How To Move Your Antiques,Electronics and Collectibles

Keep it Movin' cares about the safety of your belongings and wants to ensure they reach your destination in perfect condition — especially those requiring special care like your antiques, electronics and collectibles. This page explains how to prepare them for a safe relocation.

Let Keep it Movin' Help
When the Keep it Movin' Representative comes to your home for the first time, point out items that may require special attention. Such items may include fragile porcelains, family heirlooms,valuable antiques and electronics. Decide which items you will pack and which you would like Keep it Movin'to pack.

Our Keep it Movin' representative is knowledgeable about how each piece should be prepared and can instruct you on what needs to be done for the relocation. If you decide to pack some things yourself, we recommend you use the same materials that our packing crews use to ensure maximum protection. These materials include double- and triple-walled cartons, stretch/cushioning wraps, packing tape, fine tissue and kraft paper. These materials can be purchased from our Keep it Movin' at affordable prices.

Keep it Movin' also provides carton labels such as, "Do Not Load," "Load Last/Unload First," "Do Not Pack," "Parts Box" and "Fragile."

If you prefer Keep it Movin' to pack your valuables, our Keep it Movin' crew will arrive with the necessary packing materials. Your relocation services will be scheduled to allow adequate time to pack these special items properly.

What You Should Transport Yourself
We recommends that you transport the following items instead of including them in your shipment, as they are not easily replaceable:

•Fine jewelry (except for minor-value costume jewelry)
•Coins, currency and any other negotiable paper (stock certificates, bonds, notes, etc.)
•Important papers, deeds, titles, bank books, tax forms and similar documents
•Prescriptions and medical/dental records
Larger collections can be safely transported along with your other possessions.

Antiques
Keep it Movin' handles valuable and rare antiques with the utmost care. Here are a few things to keep in mind while Atlas is packing your antiques:

•You have the option of having your antiques crated rather than simply wrapped. Keep it Movin' generally uses wooden crates for delicate pieces such as crystal chandeliers, pool table slates and antiques.
•A custom crate can be built around the piece to ensure correct fit and proper protection.
•Antique pieces can be packed in cartons with padding, stretch wrap and, if necessary, decking in the truck so they are not in contact with other items.
To prepare other items for the packers:

•It is best to secure loose parts of furniture and removable pieces before packing, or make this request of the packers.
•Doors may be secured with rubber straps or strings.
•You may remove delicate handles and tape them inside drawers for safe moving, or ask the packers to do so.
•Glass panels or mirrors can be removed or taped and secured with padding and stretch wrap.
•Any hardware, attachments or components should be placed in plastic bags and labeled with their corresponding pieces. All bags should then be placed in a designated "Parts Box."
Collectibles
Atlas recommends packing delicate collectibles in their original cartons, if possible, for the best protection. However, if these are not available,Keep it Movin' can pack the collectibles in secure boxes and cushion them in bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts.

Here are a few things to remember when packing your collectibles:

•Pack small collectible items like coins, stamps, etc. and transport them with you.
•China, crystal and delicate porcelain should be individually wrapped in fine tissue and placed in specially designed compartment containers with plates standing on edge and stemware in individual corrugated cylinders.
•Pack dolls, figurines, and sculptures as you would any other breakable goods. Wrap them individually in soft tissue or padding and pack in bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts. If necessary, use double-walled cartons.
•Ask your sales representative about packing wine or other perishable collections. Special arrangements may be needed to assure the utmost care while in transit.
•Label all cartons containing glassware and breakables with "Fragile" labels supplied by our representative.
•Anything Keep it Movin' is to pack should be left in its place; it's safer and easier.
•Ask our representative about unusual or hard-to-move collections.
•Prepare a list of your collectibles for your homeowner's insurance policy if you have not already done so.

Electronics
Keep it Movin' can move all your electronic equipment including personal computers and components, big screen TVs, surround sound systems, DVD players, VCRs and stereo equipment. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding transporting these items. Keep it Movin' recommends you use a qualified service provider to properly prepare a plasma TV for transport. our representative can recommend a reputable provider in your area.

The preferred way to move electronics is in their original cartons with the original packing materials. If you don't have the original cartons, pack items in standard boxes that best fit them. Secure items with bubble wrap, paper padding or Styrofoam peanuts.

Before moving your electronics:

•Back up all software used on computers. Older computers may require you to "park" the hard drive as well.
•Disconnect all wiring and cables before our moving crew arrives.
•Draw a simple diagram or color-code wires before disconnecting to make reconnecting much easier.
•Keep all components together and their boxes clearly labeled.
•Pack all wires and cables with their corresponding electronic unit.
•Pack small or loose accessories, like remote controls, with each component or place them in the designated "Parts Box." Indicate this on the inventory list so small parts are not misplaced.
•Complete a list of all electronic components and computer equipment (with serial numbers) prior to moving them, and submit it to your homeowner's insurance company.
•Keep it Movin' is not permitted to take down TV antennas or satellite dishes, but we can arrange to have it done if you wish.

How To Move An Aquarium

The best word on moving fish (and in this discussion, fish includes all aquarium animal life) beyond very short distances, is DON'T. Travel is very stressful on fish, and even with the best precautions, you should expect to lose several. Given this is true, you may want to seriously consider selling off your stock and getting new fish at your destination.

If, given the above, you still want to try to move fish, then the following may help to minimize the pain and loss of fish.

The task of moving fish basically splits into two tasks: moving the tank, and then (later) moving the fish. Do not attempt to move the fish in their tank.

Moving the tank
The main problem in moving the tank is the filtration system. After a very few hours (less than a day) without a flow of oxygen-laden water, aerobic bacteria start to die. This means that if you are moving a short distance (an hour drive or so), it may be possible to preserve your bacteria colony. But beyond that, you'll need to restart the bacteria. (No, bacteria don't die after an hour, but you need to account for tear down, packing, unpacking and setup time — totaling only a few hours.) This leads to the following process:

1.Put your fish in a holding container. (more on that below)
2.Drain your tank. If the move is going to be short, preserve some of the water to help preserve the bacteria colony.
3.Disassemble your tank. Aquarium plants will survive a fair amount of time if their roots are kept wet, so it should be possible to bag them with some water and set them aside for hand-moving. If the move is going to be short, put your filter medium in a sealed container (preferably a never-used pail or other chemical-free hard-sided container) without cleaning it. For long moves, either clean or discard your filter media. Pumps, heaters, etc. can be packed like any fragile appliance.
4.Move your tank. Don't use a moving company or professional packers unless you have absolutely no choice AND you can supervise them packing the tank and loading it in the truck. It's far better to move it yourself.
5.Reassemble your tank at your destination. If you're doing a short move, you should have enough dechlorinated/treated water available on arrival to fill your tank and get water moving through your filter. If you're doing a long move, then set your tank up as if it were a new tank, including a week-long delay before putting fish in the tank. Initially, put in a few hardy fish to get the nitrate cycle established. After the tank is stable, put the fish from your old home back in.
Moving the fish
There are three basic problems in moving the fish:

•Where do you put them while you're moving the tank (a week+)?•How do you pack them?
•How do you support them while they're being moved?
Where do you put them?

Two basic options:

•A friend's tank
•A pet store tank
Some pet stores will, for a fee, board fish during a move. A signed contract, detailing what responsibilities the pet store is assuming, is a very good idea. Some pet stores, for a further fee, will pack and air-ship the fish to you on request. This isn't cheap.

Bear in mind that you'll be leaving the fish there for at least a couple of weeks.

How do you pack them?
For short periods of time (a couple of hours, tops) you can put the fish in sealed bags, half-filled with air. This time-span can be stretched somewhat by filling the bags with oxygen, rather than air. Put the bags in a padded, compartmentalized container, and ship by air. (This is basically how pet stores receive their fish). For larger fish, or longer trips, one can use a sealed bucket for each fish, rather than a bag.

How do you support them on the move?
Fish basically won't eat during the move. They're too stressed. You also don't want to degrade the water quality with the food. Fish can survive a week or so without food if they've been previously well fed.

Try to maintain an even temperature, perhaps by placing the fish in a sealed cooler, or compartmentalized cooler.

For long trips, particularly by car, a battery-powered airpump and airstone is a good idea (if not a must).

After the move, slowly condition the fish to the new tank location, as you would in adding new fish to a tank.

How To Move House Plants

No matter how green your thumb, Keep It Movin' & Storage understands you have worked hard to cultivate your indoor plants. To keep them healthy during your relocation, refer to the tips below and talk to your Sales Representative concerning the best way to transport your plants.

Long-Distance Moves
Like any living thing, plants require special attention. If you are involved in a long-distance move, you will want to transport your plants in a temperature-controlled environment, such as your car. Extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to plants.

According to the "Household Goods Carriers' Bureau Tariff," a carrier is not allowed to accept a shipment containing perishable items, including plants, except when a shipment is moving less than 150 miles and/or delivery will be made within 24 hours. Consult with our Representative before deciding on the best and safest means of transportation.

Trust Our Expertise
When our Representative surveys your overall moving requirements, let him or her know that you will be moving your own plants. Packing materials are available for purchase from our Agent.

If you have questions about the specific care of your plants, refer to the chart on this page to view the 10 most common houseplants. You can also consult a reputable plant publication or your local U.S. Department of Agriculture office.

State Regulations
Some states regulate transportation of certain plants and require a Gypsy Moth Inspection Certificate. Traditionally, California, Arizona and Florida have the most rigid restrictions on bringing plants into the state. Your state's department of natural resources can provide current information about your destination state.

As a general rule, most states require transported plants to be grown indoors in sterilized potting soil — not soil taken from outdoors. You may purchase sterilized soil at your local lawn and garden shop. Read the label carefully to make sure the soil contains the right mixture of loam, peat or sand needed for your particular plants.

If you cannot take your plants along, consider taking cuttings. Simply wrap the cuttings in wet moss and newspaper and place them in unsealed bags. Place bags in a carton and fill in around them with light packing material. The cuttings should survive several days' travel and be ready to take root in your new home.

Preparing For The Move
Now that you've decided which plants will accompany you to your new home, take precautions to help them survive the trip.

Three weeks before moving day:
•Repot plants that are in clay pots into unbreakable plastic containers of the same size; changing pot sizes can be detrimental to some plants.


Two weeks before moving day: •Prune larger plants for better packing and to produce healthy, bushy, compact plants that are more attractive.
•To prune, simply pinch back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger.
•Succulents (e.g., cacti, jade plants) and ferns do not respond well to pruning.


One week before moving day: •Check plants for insects and/or parasites.
•If you use insecticides on your plants, use them with extreme caution and follow label directions.


Two days before the move: •Water your plants normally. In winter months, over-watering may cause plants to freeze. In warmer weather, over-watered plants are subject to fungus growth during transit.


Moving day:
•Pack your plants in the morning or the night before.
•Wrap your large houseplants with an old sheet or tissue paper to prevent branches from breaking.
•Place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly at the bottom. You may use conventional packing cartons, like dish packs, available from our Representative.
•If necessary, use paper around the base to hold the pot in place.
•Punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid so plants can breathe.
•Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids. This will help you avoid loading them by mistake into the moving van.
•If you follow this procedure, your plants will be ready to travel up to three days before requiring further attention.


On the road:
•Load plants as close to your departure time as possible.
•Avoid putting plants in the trunk of your car, if possible, since heat, cold and lack of fresh air can damage the plant.
•In warm weather, make periodic stops in shaded areas and crack a window. Avoid exposing the plants to direct sunlight at all times.
•In cold weather, avoid letting the temperature inside your car become hazardous to your plants. If needed, wrap plants thoroughly with newspaper or paper bags.
•You probably will not have to water your plants during transit. If they seem unusually dry, water them at first opportunity; otherwise, postpone watering until you have arrived at your new home.
•If you're on the road for more than three days, your plants may require light. When staying overnight, it is a good idea to bring plants indoors and open cartons to expose plants to the light.
Arriving At Your New Home
Upon arrival at your new home, unpack your plants as soon as possible. Remove them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking leaves and branches. Try not to move them around too much until they become acclimated to the surroundings.

With the proper attention and care, your plants will flourish in their new home. And you can settle in more comfortably with your favorite plants around to admire and enjoy.

How to Plan for A Successful Moving Sale

You're about to relocate and along with that comes the task of moving all your goods. Now is a good time to decide what you will keep and what you wish to leave behind. A moving sale can reduce the weight of your shipment and the cost of your move. Also, of course, a moving sale can generate additional funds that may offset other expenses.

The key to a successful moving sale is determining what you no longer use, have outgrown or what you can easily replace at your new home. Remember, what may seem worthless to you is another person's treasure.

And who knows, if you haven't sold your home yet, a moving sale may even attract the right buyer!

How To Begin
Ask your family members about items they wish to sell, they may desire to sell more things than you imagined. Or, you might organize a "neighborhood" sale and pool the efforts of other famlies on your street.

When To Have Your Sale
Set a date and a time as soon as you can. Fridays and Saturdays are usually best; however, try to avoid holiday weekends. Establish a rain date if you think it may be necessary. Determine the hours, such as 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many shoppers like to be first in line, so be prepared for early arrivals.

Where To Hold Your Sale
Check with local authorities about restrictions for sales in your area. Once you have a location, decide if the sale will be in the garage, yard or basement. Make sure there is ample parking and space for people to move about.

Publicize Your Sale
A good source of publicity is your local paper. Contact the Classified Advertising department to find out:

•How they calculate costs — by column inches, number of lines or number of words?
•What is the cost to run the ad Friday and Saturday vs Saturday only?
•What is the additional cost for a bold headline?
•What is the deadline for submitting an ad?
Mention the most popular items in your ad, such as furniture, appliances, tools, electronics, etc. Consider including your phone number so people can call for more information about sale items or for directions (this is especially useful if you live in an obsecure area).

Another publicity technique is to display flyers around the neighborhood. Note in large letters the type of sale, date, time and location. You may also place signs in high-traffic areas on the day of the sale with arrows and directions. (Please note that there may be restrictions on the posting of flyers and signs. Your local Chamber of Commerce can assist you should you have any questions.)

Ten Essential Preparations
1.Look at your list of items for sale. Visit secondhand shops, retail stores, etc. to determine prices for each.
2.Record the price on a tag or sticker and place on the item in an easy-to-see location. Use different colored stickers or an identification code on the tags if more than one family is involved in your sale.
3.Start saving shopping bags and cartons to make it more convenient for customers. Have tissue paper or newspaper on hand to wrap glass, knickknacks and other fragile purchases.
4.Bundle or package all sets, groups, or units together so customers know what they are getting. Put loose game pieces in a sealable bag and secure inside the box.
5.Set up the yard, garage or basement so that all "For Sale" items will be separated from items not for sale.
6.Display items in groups according to type, such as kitchen utensils, sporting goods, tools, etc. If possible, hang clothing on a clothesline or rack for easy viewing.
7.Set up a cashier's desk with a calculator, scissors, tape, string, markers, a cash box and plenty of change.
8.Be prepared for the weather to change at any time. Have several large sheets of plastic handy to quickly cover everything.
9.To keep the kids busy, buy a few varieties of soft drinks and bottled water. Ice them down in a cooler the night before. Tell the kids that the money they earn selling drinks is their reward for helping. On a hot summer day, a cold drink will be a welcome relief to shoppers.
10.Assign everyone a responsibility for the day, like cashier, clerk, organizer, etc.
Now You Are Ready For A Successful Moving Sale!

Keep It Movin' & Storage is Going Green

Keep It Movin' and Storage is continuously optimizing ways to be environmentally friendly throughout our operations. Ways in which we operate a green company include:

•All paper products we use are 100% recycled.
•All boxes we can re-use are back on the trucks for the daily moving jobs. Boxes that cannot be re-used are recycled.
•Instead of disposable, non-biodegradable tape, Keep It Movin' is utilizing industrial strength rubber bands to wrap blankets around furniture.
•Keep It Movin'& Storage is constantly replacing our vehicles with newer, more fuel efficient models.
•We recommend that you use environmentally friendly cleaning materials, such as those used by Urban Maid Green a cleaning company we recommend.


How can YOU help?

•Recycle newspapers, aluminum cans and glass bottles. Seek out your community's recycling system and make use of it. On the day of your move we can pick your things for recycling.
•Pay your bills online. Paper bills sent through mail consume trees. Ask us about online payment options.
•Awareness is the most important green tip of all. Inform as many people as possible about these steps for going green.

Do You Need Couple Cheap Moving Boxes?

Who likes to move? It's expensive, time consuming and a bore. On the Green Side- you can de-clutter your life and save money and if done right- recoup some of your moving expenses.
The average home move uses at least 45 assorted boxes- that's alot of boxes going into landfills!


Step 1 Start Collecting
Start saving boxes now ! or you can get
You can get FREE Boxes and wrapping supplies on
◦Craigslist , Freecycle , grocery stores and givingaway.com
Step 2- Eliminate Stuff and Start Cleaning out the Closets
◦Start putting all that stuff you don't need, want or use into boxes- have a garage sale or donate.

◦Save Your Baking Soda, Vinegar and Lemon Juice to use for Non- Toxic Cleaners



Step 3- Moving Companies-
◦Hire KEEP IT MOViN & Storage
◦Our Mover- uses biodiesel fuel
◦Step 4- Cleaning
Use Green Cleaning Products such as Simple Green or 7th Generation
or for Homemade Cleaning products go to Green Eco Services for information on making your own cleaning products from Baking Soda and Vinegar


Don't have enough Boxes consider using any one of the following company:
Keep It Movin' & Storage