Pack A Mirror In Three Easy Steps

We all dread moving mirrors.  They are fragile and many of the them are big, so they don't easily fit in a box.  As movers, we have figured out fool proof ways to make sure those mirrors get to their destination as beautiful as when they started.

So follow along and you will learn the tricks the pros at aLocalVan use to get those mirrors from point A to point B in one piece.

Step One: Prep the boxes: The first thing to understand is the best box to use.  At aLocalVan, we use mirror pack boxes.  It is actually one large box that has been cut in four so that when you put the box back together it can expand or contract to the exact dimensions of the mirror.  So the first thing you have to do is assemble each corner of the box.  Tape each corner together so that they create section of the box.

Step Two: Wrap the Mirror: The second thing to do is to wrap the mirror in packing paper or mirror wrap. It is a 3-ply paper that is coarse on the outside and soft on the inside. But before you do, take the time to wipe down the mirror.  Remove any dust or particles.  It is rare, but if you had some kind of stone, pebble, or hard particle, it could rub against the mirror in transport and cause damage.  so take the time to make sure the mirror is clean and free of any contaminant.  Then, completely wrap the mirror in packing paper and tape it tight.  Just make sure the none of the tape adheres to the mirror.  This can cause damage as well.

Step Three: Assemble the box: Put two quarters of the mirror pack box together.  Make it big enough so that the mirror can slip into it.  Put plenty of packing paper around the mirror so that is it well padded.  Next slide the two quarters together so that they are snug around the mirror.  Once you have that done put the other two quarters on top with more packing paper.  Lastly, tape all the pieces together so that all the seams are covered. 

That does it.  If all went well, you have a nicely packed mirror that can withstand even the bumpiest road.  Happy packing!

Packing The Bedroom

OK, packing the bedroom can be a daunting task.  Wading through all the clothes, knick-knacks, books, kid's toys, and accumulated "stuff" can make the most sturdy heart faint.  Since we have some experience moving people in Louisville and beyond, we have developed a precision plan to tackle the mountain and make a manageable project.  Follow these easy steps and getting your bedrooms ready will be a breeze:

Create three piles:
Create space for three pile: Keep, Throw, and Donate.  Belongings, like our waistline, tend to grow with time.  It takes discipline to keep both in line.  So making the hard decision up front is tough, but it will save hours during the move.  Decide what needs to get tossed, donated to Good Will, and what is important enough to make it to your new place.  Use the one year rule - "If you haven't used it in a year, toss it."

Pack a First Night Suitcase:
The first night in  your home will be chaotic.  Take time to pack what you will need for the first night and next morning. Pajamas, robes, underwear, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, vitamins, etc.  Use this as a starting point to make your first night and the following morning as easy and relaxing as possible.  Don't go crazy, keep it to one backpack or suitcase per person.

Use wardrobe boxes to your advantage:
Wardrobe boxes are about 4 feet tall and have a bar to hold clothes on hangers.  Most clothes only take up 2 to 3 feet of the 4 foot depth.  Use the bottom to store light things like pillows, shoes, and blankets.  If you do, it will cut down the trips to the truck.

Mark the bedroom boxes well:
Taking a little extra time to carefully mark you boxes will save a lot of headache in your new home.  Nothing is more frustrating than opening ten boxes only to still not find the item you are looking for.  Write down the room it came from, only pack items from one room in a box, and write all the major item on one side of the box.

Use mattress bags or plastic wrap:
We always think we will be careful.  We walk carefully, have two people carry the mattress… But then your buddy slips to perfectly place your beautiful mattress in a puddle.  We live in the Ohio Valley, folks, it happens.  Even professionals have accidents happen.  So using a plastic mattress bags or having your mover plastic (stretch) wrap is always a good idea. 

That should get you well on your way to packing your bedrooms like the pros.  Remember, if you need any help, call you local Louisville area moving company, aLocalVan Moving & Storage, we are always ready to help.

Where to donate your used goods

You never realize how much stuff you have until you’re packing for a move. And you uncover clothes you haven’t worn in months (some may even still have tags on them), toys your kids haven’t played with or old grab-bag gifts that you just never found a place for. We usually just stuff those in the boxes along with everything else and vow to make space for them in our new home. But this time around, why not lighten your moving load? Instead of sending your no-longer-needed things off to the dumpster or keeping them around, donate them. Luckily, we live in a great city that has tons of donation centers, resale shops and non-profits that would love to take those things off your hands. Here are a few ideas of where you can donate your gently used things.

  

Whether you’re downsizing, up sizing or just rethinking the feng shui in your new home, consider donating your furniture instead of trashing it. Resale shops are great and there’s always the free stuff section on Craigslist. But instead of giving it away, donate it.

Furniture & Clothing

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky - 1325 South Fourth Street Louisville KY, 40208 | (502) 272-1700

Saint Vincent de Paul Louisville - 1029 S. Preston Street Louisville KY,  40203 | (502) 583-8158

American Counsel of the Blind - 4932 Poplar Level Road Louisville KY, 40219 | (502) 968-6666

Cedar Lake Lodge - Jericho Road LaGrange KY, 40031 | (502) 222-7157

Furniture Only

DAV Disabled American Veterans - 1701 Berry BLVD Louisville KY, 40215 | (502) 363-3164

Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services - 2911 S. Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 | (502) 636-9263 x 145

Electronics Only

Famtech - 4424 Greenbriar Road Louisville, KY 40207 | (502) 866-880-8756

Other Options

Charities to donate to.xls

Preparing For Moving Day

Moving Day can be very hectic. When planning a move, it helps to take some time a few days prior to your moving crew’s arrival to prepare your personal belongings. Whether driving your own vehicle or flying to your new home, there may be a few things you need to take along yourself. These items might include your prescription medication, handheld electronic devices, important documents or anything you will need while your items are in transit. Making a list of the articles you plan to personally take will be helpful. Next, designate an area of your home where these items can be placed on Moving Day. This can be in a corner or you may want to empty a small hall closet to assign as a holding area. Don’t place these items along with goods that need to be packed by movers. When you’re a Local Van driver arrives, let him know these goods will not be going on the moving van. It may also be helpful to tag that area or put a note on the closet door. If you are driving to your destination, you may wish to load those articles into your personal vehicle as soon as the movers begin working. The professional packers will be working quickly. It’s best not to leave your personal items on counter-tops or tabletops where the crew is packing unless they are intended to be packed and loaded on the van. Taking these steps in the days before your movers arrive will ensure a smooth moving day and that you have the essentials with you while your items are in transit.

Winter Moving Tips

While it is common knowledge that summer is "busy season" for moving companies, you don't always have the luxury of moving at the optimal time for good weather and your kids' summer vacation. Don't fear; you can rely on our 20 years of experience to guide you through moving in the off-season. In honor of the crisp, cool weather and the appearance of fall leaves in glorious reds, oranges, and yellow, we present aLocalVan’s Moving Tips: Cold Weather Edition! The biggest element of the fall and winter months that can disrupt your move is weather. There are several things you take into consideration when choosing a professional mover: 

Reschedule Policy: There are some days where the weather is so bad that it would be irresponsible and unsafe to move your items. You want a moving company who cares enough about your items to postpone a move so that your items are not damaged and are not being transported on icy, treacherous roads (it's a rare moving company that employs Ice Road Truckers!). Sure, it's easier to just service the move and collect payment, but on some occasions, it's not the right choice. On the other hand, there are bad weather days that, with proper training and equipment, a professional mover can work through safely and quickly. But that doesn't mean you, the client, still want to move in snow or rain. Make sure you choose a company who doesn't punish you with fees when you reschedule. At aLocalVan, there is never a charge to reschedule. We respect your comfort level when you wake up to a cloudy sky on move day. 

Hazardous Weather Policy: First off, make sure the moving companies you are evaluating have one in place. You'd be surprised at how many don't! Here are some aspects of our Hazardous Weather Policy. It's a good starting point for a conversation with the movers you speak to. 

• Because our movers move quickly when not carrying anything, on rainy days they are instructed to slow down. The truck ramps and driveways can get awfully slippery really quickly, and no one wants their move slowed down by an injury. 
• We always pad wrap all wood and fragile furniture with thick, new moving blankets and then add a layer of industrial strength plastic wrap for additional protection, but on rainy days, we use blankets for everything, so that none of your possessions are exposed to the elements. 
• Once items are loaded into the moving truck, everything is inspected and wiped down. Just one more extra step to ensure your items stay dry and protected. 
• When we arrive at your new home, we first set up pads to protect all floors. We unload in a two stage process. Items are unloaded into the garage or other dry staging area, wiped down, and unwrapped. Then all movers clean and dry off their shoes and any other rain-affected parts. We then move everything, now that it's dry and our guys are, too, wherever you want it in the new home. No muddy footprints, no wet furniture, and no extra rainy day stress!

Oh, and don't forget! Everything we mentioned above should come and no additional charge: refuse to be nickel and dimed for things that are just plain good customer service. 

We hope these tips help you with your cold and rainy weather move. We are always here to help and share the knowledge we've gained while completing over 7,000 moves in the greater Louisville area! Thank you, and happy moving.

About aLocalVan Moving and Storage

aLocalVan Moving & Storage is a residential and commercial mover in Louisville KY you can trust with your possessions. We are a family owned and  operated business, not a franchise, that provides local and long distance moving with personal attention to detail. Our people are prompt dedicated professionals who are ready and willing to assist you in  every phase of your moving process. Let us help you reduce the stress  related to moving your belongings, leaving you with the piece of mind to concentrate on the other aspects of your relocation.

Why choose  A Local Van Moving & Storage, LTD. CO. for your upcoming move?

• Family owned, Louisville, Kentucky based local and long distance moving company.
• Residential and Commercial mover.
• Fully insured and carry Worker’s Compensation.
• Intrastate and Interstate operational authority in the forty-eight contiguous states. Our operational numbers are USDOT 899195, MC 391893, KY DMT 806.
• Trucks are CLEAN, professionally maintained and moving van outfitted.
• Crews are experienced professional movers with excellent work ethics, speed, stamina and are company employees.
• Free moving estimates available online, on-site, or by phone.
• Specialize in moving office equipment, antiques, pianos, and other fragile items.
• Loading and unloading of rental trucks and internal moves.
• Complete packing services and supplies are available.
• Multiple stops, pick-ups and deliveries are available to get your possessions where you want them and when you want them.
• Your move will not be combined with another customer.
• Storage on our trucks in a secured location is available if necessary.
• A+ Rating Seal of Approval from the Better Business Bureau.
• Major credit cards accepted including, VISA, MasterCard, AmericanExpress and Discover.

Let our experience and commitment to excellence help to make your next  move safe, effortless and efficient. Don’t forget to visit our moving links and moving checklist tips for useful relocation information.

Louisville KY Movers

CALL US TODAY AT (502) 266-7777 FOR A FREE MOVING ESTIMATE, OR GET A FREE ONLINE MOVING ESTIMATE.

Moving Before Christmas or the New Year?

As an extra special holiday offer from aLocalVan Moving & Storage any local move booked prior to December 30^th will receive a special holiday rate of $4.00 off per hour and $20.00 off the normal travel charges!

To receive this special, simply log on to www.alocalvan.com or call (502) 266-7777 and mention the ALV Holiday Sale.