Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a complex and stressful process. To help you navigate your move easily, we’ve compiled a list of the top moving mistakes to avoid. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother, more organized, and stress-free moving experience.

Moving Mistakes to Avoid When Planning

1. Procrastinating

Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to plan your move.

Solution: Start planning your move as soon as possible. Create a moving checklist, set a deadline for each task, and stick to your timeline. The earlier you start, the more time you have to handle unexpected issues.

2. Underestimating

Mistake: Not realizing how many belongings you actually have to move.

Solution: Take inventory of all your belongings. This will help you understand the scope of your move and prevent you from bringing too much to your new home, which will keep moving costs down.

3. Failing to Declutter

Mistake: Moving everything without decluttering or downsizing.

Solution: Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need or use. This is especially important when downsizing.

4. Not Researching Moving Companies

Mistake: Choosing the first moving company you find without doing proper research.

Solution: Read reviews from previous customers and ask around about the mover. Make certain the company is licensed and insured. Also, be sure to ask them plenty of questions to ensure you feel comfortable with them.

5. Not Taking Measurements

Mistake: Failing to measure furniture and doorways in your new home.

Solution: Make sure to measure any furniture, its intended location, and its access point that might be a tight fit.  Also, have an alternate location ready for items that might be too tight in their originally intended location or may not feel right in the room.

Moving Mistakes to Avoid When Packing

6. Not Labeling Boxes

Mistake: Packing boxes without labeling them or using vague labels.

Solution: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to on the top and sides. You can take it a step further and use color-coded labels or markers for each room. This speeds up unloading and helps you prioritize what to unpack first.

7. Overpacking/Underpacking Boxes

Mistake: Overfilling boxes, which prevents them from being stackable. Underfilling boxes, which makes make them prone to cave-ins.

Solution: Overpacking: Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like linens. Make sure the box is not so heavy that it will break when lifted, and make sure the box is able to close and is safe to stack on.

Underpacking: Fill boxes to the top to avoid any empty space that will increase the chance of the box caving in.

8. Not Having an Essentials Box

Mistake: Packing all your belongings without setting aside essentials for the first few days in your new home.

Solution: Pack a box with essential items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and a checkbook. Keep this box/bag in a safe space during the move.

Moving Mistakes to Avoid on Move Day

9. Providing Poor Access

Mistake: Not reserving the elevator or not blocking off parking.

Solution: Reserve any loading dock or elevator needed during your move. If the truck needs to park on the street, try to block off space in front of your home to ensure the best access. Also, be sure to provide enough space for your movers to navigate your home safely when they first arrive.

10. Skipping a Final Walkthrough

Mistake: Leaving your old home without a final walkthrough.

Solution: Before you leave, do a final walkthrough to check every room, closet, and storage area. Ensure that nothing is left behind and that your movers don’t miss anything.

Have a Top Notch Moving Experience

By avoiding these common moving mistakes, you can make your move more efficient, less stressful, and more wallet-friendly. Remember, preparation and organization are key to a successful move. If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Top Notch Moving. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Are you wondering what items a moving company can’t take? When you’re planning a move, the logistics of packing and transporting your belongings can be overwhelming. Professional moving companies are there to help, ensuring your items are safely transported to your new home. However, certain items cannot be transported by moving companies due to safety, legal, or liability concerns. Understanding these restrictions in advance can save you time and prevent last-minute surprises.

Here’s a guide to help you understand:

• items that moving companies typically won’t take
• items that moving companies can take only if certain conditions are met
• items that you should take, even if the moving company can

Items a Moving Company Won’t Take

1. Hazardous Items

• Flammables: Gasoline, lighter fluid, matches, oil, and propane tanks pose significant fire hazards and are strictly prohibited. Items containing gasoline, such as lawnmowers, should be run dry or emptied.
• Chemicals: Paints, stains, paint thinners, and other chemicals can be hazardous and smelly and, if spilled, ruin other items.
• Combustibles: Aerosol cans and other airtight items can combust when exposed to heat. Most moving companies will take cans when temperatures are low, but soda cans on a hot summer’s day can burst and make a mess on your belongings.
• Contaminated Items: Items with hazardous material on them, such as mouse droppings or bugs, will not be allowed on the moving truck. These items can contaminate your other belongings, the truck, and the moving pads.

2. Pets

Moving companies cannot transport pets. You’ll need to make separate arrangements to move your furry, feathered, or scaly friends.

Items a Moving Company Won’t Take Unless Certain Conditions Are Met

3. Food

Perishable foods can spoil during transit, leading to unpleasant odors and attracting pests. If you must move food, opt for non-perishable items like canned goods and move the rest yourself or donate them to a food bank.

4. Plants

Many moving companies avoid transporting plants due to their fragility and potential for harboring pests. Additionally, interstate moves often have regulations concerning the transport of plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. If you can’t move them yourself, check with your moving company beforehand. Certain conditions must be met for a moving company to take plants.

5. Special Regulations

• Firearms: Moving firearms requires special handling and legal compliance. Ensure your moving company is aware and compliant with these strict regulations.

• Vehicles: While some moving companies offer vehicle transport services, it’s not standard for all. So, double-check to confirm they are capable and insured to do so before choosing a mover.

Items You Should Take, Not the Moving Company

6. Items of High Liability

• Expensive Items: If possible, you should move jewelry, cash, and other high-value items yourself. That way you have the peace of mind that they are moved safely into your new home and not misplaced. When dealing with expensive items you can’t fit in your car, like an antique grandfather clock or a large painting, it is important to look into the moving company and ensure they are insured enough to move the high-value item in case something happens.

• Irreplaceable Items: Most moving companies can take important documents (like passports and birth certificates) and heirlooms. However, it is recommended that you keep these with you. Again, a moving company can take these, but it may cause you extra stress.

7. Items That Should Be Packed But Aren’t

•  Loose items: Belongings that were supposed to be packed but aren’t can very easily get lost during the move. For this reason and many others, a moving company won’t take loose items. Some moving companies won’t even take open-top boxes for this reason. If you are unsure how to pack something or will run out of time, reach out to your mover before your move.

• Fragile Items: It shouldn’t need to be said, but any fragile item that should be in a box but is not, has a slim chance of making it to the next stop. For this reason, some people choose to put difficult-to-pack items like table lamps and/or small art in their personal vehicles. If that is not an option, your movers can pack it the day before or during your move if given notice, so they have the supplies.

Check out our Moving & Packing Tips for great ideas on how to pack your belongings in advance.

Have a Top Notch Moving Experience

Knowing what items a moving company cannot take ensures a smoother moving process. By preparing accordingly and making alternative arrangements for these restricted items, you can minimize stress and focus on the excitement of settling into your new home. So, be sure to check with your movers in advance so you have time to come up with a plan.

At Top Notch Moving, we are committed to providing you with all the information and support you need for a successful move. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with specific moving needs. Happy moving!

Everyone wants to know the best moving timeline and when to start the moving process. Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer. Every move involves a different-sized home, owned by people with different abilities and available time. So, while there is no specific answer, here is a suggested timeline, with each step playing a role in ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.

1. Start Decluttering Immediately After Deciding to Move

Whenever the decision is made that you are going to be moving, you should instantly start decluttering. Decide what you want to bring and what you don’t need/use anymore. Even if you are moving into a bigger home, there is no excuse for moving items you never use and bringing clutter to your new home.

2. Get Moving Estimates 2–3 Months Before Moving

You should reach out to moving companies for estimates around 2 months before you would like to move. Estimates can always be adjusted through a phone call after a visit if something changes or hasn’t been determined yet. At least this way, the companies will have your info and be prepared to go when you are ready.

This timeframe varies depending on the size of your home and where you are going. If you are going long distance, around 3 months ahead of time is probably better. If you’re moving out of a small apartment or hiring packers, one or one-and-a half months is fine.

If you are deciding between hiring packers or doing it yourself, we have an article that will explain your options and help you decide which one will suit you best.

We also have more in-depth tips articles (including General Moving, Apartment Moving, Senior Living Moving, and Long Distance Moving) that guide you through packing.

3. Start Packing 5–10 Weeks Before Moving

It is crucial to start packing out this far to get a sense of how long it will take to pack up the rest of your belongings. At this stage, begin by packing items that are not frequently used, out-of-season items, and storage items. This will help you make progress and stay organized throughout the packing process.

You should also start thinking of the layout of your new home so you can make decisions on which furniture to bring and finish the decluttering/downsizing process. 

4. Continue Packing 2–4 Weeks Before Moving

Begin packing the rest of the house, from decorations to dishes to clothes. Pack everything non-essential and only leave what you will use for the last few weeks. Again, depending on the size of the home and the time you have available, you may want to start earlier or later. Still, it’s always better to give yourself one more week than you think you need.

5. Finish Packing 1 Week Before Moving

Confirm arrangements with your moving company and finish packing, leaving only essentials for the final days leading up to the move.

6. Complete Final Preparations 1–2 Days Before Moving

Pack your “moving day essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Pack up everything besides what you need to get ready for move-day morning. Then, conduct a final walkthrough of your home to ensure it is ready for the movers and nothing has been overlooked.

7. Moving Day Timeline

Morning: Rise early and pack everything you left out to get ready. Try to leave time to eat a good breakfast, as your day will be very busy, and lunchtime may vary.

Load: When the movers arrive, you will give them a walkthrough of what goes and what stays. After that, you can do as you like while the crew gets to work; just be available to answer any questions.

After the Load: When the load is complete, do a final sweep of each room with the movers to ensure nothing is left behind. The moving crew will then confirm the unload address and notify you if they are grabbing a quick bite to eat or heading straight there.

The Unload: Your only job during the unload is to direct the movers. As they come in, let them know where you would like your furniture, boxes, and other belongings to be placed.

After the Unload: Once the truck is empty, do a final walk-through of your home to ensure everything is where it needs to be and that you are happy with everything. Pending on the movers, you will likely be shown the invoice and can pay on the spot. Then the big day is over. Congratulations!

Top Notch Moving Timeline

Moving day is the culmination of months of planning and preparation. By staying organized and following a timeline, you can ensure a smooth move, saving you money and unnecessary stress.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Top Notch Moving. We are happy to discuss your moving timeline or to help in any way we can.

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s refresh and start anew.” As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, many of us feel inspired to do the same in our homes. It’s that time of the year when closets get decluttered, windows get washed, and every nook and cranny gets a thorough scrubbing. Yes, it’s time for spring cleaning!

But have you ever thought about how spring cleaning can also pave the way for a seamless move? As a professional moving company, we’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of a thorough spring cleaning session before you pack up and relocate. Let’s delve into how spring cleaning can make your moving process smoother and more efficient.

5 Ways Spring Cleaning Helps with Your Move

1. Decluttering Leads to Lighter Loads

One of the fundamental aspects of spring cleaning is decluttering. It’s about sorting through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. By decluttering before your move, you’re essentially lightening your load. You’ll have fewer items to pack and transport, which translates to less time spent packing and unpacking, as well as lower moving costs.

2. Organized Spaces, Organized Mind

A clean and organized living space not only looks visually appealing but also contributes to a sense of clarity and calmness. When you embark on spring cleaning, you’re not just tidying up; you’re creating an environment that fosters mental clarity and reduces stress. Plus, when it’s time to move, your house will be photo-ready to put on the market, and you’ll have ample space for packing all those boxes.

3. Identifying Items Needing Repair or Replacement

As you deep clean your home during spring cleaning, you’re likely to come across items that need attention. Whether it’s a piece of furniture that requires repair, stains on rugs, or household essentials that need replacing, spring cleaning offers an opportunity to take stock of these things. Addressing these issues before you move ensures that you’re not bringing any unnecessary burdens to your new home.

4. Maximize Efficiency During Packing

When you’ve thoroughly cleaned and organized your home, packing becomes a more systematic process. You’ll know exactly where everything is, making it easier to pack similar items together and label boxes accordingly. Plus, you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble to pack belongings, reducing the likelihood of items getting misplaced or damaged during the move.

5. Setting the Stage for a Fresh Start

Spring is often associated with new beginnings, and what better way to embrace that sentiment than by starting fresh in your new home? By conducting a comprehensive spring cleaning session before your move, you’re not just tidying up; you’re preparing yourself mentally and physically for the next chapter in your life.

Prepare for a Top Notch Move after Spring Cleaning

At Top Notch Moving, we understand the importance of a smooth and stress-free moving experience. By incorporating spring cleaning into your moving preparations, you’re not only ensuring a seamless transition to your new home but also laying the foundation for a clutter-free and organized living space.

As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that every scrub, sweep, and decluttering decision brings you one step closer to a fresh start. And when it’s time to make that move, you can count on Top Notch Moving to help you every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us or request a free estimate!

Here’s to new beginnings and the joy of a clean, organized home!

One question people commonly ask is, “What can I do to help speed up the move?” For some, this is a matter of finances; the more quickly the job gets done, the less you pay. Others just feel bad about how much stuff they have and want to help.

Whether you’re concerned about being cost-efficient or you feel a need to help, here are some tips on how you can best assist the crew before and during the move to help them finish faster.

How to Speed Up Your Move Before Moving Day

Be 100% packed.

First and foremost is packing. Being 100% packed is the biggest help and time saver of all. Anything that can go in a box should go in a box. This is the first thing you should do, and it should be done even if you aren’t concerned about how to speed up your move.

Disassemble large items.

Take apart (and later reassemble) anything that can’t be safely transported or fit through the house doorways. This is another big timesaver. The moving crew can do this for you, but it will speed things up if you choose to do it.

Tape loose items.

Loose items that can’t be boxed can be easier to handle if they are taped up. For example, bind together rakes, brooms, shovels, and things of that nature. You can even bind together bed slats or folding chairs. If they’re not too heavy, they can be easier to carry and transport when they’re taped together.

Remove shelves.

Removing loose wooden or glass shelves from bookcases, display cases, etc., is also helpful. Be sure to gather and tape down any pegs holding the shelves that may fall out during transportation. If you have the proper supplies, you can take it further by padding or wrapping up the shelves so they are ready to go on the truck instantly.

Wrap up cords.

Small things like wrapping up cords can add up to save time. Being able to pick up electric devices (TVs, lamps, etc.) without having to prep will save the movers a step.

Label boxes and furniture.

In addition to labeling boxes, you can also label your furniture. Write clearly where it goes or if it stays. This may save the movers from asking again for clarification. It’s worth noting this helps the load, but the movers may still need your help on the unload to know exactly where the piece goes in said room.

Prepare the best possible access.

One thing people overlook is access. This can include taking down a baby/dog gate that could get in the way, or even trimming back an overgrown bush. This is definitely appreciated.

It can also be a big timesaver to remove banisters or doors that could obstruct the movers. If you recall having to remove them when moving in, or if you think it might be a tight fit, take measurements to see if they need to be taken down. This saves the moving crew the time of doing it themselves.

Even if items fit, taking off a door for smoother flow might make sense. For example, perhaps a basement door opens into a hallway and blocks it when open. Or maybe a front door blocks a staircase, causing you to have to open and close it with every pass. Removing these kinds of doors might be a good idea. The movers may do this or just battle through it, as it is only a minor nuisance. But it is appreciated if you would like to go above and beyond.

Stage items for convenient access.

Moving items so they are easier to grab for the movers is a great way to speed up the process. If there are things in an attic or tucked away somewhere, pulling them out can help. Some customers have gone as far as collecting all the boxes and moving them to the front door for a quicker load.

How to Speed Up Your Move on Moving Day

Transport certain items yourself.  

Moving some fragile or more complicated items in your own vehicle is a productive way to shave some time off. This is usually done by people who are concerned about a specific item or concerned about the bill. Either way, it can take the movers some time to find or create a safe place for the item so that it doesn’t take up more space than necessary in the truck. For this reason, some people find it preferable to take it themselves.

Make arrangements for pets.

While many movers love their pets, they can hinder moving. It may be best to make arrangements for their safety and the movers. Pets that hide in the bathroom or wherever tend to be okay. It is actually the well-behaved, over-friendly pets that can pose a tripping hazard or get in the way of the movers.

Prepare parking space for moving truck.

It’s best to move your cars out of the driveway or street before the truck arrives. Ensuring your neighbors do the same when the truck needs to park in the street may be the real challenge. Talking to your neighbors or blocking off the area in front of your house the night before your moving day are all options that have worked to ensure the truck can get to the ideal spot. If  you have a question about where the truck will park and how much space it needs, ask the person who provided your moving estimates.

Be available.

During the load, there is not much you can do if you are properly prepared. It is best to give the movers space and let them do their thing. However, try to be available for any questions that may pop up.

During the unload, you should try to stand by the front door to direct the movers where to put furniture and instruct how to position the items coming in. Try to refrain from unpacking and doing other tasks. It may seem unproductive to stand there waiting for a mover to come in, but if the mover has to call you and wait for you to return to the front, this will result in a longer move or possibly items being put in the wrong place.

Speed Up Your Move with Top Notch Professional Movers and Packers

Hopefully, these tips will guide your efforts to make your move as fast and smooth as possible. While some of the points might seem obvious, others are commonly forgotten or overlooked, and some might seem like you are doing the mover’s job for them. While you’re certainly not expected to handle any of the crew’s responsibilities, if you insist on helping or are on a budget, following these tips is how you can speed up your move.

If you have any questions on these points, or if you have any moving questions in general, feel free to reach out to Top Notch Moving. We are happy to help in any way we can. We are also happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it’s no secret the process can also be quite stressful. We’ve compiled a list of 6 moving tips to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Every move is different, but by following these generalized guidelines, you can focus on the excitement of your new chapter without unnecessary worry.

1. Plan Ahead

The key to a successful move is careful planning. Create a detailed moving timeline that includes tasks like packing, notifying utilities, changing addresses, coordinating with your moving company, etc. Remember that procrastinating will only raise your stress as your move date quickly approaches. Be aware of your limitations. If your schedule is too busy or the list is too long for you to complete, don’t be afraid to ask for additional help from professionals, like a downsizing or packing service.

2. Declutter Before Packing

Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Less clutter means less packing and unpacking, which saves time, effort, and money. Paying movers to move something you may throw away later or don’t have the space for is silly. Ensuring you have the time to go through things before packing is the best way to help yourself and the movers.

3. Pack Strategically

To efficiently pack for your move, begin early, tackling one room at a time. It’s important to stay focused. If your mind wanders, try setting a timer to keep yourself on track or snap yourself out of distraction. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to safeguard your belongings. Clearly label each box’s destination to ensure movers deliver boxes to the appropriate room.

4. Prepare a Personal Bag

Contents of a personal bag or suitcase will vary depending on whether your move is one day or multiple days, but the premise is the same. Anything you need or want to keep close during the move should be in the bag or suitcase. Pack things you may need to access throughout the day, like medication, a checkbook, personal effects, and important documents.

While your belongings are safe with us, we understand the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where certain items are if they are in your own vehicle and instantly accessible. Moving companies should be more than happy to load your personal effects in your car if you didn’t get the chance or if it is heavier than you thought.

5. Hire Professional Movers

Enlisting the help of a reputable moving company can relieve significant stress. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to handle your belongings more safely and efficiently. Be diligent by checking reviews and asking a friend or realtor for recommendations. Realtors usually have one or two companies they strongly recommend, or at least one to avoid.

During your estimate, ask more than the basic questions. Ask the deeper, tougher questions, i.e., how they handle damage claims or how they find their employees. There are many business models, and while there is no right or wrong business model, a company should take pride in its image. It’s a tough line of work, so there’s a premium for educated, clean-cut workers. Unfortunately, the most reliable and trustworthy moving companies aren’t the cheapest. Like most things, you get what you pay for. If you’re stuck with damaged furniture and scratched walls, you will probably agree that the cheapest option was the wrong one.

6. Communicate Effectively

For a successful move, it’s essential for everyone to be on the same page. When the crew arrives, the initial step is to perform a walk-through. Ask questions and let the moving crew know about any concerns or obstacles, whether it be a dresser with a bad leg or a tight doorway at the new house.

Communication within the household is also key. During the unload, one person cannot direct everyone at once. So, having more than one person know where your belongings go will be greatly beneficial and will save the moving crew time and you money.

Have a Top Notch Moving Experience

In summation, a stress-free moving day is achievable with proper planning, organization, and communication. Following these moving tips will make your transition to your new home as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our goal is to make our guidelines suitable for everyone.

If you are interested in more moving tips, we have posted a few specific scenarios that will reiterate and give more relevant and detailed insight into different circumstances, i.e., moves to senior living communities, apartment moves, etc.

Please reach out to Top Notch Moving if you have a specific concern or question. We are happy to help in any way.

Wishing you the best with your move,