If you're planning to move, then this article is for you. You can find out how long it takes to pack everything and move them, what items are not allowed on movers trucks, whether or not your baby's crib is safe for travel and many other useful tips. Our Boston to New York movers have put together a list of recommendations for you on how to prepare for your move.

1. How long does it take to pack up all of my stuff?

It may sound like an easy task at first glance but packing things will take more time than usual especially if you have lots of items that need special attention like family heirlooms and particularly fragile stuffs.  

The best way to do the job efficiently is by dividing it into steps; start with one room or area at a time. This way, you won't be swamped with too many things to pack in one go.

To make the job easier, get yourself a couple of large boxes and label them according to their contents. Start by gathering all your items for that room then put it in its designated box. Keep in mind to keep like items together so you won't have problems locating them later on when you need them.

When it comes to fragile stuffs, don't forget to pad them before putting inside the box; use soft materials like pieces of clothes or tissue paper for this purpose. Also take note not to overload the box because if it's heavy, chances are high that it will break stuffs inside when moved around.  

If possible, bring along your tape gun when packing up other items to make the unpacking process easier.

2. Can I bring my baby's crib with me when I move?

It's okay to bring your baby's crib but if it has drop-side rails, then you need to get rid of this feature before moving out. Drop-side rails are no longer allowed to be attached on all types of bed because they pose a serious risk especially when not secured properly. This is why it's important that parents must always secure baby's mattress using crib straps so it will never come in contact with the sides where the child can accidentally fall through. Incidentally, if you have an older baby who can climb over the railings, then it would be best not to bring along your current model since it can be a potential fall hazard. This is why it's best to buy new ones if you are planning to move.

3. Do I need to disassemble my furniture before moving out?

If your couch or armchair still has the tag on it, then it's definitely best that you have them taken apart first before moving out. All you have to do is release each joint latch on both sides of the couch then fold it into smaller pieces for easier handling and storage after the move. For beds, folding them into halves will do but take note that this type of bed won't fit through narrow doorways so keep away from tight corners when on transit. Also taking couches apart can actually prolong their life because once folded, these items can be stacked with each other without causing damage to the upholstery.

4. Does my treadmill have to be disassembled for moving out?

It's best if you do remove your treadmill from its current place before moving out because it takes too much space not unless if you are willing to shell out more bucks for storage fees for this bulky item. You can always opt to buy a new one at home instead of leaving it behind in the old house where no one will use it anymore.

5. Where can I find larger boxes for packing?

Try asking around your neighborhood - neighbors, grocery stores and hardware stores are some good sources of large boxes that you can use when moving out especially those that are left behind by previous renters. You can also try checking out garage sales, thrift stores or secondhand shops where you could find perfectly good large boxes for a much lower price than those sold in regular retail stores. But if you have no luck finding any, then consider buying your own to use during the moving process.

6. Is it okay to pack my dishes and other breakables inside used boxes?

Boxes that were previously used to ship other items like books and clothing may seem like a great alternative since they are quite cheaper compared to those sold by retailers; however you need to remember that these boxes will not be as sturdy as say corrugated cardboard so handle them with care especially when unpacking at the new home. If possible, make sure to attach cushioning materials to the bottom of the box especially those that will come in contact with fragile items. Also make sure that each box is sealed tightly before moving out and handle it as little as possible to avoid any damage during transport.

7. Can I pack my heavy boxes first so they won't break my other things?

In some cases, this can work depending on what you have packed inside your large boxes but sometimes what seems like a great idea could go wrong if some items are lightweight but bulky. For example, packing clothes first on a large box can cause trouble when moving because they may shift around while being transported causing other stuffs at the top part of the box to move together resulting into damage or even breakage once opened again.

8. Should I buy new boxes before moving out?

It's actually not necessary to buy all these new boxes for packing since you can get plenty of them free of charge especially when you ask around different stores in your area. But if the thought of having to deal with numerous visitors while on transit is just annoying or if you simply don't want to bother asking other people, then consider buying your own but only enough ones that will fit into the car, truck or any mode of transportation that you are planning to use. Boxes sold by retailers come in different sizes so take note of this detail when making an order or hitting up on sales. Also keep in mind that it may be wise to pack lightweight items on bigger boxes and vice versa so they don't get damaged during transport.

9. Can I just use plastic bags for packing?

Plastic grocery bags are not the safest option especially when it comes to packing breakables or any other items that can easily get destroyed causing damage to other things around it. These plastic bags may seem like a good idea, but once stacked together with other boxes inside your moving truck, these bags can cause trouble because of their flimsy nature; they might even pop open spilling out contents en route creating more work (and headache) for you. So save yourself from future stress by using sturdy boxes especially if your heavy items won't fit in them - this way you know you're doing everything right and within!

10. How long will moving out take?

This will depend on the size of your home, number of items to be packed and how many helpers you have inside the house. For instance, moving out for one or two people can also take as long as three or four hours if not more (or less), depending on the speed of your packing efforts. Of course, this may vary according to your personal preferences since some individuals like the idea of getting the job done quickly while some prefer taking their time. Just make sure that everything is tightly sealed before leaving because you don't want dirt or bugs to find their way into what you think are already sealed boxes!