Figuring out what movers won’t move can be confusing and stressful. After all, it’s not every day that you pack up everything and move across the country or even across town. Before you start packing your possessions, it’s important to know about the things movers won’t move. You certainly don’t want to have to repack anything.
From preparing children and pets for the move to protecting family heirlooms and plants, Stryker has the answers.
For safety purposes, certain items will not be accepted for shipment by your mover. They include, but are not limited to:
Only those containing not more than 25 pounds per square inch at 70 degrees Fahrenheit may be shipped. Written certification of purging serviced by dive shop or licensed individual -— a tag or label must be affixed to the tank certifying service was per-formed. Completely empty tank, remove the valve, and replace valve with plug designed for it.
(in decorative lamps)
Completely drain fuel from engine power driven equipment (motorcycles, mopeds, lawn mowers, boats, snowmobiles, jet skis, etc.) Run until engine stalls.
From preparing children and pets for the move to protecting family heirlooms and plants, Stryker moving has the answers.
Of course, you know your children and pets best, but here are a few generic tips that might help you come up with ideas to reassure them about your move. The major change of a long distance move is often frightening for children and pets, so you’ll want to take special care.
Decide when you tell children they are moving based on their age. Small children who do not have a clear concept of time do not need to be told until shortly before a move, when they will notice the activity around them. Older children should be involved sooner so they can inform friends and adjust to the idea.
Turn fear of change into a sense of adventure. Ask children to label the boxes and let them help pack their own (non-fragile) toys.
Have each child pack a “moving package” with games they can play with as they travel to the new home.
Let them help come up with ideas for what will go into your “moving survival kit,” a box of essential items you will want to carry with you. For example: flashlight, toilet paper, paper towels, personal care items, coffee, wipes, coffee pot, etc. In other words, items you will need in your new home until the moving van arrives.
Encourage children to draw on the boxes that will hold their belongings and encourage them to write little notes on them for the driver.
Identify your current location and your new location on a map. Trace the route and, once you’re traveling, show the children where you are along the way.
Have a “going away” party the children can invite their friends to. Ask their friends to bring phone numbers, addresses and pictures with them to exchange. Play games and talk to them about ways they can stay in touch and remain friends.
If your children are old enough, encourage them to send e-mails or even maintain a website. (If they develop a website, caution them about what is acceptable to post and review the site regularly for safety purposes.)
If you have small children, we recommend that you obtain child care for them the day of the move for safety reasons and for your convenience. Heavy items will be carried around throughout the day and doors will be opened often. Also, you’ll be busy with paperwork and won’t be able to devote the attention to them that you normally would at a time when they will need more attention, rather than less.
Take pictures of your old home, friends, during the trip to the new home and the new home itself, etc. The entire family can then make a project out of assembling a scrapbook about the experience.
Your pets are a part of your family. They will probalby be frightened and confused, so you need to maintain as normal an environment as possible for them.
If possible, place pets in a kennel or with a friend the day of the move. If that’s not possible, put them in a small room clearly lableled “DO NOT OPEN DOOR – PETS INSIDE.” Make sure they have food and water and check on them regularly to reassure them.
Do not put pets outside, even if the area is fenced (unless it’s a kennel area that will not be entered), since there will be a great deal of activity and coming and going.
If you have not already placed identification tags on your pets and had microphips implanted, please do so now for their safety during and after the move.
Be sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and that you have a copy of their records.
Ask your veterinarian for tips on moving your pet. Some pets actually need to be tranquilized. If your pet cannot travel with you, ask your veterinarian agent for the name of a professional pet moving service
Several things will impact whether plants will survive a move: the type of plant being moved, the distance of the move, and the health of the plant. Moving vans have no windows for light and plants will not have air or water during the move. Our advice is to sell plants, give them away, or dispose of them.
Many states have regulations about plant transportation into or out of the area (quarantine and pest-free certifications are examples), so contact the State Department of Agriculture at both origin and destination for details.
If you are still willing to risk moving your plants, and you are within transit and mileage limitations, here are some basic steps to take.
Plants should be in plastic containers. If they are not, repot them to avoid breakage (using same size pot). Give plants time to adjust to the new location after the move, then repot back into their original containers.
Purchase heavy duty moving cartons from your Stryker moving agent. Prune large plants so they will fit into the containers. Ask a nursery for recommendations on which plants to prune and the proper pruning method for each type of plant.
Make sure plants are free of insects, parasites and molds. If necessary, use insecticides carefully and sparingly.
Water plants normally; do not water excessively.
Punch holes in the box for air. Pack the plants that day so they will have light and air as long as possible. Anchor plants securely in the box by packing paper tightly around the pot only. Load plants last and unload them first!!
Live plants cannot be accepted if the shipment will be placed in storage.
Special Items Require Special Handling?
Rely on us! Stryker Moving and storage is a full-service household goods carrier and we can move just about anything, be it a car, piano, hot tub, pool table, etc.
We utilize professional techniques to protect and move your belongings. Your upholstered furniture will be shrink-wrapped to protect it from dust, snags and mars, then it will be pad wrapped for additional protection. Leather furniture will be pad wrapped only, to prevent damage to the leather. We’ll use dollies, piano boards and other devices to move your larger items.
Mirror cartons can be customized to fit large pictures and mirrors.
Crates can be specially built to size if needed to protect items such as grandfather clocks, slate tops for pool tables, etc. Your Strker moving agent can advise you about crates and what they would cost.
Third Party Service may be needed for non-moving services. While we have the skill to move items, we do not have specific knowledge of your household items and how they work or are assembled. Some will require special knowledge about electrical or water hook-ups, specific product knowledge, etc. Here are some examples of tasks that need to be completed before the mover arrives. If you are not comfortable performing these tasks, ask your Stryker agent for the name of a third party service provider or contract with a company in your area.
Stryker moving and storage is a full-service mover, so we can complete the packing for you. However, if you prefer to complete the packing yourself for organizational purposes or to save money. If you’ll be completing all or part of the packing, here are a few professional packing tips to assist you.
Wrap each book, then lay them flat, alternating the spine and open side from book to book. Use book cartons (1.5) since they are smaller to control the weight. Books are deceptively heavy.
Carefully wrap each piece in unprinted newsprint. You don’t want ink to transfer and permanently stain your stoneware, porcelain or china.
After wrapping each piece, put about three plates together and wrap them again. Place plates on their edge in the box. Nest 3-4 wrapped bowls at a time and wrap them again. Add newspaper cushioning between each set. Put larger pieces on the bottom of the box and build up to the lighter weight dishes. Cushion all sides with at least two inches of crumpled newspaper. Ask us about the advantage of dish pack cartons and special inserts designed for dishes and glasses.
Your Stryker agent has wardrobe cartons for clothing that reduce wrinkles and make moving clothing easier. You just remove clothing from the closet still on the hangers and hang them in the wardrobe box for transportation. Clothing in bureaus may be left in the drawers or packed in boxes. We recommend covering the drawer with unprinted newsprint if clothes are left inside.
Most collectors save the original boxes with formed padding, since they are often part of the value. If possible, pack your items in their original boxes. If not, wrap each item with paper, then with bubble wrap, then with more paper. At least the first layer should be unprinted newsprint. Cushion between pieces and cushion all sides of the box with at least two inches of paper.
Unplug at least 24 hours prior to packing. Secure or remove any movable parts, cords, etc. If possible, use the original box. If you don’t have the box, visit an electronics store and see if they have a suitable box. Failing that, use several layers of paper for each piece. Generously and tightly pad with paper between each item and allow at least two inches of crumpled paper cushion on all sides of the box. Use bubble wrap, foam sheets, comforters, blankets or towels to provide extra protection. You do not want them to shift. If you have bubble wrap or other special cushioning material, we recommend you use it. Identify the box with FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP stickers on all sides. Securely seal top and bottom of the box. Wait at least 24 hours after delivery to plug in your electronics so they can reach room temperature.
Use dish packs with special dividers. Wrap each glass item with several layers of paper, then place in individual slots. Wrap the stems of stemware, stuff the goblet, then wrap the entire piece in multiple layers of crumpled paper.
Remove the shade, halo and light bulb Wrap the halo and the lamp base separately in unprinted newsprint. Place in the box base side down and generously surround with newspaper. Wrap shades separately. They can then be nested and wrapped again before being placed in the box. As always, cushion all sides of the box with at least two inches of paper.
Use paper generously to wrap mirrors, pictures and glass, then pack in special mirror cartons. Always stand glass, pictures and mirrors on their edge.
You may use linens and pillows as cushioning for delicate items as long as they will not become torn or soiled in the process. Otherwise, line large boxes (since these items are lightweight)with clean paper and pack linens, comforters, blankets and pillows together.
Clean your shoes. Wrap each shoe separately. After wrapping each shoe, wrap each pair together and place in the original shoe box if you have it or cushion with crumpled paper between each set. Several pairs of shoes will fit into a moving carton.
Safety First: Any item with a sharp edge should be wrapped sufficiently to prevent it from poking through the box.
Silver: Nest together and wrap securely so they do not shift and scratch. Wrap in plastic to prevent tarnishing. Place in your silver chest, then wrap the chest itself.
Flatware: Nest together and wrap securely so they do not shift and scratch. Add a cushion of newspaper between each set.
Utensils: Wrap individually and cushion between so that the layers in the box are evenly distributed.
In the case of especially large or valuable items, like antiques, a slate pool table top, grandfather clock, etc. your Stryker agent can arrange to have special crates built to protect such items.
Choosing between long distance movers can be a stressful endeavor under the best of circumstances. But the right long distance mover can assist in transporting your belongings and can help relieve much of the stress of moving.
Because your moving company will be responsible for ensuring that everything from your brand new living room set to your grandmother’s china that has been passed down to you makes it to your new home safely, you will want to take your time and do your homework before choosing among the various long distance movers. Ultimately, only you can make the decision; however, there are some things you may wish to consider when comparing the pros and cons of various long distance movers.
For a company to offer long distance moving services, it must be properly licensed and insured. A moving company that cannot provide proof of both should definitively be avoided. A moving company that is operating without the proper federal license is violating federal regulations. Insufficient insurance coverage means that your belongings are not properly insured against theft or damage. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the company’s proof of insurance as well.
While no company can escape the occasional complaint, a moving company with a history of complaints or one with a series of particularly serious complaints should be avoided. You can compare safety ratings on prospective long distance movers on the FMCSA’s website as well. The Better Business Bureau is another source available for obtaining an overall rating on any moving company.
When it comes to interstate moving, the bottom line is that experience counts. Stryker Moving and storage has been in the moving business since 1995, making them a pioneer among long distance movers. Interstate moving involves a number of concerns that a local move does not. Along with numerous state and federal laws and regulations that must be followed, a long distance move is also riskier for the cargo because it has farther to travel. For these reasons, you want to be sure that you trust your belongings to an experienced interstate moving company.
Cost is typically a factor when picking from a list of long distance movers; however, you should do more than simply compare prices. Ask for a detailed quote in writing from any potential mover. Read each estimate carefully to be sure that everything involved in your move is actually included in the price.
The moving business is fraught with scam artists and “fly by night” companies. To ensure that you do not become the victim of one, look for some common signs that a moving company is less than legitimate. Stay away from a company that insists on cash or a large deposit prior to the move. Also be wary of a company that offers estimates over the phone or online. Never use long distance movers that shows up in a rental truck or one that cannot provide all required documents and a written estimate.
Stryker has been providing hassle-free long distance moving services at competitive prices for 25+ years now. We understand how stressful a move can be, which is why we offer our customers the ability to consult with an expert moving specialist. We can handle everything from packing to unpacking your home which allows you to focus on other aspects of your move. Contact Stryker Moving and storage services today for a free or get a quote
Preparing for a long distance move can bring a fresh revelation of how much stuff you truly own. When closets are opened, attics are emptied and garages are sorted, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at what to do with all the extra things you don’t really need.
Instead of trying to pack it, move it and sort later; purge extra or useless items before your long distance move.
It may not be easy to get rid of things that have some sentimental value, but if you haven’t used it in over a year—it most likely needs to be purged. The “…haven’t used it in a year,” test is a great way to begin purging.
This can include toys or tools you never got around to fixing, clothes you never wore, extra Christmas decorations, and so forth. If it’s just taking up space, purge it.
Purging before a long distance move will save you time, money and keep your new home from being cluttered when you move in.
There are a plenty of ways to get rid of items before your long distance move. Don’t think just because you need to get rid of something, that it has to be thrown away. Before you pitch an item consider if someone else could use it or what it may be worth. Throwing something away should be the last resort.
It may not seem like dollars, quarters and dimes can add up quickly, but they can. A moving sale is a great way to purge unused items and is also a way to make some extra money. You might be surprised at what people will buy and how much they will pay for the items you’re purging.
Be sure to advertise your moving sale everywhere possible. Make plenty of large bright colored signs (add balloons if possible) to get noticed. Be willing to haggle on your prices and remember, what you s ell is one less thing you have to pack.
You can also place items on EBay, Craigslist or in the local paper. By whatever means you can use to get the most out of your items and sell them in a timely manner, use it.
After your moving sale, you will most likely have items that didn’t sell. These items can be donated to a charitable organization. Some of these organizations will offer a receipt based upon the value of your donation for which you can use as a tax write off. Getting rid of these items not only helps with your long distance move, but assists in providing future income for charity.
Most of these organizations will take furniture, clothing, shoes and so forth. So, before you pitch it—donate it.
While preparing for your long distance move, there will be items you need to throw away. These items will have no value in a sale or to charity. Remember, the less clutter you have in your new home the better your move will be.
For over 90-years we have been providing hassle free long distance moving. Building on a successful track record and stellar reputation, our goal is to make your long distance move a pleasant one. Contact us today for a free moving quote and let us make your move stress free.
Not all moving companies are alike, and finding the one that best suits your family’s needs can be a challenge. After all, a long distance move is a lot more involved than just moving across town. When choosing between moving companies, you need a company that is going to treat your furniture and other possessions as if they were their own, a company that will help make this major change in your life as stress free as possible.
Not all moving companies are alike. Below are just few things to consider when shopping for a company to move your belongings to your new home:
Stryker has a proven track record of more than 20 years worth of successful moves. We serve most locations and are adept at taking the stress out of your long distance move. Our moving specialists can walk you through the ins and outs of a long distance move. We offer a high level of service, while still keeping our prices competitive.
If you’re considering a long distance move, call Stryker Moving and Storage today for a free moving quote.
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Stryker Moving & Storage
Main Headquarters: United States
Phone: 833-350-6683
Email: info@strykermoving.com
