.

Along with cardboard boxes and paper products, other move-related materials can also end up in landfills. Pre-move decluttering can eliminate excess items and make your move easier. But this doesn't mean you should throw everything that you don't want to bring with you into the trash.

According to the EPA, 139.6 million tons of general MSW was landfilled in 2017. This includes paper and paperboard, textiles (such as old clothing, towels, or bed linens), rubber and leather, glass, metals, plastics, and food.

How Can You Start a Zero-Waste Move?
There are several steps to a zero-waste move. Again, it's not always possible to completely eliminate move-related waste. If this is your first zero-waste move or you aren't sure whether you can eliminate all waste, set a low or minimal waste move as your goal.

The first step to a zero or low waste move is decluttering. As you trim your belongings down, consider what will happen to each item if you throw it away. Petroleum-based plastic products can take hundreds of years to degrade, according to the EPA. Whether you have plenty of plastics to toss or other items, the garbage isn't the best place for your discarded home goods.

Find ways to reuse or recycle everything you want to get rid of. Donate furniture, clothing, old books, or home accents to a charity, have a yard sale, or sell unwanted items online. You can also recycle some types of plastics, glass, and paper products.

How Can You Move Without Creating Waste?
Once you've decluttered, repurposed, and recycled, move on to the next step and pack. Cardboard boxes are the least eco-friendly option for your zero-waste move. Unless you're sure you can recycle every piece of cardboard or you have plans to reuse the boxes over and over again, choose a more permanent option.

While plastic bins won't degrade easily, they are reusable. Unlike cardboard, which has a limited reuse life, plastic containers can last for years. Consider a bin rental service if you don't think you'll need such containers again in the near future.

Reduce packing material waste and choose recycled or reused protective items. Instead of Styrofoam packing peanuts or plastic bubble wrap, repurpose old towels or bed linens as container cushions.

If you need help with your upcoming move, contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. We can help make your move more efficient and eco-friendly.

Choosing a Gift for a Friend Who's Moving

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:10:00 GMT

If your friend is planning a move, you may want to help them out with a moving-related gift. Here are multiple gift ideas for any budget.

Shoestring Budget

If your friend's move has caught you by surprise and you have little to no budget for the gift, you can still provide a thoughtful going-away present by making a gift of your time. This could include offering to help pack and declutter or even offering to go with your friend if they're planning a long-distance move and need a second driver.

You could also help your friend find and obtain packaging materials for free. Scouring online free listings for used moving boxes, calling local businesses (such as liquor and furniture stores) to find sturdy boxes for free, and similar strategies can help you find a variety of packing boxes to donate to your friend's moving needs.

Other free ideas include:

Collecting newspapers and other packing materials from friends and family
Offering to perform a move-out clean on moving day
Using your vehicle to help haul away unwanted furniture and charity donations
Offering your services as a babysitter or pet sitter on moving day if your friend has kids or pets
Helping with moving-related paperwork such as USPS change of address forms

Any move is a complicated process with many working parts, and your friend will likely be relieved to have any of these responsibilities off their shoulders.

Medium-Low Budget

If you have a slightly higher budget, you can offer a gift of some useful or fun moving-related items that your friend may not have thought of. For instance, you could put together a gift bag with some color-coded permanent markers, large labels for moving boxes, and color-coded duct tape to help your friend stay organized while packing.

Another idea for medium-low budgets is to organize a party where you invite some mutual friends over to help your friend pack. This provides a combined gift of your time, your organization skills, refreshments for the party, and any packing supplies you bring. Be sure to ask your friend what date and time works best for them before you plan the party.

Medium Budget

If you're not so strapped for cash, you may want to spring for some sturdier packing bins such as plastic tubs. These types of bins can not only help your friend during the move but also provide plenty of storage for attic and closet spaces for years to come.

Another idea for a medium budget is a gift certificate for a pizza delivery company. This can help your friend feed any volunteers on moving day or can just give them a free meal so that they don't have to worry about cooking when their kitchen is all packed up. Make sure you choose a pizza company that has locations near both your friend's current house and their new home, if possible.

Generous Budget

If you have a generous budget and you really want to help out a close friend who's going through a tough time, consider a gift certificate for professional moving-related services. This can be an especially thoughtful gift if you want to offer some of your own time but can't.

For example, you could buy a gift certificate for a cleaning company. These can be useful for move-out cleanings, move-in cleanings, and more. Professional packing services can also make a great gift. And some moving companies may even allow you to buy a gift certificate to pay for part of the moving costs, or you can gift your friend a check to put towards the cost.

As you can see, a friend who's planning a move likely has many different needs you can choose from as you plan your gift. For more information about the professional moving, packing, and storage services we offer, contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. today.

What to Do When You Have to Move Quickly

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:54:00 GMT

Moving is a complicated process, whether you're moving across town or to the other side of the country. Packing up your entire life is a chore that can easily take weeks or even months, but you don't always have that much time. Circumstances can sometimes force moves to take place in relatively short order, but you don’t need to panic if you find yourself with less time than you'd like. As with any significant project, the key to a quick move is to plan as well as you can and take a systematic approach. This guide will help you to understand the steps you should take to ensure your move goes off without a hitch, even if you need to get packed and moved out in the blink of an eye.

Step 1: Hire Movers

Whether you're moving on short notice or you've just procrastinated, your first step is to get in touch with movers — right away! Many moving companies have busy schedules and may not be able to accommodate an exact time or date on short notice. Scheduling conflicts can be especially tricky to navigate if you're moving a long distance or across states. All of this means that the sooner you call to schedule an appointment, the less stress you'll have as your moving day approaches. Some movers may also want to schedule an in-person visit before giving you a quote, especially if you're hiring a packing service. More importantly, you can plan the rest of your preparation and packing based on the availability of your movers.

Step 2: Develop a Strategy

Once you know when your movers will be available, take stock of your current situation. Be realistic about your plan. Moving out of a small apartment in a week is a much easier task than packing up a two-story house in that time. If possible, try to identify the rooms in your home that will require the most time and effort to pack. For quickly moving, there are two generally useful strategies to keep in mind: rapid downsizing and minimal organization. To downsize rapidly, be prepared to toss out anything that you aren't sure you want to keep. Taking this approach will minimize how much you need to pack and also reduce trips to the store for additional packing materials. When packing things that you do want to keep, don't worry about excessive organization. Pack your items safely and securely, but don’t spend an excessive amount of time packing items by room or purpose. Instead, focus on getting your possessions into boxes as efficiently and quickly as you can.

Step 3: Consider Professional Help

After taking stock of your situation, don't be afraid to admit that you do not have enough time to pack all of your belongings. Hiring a professional packing service is a great way to turn a month's worth of packing into a day or two of work. In many cases, you may be able to use the same moving service also to help you with packing. To reduce costs, you can focus on packing smaller or easier rooms and only use professionals for tougher jobs. Taking this approach can help you to save money while still enjoying the benefits of professional packing help.

Step 4: Don't Skip Final Preparations

It's easy to miss the simple stuff when you're rushing, but don't neglect to take a few steps to make your home safer for your movers. Before moving day arrives, be sure that you remove loose items from floors and keep a safe path to the truck. If you are leaving furniture or other large items behind, move them out of the way to help your movers get their work done more quickly and safely. Whether you're packing quickly or you have all the time in the world, O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. can be your reliable moving partner. Contact us when you're ready to start developing the perfect moving plan for your situation.

How to Move Gardening Items

Tue, 26 May 2020 20:31:00 GMT

How should you move gardening equipment? With the warm weather on the horizon, yard care is a top priority — even as you move from one home to another. Before you box, bin, and bag these outdoor items, take a look at the questions to ask first.

What Should You Move?

Do you need to move every gardening or yard-work item in your outdoor arsenal? If your shed, garage, or patio is stocked with a mountain of tools and other equipment, you may not need to bring everything with you. If you're not sure what to move and what to sell, donate, give away, or throw out, consider:

Wear and tear. Rusty hedge clippers, gardening gloves with holes in the fingertips, and anything else with clear signs of wear should stay behind. These items aren't likely to last long and will only take up precious space in your move.
Damage. Items that are beyond repair or will cost you more to fix than replace should also stay behind (in the trash).
Use. How often do you use each item, tool, or piece of gardening equipment? Anything you haven't used in more than one season doesn't need to move with you.
Quantity. Do you have an entire drawer filled with gardening gloves or half a dozen hoses? If you have multiples of some items, donate, give away, or sell the extras, and take only what you need.

Now that you've made decisions about what to move, it's time to take the next step and pack.

How Should You Pack Gardening Equipment?

The answer to this question depends on what you need to pack. Separate everything you want to move into categories based on use or type. After you've organized your gardening gear:

Wash everything. Don't bring dirt, yard waste, pests, and debris with you. Clean anything that's washable before you pack.
Dry everything. Whether you washed the item or it's damp from outdoor use, dry your gardening and yard equipment prior to packing. Leftover moisture can promote mid-move mold growth.
Remove interior moisture. Your hose and watering can may hold moisture inside. Avoid messy moving mishaps and mold issues and make sure each item's interior is dry. Leave damp equipment in the sun or stop using it for several days before your move.
Fold and coil items. Fold fabric items (such as gardening gloves) and coil hoses before you pack.
Use plastic bins. Pack gardening items in airtight, sealable plastic bins with lids. If the items slide in the bins, cushion everything with rolled towels or bubble wrap.
Use a tool box. Smaller tools can go into a metal, sealable box for added safety.

Take caution with anything that has sharp edges (such as hedge clippers) or is potentially hazardous. Carefully wrap, pack, and label these types of gardening tools. Discuss the hazards with your moving contractor before they pick up the equipment and pack the truck.

Who Should Move Your Gardening Equipment?

A professional contractor can help to make your move stress-free. But that doesn't mean you should expect the movers to handle potentially dangerous items. Again, some sharp or hazardous equipment presents a safety issue for the moving contractor. Before you pack your outdoor equipment and expect the movers to transport it:

Ask about policies. Some moving contractors prohibit certain items. These may include flammable oils or items that contain gasoline (such as power gardening tools or mowers).
Point out sharp items. If the mover will take sharp items (such as clippers), point out the equipment to watch out for. The movers need to know which boxes, bins, or wrapped items pose risks.
Label everything. A label can alert the movers to containers that contain sharp or potentially dangerous outdoor equipment.

What should you do if the mover can't take some of your outdoor items? If the contractor's regulations prohibit some of your gardening items, pack these separately and move the equipment in your car. Do you need help with your next move? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. to learn more.

How to Pack Your Living Room for a Move

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:01:00 GMT

How should you pack the living room for your next move? Before you box, bin, or bag everything in this well-used space, take a look at the do's and don'ts of moving your living room.

Do Create an Inventory
Even though it's only one area of your home, you need to keep track of everything in the living room space. An inventory allows you to organize the move, increase efficiency, and decrease the likelihood of unintentional loss. To create a living room moving inventory:

Group like items . Separate everything into like or similar groups. If needed, create physical piles or sections in the room to see what you need to add to the inventory.
Add subject headings . Give each group a name (such as books, entertainment, or home accents). Use the heading to organize and guide the inventory.
Add each item . Add every item in each group under its matching subject heading. If you have multiple items, note the exact number — such as 10 books or five cushions.

Choose an inventory system that works for you. This may include a written list, color-coded spreadsheet, or an online/app option.

Don't Forget to Clean
Give yourself a fresh start. Clean each item in your living room before you move. While you don't necessarily have to scrub every inch of your living room furniture and accessories, you should:

Remove food/beverage debris . Crumbs, stains, and other leftover food/beverage debris can attract pests or potentially damage other items you plan to move.
Dust hard surfaces . Don't bring dust (and dust mites) into your new home. Reduce potential allergens and give your new space a fresh feeling with this easy cleaning activity.
Wash fabrics . If possible, remove covers from pillows and other soft surfaces. Handwash or machine wash (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) and dry these items.

Now that everything is clean and debris-free, move on to the next step — packing.

Do Disassemble What You Can
Bulky and oversized items or furniture aren't always easy to move. But that doesn't mean you can't transport your couch, coffee table, or recliner to your new home. If possible, disassemble larger, bulky, or heavy items.

Before you disassemble and pack living room furniture:

Consult the manufacturer's manual or guide . Can you disassemble your living room furniture? If you're not sure, or you're not sure how to take the item apart, consult the manufacturer's directions.
Keep hardware with the item . Nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and other hardware should stay with the item. Place these smaller pieces into a zipper baggie, and attach it to the largest portion of the table, couch, or chair.
Wrap larger pieces . Your tabletop won't fit into a box or bin. But this doesn't mean you should move it as-is. Wrap oversized items in moving quilts to add mid-move protection.

Along with oversized items, you also have smaller-sized pieces and delicate breakables to move. Even though you can't disassemble small accents and accessories (such as decorative items or lamps), you can take steps to transport these items easily — and decrease the damage risk.

Don't Skip Protective Packing Materials
How should you move breakables from your old home's living room to the new one? As you plan and pack:

Wrap items individually . Wrap breakables in bubble wrap, linens, or towels. Secure the wrap with a piece of tape before you pack each item.
Pack tightly . Space between a glass vase or breakable lamp base and the box or bin leaves room for damage. Don't let your valuable living room items slide in boxes or bins. Pack each container with extra bubble wrap, plain newsprint, or towels on the sides, top, and bottom.
Mark fragile containers . Let the movers know which boxes or bins have breakable items in them. Write fragile or a similar word on the top and sides of each container.

Don't forget to label each box. Now that you've packed breakables and marked the boxes or bins as fragile, add the words living room and a description of the contents on each container's exterior.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for more information.

How to Move Your Home Office

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:35:00 GMT

Do you work from home? While this type of employment arrangement is convenient on many different levels, it can also present challenges before, during, and after a major move. Simplify the process, and take a look at the top tips for moving your home office.

Create a Timeline

What should you pack first? Before you start to put files in boxes or disassemble your desk, create a home office moving timeline. To create the ideal moving timeline for your business and home office needs:

Review your work schedule. Do you have meetings, conference calls, presentations, or assignments due soon? How do these fit into your home move? Plan to prep and pack around your work schedule and business needs.
Decide what you need to use now and later. Will you need specific files or a piece of office equipment (such as a printer) immediately before your move? If you'll use office items up until your moving day, plan to pack these last.
Discuss packing plans with other household members. If you don't live alone, you need to plan with your family. This can help you to avoid a noisy packing environment during your regular work hours.

Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or an app to plan your timeline. The specific length of your time frame depends on your business, packing, and moving needs. Ideally, you'll have plenty of time and can create a countdown that includes months or weeks. But if time isn't on your side, prioritize the major moving activities and create a condensed plan.

Pack and Protect Electronics

Your computer, tablet, printer, and other electronic devices are essential pieces of your home office — meaning you need to pack these items safely. Reduce the risks of damage with a secure packing strategy. If you're not sure where to start:

Use the original packaging. Do you still have the box, bubble wrap, and foam fillers that came with the original packaging? If you do, use as much of this packing material as possible.
Cushion wisely. A single sheet of bubble wrap won't provide enough cushion for your heavy printer. Use multiple layers, towels, or other cushioned packing materials for extra protection.
Create tight spaces. A loosely packed box leaves room for your delicate electronic item to move around, leading to damage during the transport process.
Use moving pads. Moving pads or quilts add extra protection for larger or awkwardly-shaped items.

Don't forget each item's manual and accessories. Pack the directions, cords, and anything else you'll need to use the device in the box with it. This makes unpacking, and getting back to work, easier.

Move Sensitive Documents Safely

Do you have sensitive or confidential business files? Don't leave these items open for the movers (or anyone else who will help you to move) to see. To pack and move sensitive or confidential business items:

Organize everything first. Separate sensitive and confidential documents from other business files. Create an organizational system that allows you to quickly and easily identify each. This could include color coding, numbering, lettering, or something similar.
Use solid boxes or bins. Skip clear plastic bins or file folders. Only use solid colored or cardboard containers for these sensitive items.
Keep some items with you. Extremely sensitive documents shouldn't go on the moving truck. Pack these in a box to move with you.

You may not need to take old bank records, contracts, client files, or other similarly sensitive documents with you. Don't throw these in the trash with the rest of your home's moving garbage. Instead, shred and dispose of these items separately.

Do you need help with your home office move? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for more information.

Tips to Spend Less on Your Next Move

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:05:00 GMT

Does your relocation have a strict budget? If you want to save on moving expenses, take a look at the top tips for bringing down overall costs.

Hire a Professional Mover

Even though it may seem like a professional will cost you money, contracting this service out to someone else is actually an easy way to save on overall costs. The top ways an expert can reduce your moving costs include:

Less time spent moving . Do you need to take time off from work to move? Every day you're away costs you in lost pay. A professional mover can get the job done efficiently and effectively. This means you'll have less lost work time.
No childcare costs . Do you have kids? A DIY move may mean that you need to hire a sitter to manage your children while you lift, carry, and transport your belongings. With a mover taking over the major duties, you're free to watch your children.
No added gas costs . How many trips will it take you to move your home? The drive back and forth in your car, truck, or minivan can add up when it comes to the cost of gas.
No truck rental fees . Is your vehicle large enough to move furniture and other heavy items? If not, a mover's truck is. You'll pay one fee for the truck and the help moving - instead of a separate rental fee for a vehicle during a DIY move.

If you're still not sold on hiring a professional mover, get multiple estimates. Chances are you'll find a mover for your budget in your local area.

Pick Packing Materials Wisely

Forget about those pricey packing materials you see in a shipping or container store and online. You don't need to pay for protective covers, boxes, and other similar supplies. To reduce your overall moving costs, choose:

Free boxes . Ask local retailers if they have leftover boxes you can have for free.
Your own containers . Why buy new boxes and bins if you already have your own? Save boxes after major purchases (such as appliances or large electronics), reuse your child's old toy bins, duffle bags, suitcases, or pack items in dresser drawers.
Rented equipment . If you don't already have boxes/bins and don't want to add more waste to the end of your move (when you throw away the used containers), rent them. Some companies offer box and bin rentals to help offset moving costs.
Use towels . Swap pricey bubble wrap for towels or linens.

Along with these ideas, you can also use garbage bags to move soft items, such as stuffed toys, clothing, outerwear, linens, or pillows.

Move in One Day

How many days will your move take? Even though you may spend weeks packing, you shouldn't spend an equally long time moving. The longer it takes to move, the more time you'll miss from work (and fewer paychecks you'll get) and the more expenses you'll build. A longer move may mean:

You need to rent a hotel room . An overnight or several-day move may require you to pay for a hotel or motel room, adding to your overhead costs.
You need to eat out more often . While the movers are busy transporting your kitchen items over the course of several days, your family will need to spend extra money eating out.
You need to use personal/vacation days . Instead of waiting until you're sick to use personal days you may need to use paid time off for a multi-day move. This can cost you later - when you actually need to use those days.

Review your moving schedule and organize the activities to condense the trip and eliminate extra transport time or unnecessary overnight stays. A professional contractor can figure out the logistics to shave time off the move and save you money.

Do you want to hire help for your next move? Call O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for the help you need.

4 Low-Effort Ways to Responsibly Deal With Extra Packing Materials

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:17:00 GMT

If you're an environmentally minded consumer, you're probably somewhat aware that many different options exist for disposing of cardboard boxes after a move. After all, they can be reused, composted, burned, or ground up and used in handmade paper.

But when you have a mountain of boxes on your front porch and you feel behind on everything, you may not have the time and energy for craft projects and composting. Discover some low-effort ways you can responsibly dispose of your extra packing materials after a move.

1. Donate to Locals

Often, you can just snap a quick picture of your stack of empty boxes and make a free posting on local sale websites. This typically just takes a few minutes of your time (you really don't have to say much in the sale post other than free moving boxes, after all), and it takes almost no energy or physical work.

If your boxes are in great condition, you might be able to sell them for a few dollars. However, letting them go for free is the quickest way to ensure that someone will volunteer to haul them off with no hassle.

2. Give Back to Moving Company

Some moving companies have programs where you can give your used boxes and materials back so future customers can reuse them. This is quite low effort, especially if the company will haul the materials away for you. (Some companies will swing by after you've unpacked and haul off the boxes for an additional fee.)

Talk to your moving company about whether they offer used boxes to customers or if they're interested in starting such a program. If you've chosen an eco-friendly company, they may even make a point of recycling old boxes whenever possible and ensuring new boxes contain recycled content.

3. Keep Them With Your Shipping Supplies

If you ship gifts to faraway family regularly or sell items online occasionally, you may have a small stash of shipping materials that you use to pack items before you mail them. Some of the packing materials from your move may be candidates for inclusion in this stash. Smaller boxes, brown paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape could all find a home here.

Another thing you may need these materials for is storage. If you’ve considered storage unit rental for your new home, don't forget to save any boxes you're likely to need.

4. Toss in Recycle Bin

Of course, not everything can simply go into your recycle bin. It's probably not large enough for all your moving boxes, after all. And your municipality likely won't accept materials like plastic bags and Styrofoam.

However, if you reused things like cereal boxes or shoeboxes in your move as an eco-friendly packing material, the recycling bin may be the best place for them. These small, thin-walled boxes are often not sturdy enough to mail in, and they're less appealing to other movers. Other materials you should consider recycling include:

Brown paper that's too beat up to reuse
Any solid, recyclable plastics that are worn out or otherwise not reusable
Used-up rolls of tape

If you've just moved to a new city, be sure to look up the city's program requirements to see which types of materials they'll accept.

As you can see, you'll have several lower-effort options to get rid of your old packing materials without sending them to a landfill. What you do with your packing supplies will likely depend on your budget (for example, moving company pickup is a more expensive option) and your time and energy limits.

For more information on the moving and shipping services we provide, get in touch with O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. today. We can pack, load, move, and even store your belongings if needed as you relocate to your new home.

How to Prepare for Moving Day

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:09:00 GMT

Whether you're moving from a studio apartment or a large house, you need to prepare your home and yourself before your movers arrive to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Follow these tips for success.

Keep a List

One of the most important things you can do to help your moving day be a success is to keep yourself organized. Even if you haven't kept a moving notebook earlier in the process, write down a list of tasks you need to handle on moving day.

Include everything you think of, no matter how small or obvious you think it is. Moving can be stressful, and you'll have a lot going on once your movers arrive, so let your list be your brain for the day. Give yourself at least a few days before your move to work on your list so you can add tasks as you think of them.

Make Arrangements for Your Children and Pets

Your kids and pets will likely be just as excited about the move as you are. You and your movers will have a much easier time if little ones and furry friends aren't underfoot during the moving process. Make arrangements for your pets and children to stay with a family member or sitter if possible.

If your pets must be with you on moving day, make sure you have a sturdy crate available. Animals often get nervous during the bustle of moving, so keep them confined to protect both them and your movers. The last thing you want to do on moving day is scour the neighborhood for a lost dog or cat.

Stay Organized

Group your boxes and furniture according to what room they'll go in at your new home. Organized boxes make it easier for your movers to decide how best to pack the truck for quick and easy unloading.

Inspect every box to make sure it's closed securely and labeled clearly so your movers won't have to juggle boxes around to figure out where you want them. Attach furniture pads to any items that could easily get scratched or damaged unless you've arranged for your movers to bring protective supplies.

Prepare Your Current and New Homes

Make sure your current and new homes are both prepared for your movers to keep everyone safe and allow them to work efficiently. Clear hallways and walkways through the maze of boxes and furniture before you go to bed the night before your move.

Assess your outdoor walkways as well. Clear toys, yard waste, and any snow or ice the night before or early in the morning before your movers arrive.

Most movers wear protective shoe covers or lay down floor coverings before they begin. If you haven't discussed this service with your movers ahead of time, try to have plastic drop cloths or old towels or sheets you don't care about ready to protect the carpet and hard floors in both houses.

Keep a bag of essentials including clothes, necessary toiletries, basic cleaning supplies, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and non-perishable snacks away from your other belongings so you don't have to rummage through boxes to find something you need right away.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Once the last box is packed and your movers are getting ready to hit the road, take a last look around your old home to make sure you don't leave anything behind. This is particularly important if you're moving long-distance since it'll be difficult or even impossible to collect missing belongings after you leave.

If you're leaving a rental, be sure to return your keys to your landlord before you head out.

O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. is a family-owned and -operated business based in Royal Oak, Michigan. We are licensed, insured, and help customers with packing and moves both large and small. Contact us today with any questions you have about the moving process or to get a quote.

What Should You Pack at the Beginning, Middle, and End of Your Move?

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:21:00 GMT

You have an entire house to pack for your move. Where should you start, what should you pack in the middle, and what will you need to save for last? If you're not sure how to set a packing schedule, take a look at what you need to pack in advance and what can wait.

What Should You Pack First?
You can start the packing process as soon as you pick a moving day and hire a company to help. Now that you have a specific target date, take a trip around your home — both inside and outside — and create an inventory. Include the belongings you plan to take with you.

Anything you plan to donate, sell, recycle, or throw away can go on a separate list. Don't worry about these items right now. Instead, only focus on the to-move picks that you won't use immediately or in the near future.

Start with items you use in other or opposite seasons. This may mean you pack your Easter wreath in the fall or your Christmas décor and winter coats in the summer. After you pack off-season items, move on to extras. Surplus items, such as your secondary stock of linens or the bulk buys from the warehouse club, are perfect picks to pack early.

Along with indoor off-season items, you can pack the outdoor ones now too. This may include patio furniture and gardening equipment for a fall or winter move or your snow shovel and salt container for a summer or spring move.

What Should You Pack Next?
After you pack off-season items and surplus, move on to mid-packing picks. If you have months until your move, wait until a few weeks out to pack these items.

Middle packing items can include anything you don't use daily or aren't essential. In most cases, you can safely pack decorative accents, such as artwork, family photos, and knick-knacks. Homeowners who still haven't sold their home may want to pack these items earlier on in the process. A décor-free home creates a blank slate for potential buyers to imagine their own belongings in.

You can also pack fine china, servings pieces, some glassware (such as champagne flutes), and some of your dining linens — unless you have a moving out dinner or other similar event at home planned sometime in the next few weeks.

As you get closer to the move date, start to slowly pack kitchen items you aren't likely to use (such as pie pans or cookie sheets), books, some of your clothing, jewelry, some games and toys (if you have children), office supplies, and items in rooms you don't regularly use.

Homeowners who won't use outdoor furniture, gardening or yard equipment, and outdoor children's toys or play structures can begin to pack these items now. If you need to mow the grass, rake the leaves, or trim the hedges before you move, finish these outdoor maintenance activities a week before your move date. This gives you time to pack gas-powered, sharp, delicate, and other similar outdoor items.

What Should You Save for Last?

In the week before your move, pack the rest of your kitchen, dining room, bedroom, laundry, and children's room or playroom items. Leave essentials, such as a clean towel, a change of clothes, your personal hygiene products (toothbrush, soap, and shampoo), your child's favorite toy, and one dish, cup, bowl, and utensil out for now.

Pack the essential items in an overnight bag. These won't need to go with the other boxes, bins, and bags in the moving truck. The same goes for sensitive documents, checkbooks, and credit cards.

Save furniture for last. Disassemble what you can, and wrap the rest in moving quilts the day before the movers arrive.

Do you need help with your move? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for more information.

How to Pack and Move Your Rug

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 07:14:00 GMT

While you can't bring your wall-to-wall carpeting with you, your area rugs are part of your next move. How should you pack the rugs? Before the moving truck arrives, take a look at the do's and don'ts of packing rugs.

Do Clean the Rug First
Trapped food, dust, and other debris can make your move messy. Even if you carefully pack your area rugs, dirty flooring can attract pests or bring allergens into your new home. The specific strategy you choose to clean your rug depends on several factors, such as the fiber/material make-up, the extent of dirt/debris, any staining issues, the size, and the manufacturer's recommendations.

In general, to clean your area rugs pre-move:

Keep the flooring on the floor . Start with the rug as-is. Keep it flat on the floor to start the cleaning process.
Vacuum the rug . Vacuum dust, allergens (such as pet hair), and loose debris from the surface of the rug. In some cases, this is enough to completely clean the item.
Test first . If you need to scrub a stain or want to use a deterrent or cleanser the rug, test the product of choice on an inconspicuous spot first.
Sponge stains . Gently sponge off stains. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush if the stain remains.
Rinse the rug . Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
Wet-vac excess moisture . Use a wet-vac to remove as much moisture as possible.
Dry the rug . Spread the rug out and wait to pack it until it's completely dry.

Some rugs, such as heirloom pieces or delicate Persian rugs, may require professional care. Consult a cleaning company or rug expert before you attempt a DIY approach.

A fridge filled with food won't stay cold during your move. Remove all food from your kitchen appliances before the movers arrive.

Don't Fold the Rug

If you're tempted to fold your rectangular or square-shaped rug, think again. The folds you make now can permanently crease the carpet and make it unusable after the move.

To pack your area rug for the move:

Place the flooring flat . Flatten your newly cleaned rug on the floor.
Keep the weaker side up . The weaker side is typically the fiber-covered area (top side) of the rug. But if the backing is damaged or has signs of extensive wear, you may need to flip the rug to the other side.
Use a cardboard tube . Place an archival or carpeting tube at one end of the rug before you start to roll it. Delicate or heirloom pieces may need a buffer in between the cardboard tube and the carpet's fibers. Use cotton or muslin cloth as a protective barrier.
Roll the rug . Hold the tube in place and roll the rug around it. Larger rugs may require two people to evenly roll the flooring.

After you've rolled the rug, hold it tight. Secure the rug with rope or fabric strips — not tape. Duct tape, packing tape, or any other similar product can leave sticky adhesive marks on your flooring.

Do Wrap the Rug
Put the plastic away. Even though it might seem like plastic will protect your delicate rugs from the elements, dirt, and other types of damage during the move, it can also trap moisture inside. This can result in mold or mildew growth — especially if you store your rug after the move.

Instead of plastic, try:

Old bedsheets . Old cotton bedsheets are an easy and inexpensive way to protect your area rugs.
Plain newsprint . Plain newsprint or rolled paper can also provide a buffer between your rug and the moving truck or ground (during the move). Never use printed paper. The ink can transfer onto the rug and damage it.
A quilt . If you want to add a cushion to your rug's protective layer, an old quilt or comforter will help to prevent mid-move damage.

Wrap the rug and firmly secure the sheet, paper, or extra padding. Again, rope or fabric strips are the best options to keep your rug snug and safe.

Do you need help moving your area rugs? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for more information.

How to Move Your Kitchen Appliances Safely

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 18:07:00 GMT

Are your kitchen appliances moving with you? If you plan to bring your refrigerator and range, take a look at the do's and don'ts of moving with these over-sized items.

Do Talk to the Movers

Professional movers have the experience and expertise to move your kitchen appliances correctly. But that doesn't mean they can come into your kitchen, pick the fridge up, and quickly transport it onto the truck. Some moving companies may have rules or restrictions when it comes to appliances (especially those containing freon).

The movers can provide you with the need-to-know information that will make your move easier. Ask how the movers expect you to prepare the appliances. This can help you to save time and headaches on moving day.

Don't Leave Food in the Appliances

A fridge filled with food won't stay cold during your move. Remove all food from your kitchen appliances before the movers arrive.

How can you reduce waste and keep your appliances clean in the days leading up to your move? Use everything in your refrigerator and don't buy anything new. If you absolutely have to buy perishable staples, such as milk, shop for smaller sizes.

Just as with your refrigerator, remove all food products from your oven. While most homeowners don't regularly store food in the oven, a forgotten piece of pizza, part of a meatloaf, or other food item can cause a messy mid-move problem.

Do Clean Your Appliances
Now that your refrigerator and oven are free of food, you have plenty of room for a deep clean. Take the shelves out of the refrigerator and the racks out of the oven before you begin this process. Clean the interior of the fridge with a damp cloth or a vinegar-water solution. Dry the interior completely before the move.

Use warm water and dish soap to clean shelves and bins, and then dry these fridge accessories. Wrap them in moving quilts or a similar type of protection, and move them separately.

If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never use a chemical or other type of cleaning product with the self-cleaning cycle. An almost-clean oven may not need the deep clean a self-cleaning cycle provides. If this is the case, remove stuck-on debris and spot clean as needed. Clean and move oven racks separately.

Don't Move a Cold Refrigerator
Give the fridge and freezer time to completely defrost before you move. Unplug the appliance the night before. Roll the cord and tie or tape it to the back of the appliance to reduce tripping hazards. If you're not sure how to disconnect or defrost the appliance, follow the directions in the manufacturer's manual.

Do Disconnect the Oven Safely
Do you have a gas range? You'll need to disconnect the gas line prior to the move. Failure to do so properly can pose a serious safety risk. Natural gas is highly explosive and should never leak into your home.

If you're not sure how to disconnect your range, contact an appliance service professional for help. Along with the gas line, you'll also need to unplug the appliance. This goes for both electric and gas use ranges/ovens.

Don't Forget to Measure
Are your doorways and hallways wide enough to accommodate your kitchen appliances? If not, you'll need to plan an easier exit for your refrigerator or oven. Large appliances coupled with narrow doors or hallways require special attention.

To solve the space problem, you may need to remove interior or entry doors, take the door off your fridge or freezer, or talk to the movers about which door (back, front, garage) you'll use to get the appliances out of the house.

How to Reduce Risks and Keep Your Movers Safe

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 09:44:00 GMT

Make moving day safe — for everyone involved. Not only do you need to keep your family safe during the move, but you also need to reduce the risks of injury for the movers too. After you pack the boxes and cover the furniture, take a look at the top safety tips to follow.

Remove Nails From the Walls

What holds your family's photos and fine artwork on the walls? Most likely you have leftover hooks, screws, and nails in the drywall or plaster. Even though you may know the location of each hanger or nail, the movers don't.

A tight hallway or stairway can make it tricky for movers to maneuver. Add in nails (or other sharp hangers) that stick out of the wall and you have a recipe for a serious scratch. Remove hangers and nails and place them somewhere safe for the mover. In some cases, you can reuse these items when you hang your pictures and artwork in your new house.

Roll Up the Rugs

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five falls results in a serious injury. Area rugs and runners (including in hallways and on stairs) pose a trip and fall hazard — especially when there's no furniture to hold them down.

Roll up all area rugs and runners before the movers arrive. The same goes for pads or non-slip grips that sit under the rugs. Place the rolled rugs or runners out of the way until the movers have time to put them in the truck.

Provide a Safe Parking Space

Where will the movers park their truck? If you have a spacious driveway, you have the perfect place to park. But if you don't have your own driveway or your driveway is too small for the truck, you need to secure safe street parking before your move day.

If you live on a busy road, reduce the traffic-related risks with a spot that allows the movers to access the truck away from the moving cars. You may need to negotiate parking with neighbors or ask your local municipality or city if you can block off an area with traffic cones.

Reduce Weather-Related Risks

Keep your movers safe in the winter. Clear all exterior walkways and driveways before the contractor arrives. Remove snow and ice and salt the area well. Have a shovel and a bag of rock salt or ice melter handy in case it snows, sleets, or rains mid-move.

Winter isn't the only time you'll need to clear a path to keep the movers safe. During the spring and fall, be sure to remove fallen leaves or branches from walkways and driveway areas. Also, be sure to remove children’s toys from the driveway or walkway when the weather is warm enough for kids to be playing outside.

For the summer, you still need to stay aware of weather-related issues. The hot weather combined with heavy lifting can quickly lead to dehydration. If the electricity is still on, turn up the air conditioner. This gives the movers a cool and comfortable indoor space to recharge in. Along with a cool area, provide the movers with plenty of drinking water and shade as needed.

Keep a First Aid Kit Nearby

Accidents happen. Despite your best efforts to increase the safety factor, the mover could cut their hand on your kitchenware, drop a heavy item on their foot, or fall. Prepare for minor injuries with a first aid kit.

You can either buy a ready-made first aid kit or put your own together. A moving day first aid kit should include bandages, alcohol wipes, gauze, medical tape, scissors, antibacterial cream or gel, cotton swabs, and cold packs.

Do you need expert help with your next move? Contact O'Sullivan Moving & Storage Co. for more information.

Own Lots of Books? Tips for Your Interstate Move

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 06:56:00 GMT

Moving a long distance is always a challenge, but it can be especially difficult if you're moving with many books. Even small piles of books can be heavy, which can make your move seem long and tedious. Book boxes can also break if they become over full.

Prepare well in advance and use the right boxes to make your moving experience better overall. If you're moving with many books over a long distance, these tips can help.

Thin Your Collection

Distance traveled and weight of your shipment both increase the cost of moving. Moving large numbers of book can increase your moving costs substantially.

Thin your book collection to make moving more affordable. Downsizing doesn't have to mean getting rid of all of your favorites.

Remove duplicates.
Sell books you didn't enjoy.
Get rid of books that are falling apart.

If some of your books are college text books or recent technical manuals, sell them online to make a small profit and help defray the cost of your move.

Use Small, Strong Boxes

Books are so heavy that they can easily break boxes. Use small boxes to keep the weight down, and use boxes made of extra strong cardboard to help ensure your book boxes will withstand the long journey across one or more states.

Get Rid of Rickety Book Shelves

If you have a lot of books, you probably have a lot of book shelves. Moving book shelves can be problematic for many reasons.

Book shelves take up a lot of space in moving trucks, which may force you to get a larger, more expensive truck. Moving is also very hard on book shelves. You may move your book shelves to another state only to find that some of them must be thrown away.

Book shelves are common furniture items that can often be purchased cheaply. Get rid of rickety bookshelves, and plan to purchase more when you arrive at your new home. This can keep your moving costs low.

Decide in advance which bookshelves will follow you to your next home, and point out those book shelves to the representative from the moving company when they come to give an estimate. The moving company will base your cost estimate on the amount of stuff that you plan to move, so knowing in advance what will and won't be going with you ensures that your estimate is accurate.

Pack Books by Category

When you arrive at your new home, you'll want to get unpacked as quickly as possible. Unpacking is easier if you pack by category, especially if you tend to keep different categories of books in different parts of the house.

Mark Book Boxes With Colored Stickers

Since you've got a large collection of books, you'll likely find yourself writing the word "books" on many boxes. You can make packing easier by marking all book boxes with a colored sticker that indicates there are books inside. This will cut back on the amount of time that you'll spend labeling your book collection.

Work With a Good Moving Company

Moving to another state with a lot of books can be hard, even if you've made smart packing decisions. The best way to ensure that your moving experience will be a positive one is to hire a moving company with a reputation for excellence. Your moving company will treat your books with respect while doing the heavy lifting for you.

For more information about how you can make your upcoming interstate move a more positive experience, contact a reputable moving company . At O'Sullivan Moving & Storage, we're happy to answer your questions and give you more information.