Your friends at Elephant Moving & Storage know that moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable. Leaving everything until the last minute will only stress you out. A little preparation will help make you feel better about your local Austin move or interstate move. Nothing is worse than the feeling of helplessness that will overcome you if you schedule a move and are completely unprepared when the movers show up. Following are some simple tips and tricks to help you make the most of your moving experience, whether your move is a local Austin move or a cross country long distance move. And of course you can always contact our friendly office staff for additional suggestions or to ask specific questions about your move. We’re here to help!

Tip #1:
Make a list
Write everything down! Trust us, you will thank yourself later (like when your 8 year old is inconsolable and wants only his spiderman jammies…). Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. Place a number on EVERY box you pack and specify the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it is in a place you will call Packing Central. This is where you can find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “flower dishes” better than “misc. kitchen”. The more specific you are, the less you will have to dig for necessary items later on.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

When packing up your home or business it is important to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure that your move experience is a positive one. Your Austin movers at Elephant Moving & Storage have a lot of experience in this department! If you have any questions we encourage you to call our office anytime for assistance.

The most important thing to remember when packing boxes is to use the proper size box for each item. Book boxes are so called for a reason – they are designed to hold books and other small, heavy items. Large boxes and wardrobe boxes are NOT suitable for this purpose! This is not laziness on the part of your Austin mover; not only is it unsafe for the movers to haul extremely heavy boxes up and down stairs and in and out of the truck, but it will ikely result in damage to your items. When a large box has been filled to capacity with books and other heavy items the box is likely to rip and spill your possessions all over the place. Stick to packing books in book boxes for best results.

If there is space in your boxes use a filler, such as packing paper or blankets or towels, to avoid having the boxes crush while in transit. This prevents the items inside being smashed, and also prevents damage to items while in transit as crushed boxes do not stack well.

Remember to securely tape the bottoms and tops of all your boxes! Leaving boxes open while in transit will result in lost and damaged items. Folding the bottoms of the boxes is also guaranteed to result in lost and damaged items; when your Austin movers pick up these boxes chances are the folded bottoms will fall away and send your things showering down to the ground.

Fragile items should be packed with appropriate padding! It is a bad idea to fill a box with plates or glasses and not pad them with any foam, paper or bubble wrap. Being cheap with the packing materials will result in expensive damages later!
Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

After Your Move

Moving can be unsettling, but it can also offer the opportunity for a fresh start. Here are some things to remember along the way.

Take it easy
Don’t feel like you have to unpack right away. Focus on the essentials and take your time in addressing the less important stuff.

Have fun
Take the time to enjoy your new surroundings with your family and make exploring a fun event. Take walks and visit a local park, or check out local shopping, entertainment and restaurants.

Include everyone
As you settle into your new home, make a point to include all family members. Allow each member input in planning and decorating, and be tactful in making compromises. When all is done, each member should feel like they contributed to his or her “space.”

Get involved
Be on the look-out for neighbors and introduce yourself to them. Ask them what organizations they recommend and see if you can find one that fits your needs. Involvement in a church group, athletic club or volunteer organization is likely to help you feel more like a part of your community.

Keep your receipts
If you misplaced your Elephant Moving & Storage receipt from your recent move contact our office to obtain a copy.

Order Moving Supplies!

As you move through the steps of your interstate moving process, you will find it helpful to have boxes and other moving supplies on hand. Start packing some of your non-essentials as you begin cleaning closets and paring down; you will be glad later. Packing is far less overwhelming when you spread it out over weeks versus trying to cram it all into a couple of days. Also, before you begin any packing you will want to review our packing tips. Because who wants to pack anything twice?

You can order boxes from Elephant Moving & Storage and they will be delivered directly to your door! The most popular items are included in our box kits to make it even easier for you to order the right amount and sizes. Review our box kit information to determine just how many you will need.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Not sure precisely what moving boxes you need? Try our bundled moving box kits! Each kit contains 18 boxes (9 small, 6 medium, 3 large) and 1 roll of 55 yard tape. This mix of moving boxes is perfect for packing up all your non fragile items such as books, files, clothes, shoes, pots and pans, pantry items and all the various odds and ends you may have in your home or office. Each kit includes enough boxes to pack up to 500 square feet. Use as many kits as needed for the size of your home:

 500 – 1000 square feet: 2 kits
 1000 – 1500 square feet: 3 kits
 1500 – 2000 square feet: 4 kits
 2000 – 2500 square feet: 5 kits
 2500 – 3000 square feet: 6 kits
 3000+ square feet: 7+ kits

Supplement the kit as needed with wardrobe boxes, dishpacks, bubble wrap and packing paper.

Each wardrobe box will hold up to 2 feet of hanging clothes, and the bottom of the extra tall box is great for linens, comforters, pillows, cushions, shoes, small bags, and other non fragile and not heavy items (no bowling balls please!).

Use dishpacks to protect your fragile items such as dishes, china, small pictures, lamps, and breakable knick knacks. Small to medium sized kitchens will need 7 to 10 dishpacks, and large kitchens will need 10 to 15 dishpacks. If you have a china cabinet plan on another 3 to 5 dishpacks. If there are a lot of knick knacks, small pictures or lamps in your home you will need additional dishpacks. Use the packing paper for most items (see our instructions for packing fragile items) and use bubble wrap in addition to paper for vases, large crystal pieces and lamps.

Place your packing materials order now!

When your Austin movers arrive to load up your furniture the first thing they will do is disassemble anything that needs it and then wrap all pieces of furniture in heavy duty quilted moving blankets. Every item requires a unique method of wrapping. The blankets are always secured with tape, never just draped over the furniture. Large, bulky pieces, such as couches, armoires, china cabinets, etc, are wrapped in 2 or more pads to ensure the entire surface is covered. Anything with glass doors will also be crated with thick cardboard to add another layer of protection. Everything is wrapped before it is taken out of your home to ensure it is not damaged when going through hallways, doorways, up and down stairs, and of course while it is in the moving truck. Each mover on your crew is specially trained to wrap and protect every piece of furniture. The time it takes to care for your furniture in this special way is already included in your estimate!

Get an Austin residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Many of our customers choose to have their packing done by their movers, after all, they are professionals! It’s one less BIG thing to worry about as moving day approaches. Keep in mind that moving companies generally are not liable for the contents of boxes the moving company did not pack. Even so, some people do prefer to do their own packing. When you choose to pack yourself you should approach the project correctly to avoid costly damages. It can be a daunting task, but here are some packing tips to help your more fragile items make it to your new home in one piece!

Your most fragile china and crystal stemware should be carefully wrapped in paper and placed in dishpack cartons; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware. You may also want to look into insuring any items with values exceeding $100 per pound.

China & Glassware: Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually. Using several sheets of clean paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges.
• A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware – don’t be cheap with the materials, it will cost you in the long run!!
• A double layer of unprinted newsprint serves well as outer wrapping.
• Label cartons with room, contents and “FRAGILE—THIS SIDE UP.”

Flat China & Flat Glassware: Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
• Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack.
• Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no voids or unfilled spaces.
• Add two or three inches of wadded paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier.
• Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level.
• Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls could make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Cups: If not using cellular dividers, wrap cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Top off the layer with wadded newsprint. Even when using a dish pack and cellular dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra layer of clean paper. Then, pack cups upside down.

Silver & Flatware: To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
• Hollow ware—including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes—should be wrapped carefully like fragile items and packed like china.
• Loose flatware may be wrapped individually or in sets, and in paper, clear plastic or small gift boxes that are then secured with tape.
• Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a large bath towel.

Figurines, Curios and Other Delicate Items: Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning.
• Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in paper that has been wadded and flattened out.
• Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper with an outer layer of newsprint.
• A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass.
• Place flat items on edge in a carton.

Fragile Items: Consult with your moving company on the packing of exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you! Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

Lamp Bases: After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place them together in a carton, filling voids with wadded paper.

Lamp Shades: Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of packing paper, tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel.
• Use a sturdy carton at least two inches bigger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade.
• A smaller shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they do not touch.
• Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk.
• Do not pack other items with shades.
• Label cartons “LAMP SHADES—FRAGILE—TOP LOAD ONLY.”

Chandeliers and Leaded Glass Shades: It is best to have your moving company crate large leaded or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases: It’s best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind. Paper should never be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting.

Table Leaves: Table leaves are best transported in paper pads or moving blankets, then taped to hold the padding in place. Don’t use plastic wrap, as moisture may get trapped and damage wood.

Draperies & Curtains: Wardrobe cartons are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hangar, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Rugs: Leave area rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle.
• You may want to consider having your area rugs professionally cleaned before your move—you’ll get them back from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping.
• Area rugs should be loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can go right on top of the rug.

Furniture: Your moving company will wrap large items in heavy duty moving blankets the day of your move.
• Talk to your moving professional beforehand about any leather items.
• Table corners can be protected with cardboard.
• You may want to consider packing couch pillows in large boxes.

If you have any concerns the day of your move, always feel free to ask your movers. Your moving company is there to help, and trust us, your movers don’t want problems or damages cropping up any more than you do! A successful move for you is a successful move for your moving company.