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The First Night Box – What to Pack

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Moving to a new home can be a pretty chaotic time in anyone’s life. After you arrive at your new home and your moving company unloads your belongings, you will likely have boxes everywhere, which can make finding essential items next to impossible. So, how can you avoid playing a game of hide and seek with simple things like your tooth brush, body wash, and favorite foods? Well, packing a first night box will help you to manage this issue and avoid chaos the first night in your new home. The following check list will show you which items you should place in your first night box to make your first night experience an enjoyable one.

  • Air Mattress. When you arrive in your new home, it is likely that you will not have your bed assembled. Therefore, you will need somewhere to sleep on your first night. This is where an air mattress will come in handy. This option may not be as comfortable as your own bed, but after a long day of moving, you will be more than happy to have somewhere to lay your head.
  • Blankets and pillows. Along with your air mattress, you will need a blanket and pillow. This will keep you warm and relaxed during the first night in your home. Make sure to pack enough materials for your entire family.
  • Pajamas. At the end of your moving day, you want to be as comfy as possible. Make sure to pack a set of pajamas to ensure that you and your family will have something cozy to sleep in.
  • Other sleeping accessories. Some people require various accessories when they sleep, such as a breathing machine or sleeping cap. If you require such items, pack these essentials into your first night box in order to have a good night of sleep.

Toiletries

  • Tooth brush and tooth paste. One of the last things you want to do when you move into your new home is have to search for your tooth brush and tooth paste. Packing these items will ensure that you stay on top of your daily hygiene routine and won’t skip a beat.
  • Soap, shampoo and conditioner. After a long day of moving, you may need to shower and wash your hair. Keeping these items close by will keep you from searching through every box in your house or running out to the store to purchase items you already own.
  • Bathroom essentials. For the first night in your home, you will need items like towels and tissue. Including these items in your first night box will save you both time and money. This will also make you feel comfortable in such a new space.

Kitchen Necessities

  • Non-perishable items. The first night in your home will likely mean that you will not have your refrigerator and freezer running.Having a number of non-perishable food items on hand will ensure that you will have something to eat while set up your essentials.
  • Plastic plates and utensils. You will definitely need some plastic plates, cups, and utensils. This will keep you from digging for dishes every time you want a drink or something to eat.

Personal Items

  • Clothing. It may take you a few days to get all unpacked and situated in your new home. Because of this, you will need to include a few days of clothing in your first night box. By doing this, you will be able to relax and not worry about which box your need to grab your next outfit from.
  • Electronics. After an extensive day of moving, items like your telephone and tablet will likely need to be charged. It would be terrible to be in your new home and area with a dead battery. To prevent this, make sure you include all of your chargers in your first night box.

Entertainment

  • Books. When you move into your home, chances are that your cable will not be installed and most of your belongings will still be packed away. To avoid boredom, you may want to include a few books to keep you busy.
  • Board Games. Board games are a great way to get everyone in your family involved. This will help fight off the terrible moving blues.

Emergency Materials

  • First aid kit. Moving usually comes along with a number of minor injuries. Although they may be minor, they will still need attention. Having a first aid kit in your first night box will make patching up the little scrapes and bruises much easier.
  • Box cutter. During your first few nights, you may spend a great deal of your time unpacking. Having a box cutter handy will help speed up the time you spend unpacking all of your precious materials. However, when you use a box cutter, make sure you utilize box cutter safety tips.
  • Medication. Moving requires a lot of hard work and heavy lifting. Because of this, you may have a few aches and pains. Packing a few medications along for the ride will help ease the pain you may experience during your move.

Pet Supplies

  • Collar and leash. If you have an animal, then you will need to make certain that you have all of their necessities. Their collar and leash will be needed so that you will be able to take them outside of the home. Since they will be in a new area, you will need to keep them on the leash so that they do not roam.
  • Food. Just like you, your pet will need to eat after a long move. Include their food and a few snacks for them in your first night box.
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Moving Tips – Prepare For A Moving Company

Moving and Storage Service, Moving Company, Moving Tips 2

So you’ve decided to hire a moving company to help you with your upcoming move! It is in your best interests to be prepared. Most local moves are charged by the hour so being ready for the movers to get there can save you a lot of time and money. Not all moving companies are the same so it’s best to ask your mover for information on how they would like you to prepare. However, I’ve discovered that many companies make this information hard to find or don’t provide it to you at the estimate. Therefore I have compiled a list of general moving tips that should put you on the right track and save you some cash.

  • Get A Head Start
    • The sooner you start the easier it will be. Many people misjudge the amount of time that it can take to get everything ready and are forced to rush through the last few days. If you don’t have the time to prepare, then talk with your mover and they should send someone to help. StraightLine Moving Inc. offers packing services and assistance to all of our customers.
  • Use Standard Size Boxes
    • Using standard boxes or purchasing boxes form your moving company can really speed things up. Having differently sized boxes can make packing the truck very difficult and time-consuming.
  • Label Your Boxes
    • Label boxes well and write a destination on each box that correlates to the room that the box will need to go to in your new home.
  • Label Doorways
    • Put labels at the top of each doorway in your new home. These labels should correlate to the destination on the box (ex. room 1, room2, master, etc.). This seems like it may be a lot of work but it doesn’t take much time and it prevents you from having to be present to direct the movers as they move thing off the truck.
  • Dressers
    • Most moving companies will allow you to leave your clothes in dressers. The movers will likely wrap the dresser and tip it up on its side to transport it to the truck. If this is the case it is important that you remove breakable items or any items that could fall over the tops of drawers.
  • Checklist
    • As mentioned not all moving companies are the same and may want you to prepare differently. Ask your mover to supply you with a checklist and tips. If they don’t have this information for you then give StraightLine Moving a call and we will send you all the information that you will need.
  • Localize Boxes
    • If you are looking for a way to save some time. Congregate as many boxes as possible into a central location in your home. You can also bring boxes to the main level of the house. This reduces the time that the movers will be walking up and down stairs.
  • Pillows and Bedding
    • Your likely going to be sleeping in your bed the night before your move. Keep some trash bags or boxes aside for your sheets and pillows. Before the mover arrives pack your bed clothes and you’re good to go.
  • Disassemble Furniture
    • This is a service that your movers will offer but if you’re trying to save some money then it can reduce time. Some moving companies will refuse to assemble furniture if they didn’t take it apart so be sure to ask your moving company what their policy is in regards to furniture assembly.
  • Wardrobe Boxes
    • Wardrobe boxes are a great way to save time. Here at StraightLine Moving, we offer wardrobe rentals to help reduce cost.
  • Electronics
    • Electronics are fragile and expensive. If you have the original packaging then I would suggest using it to pack your electronics in. If you don’t have the original package don’t worry, just be sure to use plenty of padding in the box and label them well. Also, don’t forget to take pictures of the wires so you know how to hook the electronic back up at your new home.

I hope that this information has helped and if you have any questions please give StraightLine Moving Inc. a call (815) 708-7875

moving checklist, Movers in Loves Park
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Moving Tips To Help With Your Upcoming Move – StraightLine Moving

Moving and Storage Service, Moving Company, Moving Tips, Uncategorized 2

People move for many different reasons (work, school, downsizing, retirement, a new job or transfer, or even just a change of scenery, etc.).  It can be exciting and stressful. You can always find a trustworthy moving company to help you pack but if you are going to do it yourself then it can feel like a daunting task. The good news is there are many good resources for help such as Pinterest or YouTube. This is why I have prepared a useful list of moving tips that you can use to efficiently pack and protect your belongings before the truck arrives. Make sure that if you are using a moving company then ask them for moving tips as well. 

  • ROLL CLOTHS DON’T FOLD  
    • You will be amazed at how much space you will save by simply rolling your clothes instead of folding them.
  • KEEP ELECTRONICS PACKED TOGETHER
    • keeping electronics organized together can not only help you when you are unpacking but it can help to prevent damage. Make sure that you have them marked clearly so that you or your moving company can take extra precautions when transporting them.
  • TOSS IT OUT
    • Moving is a great opportunity to toss out all of the clothes that you will never wear again and other items that you don’t want. Have a garage sale or take things to charity.
  • PULL TIE GARBAGE BAGS
    • Your clothes should still be hanging in the closet. Starting at the bottom, pull the garbage bag up over the cloths and tie the pull strings around the hangers. When you get to your new home just hang them back up and remove the bags.
  • LABEL  EVERYTHING
    • Be sure to label and/or color code every box. This makes it much easier for you or your moving company when you get to your new home.
  • PLASTIC BAGS
    • Many people (including myself) save leftover plastic bags from the grocery store. These work well as filler for fragile items or for sealing up liquid items that can spill. Do this by first removing the cap of the bottle, place the bag over the top and then screw the bottle cap back on.
  • TAKE PICTURES OF WIRES  
    • Grab your cell phone and take pictures of the cords behind your entertainment center or any other cords that will need to be reconnected at your new location. This also works great for shelves or decorations that you want to put back up in your new home.
  • BAGGIES FOR FURNITURE
    • Nuts and bolts are easy to lose. If you are going to be disassembling furniture then put the hardware into zip-lock plastic baggie and tape it to the furniture that you are taking apart.
  • TOILET PAPER ROLL HACK
    • Necklaces and jewelry are notorious for getting tangled easily. Try using a toilet paper roll by placing necklaces through the center and clasp them around the outside.
  • DISHES AND PAPER PLATES
    • Try placing a paper plate or two in between each plate when you’re packing them. This helps to protect the plates during transport.
  • MAKEUP BRUSHES IN A CUP
    • Makeup brushes can be messy. Put your makeup brushes, bristles up, in a cup with a lid. This keeps them from getting crushed and from making a mess.
  • OVERNIGHT BAG
    • Put together an overnight bag with all of the essentials that you use on a daily basis. Don’t forget your toothbrush and toilet paper!
  • PETS
    • If you have pets then don’t forget to make them an overnight bag as well. Bottled water and plastic baggies for food work well.
  • PREPARE DINNER
    • After a long day of moving, you’re going to be hungry. Put together an easy meal for the first night at your new place such as frozen pizza or sandwiches.

Looking for more moving tips? All of us here at StraightLine Moving are happy to answer any of your questions. We can even come out and do a free estimate for your move. Please feel free to give us a call (815) 708-7875

facts about moving boxes
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10 Interesting Facts About Moving

Moving and Storage Service, Moving Company

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and make the very difficult decision to relocate. This is a stressful time for you and science backs that claim. Here is some proof and some more interesting facts about moving that you may not have known. If you’re looking for some guidance with your move StraightLine Moving can help and we are always happy to provide some useful insight if you’re just looking to get answers for your questions.

Facts About Moving

  • Moving is the third most stressful event in life, right up there with the death of a loved one and divorce.
  • Every year in United States, 1/3 of all renters move.
  • About 40 million Americans move every year. That’s more people than the entire population of our largest state, California!
  • The average American moves 11.3 times in a lifetime. That’s once every six years!
  • 50% all US relocations occur during one-third of the year – between the beginning of May and Labor Day (the first Monday of September).
  • Around: 40% of all moves in US are job-related; 42% are personal moves; 18% are military or government relocations.
  • Moving locally with a moving company may cost you less than hiring a moving truck and moving yourself because they will cover the labor, packing, the truck, transportation, gas, toll expenses, insurance – pretty much everything.
  • The largest reason people choose their new neighborhood is by convenience to their job.
  • Close to 62 percent of the people in United States currently live in the state they were born.
  • Florida has the lowest percentage of people born in the state who now live there.

If you would like more information or are getting ready to move give us a call at (815) 708-7875

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