When you’re ready to set down roots in a new town like Beaverton, your first task should be to book your movers. But you should also ascertain if you will need packing assistance or not. This is a great add-on service that can save you time and hassle. If you work full time, don’t want to bother picking up packing supplies, or just don’t have the patience, hire Beaverton packers to make your life easier.
But how do you know you’re choosing the most reputable company? First off, you should make sure you’re going with a local company, as they will know the ins and outs of your neighborhood. Second, you’ll have to make sure they offer packing services, as not all moving companies do. Here are some more tips to help you choose the best Beaverton packers to make your relocation seamless.
Hire Local, Experienced Packers
Whether you’re moving down the road to another neighborhood like Triple Creek, to the next town over, or clear across the state, it’s a good idea to hire local movers and packers that know the area. You may be tempted to save money and do the packing yourself, or worse – ask your friends to help you. Here’s a hint: no one wants to help you pack!
This is a time-consuming task that requires a lot of planning and forethought. You also have to pick up all the supplies you will need, such as boxes, packing paper, tape and bubble wrap. This can get quite expensive, not to mention it’s a drain on your time and energy to gather them all.
When you hire a professional packer, they bring all those supplies for you and do the work too, saving you from the headache of worrying how everything will fit. Remember, a poor packing job can damage your items, which can end up being more expensive in the long run. So go local, and save money and stress.
Select packers that have local experience so you get peace of mind knowing they are packing your items efficiently and safely. They will know exactly how to protect your fragile and expensive items, such as artwork, glassware, vases, mirrors, picture frames, flat screen TVs, and precious heirlooms. On the commercial side, they know how to properly pack up business equipment, conference room furniture, phone systems, computers, appliances, cubby walls and more.
And of course, they have a deep knowledge of their trucks and what they can accommodate, says Unpakt. Thus, they know how to optimize space on the truck, and can dismantle and reassemble all furniture if it helps things fit together better in the vehicle. The fewer truck loads you have, the more affordable your move will be.
As far as hiring local movers, another benefit is that they have intimate knowledge of the area, the neighborhoods and any regulations that may impact your move. They know about city parking laws, such as where they can legally park the truck as well as load and unload it. They also understand the neighborhood’s moving restrictions as well as street-cleaning laws to avoid getting a ticket or being towed.
Know What Your Packers Will Move and Won’t Move
When speaking with different movers and packers, be sure to ask what they will and won’t move for you. They can often supply you with a list to work off of. Some items are illegal, dangerous, or perishable. Here’s what to expect:
Potentially Dangerous Items
Most movers won’t pack or put hazardous items on their trucks like:
- Nail polish remover
- Gasoline
- Lighter fluid
- Oxygen tanks
- Propane cylinders
- Paints and paint thinners
- Fireworks
- Matches
Don’t think you should handle these items on your own either. Think of it this way: things that pose a danger for moving companies will pose a danger to you too. It’s better to properly dispose of these items before your move and just replace them when you get to the new place. Don’t take the risk of transporting them in your personal vehicle.
Food
Movers will be happy to pack most types of non-perishable food for you, but think twice before you really ask them to do this. It’s advisable to throw out any food that is in glass jars or that is perishable, instead of transporting them to your new home. That’s because these items can easily crack, leak or experience mold growth before they get dropped off at your new place. Most movers won’t move perishable food anyway, so don’t bother asking.
They will, however, move non-perishables such as unopened boxed or canned items, dried fruits, cereals, spices, and oils. If you’re not sure what they will handle, always call and ask beforehand to avoid surprises. You’re better off consuming or donating food items before you move.
Valuables and Documents
Many movers and packers have policies in place regarding the transportation of customers’ valuables. Even if they do not, you should keep any and all valuables with you during the move. Even if movers were able to reimburse you for these items, they usually have too much sentimental value for you and couldn’t be replaced anyway. Best just to take these things with you:
- Jewelry
- Family photos
- Heirlooms
- Cash
- Important documents (deeds, statements, bonds, wills, stocks, etc.)
- Collections (coins, stamps, etc.)
If you can’t take these things in your own vehicle, purchase extra insurance to cover at least the financial value of the items.
In the end, before thinking about what items you want your packers to handle, ask yourself:
- Can this easily be repurchased upon arrival in my new home?
- Would I be upset and/or devastated to lose this item?
- What will I require while traveling (passports, moving documents, licenses, etc.)?
Contact Portland Move
We offer a variety of helpful moving services to meet your needs, include packing and unpacking. For assistance with your upcoming Beaverton move, call Portland Move for a free quote at (971) 290-2369.