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Gone are the days of trying to guess how much it will cost to move. Gone are the days of getting an estimate, only to get a bill after the fact for a much different number. When you contact Advance Moving and Storage for a quote, the price we give you is the price you will get. Oh, and did we mention that you get your moving quote for free? It’s really that simple!

A Wide Variety of Moving Services

Not only do we offer free and binding price quotes, we also offer a number of other moving services to make your move a smooth and successful process. For example, we offer exclusive shipments, which means no truck sharing. We have guaranteed delivery dates, including out-of-state moves. We also will make deliveries up to 800-1200 miles from Greenville, NC. Whether it’s a small move or a big move, local or out-of-state, we’ve got you covered!

In addition to all of these great moving services, we are also locally owned and operated. Ditch the big box companies with their impersonal feel, and work with someone who is personally invested in the Greenville, NC community. We will treat you like you deserve to be treated: no second-guessing–only clear communication and honest work.

Choose Advance Moving and Storage

Once you’ve contacted us for your free and binding price quote (you can do this easily on our website), feel free to ask us any other questions about the moving process. We also encourage you to do some research about local moving companies, so that you feel confident about your choice; look up reviews, see if the moving company is properly insured and licensed, and compare price quotes. And, if you choose Advance Moving and Storage for your move, we will be here for you every step of the way. 

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Moving Your Piano

Not only are pianos extremely heavy and bulky, they are also expensive. That’s why you don’t want to risk damaging your piano, or injuring yourself, by trying to move your piano yourself. Even if you decide to handle other aspects of the moving process by yourself, you should seriously consider letting moving professionals move your piano for you.

If you own a grand piano, it is even more essential to hire professionals to move this for you. Grand pianos can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. In addition, their unusual shape makes them difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Not to mention, grand pianos come with quite the price tag. So, do yourself a favor, and don’t even risk it!

Protecting and Storing Your Piano

Not only are pianos heavy, expensive, and hard to maneuver, they can also be scratched or damaged in a move. That’s why you need to use the proper moving materials to protect your piano during the moving process. Don’t worry–we’ve got you covered there too! We use all of the essential moving and packing materials to ensure your belongings, including your piano, are safe and protected during the move.

If you need to store your piano for a while between moves, we can help you there too. Because of their wood and metal parts, pianos need to be stored in climate-controlled storage; otherwise, they will risk damage. At Advance Moving and Storage, we offer this type of storage, so you can rest assured that your piano will be in good hands–before, during, and after your move.

When it’s time for you to move, consider the professional movers at Advance Moving and Storage. We are happy to help with moves, both big and small, near and far, in Greenville, NC and surrounding areas. We offer binding price quotes, so give us a call today to see how much it would cost to move your piano.

The post Music to Your Ears: We Move Pianos! appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

ADT Security is the longest standing security system company in the US (it was founded in 1874), which means that it’s well-trusted and well-established. ADT Security offers reliable and customizable home and business security systems. We want to provide only the best for our customers, and we want to make your move as smooth as possible.

So, why is a security system for your storage? Storage buildings can attract thieves, especially outside of business hours, because there’s no risk of homeowners being in bed, etc. like there is when breaking into someone’s home. However, potential thieves are often deterred from theft when they see that a security system is in place. 

Along with protecting your storage by using ADT security, we also protect your belongings during the move. In fact, we handle your items with the expertise of a professional and the personal touch of a friend. Additionally, we are licensed and insured, which only goes further to show you our dedication to handling your move with care.

Whether you’re moving across the street or the state, we are here to help you with all of your moving needs–from packing materials to loading/unloading to ADT secured storage–we’ve got you covered! Just give us a call at Advance Moving and Storage in Greenville, NC.

The post Keep Your Belongings Safe: We Use ADT Security appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

Our professional movers are experts in the entire moving process, including loading and unloading. If done incorrectly, you can hurt yourself and possibly break or damage some of your items, especially those heavy, hard-to-maneuver belongings.

Whether it’s a heavy box full of books, a large piano, or bulky appliances, we can load and unload these items for you. Saving you time, hassle, and headaches!

If you’re worried about letting someone else handle your valuable and fragile items, just take a look at our testimonials page to see reviews from some of our clients. You’ll see that we handle all of your items with professional care and a personal touch. We understand that your belongings are important to you, and we also understand that moving can be stressful–so we make sure to do everything in our power to make the moving process as smooth as possible.

Listen, unless you’re 20 and in college, it’s past the time in our lives to ask your friends to help you move in exchange for some free pizza. Don’t risk throwing your back out, or breaking your precious heirlooms–let the professionals at Advance Moving and Storage in Greenville, NC help you move!

The post Don’t Break Your Back: We Offer Loading and Unloading Services! appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

In fact, we not only help you move your belongings, we also offer services like storage and packing materials. Some of our packing materials include boxes in a number of sizes, tape, packing paper, mattress covers, and shrink wrap.

Moving Boxes in All Shapes and Sizes

Did you know that one-size-fits-all is not necessarily true when it comes to selecting your moving boxes. Moving boxes come in a number of shapes and sizes, and each type is best suited for packing certain items. We offer moving boxes in many shapes and sizes to fit all of your needs, such as:

• Small boxes– these are best for heavier items, like books, because you don’t want to overload a bigger box with a lot of heavy items, making it so heavy that you can’t lift it.
• Medium boxes– this is our most popular size of box and can be used for packing a wide variety of items.
• Large boxes– these boxes are great for larger items that are also lightweight, such as bedding sets, towels, etc.
• Dish pack boxes– as their name suggests, these boxes are meant for packing your dishes and other fragile items. They are dually reinforced, making them safer for those easy-to-break objects.
• Wardrobe boxes– these boxes are ideal for packing your clothes because of their long, more narrow shape, which allows you to hang up your clothes instead of having to fold them.
• Picture boxes– these boxes come in a few different shapes and sizes and are ideal for packing your pictures and artwork.

Other Moving Supplies

We also offer a number of other moving supplies that you may need:

• Mattress covers– these also come in different sizes and are used to help protect your mattresses during the move.
• Shrink wrap– much like the saran wrap that you use in your kitchen, shrink wrap is easily wrapped around items, such as upholstered furniture, to protect them from dust and dirt during the move.
• Packing paper– this is used to cover and protect items you pack; it’s a great alternative to newspaper, which can get your belongings dirty with ink.
• Tape– this is essential for moving and securing all of those boxes, and you’re sure to go through quite a bit of it!

Whether you need a few things that you forgot in the process of moving, or you need all of the moving supplies from A to Z, we’ve got you covered at Advance Moving and Storage in Greenville, NC.

The post Need Packing Materials? We Have Them! appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

Climate-controlled storage is storage that has a regulated temperature and low humidity levels. This means that climate-controlled storage is similar to the conditions of storing something in your home. 

Non-climate controlled storage means that the temperature is not regulated. This means that the inside of the unit will fluctuate with the temperatures outside, often reaching higher and lower temperatures than the outside conditions.

If you’re not sure which type of storage unit you need, you should consider the types of things that you plan to store. Here are some items that need to be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit:

• Furniture- especially if it’s made of wood, wicker, or leather
• Electronics
• Photographs
• Glass/porcelain/china
• Antiques/collectibles
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment

The fluctuating, and sometimes extreme, temperatures that non-climate controlled storage experiences can cause damage to items like these. For example, extreme heat and cold can cause wooden furniture to contract and swell, leading to warping and other types of damage. 

So, if you plan on storing any of the items listed above, or if you’re concerned about the possible damage that the fluctuating temperatures could cause to your stored items, you should definitely consider using climate-controlled storage. If you don’t need climate-controlled storage, don’t forget that we also offer non-climate controlled storage.

No matter what your moving and storage needs are, we are here to help at Advance Moving and Storage in Greenville, NC. Just give us a call with any questions you may have!

The post Climate and Non-Climate Controlled Storage: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

Considering the fact that pianos typically weigh anywhere between 300 to 1,000 (or more!) pounds, we certainly recommend hiring a professional moving company with piano moving experience to do the job. Many times, a piano also happens to be the most valuable and expensive item inside a person’s home. The price of a quality piano ranges from the low thousands to upwards of $100,000. Given a piano’s value, it’s especially important that the instrument is handled with the utmost care, making professional movers all the more necessary.

However, if hiring professional movers simply isn’t in your budget or timetable, it is possible to move most pianos with the help of friends. However, if you own a grand piano weighing 1,000 pounds, I strongly recommend investing in professionals. These exceptionally large pianos often require special equipment and handling that only true moving professionals can provide. Also, if there are steep stairs or particularly narrow hallways involved, I advise enlisting professionals as well.

Still convinced you want to move the piano yourself? Take a look at our helpful tips below.

Before the Move

Find the appropriate moving supplies and materials

First, you’ll need to make sure you have all the appropriate supplies and materials to safely and securely move the piano. For both an upright piano and a grand piano, you’ll need plenty of moving blankets for protection. After all, the last thing you want happening is a scratch (or worse!) on your valuable instrument. Tip: you can also use thick towels and blankets to cover the piano. Multiple rolls of tape will be needed to help secure the blankets in place. Moving an upright piano will also require a dolly capable of holding the piano’s weight.

Due to their size and structure, grand pianos are a bit more complicated to move and also require additional supplies. Besides moving blankets, I recommend finding the appropriate size piano board (also called a piano skid board) to handle your move. To hold your piano in place on a skid board, you’ll need straps and a screwdriver as well.

Enlist as many helpers as possible

Once you have your supplies in order, I recommend assembling a strong team of helpers. You’ll need at least four people – maybe more, depending on the size of the piano and the complexity of the move. It’s best to enlist friends, family and neighbors who have experience moving heavy items and are in relatively good shape. Make sure they’re all wearing appropriate moving clothing, as well as sneakers with good traction.

Measure doorways, staircases and hallways

Prior to the move, you should measure any place in your home that the piano will pass through. Make sure to thoroughly measure all doorways, staircases and hallways to assess how easily it will be to maneuver the piano and piano board through your home. It’s also a good idea to make sure doors are open, floors are properly protected, and furniture that could potentially hit the piano are removed before moving your musical instrument. If you’re worried about the piano nicking a corner or getting scratched along the way, try covering any sharp edges of the doorway with baby-proof bumpers or extra towels.

Moving the Piano

Moving an upright piano

Moving an upright piano and a grand piano both require plenty of preparation. To move an upright piano, you’ll want to protect the piano keys and piano pedals. Cover with a blanket and tape to secure. Follow by covering the piano with moving blankets, placing them on the front, back and sides. Tape all blankets to secure them in place. Once the piano is protected with moving blankets, you and your team can safely hoist the upright piano onto the dolly. When lifting the piano, be sure to have someone on all sides of the instrument. To avoid injuries, your moving team should take special precautions, making sure to bend the knees to prevent hurting their backs. Once the piano is on the dolly, carefully carry it to your moving truck.

Moving a grand piano

Before moving a grand piano, it’s especially important that you lower and secure the top lid. If you can, take a screwdriver to disassemble the piano pedals and legs. Carefully, take all legs off the grand piano. When taking the legs off the piano, make sure your team is in place to prevent the side of your piano from hitting the ground once the legs are removed. Wrap the lid, keys and all sides of the piano in moving blankets. Secure all blankets with tape. You’ll also want to wrap the piano’s legs and pedals in separate moving blankets. Make sure these pieces are safe and secure, then gently tilt the piano onto the piano board. Secure the piano to the piano board with straps. When pushing the piano board, I recommend having several team members help to prevent any accidents. After you successfully move the grand piano into your new home, you’ll need to re-assemble the legs and pedals. Make sure to have a team of people there to assist you with this part as well.

Once the move is complete, I recommend re-tuning your piano and giving it a good clean using a damp washcloth.

Prefer to hire professional movers?

If moving a piano DIY-style isn’t for you, there are plenty of professional moving companies that can handle the task for you. At Advance Moving and Storage, INC. we are movers who are here to help you have the best move possible in Greenville, NC, New Bern, NC, Kinston, NC, and surrounding areas. We’re dedicated to making sure you get everything you need on your next move. Large and small moves welcome, whether you’re local, intrastate, or interstate, our courteous, experienced, personnel are ready to help. We’re happy to do the heavy lifting for you!

The post Moving Your Piano appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

Keep reading to learn more about:

1. Moving during the summer
2. Moving during the fall
3. Moving with kids

Moving During the Summer

The majority of moves in America take place sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While moving in the summer is convenient for families, students and busy professionals, it can also be downright miserable thanks to the season’s oppressive heat. Fortunately, there are things you can do (and not do!) to avoid a summer move that is sweaty and exhausting. For starters, we recommend hiring professionals to help with the heavy lifting, so that you can concentrate on other checklist items. For more tips on summer moving, check out our dos and don’ts of moving in the summer heat.

Dos and Dont’s: Moving in the Summer

Do expect to pay more. There’s no getting around the fact that summer is the most expensive time to move, especially when it comes to moving services. Everything from moving containers to moving companies are in high demand during the summer months (also known as “peak moving season.”). The reason? For starters, with school out for the summer, families with school-age children are simply more keen to move during this time. College students are also moving into and out of their dorms during the beginning and ending of the summer.

Do start the move early in the day. Beat the heat by starting your move early in the morning. This is when temperatures and humidity levels tend to be lowest during the summer months. We recommend starting as early as possible. In addition to beating the heat, you’re also more likely to beat the traffic by starting the move early. Aim to begin around 8 a.m. – or even earlier if possible. If mornings are not a convenient time for you (and you’re planning a DIY move), then we recommend moving in the late afternoon or evening hours when temperatures cool down.

Don’t wear heavy fabrics and inappropriate clothing. Moving day is not the day to worry about being stylish. It’s also not the time to be uncomfortable. If you’re moving in the summer heat, you absolutely need to wear light, breathable clothing (think: cotton) and comfortable, closed-toe shoes with socks. Forget the heavy fabrics and high heels. Moving often involves lifting heavy boxes, walking back and forth between rooms, driving long distances, and packing boxes. None of these things can be done well if you’re donning uncomfortable and inappropriate clothing.

Do turn the AC on in your new home. The last thing you want on moving day is to arrive at a home that is unbearably hot. To avoid this situation, we recommend turning your utilities on prior to the move. If you live nearby and are able to switch on the air conditioning the day before the move, then make sure to do so pronto. Cooling down your new home beforehand will make the move and transition much more seamless. If you’re moving long distance, make sure to switch the AC on once you arrive at the new home.

Don’t move during a holiday weekend. Not only will there be less movers and truck rentals available to assist you with the move, but it will also be much more expensive to move during a summer holiday weekend. Not to mention, you can bet traffic on the roads will be at a standstill. You may even end up having to take multiple detours (thanks to those holiday parades) just to get to the new home. Summer holiday weekends to avoid moving include Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Do keep electronics cool. Use extra caution when packing and moving electronics during the summer. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for these items to become overheated and ruined on a hot summer’s day. From smart phones and laptops to TVs and appliances, electrical items do not typically fare well in hot conditions. To keep your items in tip-top shape during the move, be sure to pack them separately and keep them in air conditioned surroundings at all times. Electronics should be the last items placed on the truck and the first items taken off the truck once you arrive. Be sure to pack them in waterproof bins and bags to prevent water damage from a summer shower as well.

Don’t underestimate the amount of prep time. Don’t just willy-nilly throw everything in the back of a truck and take off. Moving during the summertime takes careful thought, preparation and planning in order to be successful. Start packing your boxes and bags at least a month ahead of time. Interview and hire your movers several months before.

Moving During the Fall

Have you decided that the fall season is the best time for you to move? You’re probably right! Moving during the fall is advantageous in many ways – you’re not rushing to move before school starts in the fall, you’re missing the expensive summer season, and temperatures are getting cooler by the day. You’ll still want to plan ahead as much as you can, so what can you expect for your fall move?

Here are a few helpful tips about moving in the fall:

Negotiate to take advantage of lower moving costs. Bonus – moving in the fall is typically much more affordable. Moving companies have cleared the summer rush, gas prices can be lower, and there is more truck/crew availability. Whether renting a truck or hiring a full moving team, this typically means you have a greater ability to cost-compare and negotiate on moving estimates and bids. So be sure to shop around, and perhaps do a little digging online about cost-comparisons between the summer and fall.

Declutter from summer. You may have a number of clothing items, swimwear, beach gear, outdoor furniture,  toys, and other seasonal items that just won’t make it to next summer. Instead of packing and moving these items, only to discard them next year, take some time to declutter and either ditch or donate items you don’t want to pay to take with you. And, if there are old cold-weather clothing items you or your family have grown out of, consider donating those before the colder weather hits.

Rethink storage. If you live in a climate with challenging seasonal weather, reconsider the benefits of putting some items in storage during your move. This will help clear your moving truck of heavy or bulky items you may not use until late next spring or summer (like outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and barbecues), and can streamline your move by helping you pack everything at once. It will also make move-in that much easier when you arrive.

Pack for the season. While you’re considering bulkier items, don’t forget about clothes and sporting gear that you may not need right away after the move. Pack seasonal items together so you can find them easily later – and make sure you’ve left out all those cold-weather items you’ll need shortly after you settle into your new place, like rain boots and raincoats, snow gear, and snow-removal equipment. If you’ve stored them away, now’s a good time to make sure they’re easy to access and unpack after you’ve arrived.

Unpack for the season. If you’ve stored away crock pots and sandwich presses, large dutch ovens, and other seasonal dishware and service wear, consider talking to your movers about placing them in more accessible locations in your house or apartment upon your arrival. Instead of trudging out to the garage or down to the storage closet to find items you packed away last year, they’ll be in your kitchen or dining room, ready to be put into service for the fall and winter seasons.

Set up utilities in advance. There’s nothing worse than arriving in a new place during the chilly, wet fall to find you haven’t set up all the proper utilities like electricity and gas. Often times, waits for new accounts can be several days. Not so great when the temperature drops. So be sure you’re clear on what’s required to setup or transfer your accounts, so that you arrive to a warm, bright environment on day 1.

Moving with Kids

As professional movers, we know how stressful a move can be. When children are involved, it can be heartbreaking – uprooting kids from their schools, homes, and friends can be really hard on everyone involved. But there are plenty of things you can do to decrease stress and help kids adjust to their transition. Here are a few helpful tips:

Stick to real talk. If you’ve moved your child multiple times, this might be extra hard on them. This time, at least, moving is no longer a great unknown. Use that experience to help explain what’s ahead, suggests Dr. Tamar Chansky. Try for a positive spin: “You did a good job with all the changes when we moved to this house. Do you remember that?” If you are faced with shrieks and tears, resist the urge to swear that after this time you will stay put forever. “Remain in the present, and don’t make promises if you’re not sure about the future,” she says.

Preserve stability in other ways. Returning to the same beloved sleepaway camp every summer, arranging just-like-always trips to the grandparents, or enrolling in an activity or sport that kids are passionate about can reassure them that not everything they love is changing.

Give it time. Another move may unleash big feelings, especially if your older child has to leave friends they worked hard to make last time. Be patient as they work through emotions, but continue to set appropriate, positive, and healthy limits. Being mad about being the new kid at school again: fine. Shoving your sister because of it: not fine. Keep an extra-close eye on your child’s adjustment, and check with a school counselor or a therapist if you worry about your child’s coping during this stressful transition.

Hire Professional Movers

With over 20 years of experience in the moving industry, no matter what you need, our dedicated staff is ready to help you move. Call Advance Moving and Storage, Inc. for all of your moving needs in Eastern NC. At Advance Moving and Storage, we are movers in Greenville NC who are here to help you have the best move possible in Greenville, New Bern, Kinston, NC, and surrounding areas. We’re dedicated to making sure you get everything you need on your next move. Large and small moves welcome – whether you’re local, intrastate, or interstate – our courteous, experienced personnel are ready to help.

The post Our Guide to Moving appeared first on Advance Moving & Storage Greenville NC Movers.

1. How long does packing take?
2. How to pack clothing
3. Other tips to pack clothes
4. How to pack your books

How Long Does Packing Take?

No one can give you a definitive answer on how much time you’ll need to get ready for moving day, but the information below should give you a rough idea. You may want to add an extra day or two to your estimate just to be on the safe side, and start planning early. The more time you spend planning and preparing for your move ahead of time, the less stressed you’ll be when it’s actually time to pack your home.

Your Home’s Size

As a starting point, plan on spending one day packing for every room of your home. For example, if you live in a studio apartment, it should take you one day to pack your belongings. If you live in a two-bedroom home, assume it will take you at least three days, depending on the size of the rooms. Add an extra day or two if you’re packing for the first time, and don’t forget to dedicate at least a day to packing the garage.

When calculating the number of days, treat each day as an eight-hour chunk. In other words, if you estimate it will take you three days to pack for your move but only spend four hours a day packing, you’ll obviously need to set aside six calendar days.

Take into account the actual size of your rooms, too. A three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot home will usually require less time to pack than a three-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot home. Even though basic layout may be similar, the larger home likely has larger bedrooms with larger closets and much more stuff.

Your Home’s Contents

The more stuff you have, the more time it is going to take to pack it. As you count the number of rooms, consider what’s in each room. You may only need an hour or two to pack a nearly empty guest room, but the garage—with its cabinets, drawers and shelves—could alone take several days. It just depends on how much you have to pack.

Your lifestyle and interests also factor into determining how much time you need to pack for a move. For example, a minimalist who owns less stuff will have less to move than an avid sports memorabilia collector. The collector will not have only more items to move but those items will require extra attention during the packing process.

Also, consider the number of people living in your house. It may not look like it, but if you have two children sharing a room, they probably have more stuff in that room than one child would. This idea applies throughout the house. For example, if you live alone, you probably own far fewer plates and glasses than a family of four.

Finally, plan on moving taking extra time if you are downsizing since you’ll need to sell, donate, trash or find new homes for the items that won’t fit into your smaller space. This will take time. How much? That depends on how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years and how drastically you’re downsizing.

How Organized You Are

Your move will take less time if you are organized. For example, a craft room with neatly packed totes of supplies will require much less effort to pack than one brimming with scraps and unfinished projects. Take stock of what’s in each room and estimate how long it will take to sort through its contents.

You’ll want to add a day for each unorganized room. Have a bedroom with a mountain of toys and clothes blocking the door? Plan on spending a day going through it and discarding what’s broken or doesn’t fit. What about that “junk” room you always close off whenever anyone visits? Add a day to organize it. You’ll also want an extra day to hold a garage sale or take items to Goodwill once you’ve organized.

Whether You Have Help

With help, you can shave hours or even days off your move time. If you estimate it will take four, eight-hour days to pack your home, divide that in half if a spouse or friend lends a hand. Even if that person only helps for one day, that one day still reduces the amount of time you need to devote yourself to the task.

Depending on your kids’ ages, they can contribute, too. Older kids can almost entirely pack their rooms themselves. Subtract a day off your estimate of how many days you need. You may even be able to enlist them to help with packing other parts of the home and subtract more time. Younger kids can help, too, by sorting through toys or clothes. Whatever they don’t want, you don’t have to pack.

How to Pack Clothing

Step 1: Organize, declutter and launder clothing.

Before you pack your clothing and wardrobe items, you should be sure they are clean and free of stains. Wash all of your things and let them dry completely before folding or hanging them. Resist the temptation to pack stained or damaged seasonal items without having them treated or repaired. Now’s the time to assess your entire closet and leave behind items that don’t make the cut.

Consider the following packing tips:

• Organize clothing by season and family member.
• Create piles of like items and match a packing box with the size of the pile.
• Discard as much unused clothing as possible to avoid packing more than necessary.
• Separate out seasonal clothing that you won’t need during the move.

Step 2: Pack off-season clothing ahead of time.

Once all your clothing is organized, start packing off-season clothing well in advance. This is clothing you won’t be using within three months of your moving date. Label these boxes, so you know that these don’t need to be unpacked right away. If you’re storing them for longer than a couple of months, make sure to protect the garments from moisture and pests.

Step 3: Create a “moving week” box of clothing.

Grab a suitcase, duffel bag or box for each member of your family and set aside a “moving week” wardrobe. After a long move, unpacking could take weeks or even months to complete. Give yourself a cushion by packing clothing you can wear during that first week. Be sure to include all the essentials like enough socks, underwear, and pajamas.Moving is stressful enough. Let us help you!

Other Tips to Pack Clothes

Try these eight other hacks to help your packing go smoothly:

1. Use wardrobe boxes. Hanging clothing should be stored in enclosed boxes or garment racks when traveling a long distance in a moving truck.
2. Leave clothes in their drawers. For clothing within a dresser drawer, consider leaving all clothing in its place and seal the drawers and doors, so they don’t fly open when they’re moved. This technique works best if you have professional movers who are used to moving heavy furniture. If it seems safer, remove the drawers, seal them with plastic, and move them individually
3. Wrap hanging clothes. If you’re moving a short distance, hanging clothes can be piled onto a cart or draped over a box right on the hanger. Just be sure to tie hangers together and move them in groupings of 5-15. Cover each grouping completely with garbage bags or sheets to protect from dust and dirt.
4. Vacuum seal off-season clothes. If you are only packing away your off-season clothing for a short period, consider vacuum sealing to save space during the move. Clothing needs air circulation when being stored for a long period.
5. Pack delicates and shoes separately. It’s important to keep all your delicates and shoes separate from other clothing to prevent damage. Take extra care to wrap silk and other delicate fabrics in tissue paper to add a layer of protection.
6. Create clothing bundles. The bundle packing method makes it easier to move clothes in and out of boxes in an organized way. Lay one large item across a flat surface, like a jacket. On top of this item, layer a smaller piece. Then put an item smaller than that. Once the jacket is full, wrap it around the other clothing to create a bundle. Toss this and other bundles inside a cardboard box with the heaviest on the bottom.
7. Use small boxes: clothing is heavy. It’s tempting to load up a large cardboard box with as much clothing as you can stuff it with. Clothes can get very heavy, which will make a move much harder on your back. Resist this urge and use smaller boxes or totes instead.
8. Use luggage to move a wardrobe. Think of how you pack a suitcase when you go on vacation. To make space, you might roll clothing into small bundles. Use this technique to move your most used clothing.

How to Pack Your Books

Packing books is hard but not impossible. Here are a few tips and tricks to help pack your books in the most efficient and effective way: 

1. Trim your collection. This one is hard, but it’s a good reality check. Are you really going to read all those books? Ask yourself this question and answer earnestly. If you know you’re not going to, donate it! Local schools and secondhand bookshops are always looking for donations. 
2. Work ahead of time! Packing is awful, and books in particular take a lot of work to fit into boxes. If you know you need to move, start packing ahead of time! It will save you time and energy in the near future. Perhaps do one shelf a day for a week? Eventually, you’ll see lots of empty spaces and want to get it all done. 
3. Organize! Store boxes in books based on how you want to unpack them later. That may be by size, color, genre, or alphabetic order. No matter what you choose, however, make sure you stick to that order. Most importantly, LABEL YOUR BOXES!
4. Boxes, boxes, boxes! Make sure the boxes you use are sturdy enough to handle heavy loads. These can be durable boxes from your local grocery or liquor store, or they can be professional boxes that are designed to handle books and heavy weight. Another option is to use plastic totes with lids or your rolling suitcases.
5. Unpack books early. Often when we’re moving, unpacking books can be really daunting. Getting them out of the way is the best option. Out of sight, out of mind! And you can start reading faster!

At Advance Moving and Storage, we are movers in Greenville NC who are here to help you have the best move possible in Greenville, New Bern, Kinston, NC, and surrounding areas. We’re dedicated to making sure you get everything you need on your next move. Large and small moves welcome – whether you’re local, intrastate, or interstate – our courteous, experienced personnel are ready to help. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, no matter what you need, our dedicated staff is ready to help. Call Advance Moving and Storage, Inc. for all of your moving needs in Eastern NC.

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