Helpful Moving Tips and Tricks

Action Moving is a full-service Minneapolis mover. We have developed the following to help your move go smoothly. The more you know, the more likely your move will ultimately happen as you wish.

LOCAL HOUSEHOLD MOVING TIPS

The following household moving tips will assist you with your impending move. We want you to have a stress-free move, so we have listed some guidelines below.

Whether you are selling a house, buying a new one, or renting an apartment, it can be challenging to coordinate the occupancy and vacancy dates. If your new place is not yet ready, Action Moving Services can provide you with storage for your items.

Action Moving is the premier provider of secure, safe warehousing locations and methods. Your items will be handled with the utmost care and stored safely to safeguard against elements such as humidity, dust, and dirt. You can visit us any time before the move to see where your items will be stored.

We can assist you with long-term storage in addition to seamlessly handling all of your short-term storage needs. Your shipment will be stored safely and ready to be delivered at the time you specify. In the event that you may need storage at your final destination, you can set aside the things you need prior to your shipment being delivered. Long-term storage packages need to be clearly marked to be ready right when you need them.

Taking Part in the Moving Process

Moving is really about the relocation process. The entire process can take between 90 and 120 days, and if you and your family participate, it can become a well-organized and very efficient undertaking. The main idea is to take complete control of every aspect of the relocation.

Moving is not simply an experience you can watch from the sidelines. It is important to share your experiences with your children, friends, spouse, employer, and the moving company you choose.

Effective Planning

One of the most important parts of moving is to organize and plan as efficiently as possible. This will ensure that your move is seamless and easy. You need to begin by making a detailed list of what you need to do and at what time these things need to be done. One way of doing things is to make a chart or calendar of the events during the moving process.

LONG-DISTANCE HOUSEHOLD MOVING TIPS

A long-distance move is very involved, and there are many details you will need to organize before moving day. We have compiled the following long-distance moving tips to assist you in having a stress-free and easy experience.

One of the first steps you will want to take when planning your relocation is to organize your move-in and move-out dates. If you are closing on a house, it will need to be ready by the time you have to vacate your current location. By keeping track of the occupancy and vacancy dates, you will have more control over your situation. Sometimes, you still need to store your items even after the best planning. If so, we have storage for your items at Action Moving.

TRUSTED & RELIABLE STORAGE SERVICES

We are one of the leading moving and storage companies, offering secure and safe warehousing for your items. We take great care when handling all of your items, and they are stored in an area that is free of humidity, dust, dirt, and debris. You can visit us at any time to view our storage facilities and the areas where your items will be stored.

While you are in transit, Action Moving will store all your items in our secure storage locations. We will also provide long-term storage for all or part of your belongings. We will hold your shipment until you are ready to retrieve your items or send them to you. In the event that you require storage at your destination, simply mark the boxes that you will need prior to your shipment. In this way, we can keep the storage items separate from the ones you will need right away.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOVING TIPS

An international move is very detailed and requires extensive planning. Action Moving Services has extensive experience with all types of moves, including local, long, distance, and international. The following International household goods moving tips will offer guidance and assistance as you go through the moving process.

The first thing you will need to consider when planning your international move is the organization of your moving dates. Whether you are closing on a house, selling, or renting an apartment, it will be best to plan the move-in and move-out dates accordingly. By staying up to date with the occupancy and vacancy dates, you will be able to stay organized throughout the relocation process. Sometimes, even after extensive planning, you will need to store your belongings. In this instance, we have storage to accommodate your items.

Dependable Storage Services

Action Moving Services Inc. is a premier moving and storage company offering secure and safe storage for your items. Our staff takes exceptional care when handling your items, and your belongings will be stored in a space free of humidity, dust, and dirt. You are always welcome to visit us anytime to view our storage facilities and see where your belongings will be kept.

While you complete your international move, Action Moving will store your items securely in our safe storage locations. We also provide you with long-term storage for all or part of your belongings as needed. We can hold your shipment until you need it sent. If storage is needed at your new location, remember to clearly label the boxes before your shipment. This allows us to keep the storage items separate from those you need immediately.

OFFICE MOVING TIPS
Action Moving Services is here to assist you through the entirety of your move. The following office tips will assist you during your move and will help everything to go much more smoothly.

Reserve Elevators When Possible: Reserve elevators ahead of time with building managers. Ask about available padding and see if they will pad the interior of the elevator for you (if not, we will do it).

Arrange Parking Spaces: The van will need a parking space, and this should be arranged ahead of time at the destination and pick-up location.

Measure and Plan: Make sure to measure and plan where your furniture will be located in the new office.

Divide wanted items from unwanted items: Prior to the movers and packers arriving, you should have the things that you do not need set aside so they are not packed in error.

Take apart all appliances: Drain all the hoses. Turn off the water and gas. Disconnect the ice maker and the fridge.

Office Equipment:

Take apart all office equipment and disconnect them from their power source as well as from nearby equipment.

Put all of the cables, covers, cords, and more into a moving box with the additional desk contents.

Make certain that every item of equipment has already been serviced prior to the move.

Disconnect All Wiring: Prior to the move, you will need to disconnect every wire that is connected to the desks, such as telephone wires, etc.

Desks And Credenzas: Label the top surface of the desk. If you decide to do some of the packing, each carton MUST be SEALED or tied shut.

Packing Cartons:

Put a label on either end of the box, not on the top, the bottom, or the sides.

It is best not to overpack boxes. Packages are stacked during the move. “Domed” cartons are not easy to relocate.

Our auto-bottom cartons don’t require packing tape.
HIGH-TECH MOVING TIPS
Action Moving offers comprehensive moving services, and we have put together the following tips to assist you as you relocate. The more information that is available to you, the better the outcome of your move will be.

Labeling:

Each item that will be moved must also be labeled.

Put a label on every piece of furniture and make sure they are color-coded.

If you need to take an item apart to move it, then make sure to label each part.

Wiring: Telephones, wiring, and any other equipment connected to workstations must be disconnected prior to the move.

Office equipment: Any personal computers, keyboards, CRTs, printers, disc drives, typewriters, or fax machines need to be cared for delicately. Make sure to:

Disconnect the plugs on each piece of equipment from their power source as well as from nearby equipment.

Put every cable, cord, cover, etc., into a box with the extra desk contents.

Service your equipment prior to the move if needed.

Packing Boxes and Cartons:

Put a label on the end of the box instead of on the top, bottom, or on the sides.

Do not overstuff your pack boxes as they are stacked during the moving process. Cartons that become “domed” are difficult to move.

Credenzas and desks: If you decide to do some of the packing, then it is important to seal everything with tape or make sure it is tightly secured. Label the top surface of the desk.

Conserve time: Before the move, move smaller items upstairs to the main floor, and move items from the backyard to the front of the house.

Prep the house before moving:

Secure the gates and screen doors; if you need to, you can even remove the doors.

A very helpful hint is to keep in mind prior issues you had when you first moved in so you can inform the movers.

TRADE SHOW MOVING TIPS
If you have exhibits or booths at multiple trade shows, you must label all your equipment so each piece will go to the proper destination. There are a few ways to accomplish this:

Color-code each part for each destination. Whether with Post-it notes, sticky labels, or markers, each part should be clearly labeled as to where it is going.

Color-code all parts for the order they are to be unloaded. Enhance your organization with not just labeling each part for the general destination, but for the order that the parts are to be unloaded off the truck. This will ensure not only proper delivery to each destination but also orderly dispersal and unloading of the parts when they arrive at their intended destination.

Color-code each part to show where it is meant to be placed. If you only have a general idea of where to place the parts once they have been unloaded, this will lead to confusion and wasted time. Have a general blueprint, outline, or map of where each part will be in the booth or exhibit. Color-code each part respectively.

Place each part in its specific group. Outside of color coding, simple organization of the parts as to where they are going will help. Place each destination’s parts and equipment in a specific section of the warehouse and truck. Put a barrier around each group to ensure there is no mixing of parts and equipment.

Use Small Skids and Other Equipment

Skids shouldn’t be more than 48” wide and 58” high. To utilize van space and to make handling better for the drayage contractor, please don’t put more than four skids of the recommended size in. We recommend using that size of skid or, if possible, a smaller size.

Plan Your Labor Time Wisely

In our experience, it is wise to plan labor time out in advance and allow for lots of time for transportation, drop-off, unloading, and initial move-in. For example, you may move in your booth equipment by 8:00 or 9:00 am, but more often than not, move-in takes longer to do. A good idea is to have labor scheduled for at least four hours out after move-in time. If you are at a large show, you might even plan for labor the next day or 24 hours after move-in. This way, you will ensure that workers aren’t waiting around, using your time and money.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MOVING TIPS

Action Moving Services is a full-service mover. We have developed the following to help your move go smoothly. The more you know, the more likely your move will ultimately happen as you wish.

What are you going to do with all those Hazardous Chemicals in your home? Proper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste protects the environment and your health.

Household HazWaste Disposal Guide

You can dispose of these items by:

Recycle
With lots of water, flush in the sanitary sewer (not a septic tank)
Dispose of dry solids in the trash
Save for a household HazWaste collection

Automotive

Used motor oil
Auto batteries
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Antifreeze
Gasoline
fuels
Degreasers
Carburetor cleaner
Windshield washer

Lawn and Garden

Weed killer
Insect killer
Roach, ant poison
Rodent bait
Bug spray
Fertilizer w/weed killer
Fertilizer (no weed killer)
Pool chemicals
Lighter fluid

Home Improvement

Latex paint
Oil-based paint
Stain, varnish, lacquer
Paint thinner
Turpentine
Furniture stripper
Paint remover
Wood preservatives
Roofing tar
Driveway sealer
Glue w/ solvents*
Water-based glue
Putty, grout
Caulk
Glaze
Spackle
Concrete cleaner

Household Items

Drain & oven cleaner
Toilet cleaner
Spot remover
Aerosol products
Empty aerosols
Rubbing alcohol
Disinfectant
Cleaner w/ ammonia**
Polish w/ solvents*
Cleaner w/ bleach**
Glass cleaner
Mothballs
Cosmetics
Nail polish remover
Empty containers

Notes:

* Solvent-containing products have the words “Flammable,” “Combustible,” or “Contains petroleum distillates” on the labels.

** NEVER mix products containing bleach with those containing ammonia. A toxic gas can form!

Household HazWaste Guide is reprinted with permission of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

For information on items not listed here, contact your county for disposal advice or call the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at 800-657-3724. Before you bring in your Household Hazardous Waste, be sure that The waste is in the original container, if possible, with the original label.