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How to Choose the Right Time for a Corporate Move

Making a location change for your company is quite an endeavor to approach. One of the most important factors you’ll have to consider when preparing for a corporate move is making sure your timing is right. To ensure that your corporate move goes as smoothly as possible, check out these tips for timing the move.

Delegate

A company move is a big undertaking and is far too much work for just one person. If you find yourself in the position of making the move, don’t be afraid to delegate work to others. One way to do this is to create a team specifically meant to take the lead on how the move goes along. The team should be comprised of management as well as lower-level employees. With a diverse team, details of every aspect of the move should be covered.

A committee or team for the move means that issues will be identified and dealt with quickly and smoothly. As long as upper management takes heed of the team’s decisions and supports them, the work will get done without many problems. This will guarantee that you can approach the rest of the move in a timely manner.

Move Off-Season

Summer is known as peak-season for pretty much everything – vacations, weddings, work changes, and more, and peak season means higher prices for pretty much everything, including products and services. Moving to a new house is also an activity usually done in the summertime, especially if there are children in the family, so this means that moving costs will also be on the rise during these months.

To avoid the higher prices and unavailability of services, consider making your corporate move during the off-seasons of autumn and winter. This will ensure that you have your choice of available movers that can handle your company’s needs as well as lower prices.

Choose the Right Day

Choosing the right season to move is one thing, but chances are you weren’t aware that even the day of the week can make a big difference for your move.

If your company has a lot of individual employees, plan ahead to allow them time to pack up their own personal items and work materials during the workweek. Avoid after-hours or weekend work for the majority of your employees as much as possible. Then, when it comes time for moving everything to the new location, you’ll need fewer employees to assist, which means less overtime pay your company will have to shell out and more happy employees.

Go Professional

While most aspects of your corporate move will depend entirely on your company’s needs, it’s never a bad idea to get some professional assistance.  Extreme Packing Solutions is ready to help you schedule and perform your next corporate move. Contact us now to get started!

Helpful Tips to Ensure an Organized Move

Moving into a new home is a very demanding task. On top of everything you do in your daily life, you now need to find time to pack up all your belongings. If you want an easy stress-free move, staying organized is essential. Here are some tips for getting and staying organized during and after your move.

Create a moving binder

Creating a moving binder is a great strategy for staying organized during your move. Within your binder you can keep everything you have to do for your move in one place. Your binder is a good place to keep all your moving contracts and receipts, moving checklists, utility companies phone numbers, floor plans, design ideas, contractor bids, moving company paperwork and more. Whenever you need to refer to any of these things, you’ll know exactly where to find them.

Walk through each room

To get started, do a walkthrough of each room in your home. Create a list of supplies you’ll need to pack the room and note if you may need anything professionally packaged. Some items that may need to be professionally packaged include antiques, electronic equipment, collectibles, couches, etc. Hiring a company to professionally pack items guarantees the items stay safe during your move.

Label boxes and note what’s inside

Label each box with a number. Next, use a notebook or your phone to write an itemized list for each corresponding numbered box. You can also color-code your labels for each room in your house so that you and the movers know exactly where to put each box. Labeling your boxes with these numbers and colors will help your move go faster and help you locate where all your belongings are without stress.

Tie cords and place them categorized bags

As you know, all the electronics that you have in your home probably come with a few different cords. These cords can get tangled and mixed up in each other during a move. When you’re packing up your electronics, use twist-ties to tie your cords neatly together. Then, place the cords for each specific electronic in its own bag and label which item those cords go to.

Use your luggage

Save space by filling your suitcases, duffle bags, laundry baskets, etc. with clothes, towels, and any other items that fit. No point in moving an empty suitcase, fill it up to eliminate having to use extra boxes!

Don’t rush to unpack

Rushing to unpack can lead to a messy new home and not knowing where everything is. Take your time in unpacking each box. It may take a little longer but will save you time in the long run because your items will already be organized, and you’ll know where everything is!

 

Ways to Save Money on Your Next Move

Moving to a new home or apartment can be very exciting but very costly. Aside from the cost of securing your new place to live, moving itself can come with a lot of expenses. Just a few years ago moving expenses were able to be tax-deductible, but unfortunately that is not the case anymore. People are always looking for ways to save during the big moving process and we’re here to give you some tips on how to do so.

Move During the Off-Season

Summer is a popular time to move since the kids are out of school and getting vacation time is a little bit easier. Because of this, moving companies hike their prices up during the end of spring and summer months knowing that they can get more money for their services. If you choose to move during the winter or fall prices will most likely not be as high.

Host a Yard Sale Before the Move

Hosting a yard sale is a great way to make a little bit of extra money and help you get rid of old things that you may not want to bring with you to your new home. This will also reduce the number of things the movers will have to transport, making it less money.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead and not waiting until the last minute is crucial to saving money during your move. If you wait until last minute you might be scrambling to find a moving company that is available the date you need them. This may cause you to have to pay top dollar for a moving company because you have no other options. Planning early and comparing costs of different companies will definitely benefit your bank account.

Hire a Moving Company That Can Store Your Belongings

Sometimes people need to move out of their current places a day or two before they can move into their next place. If this is the case, you’re going to need somewhere to store your belongings in the meantime. Hiring a company that moves and stores your belongings is great because you can probably get a cheaper bundle price than having to pay for a mover and storage separately. This is also a great idea because these companies do all the work for you. They pack your belongings, load them in the truck, store them at their location, and then deliver them on your moving day. You won’t have to worry about a thing!

Find Opportunities for Long Term Saving in Your New Home

Finding opportunities for long term saving in your new home is a great idea. You could improve or replace insulation, doors, and windows to trap hot or cold air. This can help you save money on heat and air condition in the future.

5 Tips for Moving Cross Country

Moving can be expensive, and moving across the country is no different. There are ways to help make this move less stressful and cost less for you. When you think about everything you’ve accumulated over the years, your stuff can really add up! In order to make your move go a little easier, here are essential tips to follow.

How to Have a Stress Free Move

Pick a Move Out Date

Picking a move out date can help save you money if you move during the nonpeak season the cost could be significantly less. The most popular times to move are on weekends, over a holiday, summer, and end of the month. If you have flexibility on your move date try to avoid those peak times.

Get Rid Of Unwanted Items

Don’t move unnecessary items or trash, you will be paying for this in the long run. The best way to save money on a cross country move is to downsize. The most common places to get rid of items are clothes and kitchen items. If you got a kitchen gadget over a year ago and have used it once, that may be a good item to sell or donate. If you have clothes in your closet saved because “one day” you may want to wear them again or you can’t remember the last time you wore them, those are perfect to donate.

Label Your Boxes

Think ahead to when you’re going to be unpacking, knowing what is in each box will save you the stress of looking for items. Especially items you’ll need right away, like plates, silverware, and dishes for the kitchen or bathroom towels.

Hire Movers

Some people think that do it yourself could be the cheapest and most effective option for a cross country move, but this isn’t always the case. Professional movers will load your items carefully and you won’t have to worry about damage. They will also be equipped with the right gear to help your move go smoothly. You won’t have to pay for hotels, rental trucks, and gas. Everything will be included in your moving quote.

If you need help with your cross country move, turn to Extreme Packing Solutions. We are experts movers and can help with any move no matter how big or small. For a free quote, contact us online or call us at (978) 232-9190. We’ll help your move go smoothly so you don’t have to stress.

How to Pack Your Memories & Keepsakes

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the things that you hold dearly, or that has some sentimental value. As we go through life, we make memories and sometimes, if we are lucky, we capture the beautiful moments in a way that will stay with us for a while. Other times we develop certain interests, like love for comics. Mementos are meaningful items and when moving, you want to ensure that they are safely packed away. As such, it’s important to prepare your mementos for shipping that may require particular care, like special packaging material. Here is a guide on how to pack your keepsakes.

Step 1. Separate Your Mementos

Divide items into two groups, one- keep and two-discard. It’s helpful to create a group for childhood items like pictures and artwork; books, school trophies and awards; letters from friends and family and cards (birthday and Christmas); photo albums and toy collection. You’ll probably want to hold on to all that you can, but be particular in your selection and keep items that are the most meaningful and that make you truly happy. Let family members take part in the selection process by choosing an item that they like.

Step 2. Begin the Packing Process

After organizing the mementos that you want to hold on to, get ready to pack the ones you want to remain with you. Go through them and inspect them to avoid discarding something that you

may need or regret letting go later on. Some packing material that you may need to secure your mementos include moving boxes of different sizes, bubble wrap for delicate items, packing paper, sharpie markers and tape.

Packing Fragile Mementos

You may have small ceramic or glass items that can break easily. To ensure that these items will survive the move and in good condition when unpacked, consider using a small book moving box (1.5 cu’) that is more compact and sturdy and will not crush easily. Before putting the items in this box, line the bottom and sides with packing paper for padding and be sure to wrap each item in bubble wrap. Items should be positioned standing with enough space between each to avoid friction against each other. Use packing paper to fill the gaps, which will limit movement during transport.

Packing Photo Albums, Books and Precious Documents

The book box is ideal for packing books and albums that should be arranged systematically, fitting just enough in the box. To prevent damage during transit, it helps to cover the top of the box with packing paper. Cherished documents like kids’ art projects, marriage certificates and educational certificates are best stored in a crate.

Special Clothes

Special clothes, such as a wedding gown or military uniform should be treated with special care and protected with tissue paper and lay flat in a lay-down wardrobe box. Packing should be such that the clothing items are guarded against dust, dirt, creases and heat.

Packing your precious keepsakes require attention to detail. If you want a reputable moving company that can pack, create, & protect your most precious keepsakes during transit, Extreme Packing Solutions is the packing expert that you need to provide top-notch service and the peace of mind you need.  For a free quote or with any questions, call us at (978) 232-9190 or contact us via our website. 

What is Standard Pallet Size & Weight?

When you are shipping your goods via freight shipping, it’s normal that your shipping company will use pallets to both pack and ship. Pallets are great for a number of reasons, and the biggest reason being that they will help protect your goods. They are also very efficient and will help maximize the trailer space. Most companies use a standard size pallet, which you can use to help pack your items and get an accurate shipping quote.

Standard Pallet Dimensions

The most common pallet sizes are:

  • 48” x 40”
  • 42” x 42”
  • 48” x 48”

How Much Should a Pallet Weigh?

How much a pallet should weigh will depend on the size of the pallet and the materials used. No matter what size/materials you should aim to have pallets weigh anywhere from 30-48 lbs. A few pounds over, shouldn’t matter too much with the strength of the pallet.

Types of Pallets

When you use a pallet, it makes it easy for a forklift to move the items in the storage facility until the shipment is ready to be shipped. This will help ensure that no damage occurs when the shipment is being loaded or unloaded. Pallets can be made from a variety of materials and the types of pallets depend on how they’re constructed.

Most Common Pallet Types
  • Two-way pallets – these pallets have forklift openings on both ends of the pallets and are also called unnotched pallets.
  • Partial four-way pallets – these pallets have standard forklift openings on two ends, and the other ends, they’ll have smaller openings.
  • Four-way pallets – these pallets have your standard forklift openings on all four ends.
  • Stringer pallets – these pallets are built using 2” x 4” materials of either wood, plastic, or metals. They also have two-way forklift openings.
  • Block pallet – these are your sturdiest pallets and are made with both a parallel and perpendicular layout which gives the pallet extra support. They have nine blocks sized either at 4” x 4” or 4” x 6”. They also have your standard four-way forklift opening.

Once you have a basic understanding of pallets you can gauge which type of pallet is best for your shipment. If you still don’t know, contact the custom crating & packing experts at Extreme Packing Solutions. We offer free estimates and want to get your shipment to its destination safely. For a free quote or if you want more information, contact us directly on our website or call us at 978-232-9190.

How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company

Moving can be a stressful ordeal, depending on how well you prepare for the transition. There are many variables to take into account, from the weather to transportation. You want to save money and avoid the hassle that sometimes come with a move. One thing that you can do to ease any worry in this area is to choose a reliable moving company that can get your belongings safely and securely to your new location. There are several factors to consider in order to make the best choice in a reputable moving company.

  1. Choose a Local Mover

When first looking for a moving company think local. There are several advantages of hiring a local moving company that are based in your area. A local moving company may possibly offer to personally visit your old home and assist with creating a plan for the best way to get the moving process on the way. You also avoid the chance of being duped by shady online moving companies and get the opportunity to visit the company’s office to check out their equipment.

  1. Obtain Estimates

It’s much smarter to get a few written in-home estimates to compare before making any sort of financial deals or commitments. It’s about having options and choosing the best possible deal that is economical for you. Look out for scams that come in the form unusually low quotes that are intended to win bids or online quotes without a company representative actually showing up to assess the job.

  1. Verify Credentials

A reputable moving company will have some type of credential that you can validate. Moving companies that operate between states typically have a Department of Transportation (DOT) issued number, which grants them license to operate. It also helps to have a few references from persons who previously used the services of the moving company. Doing so will help you to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the moving company.

  1. Check Out Reviews and Complaints

Finding customer feedback can be most helpful if you want to learn about a moving company’s way of doing business. There are online tools that allow you access to reviews, feedback and complaints about a moving company. Simply typing in a company’s name, along with term reviews or feedback online can direct you useful information that can help you in your decision. The Better Business Bureau, for example, is a good source of reviews on moving companies.

Make your moving experience a little easier by choosing a reputable moving company. You’ll be happy that you did. Be sure to verify their credentials, hire a local mover, compare estimates and know what previous customers have to say about the service provided the company that you are considering for the job. For a moving company that is reliable, Extreme Packing Solutions is the right one for the job. Quality service is their priority. For more information on our services or if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (978) 232-9190 or contact us directly on our website. We are located in Beverly, MA but are able to ship both domestic and internationally.

What is the Best Way to Pack a Kitchen?

Packing for a move is a process that takes time and careful planning to ensure all of your items arrive to the new destination safely. Certain rooms of the house contain an extra set of challenges that leave many homeowners unsure of how to pack. One of the most notable of those challenging rooms is the kitchen. Luckily for you, we’re going to go through each step of the packing process to make your kitchen just as simple as the rest of the home!

Packing Food for Moving

When it comes to packing your kitchen, pack as little food as possible. Cut back on grocery shopping as the move approaches and do your best to empty the cabinets and fridge. If you have non-perishable items left in the pantry you can decide if you’d like to box them up for the move or donate them and repurchase at the new location. If your move requires shipping items, it’s cheaper to repurchase in the new location.

Packing Dishes for Moving

Dishes are the most fragile items in a kitchen. To protect your dishes, pack them vertically in a box with bubble wrap between each dish. The box should be tightly filled to avoided movement and cracking during the move. If you don’t have enough dishes to fill the box tightly, use bubble wrap or packing paper to fill in the remaining space. Be sure to label the box as fragile so that any movers handling the box will know to use extra caution.

Packing Cookware and Tupperware for Moving

The pots, pans, and containers that fill your kitchen cabinets are inconvenient to pack, but it isn’t difficult. Start by finding a large box and place the items similar to how you would in a cabinet, stacked by size. It’s a good idea to pad each layer between the pots and pans with bubble wrap or packing paper to avoid damaging the surface of the item.

Packing Utensils for Moving

Sort your utensils to make for easy packing and unpacking. For instance, use tape or bubble wrap to hold all of your spoons together. Knives should be wrapped in protective padding and placed blade down in the box to avoid injuring anyone who’s a part of the move.

If you have questions about packing your kitchen or want to take the task off your to-do list, contact Extreme Packing Solutions & our team of moving and packing specialists to get the job done! You can call us at (978) 232-9190 or contact us directly on our website. 

What are the Benefits of Using Pallets for Shipping?

Managing costs associated with moving products from Point A to Point B is essential to the sustainable profitability of manufacturers and sellers across distribution channels. To increase efficiency when shipping in quantity, a growing business may be well advised to reconsider shipping items on an individual basis, and instead invest into shipping by the pallet.

  • Pallets are an integral part of shipping quantities of goods domestically and internationally. Made from wood, metal, or plastic, pallets can help bundle groups of the same item or various items being shipped from one location to the next. Because pallets tend to be standardized in size, shipments by the pallet offer consistent quantities used in placing orders, calculating the cost, and even predicting the amount of space required to ship and warehouse items. Additionally, pallets offer a strong and durable base for items, helping to protect items from damage during shipment. Pallets also offer speed and efficiency, as forklifts and pallet jacks permit the mechanical movement of items much more efficiently than one item at a time by hand.
  • In addition to protecting items from the bottom up, a pallet can also keep items up off the ground where moisture and uneven surfaces can damage items. And because the pallet’s wood, plastic, or metal material is stronger than cardboard boxes or plastic packages, it allows heavier items and larger quantities to be shipped safely and efficiently.
  • Despite their strength and versatility, pallets are proportionately light and can be carried by one worker. Pallets can be stored in tall stacks, reducing the amount of square footage required in a warehouse or shipping facility. Unlike cardboard boxes, pallets can typically be reused many times, thus saving cost and environmental impact.
  • Once a pallet has reached the end of its lifespan, its materials can be melted down and repurposed, in the case of metal and plastic varieties, or taken apart and recycled in the case of wood. Wooden pallets can be sold to be converted into shredded compost material, firewood, and construction material.

The return on investment of pallets and pallet handling equipment may well be worth it to a growing manufacturing or retail distribution business. By better-protecting products from damage, streamlining ordering and cost estimation, standardizing storage requirements, avoiding environmental damage, and speeding the handling of materials, pallets offer a wealth of utility in exchange for a relatively small cost and storage space. Plus, once a pallet’s utility has been exhausted, it is still worth something as scrap to be sold for a second application.

How to Pack a China Cabinet

China cabinets are a staple in many people’s homes. They often hold very valuable and sentimental items that deserve the be on display for visitors to admire. Because of the age and value of many of those items, they tend to be extremely fragile. Moving to a new home is a stressful process for many reasons, but if you fear for the safety of the items in your china cabinet it will be even worse. Follow these steps to properly pack and prepare your china cabinet for moving day.

Preparing to Pack

Before you begin filling boxes with your items, take a second to prepare. This preparation process will include two major steps.

  • Deciding what to move – take the time to look over each item in your china cabinet and select any items that you no longer care for. Rather they’ve lost value or their sentimental meaning, if you don’t care about the item don’t take the time to pack and move it to the new location.
  • Gathering materials – you should purchase multiple rolls of bubble wrap, packing paper, and boxes to store your items. If possible, invest in dish boxes that offer thicker protection than a traditional moving box.

Packing Your China

Now that you’ve prepared, it’s time to pack. We’ve broken the steps of packing china down into a few easy steps to make your job simpler!

  1. The bottom of the box needs to be prepared before any items go into it. Reinforce the bottom with packing tape, then layer multiple layers of bubble wrap to absorb any shock that happens during the move.
  2. To pack your items, wrap each on individually in multiple sheets of packing paper. Once you have an item wrapped securely, you can place it inside of another item to save space. If you’re doing this, it’s important to tape the bundle to keep the pieces from hitting one another. Finally, wrap the bundles with two layers of bubble wrap before placing them into the box.
  3. After you’ve placed all of your items in the box you should cover them with more layers of bubble wrap. If there’s room left in the top of the box, fill it with packing paper. The goal of this is to make the items completely immobile as they’re being carried and shifted during the move.

If you want to take an extra step in protecting your valuables, contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions, for professional packing and moving help. For any questions or to schedule help packing you can call us at (978) 232-9190 or contact us directly on our website. 

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