Heavy household items are difficult to handle when moving and they can present some significant risks to those who are packing and carrying them. You will want to consider these helpful guidelines to help prevent injury and to ensure the good condition of the goods themselves.

The Right Packing Materials

It is important to use the appropriate packing materials – strong boxes of the proper size — and thicker, heavier wrapping material – bubble wrap, foam padding or moving blankets.

Your Boxes

You’ll need to use durable cardboard or double-walled moving boxes that can withstand heavier weight. If you are packing heavy fragile items, consider using plastic or wood crates. Place sheets of crumpled paper or pieces of bubble wrap on the inside bottom of each box for added security.

When packing heavy items, small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) are better than large ones. (Large boxes are better for holding lighter items.) The rule of thumb is that each box should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Some boxes, such as a wardrobe box or those holding electronics, may be heavier.

Thick Wrapping Materials

Crunched up paper isn’t enough when cushioning heavy items in a box. It will compress flat under their weight and won’t provide the proper protection. However, unprinted newsprint can be helpful when packing small parts of heavy household items. Use it as a first layer before using heavier wrap. Large size bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, packing peanuts or foam padding should be used to protect heavy household items.

Packing Tape

Use high quality, heavy-duty packing tape, which is thicker, can hold greater weight and will reinforce the boxes and keep wrappings in place.

Packing Books

Books are heavy! You can fit about 24 average size hardcover books into a small box and it will weigh about 38 pounds. Tape the bottoms of your book boxes. Put your largest, heaviest books in first, packing the books FLAT, or with their spines DOWN. Never pack books with their spines facing you as that can damage the bindings seriously. Don’t overfill the box. Fill the gaps with crushed unprinted newsprint and tape the box closed securely. Don’t be stingy with the tape!

Packing Heavy Kitchen Items

Tape the bottoms of your boxes with strong packing tape. Arrange canned goods and glass jars on the bottom. Wrap each glass kitchen item in packing paper to avoid possible breakage. Cans should be unwrapped and neatly arranged with minimal space between them. Fill the gaps with crumpled paper. Place a few sheets of packing paper on top of the first row and pack the second row with lighter kitchen items. You can pack silverware pieces as the second row after rolling a handful of utensils into several pieces of packing paper. Lastly, pack light items such as spice jars and hand towels as the top layer with several sheets of packing paper overall.

Packing Heavy Clothing

Winter clothes, especially outerwear, can be very heavy and can fill a box quickly. Special wardrobe moving boxes are best. You can hang heavy winter clothes keeping them dust- and wrinkle-free during the move. You can also use the bottom of a wardrobe moving box to pack boots and winter shoes.

You can also pack heavy clothes in wheeled suitcases. Use vacuum bags to save packing space.  Remember, no more than 50 lbs in each wardrobe moving box or suitcase!

Packing Heavy Furniture

Disassemble furniture as appropriate so they can be transported more easily. Take apart beds, cabinets, bookshelves, and tables to their main components and pack or wrap the components together. Protect fragile parts or sections with soft packing paper (unprinted newsprint) and then with bubble wrap to create protective layers. Do not place bubble wrap directly onto furniture to prevent possible damage to delicate surfaces. Consider using thick cardboard pieces over delicate elements for added protection. Wrap all disassembled pieces with thick furniture blankets and cover all remaining furniture pieces with protective blankets as well.  Tape the blankets to keep them from unwrapping. Do not allow packing tape to stick to the surface of your furniture to avoid stains.

Packing Heavy Appliances

You may decide to move large appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, or stoves. These heavy appliances need special attention.

Be sure electric appliances are unplugged from power outlets before protecting them for the move. Defrost the refrigerator or freezer at least 48 hours before moving day. Remove all elements that can be removed safely – shelves, drawers, or racks – and pack the detached parts separately in packing paper, bubble wrap, and moving blankets.

Use shrink wrap or twine to secure the doors of your heavy appliances to keep them from opening during the move. Wrap heavy appliances completely in thick furniture blankets to prevent damage. Tape the covers to secure them.

More Tips

If you have more space left at the top of a box when you have reached your weight limit, cut the box down to size to create a better fit. Slice the vertical edges of the box, fold down the sides, overlap them, and seal tightly to create a smaller container. Before filling, flip the box upside down to create a multi-layered bottom that can withstand more weight.

If you have a fragile item that needs more protection, pack it properly, seal the box, and place it in another larger box. Put some cardboard or other padding material between the two boxes or wrap the smaller box in bubble wrap first. Then seal the larger box with packing tape.

Label all your heavy boxes with their contents and in large letters: HANDLE WITH CARE – HEAVY! This alerts the movers to be careful when carrying, loading and unloading these cartons. Don’t forget to mark all boxes containing fragile items: FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP!

Following these guidelines will help to ensure a safe and secure move for all your household items. If you have questions about packing for a move, call Ayer Moving and Storage at 800-233-6683 or 978-772-2558 and be sure to download our Ayer Moving and Storage packing guide.

Tips for making your move smooth and stress-free!

If you’ve moved before, you know there are a thousand details to keep track of and it pays to be organized from the start. If you haven’t experienced a move to a new home, these tips will be especially helpful in keeping you sane and your move on track.

Keep a Binder

Two or three months before your move create a binder specifically for your move and organize it into the following categories:

Checklists. Download our Ayer Moving Timeline for a Successful Move so you know what needs to be done before, during, and after your move.

Utilities. Keep track of utility contact information, appointments, utility contracts and pricing for the utilities in your new location. Also, collect and store info on your current utility companies so you will have information at hand when setting up utilities for your new home.

Moving Companies. Keep estimates from potential moving companies here and when you’ve signed a contract, keep it in this section.

Household Inventory. Available online or from your mover, fill out an inventory sheet so you know exactly what you own and what you will be taking with you.

Schedules. Print blank monthly calendar sheets from WORD and fill in information such as your home inspection date, final home walk-through, real estate closing, moving day and time, utility hook-up times, and more.

Loan Documents. Keep your loan documents here for easy reference until after the move; you can then file them in your home office.

Receipts. Use this section for all purchase receipts that pertain to your move or house. Receipts such as for the purchase of a ceiling fan, faucet, or door lock. If you need to return or exchange anything, the receipt will be easy to locate.

Builder. Place builder contracts, warranties, and other important paperwork here relative to building a home, renovations, or maintenance.

Donations. In preparation for your move, chances are you will donate furnishings and household goods to charitable organizations. Keep a list of all donations and donation receipts in this section.

Important Documents. Place copies of important medical records, school records, and financial documents that you may need to put your hands on in a hurry during the move.

Add some blank notepaper and a few pens so you can jot down important information on the fly.

Use a Color-coded System

Round sticker labels in different colors can be used on boxes and furniture to indicate in which room it is to be placed by the movers. A matching colored paper hung on each room’s door will direct movers to the correct location.

You can write the details of the contents of each box and place the colored sticker on the label, so you will tell at a glance what is in each box and where it is to go.

Create a Packing Strategy

Plan your packing room-by-room. Prioritize the rooms, beginning with the rooms containing non-essentials. This might be a spare bedroom/bathroom, playroom, or the basement or attic. The kitchen and bedrooms should be packed last. Download the guide Tips from the Professional Packers at Ayer Moving.

Use Zip-Top Bags for Toys

Use freezer zip-top bags to keep small toys and their parts together. The bags can then be placed into a box labeled with its contents and destination. This works for toiletries, office supplies, and kitchen utensils. To estimate the number of boxes and supplies you’ll need, use a packing calculator from realtor.com.

Prevent Cord and Cable Tangles

Tie up electric cords and cables and place them inside baggies. Each bag can be taped to its device, or as an option, fold the cord and slip it inside an empty toilet paper roll. Write the name of the device to which the cord belongs on the roll.

Moving Day Essentials Bag

Make a list of what you will need on moving day. This may include medications, basic toiletries, baby necessities, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, pet essentials, snacks, and bottled water.  You might also include your wallet, extra car keys, and credit cards, as well as any important documents you may need.

Also include any electronics you use on a regular basis – your phone and tablet, for example, along with their chargers. Pack a change of clothes, pajamas, socks and underwear.

If you are moving with children, you can pack an essentials bag for each of them with a change of clothes, favorite snacks and drinks, basic toiletries, and games, a tablet, coloring book, reading materials and special blankets or stuffed animals.

Create a Tool Basket

Put basic tools in a carryall, like a basket, that you may need during your move-out and move-in. You can simply grab the basket and move it from room to room where it is needed to complete a quick fix-it.

Helpful Moving Apps

Use the power of technology to help you organize your move. Here are some you can check out:

Sortly– Described as “the ultimate organizer app,” Sortly helps users create a visual inventory of their belongings with photos, tags, notes, and more.

Nextdoor– Connect with neighbors, sell household belongings and find local home improvement professionals with the Nextdoor mobile app.

LetGo – Need to purge your stuff before a move? This mobile app makes it easy to sell your belongings at the touch of a button.

Houzz – The mobile app helps users find home remodeling professionals, as well as inspiration for home design and decor.

Planning ahead is the sure way to stay organized. These tips can help you stay calm, cool, and collected during your move and ensure that move-out and move-in are successful in every way.

If you have questions about getting organized for a pending move, call a professional moving consultant at Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. We will be happy to discuss how they can help organize your move to be stress-free.

Two things to remember about moving to college. One: It is a temporary move and Two: You will be limited in personal space. Here are some tips to help make the move smooth and enjoyable!

The most important student moving tip is to formulate a PLAN and stick to it! You will not only save costs on moving and storage, but you will also save yourself and your family stress and strain (physical and mental).

Plan your Move

If you can visit your future dorm room or apartment prior to moving in, make a scaled floor plan so you will know at the outset how much actual space you have. If there is a communal kitchen and sitting area, find out what appliances and furniture are provided. No need to bring things that are already in place for you.

If you know who your roommates will be, contact them and compare notes so you can avoid duplication and agree on arrangements for sharing the room equitably.

Learn if the school provides moving dollies or rolling laundry bins to assist with the move. If not, consider renting any special equipment you may need. Ask if students are available (football players, perhaps) to help with the move-in.

What is Essential

Most dorms are small and don’t offer any more space than necessary. Be sure what you plan to take with you is essential. Is the dorm air-conditioned? Will you need a small fan? Are there enough electrical outlets or will an extension cord or surge protector be needed?

Resist the temptation to bring more clothes than necessary. You may have to share a dresser or wardrobe with your roommates.

It’s a good idea to pack a basic toolkit and first aid kit. A hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers can be lifesavers on move-in day and after. Duct tape and zip ties come in handy as well.  The first aid kit should contain at a minimum, disinfectant wipes or spray, bandages, sports tape, and an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen. Don’t forget tweezers and a small pair of scissors.

Pack Efficiently

You may need to climb stairs or use an elevator to get to your dorm room, so pack efficiently to limit the number of trips. Pack little things into large ones. Use a sports duffel bag, backpack, or cloth shopping bags to carry small items and make them easier to carry. Don’t pack boxes too heavy. Your back will thank you.

Roll your clothing, rather than simply folding it. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can fit into a suitcase or box and you’ll avoid wrinkling. Remember that students only need casual, comfortable clothing, workout clothes, and a nice outfit or two.

Pack spare towels and bed linens in plastic under-bed storage bins, rather than in cardboard boxes, so you can just place them under the bed.

Pack like items together and label your boxes so you can unpack in an organized and speedy fashion.

Use old eyeglass cases to hold a cord or cable.

Use a plastic bag or shower cap over your shoes before packing them.

Pack Safely

If you are bringing any fragile items, like a framed photo, electronics, or glass, carefully wrap it separately in newsprint, plastic bags, a towel or shirt.

Ladies: place a cotton ball or pad in your cosmetic compacts to prevent them from cracking. Wrap your liquid cosmetics in plastic wrap before placing them in a zip bag for extra protection against breakage.

Wait to Buy

Hold off until after the move to buy new things you think you will need. You might be able to share costs with roommates or you may find you don’t need that special something anyway.

The Actual Move

When moving in, begin with the larger items and set them in place. You can remove the bulky packing materials right away to give you room to position your décor and pictures when you are ready.

If on the day of your move, the temperature is hot, be sure to pack any perishable items last and unload them first. Leave behind any aerosol products that can explode under heat. Pack electronic devices that may be affected by high temperatures in insulated coolers.

Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Try not to stress out by making the experience fun with friends, music, photos, and snack breaks. Move-in day is the start of your college experience this year. Make it great!

If you have concerns about moving into college housing, call Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. If you are just beginning to plan for your move, download a copy of the Ayer Moving & Storage guide: Packing Tips from the Professional Packers at Ayer Moving & Storage.

It’s human nature. Once you’ve signed the closing documents and your new home is really yours, you’ll start thinking about what you want to do to improve it!

There’s that wallpaper that you can’t stand. And the carpet that really needs replacing. Before you drive yourself crazy running to Home Depot or Lowes, grab a fresh notepad and make a wish list. Invite each member of the family to add to their own page of “wishes” so you can prioritize them and address each one at the appropriate time.

Before you address changing the décor, here are ten maintenance items that should be done sooner, rather than later to avoid problems.  You can replace that ugly wallpaper later!

1. Clean Refrigerator Coils

Refrigerator condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. When coils are clogged with dust, pet hair and cobwebs, they cannot efficiently release heat. This means your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your refrigerator. Clean the coils with a vacuum and a coil-cleaning brush, which is bendable to fit in tight areas.

2. Check the Dryer for Built-Up Lint

A clogged lint screen or dryer duct can drastically reduce the dryer’s efficiency. It can also use up to 30 percent more electricity, wasting money you might use towards another home improvement project.

3. Check your Furnace and HVAC Filters, Too

Just like in your dryer, only on a larger scale, a clogged filter makes your heating and cooling systems run less efficiently, wasting energy and money. A clogged filter traps harmful pollutants and allergens that affect interior air quality. Replace the filters if needed and mark your calendar to do this on a regular basis.

4. Re-caulk Your Windows

It is especially important in New England to minimize heat loss in the winter. Sealing the spaces around windows can help. The type of caulk you’ll need will depend on the type of windows you have. You’ll want a caulk with a joint movement capability of between 25 and 50 percent and a 20-year weather-seal warranty. Apply to clean and dry surfaces when outside air temperature falls within the suggested range on the caulk packaging.

5. Clean A/C Condensers and Evaporators

Turn off the electricity to the unit and vacuum the outdoor condenser exterior fins with a soft-bristled brush. Clear away bushes, weeds and overgrown grass within two feet of the unit. Replace the furnace filter on the evaporator unit, vacuum the blower compartment, and clean the condensation drain. If this is too much DIY for you, make an appointment with your HVAC company for an A/C tune up in April or May before the pre-summer rush.

6. Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve

In the flurry of activity on moving in, you may not think to locate the main water shutoff valve. Important for obvious reasons, check it out before you need to shut off the water for any reason.  Usually you’ll find a main shutoff valve directly before the water meter and another after. You’ll see a gauge and a paper or vinyl tag that indicates the handle of the valve. Turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the water.

7. Clean Gutters and Roof Valleys

Gutters with leaves and debris will prevent water from draining into the downspouts and can cause the gutters to freeze and become damaged. Water can back up and cause the roof to leak. Clean gutters by removing debris with a trowel or your gloved hands and then flush with water from a garden hose.

8. Check Smoke and CO Detectors and Replace, if Needed

Be sure you know where all the detectors are located and check them to be sure they are working properly. If needed, replace the batteries or the units themselves and mark your calendars to change the batteries every time you “Spring Ahead” or “Fall Back.”

9. Test Your Sump Pump

Before the beginning of the rainy season, pour water into your sump pump to make sure it works. The most common (and worst) time for a sump pump to fail is during the first heavy rainfall after months of not being used. Pour a bucket of water or two into the sump to make sure the pump kicks on.

10. Create a Homeowner’s Journal

Purchase an accordion file or a ring binder into which you can file insurance papers, repair receipts and documents relating to improvements and repairs you make. Storing all these household records in one place makes it easier for you to locate information when you need it.

If you have questions about moving or would like a no-obligation moving estimate, call Ayer Moving & Storage at 1-800-233-MOVE. W have experience moving across town or across the country or internationally. If you are just beginning to plan for your move, download a copy of the Ayer Moving & Storage guides.