There are plenty of people who are moving  to Boston and would like to pack themselves. In theory it sounds like a great idea, but in practice, it is a little more challenging. How exactly do you pack dishes so they don't break during the move?

Dish boxes are double lined for fragile items, plates and glasses. Be sure to add bumps, cushions or packing to the bottom of your dish box before packing. To do this, take the packing paper and roll it lengthwise, be sure to keep it fluffy. Lay the rolls in the box, perpendicular to the inside seam.

Start with the larger platters and plates. Place the plate in the center of the packing material and fold all the paper inside. Place the plate into the box perpendicular to the rolls of cushion in the bottom. Work from one end to the other; be sure you have a nice tight block of plates so they don’t shift.

When you wrap up individual dinner plates, set the dinner plate into the center of the packing  paper and fold over the paper into the center of the plate. Place another plate on top of this and set another plate on top. Do this until you have four plates in a stack for a nice tight bundle of plates. Place these in the box on their side perpendicular to the cushions on the bottom.

Once the bottom tier is complete, roll up another set of cushions, packing or bumps and place them on the top of the plates. Next pack up the lightest items you have for this next level in this box. This should be glasses or other light fragile items.

For more information on how to pack boxes, see the Marathon Moving packing videos.

Marathon Moving Company wants your office move to go as smoothly as possible. If you have decided to pack and prepare the office supplies, equipment, and furniture yourselves, we would like to offer the following packing and  moving tips to help ensure the safe arrival of your whole office set-up.

DO NOT MOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS
• Before packing, purge unnecessary supplies, files, etc. that you won’t need in your new office.

WHEN PACKING CARTONS

• Moving small plants, deck clocks, pictures and other personal property is generally the responsibility of the employees that own them.
• All moving boxes are to be packed tightly and sealed to prevent damage and disarrangement due to shifting. All cartons need to be labeled clearly with destination and contents.
• All keys are to remain in the possession of the employee who uses or is assigned responsibility for the locked items. Do not leave keys in desks or file cabinets.
• Remove ink and other liquids from drawers and place in packing cartons. Caps must be on tightly to prevent leakage. Desk pen and ink sets must be emptied. For additional protection please place liquids in a plastic bag and seal.
• Glassware and breakable objects should be wrapped with white newsprint or bubble wrap and packed securely in cartons to prevent breakage.
• Small articles such as pencils, pens, scissors, paper clips, erasers, rubber bands, etc. should be placed in sealed envelopes which are then packed in cartons.
• Place letter trays in packing cartons. Multiple tray assemblies should be taken apart before packing.

DESKS, CREDENZAS, AND TABLES WITH DRAWERS

• These items will be moved on end and certain precautionary measures and preparations are required.
• To prevent the contents of the desk from becoming disarranged, remove all contents and place in moving boxes.
• Please lock drawers if possible.
• Glass desk tops, desk pads and chair mats must bear the same identification label as the desks to which they belong.

FILE CABINETS

• Vertical file cabinets will be moved with contents intact.
• The sliding guide at the back of each drawer should be moved tightly against the files.
• Vertical files over 2 drawers should be packed if there are stairs involved. The bottom 2 drawers can remain full.
• Lateral file cabinets over 2 drawers must be completely emptied when stairs are involved.
• If there are no stairs involved lateral file cabinets can be moved with up to 3 drawers full. For cabinets over 3 drawers the top drawers should be emptied and the bottom drawers left full.
• Please lock your file cabinets if you have the keys. If you don’t have a key, the cylinder lock on the files should be taped open to prevent inadvertent locking.
• More than ordinary attention must be given to the sequential numbering of file cabinets, sectional bookcases, etc. with respect to location and destination.

SUPPLY CABINETS AND BOOKCASES

• Remove all contents and place in moving boxes. Observe the instructions for small articles and liquids.
• Shelves will be removed due to shifting and must bear the same identification label as the cabinet to which they belong.
• Shelf tabs should be removed and placed in an envelope and packed into packing boxes with the contents from the cabinet or bookcase.

ARTWORK

• Large pictures and wall mounted bulletin/white boards must be labeled.
• Do not place labels directly on to the artwork.
• Marathon Moving will pad the artwork unless otherwise directed.

COMPUTERS AND IT EQUIPMENT

• Laptops should be moved by the employee normally responsible for that laptop.
• Back up your P.C. hard drive if applicable. Please take your back up disc with you.
• Remove toner from laser printers and fax machines. Place in tightly sealed bags.
• Label all equipment and accessories. (Do not place label directly on the CRT screen).
• Disconnect all cables. Place your keyboard in your keyboard bag, (provided by Marathon), along with your cables, mouse, mouse pads, speakers, etc. Seal your keyboard bag tightly and place a label on the outside.
• Copiers need to be prepped prior to moving and many lease contracts require that the lease company move the machine. Call your service representative to check your warranty or service contract to make sure moving contractor is authorized.
• If owned and allowed by service contract, all ink and water must be drained from machines.
• Please consult your MIS department or owner’s manual for specific directions with respect to moving your electronic and computer equipment.

Boston Movers

Whether you are moving due to your job, or simply because you want to, it would be wise to consider hiring a moving company to ensure that all goes well and your possessions arrive safely.   However, there are some details that only you can address. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage the details while you getting ready to move.

Start by making a list of everything that has to be done, and keep it handy for instant reference. Be sure the moving company knows the dates involved so that they can schedule their trucks and employees for loading up and transporting your household goods.

If you have more than one vehicle, ask about auto transport services, because this could save you money on gasoline depending on how far the move is.

If you have dogs or cats, plan ahead for how your pets will be transported. They could simply ride in the car, but if your company is flying you and your family to your new home, then you will need to make arrangements for your pets. Airlines have requirements on what type of crates are approved, so contact them and find out what you need before the move.

Decide if you want to pack boxes yourself, having the movers simply load the boxes onto the truck.  If you want the movers to do all of the packing, be sure to specify this before getting a estimate. Call the moving company to get quotes.

Don't forget to notify all of the utility companies of the date you need them to turn off services. Also, be sure the address change forms have been filed out and given to the post office an the trash pick-up has been cancelled. Moving companies are not responsible for addressing these issues.

If you owe property taxes, you will need to notify the tax assessor’s office that you are moving and make and address change with them. Even if your house is still on the market, it is up to you to make sure all government agencies are away of your new address. When your house goes through closing, you will be released from the involved tax burdens, but until then you are still liable for paying property taxes, even if you are moving.

If there is a chance that you will need storage for some of your possessions, be sure to ask the moving company if they have long or short term storage. You should get estimates on these facilities at the same time that you set up arrangements with your mover, so you have a budget firmly in place with no last minute surprises.  

Moving Companies in Boston

Marathon Moving Company wants your move to go as smoothly as possible. If you have decided to pack your own belongings, we would like to offer the following packing tips to help ensure a safe arrival of all your possessions.

• Use professional packing materials as these will save you time and ensure the safety of your goods.
• Make certain all cartons are taped securely, top and bottom. Use carton sealing tape and not masking tape or duct tape.
• Label all fragile boxes and stack them separately from your other cartons.
• Label all cartons. Cartons should be labeled for contents and destination on two sides of the box to make it easy for your movers to identify where each carton should go.
• Tightly secure the lids to any containers that contain liquids.
• Leave clothes and light linens in bureau drawers. Your movers will be able to move your bureaus full. Any breakables such as perfume bottles or costume jewelry should be removed and packed into a carton.
• Small, 2 drawer file cabinets can be moved full. Four drawer filing cabinets should have the bottom two drawers full. All lateral style cabinets must be completely emptied.
• Empty desk drawers. Desks often need to be turned on their side to get through doorways and loose items may fall out and be lost.
• Make a list of all items you will need for a few days prior to and immediately following your move. These items should be separated and labeled “DO NOT MOVE”. These items should include: soap, towels, toothpaste, toilet paper, cereals, bowls, plates and utensils, cups, sheets, blankets, and immediately needed clothes.
• Pack heavy items in small cartons, i.e. books, records and canned goods, etc.
• Fill all cartons to the top as half-filled cartons tend to crush. Do not, overfill cartons because rounded top cartons are hard to stack.
• Pack all items snugly into cartons using unprinted newspaper for fragile items. Use crushed paper to fill any gaps in cartons to prevent items from shifting

Are you moving internationally? At Marathon Moving, we pride ourselves on helping you with a stress free move. Being prepared for your move is the number one way to reduce the stress. The easiest way to prepare is to have a convenient checklist. The following is a checklist to help you prepare for your international move:

8 Weeks or more weeks prior to your move:

• Is your company relocating you for work? If so you should verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
• Are you permanently relocating or will you be coming back after a year or two? If you are planning on moving back, you may find it less expensive to store most your items and rent a furnished apartment abroad until you return.
• Track the expenses you do pay for, many moving expenses are tax deductible. You should contact your company’s tax department or your accountant to verify which expenses can be deducted.
• Create a valued inventory for all your possessions being shipped. You will need this for insuring your shipment and for declaration purposes with customs. Download an excel worksheet for your valued inventory from our website. Don’t forget to keep a valued inventory for what is to be donated to charitable organizations. You should keep the list of donated items and their value for your tax records.
• Make sure your passports are valid and have at least 12 months remaining before they expire.
• Check whether any permits are required, e.g. for residency, work, vehicles or firearms.

5-8 Weeks prior to your move:

• Are you moving to a country where vaccinations are required? Check to see which vaccinations are required and contact your physician and/or children’s pediatrician to arrange for them.
• Organize all your personal documents and keep photocopies in a safety deposit box or fire proof file box.
• Notify your lawyer, bank, doctor, dentist, insurance company, building management, schools and theDepartment of Social Security of your move. Obtain copies of your personal records from the above and keep with your other personal documents.
• Cancel subscriptions to clubs, online memberships magazines and journals.
• Keep copies of receipts or invoices for all new purchases (for customs import formalities).
• Begin to organize items to ship by clearing out your loft, attic, garage and shed of all items to be donated or disposed of.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce, tourism bureaus or go online and subscribe to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with your new location, local government, community and social news and activities.

3-4 Weeks prior to your move:

• Discuss your insurance needs with your move consultant and complete your insurance valuation form.
• Go to www.usps.com and complete a change of address form.
• Schedule final account readings for gas, water, electricity, telephone and cable TV. Keep phone and utilities connected at your current home on moving day. You should also provide your mover with a cell phone number and email address at which you can be reached while your goods are in transit.
• Cancel all rental agreements.
• Start to use up stocks of food and drink.
• Confirm your travel documents and tickets are correct.
• Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.
• Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new location

1-2 Weeks prior to your move:

• If you’re moving out of or into a building with elevators or loading docks, contact the building management to schedule use.
• Confirm your moving date with your move consultant.
• Clean any garden tools, bicycles, outdoor equipment etc. All of these items will need to be clean in order to insure no moths or insects are in your shipment.
• Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
• Close accounts with any regular deliveries such as your newspaper.
• Empty lockers at school and work.
• Drain fuel from power equipment (motor mowers etc).
• Give away perishable food.
• Take pets to the vet for any necessary immunizations and get copies of your pet’s veterinary records.
• Obtain parking permits for moving van if necessary.

4-7 days prior to your move:

• Separate all personal items which will be traveling with you, e.g. keys, documents, passports, tickets, certificates, money, clothing, etc.
• Disconnect, clean and dry any electrical appliances that you wish to ship.
• If you are splitting air and ocean freight, identify the air freight items and clearly label.

2-3 days prior to your move:

• Defrost your fridge and freezer if shipping.
• Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you.
• Contact your Marathon Moving consultant to confirm the arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify your mover of any last minute details or changes.

Moving Day:

• On moving day, relax and let Marathon Moving do the work!
• Remain on hand in case the packers/loaders have any questions.
• Be sure to check all rooms, cupboards and walls to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
• Remember to review, sign and get a copy of the inventory of goods moved.

Moving Boxes Are A Must When Moving, But How Many Do You Need? Every household is different, which makes every move different. That also means that there can be a large amount of variation in the number of moving boxes they'll need. For example, if you have a large number of filled bookcases, you're likely to need more small boxes to hold all the books (larger boxes can't take the weight of heavy books without breaking). If you're a "pack-rat", that also means you need more boxes, just as you do if you have been living in the same place for a longer number of years. That being said, here is an idea of recommended box quantities:

For a relatively small move, which is generally 1-2 rooms:

• 7-10 Small boxes
• 3-5 Medium boxes
• 3-5 Large boxes
• 2 Dish Pack Boxes
• 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

Next is for 2-3 rooms. Even though its only one or two extra rooms, it can be a lot of extra stuff:

• 15 Small boxes
• 8-10 Medium boxes
• 6-8 Large boxes
• 2-4 Dish Packs
• 1-2 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

The last two are for really big moves, first we have a move of 5-6 rooms:

• 20-25 Small boxes
• 12-15 Medium boxes
• 8-10 Large boxes
• 3-5 Dish Packs
• 3-4 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

Lastly, we have a move of 7-8 rooms:

• 30-40 Small boxes
• 20-25 Medium boxes
• 12-15 Large boxes
• 4-5 Dish Packs
• 4-5 Wardrobe Boxes
• 1 File Box per small file cabinet drawer

One of dangers in moving is to order pre-packaged bundles. Bundles are nice to get as they often also include things like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and black markers. But you may end up with a lot of extra boxes or other items that came in the kit that you did not need. You will also have the tendency to use boxes that are the wrong size for what you have just because it’s the only way to use them. If you order our packing supplies, you can rest easy as on move day you receive full credit for all your unused boxes. This way you can feel free to over order so that you do not have to stress about running out of boxes the day before your move. It's always better to have a few extra boxes and not need them than to run out of boxes as your deadline approaches. You also will feel less stress since you will have used the proper boxes to pack your items into.

You’ve heard the old age “Use the right tool for the right job”. We teach this to our children to help prevent injuries. Boxes are a critical tool in any household move. When it comes to choosing boxes, you most definitely need to choose the right tool for the job. As you are likely aware, boxes designed for moving household goods employ weights and strengths that are far superior to regular cardboard boxes. Today we’ll discuss the wardrobe box and why it is one of the more important pieces of equipment that you will utilize in your upcoming move. Consider the cumulative investment you and your family have in your wardrobe. Clothes like anything else can be irreparably damaged if not properly protected. Consider the cost of dry cleaning and professional laundering to return poorly packed clothes to a wearable state. Or for you do-it-yourselfers, the cost to wash, press, and hang all those clothes you just threw into a box. The wardrobe box simplifies your life. What makes this box so convenient is all you need to do is simply lift up your items, turn around, and place them in the box. This box can then just be closed up and it's ready for shipment. This simple tool allows you to make quick work out of packing your closets. And let’s face it, any quick work opportunity in the moving process is warmly received.

Since the loading and unloading of a wardrobe box is so simple, it is recommended that it is packed and unpacked on move day. The boxes take up a lot of room in your home, so the less time they are around the better. Since we understand how convenient it is for our clients to use wardrobe cartons on the day of their move, Marathon offers the box rental at no charge if you are moving with us. All of our trucks are equipped with wardrobe boxes for use on the day of your move for FREE! If you need to hold onto your wardrobe box because your new closet is not ready or not as big as your last closet, we offer used wardrobe boxes for only $8.00. If you are downsizing and want to keep wardrobe boxes for long term use to rotate seasonal clothing, we recommend having new cartons delivered out with your box order. You should then pre pack them with whichever season you would like to store temporarily. The in season clothes can be left hanging in your closet, and you can then use our free rentals to move those to your new home.

We hope this blog post gives you pause to plan your bedroom pack out and that by incorporating these tips, you have something to look forward to at the distant end.