In Part 4 of this Planning a Move Series, we come down the home stretch. Here we take a look at your electronics and fragile or valuable items. When planning a move, it is best to consider these items FIRST!
It’s a bit like planning for a big trip – You put all your attention on what you are going to wear while you’re away, how to fit it all in your suitcase, if the suitcase will qualify as “carry-on” or not. You think about how you’re going to get to the airport, if you’ll remember your ID or passport, if you’re going to have enough time to get through security, if you’re going to be hungry on the plane, what if there is a crying baby, can you sleep on the plane, is your ride or rental is going to be there, will your flight arrive on time, what’s the weather like on the ground, what about the time difference….
But WAIT! You forgot the infant twins and Grandma!!!
When planning a trip with people in need of special care, you would START your planning with THAT in mind. When planning a move, it’s is the same thing…
Start with the most precious cargo!
Here at Cummings Moving Company we want to make it easy for you to move. Whether moving yourself or hiring professionals, we know that when you are informed, you are bound to have a much better time of it. That is why we have this extended series of moving tips to use when planning a move. Okay, back to the precious cargo.
Planning a Move with Computers and Electronics
If you plug it into a wall and it cost more than a few hundred dollars, read this! When planning a move, remember that heat and moisture can be retained in your electronic devices. Make sure to turn off and unplug these at lease 24-48hrs before your move. It is always best to refer to the manufacturer’s guide for special packing instructions.
Look for information about temperatures (cold and hot). If you find out that a piece of your equipment is particularly sensitive to heat or cold, consider the weather conditions where you are now, and where you plan to move. Remember, typical moving trucks are not temperature controlled and it can get very hot and very cold back there! If there is any possibility that conditions may not be suitable to move that piece, notify your mover in advance. They are best equipped to advise you and will have ideas to remedy just about any situation. If they have been around as long as we have, they have likely handled something similar before.
Remove the ink cartridges from your printers and store in Ziploc bag. Remove CDS, DVDS, and VHS tapes from computers and players. Put any cables, cords and remote controls in a ziploc bag so they are all together in one place. Please not that some computers may recommend that a disc is left in the disc drive to prevent damage in transit. Again, this is why you break out the owner’s manual or find it online. Most owner’s manuals are available as PDF downloads. Just Google it!
And, if you still have the original boxes, by all means, use them!
Take Stock of the Valuables You Have
Now is the time to get that updated appraisal on antiques, jewelry, and art. Any high value item you plan to move should be well documented and the details, along with current photos should be filed with your insurance company. Consider doing a video walk-through of your home and walk the camera around to capture, in detail the condition of you valuable pieces. In the SAME single video shot, include a close-up of today’s paper with the date on it. This way you have PROOF that the piece was in this condition on THIS date.
Think Ahead if Planning a Move with Specialty Items
Give your mover a heads up! Let your mover know ahead of time if you have things of significant size, weight, value, age, or if you have certain items that are VERY fragile. Most movers are especially careful of pieces like this. In some cases, your mover may want to pack your specialty piece in a wooden crate or make other arrangemetns in order to keep it safe in transit. This is a time you really want to listen to the professionals. They have likely moved more of these than you have!
Planning a Move – What to Do During and After a Move
Stay tuned for more! In part 5 of this series, coming October 15, 2014, we will look at some of the things that come up during and after a move. Make sure to check back!
Read Parts 1, 2 and 3 of this Series on Planning a Move
Cummings Moving Company Offers Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage in South San Francisco.
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cummings Moving boasts a well established reputation throughout the region which is reflected in their extended residential, small business and realtor referrals. The company is a female & minority-owned moving company with over 40 years of exceptional client service spanning across the entire country and beyond. For more information concerning quality and stress free moving opportunities, please call us at either 415-387-4000 or 650-629-3000 to request a free moving quote or visit the our website to submit a moving quote request electronically.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
