Ayla and Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

When planning a moving day, there will always be that one unavoidable, unpredictable situation...
The weather.

Moving Made Smooth, Inc. is prepared for all weather conditions and is flexible with scheduling for high temperature in the summer and winter storms. We all want the safest outcome for your move.
​
The best approach to this topic is seasonal, beginning with summer, and then will be broken into sections (you, your movers, and your belongings).

Summer
You (Our Customer)
1.    Wear ventilated, lightly colored clothing to help you stay cool. 2.    Have plenty of water handy. 3.    If possible, you should consider turning the air conditioning on in your new home prior to your move so that it is comfortable before your movers arrive.

Your Movers
1.    Our movers are allowed to take short breaks to drink water. This is a necessary measure to prevent our laborers from succumbing to heat exhaustion. Please be considerate. It is also an OSHA requirement (see link). https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/work_rest_schedules.html
2.    As stated above, it is also beneficial to our employees if your air conditioning has been turned on before their arrival. Thank you!
Your Belongings
1.    Keep in mind, the temperature inside your moving vehicle or storage container will exceed the temperature outside.
2. Do not pack foods because the high temperatures can make them go bad. You should also avoid the use of boxes that contained food or alcohol as they can draw pests.
3. High temperatures can be unforgiving to technology. Be sure to allow these devices to cool before charging or use as they can overheat and become damaged.
4.    Musical instruments often will come out of tune when exposed to a different temperature and, in extreme cases, can be damaged from heat/humidity.
​5.    You may want to reconsider packing any candles or wax product, as these could melt in transit. Also never pack anything that is flammable (you can also see our blog about what not to pack).

Winter
You (Our Customer)
1.   Keep your snow shovel, ice scraper, and salt/sand handy. Have sidewalks shoveled prior to the arrival of your movers.
2.    Have warm drinks prepared. 3.    Dress in many layers; clothes can be removed if you become to warm.

Your Movers
1.    Weather conditions can sometimes slow the progression of movers- i.e. movers having to walk around snow drifts.
2.    Our employees may need to take short breaks in order to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Please be considerate.
3.    Moving Made Smooth, Inc. provides neoprene runners (floor runners) to prevent our employees from tracking mud, snow, and water around your dwelling.

Your Belongings
1.    Remove all batteries, cords, disks, and accessories from your technology before packing as any moisture or temperature change can be detrimental to these items.
2.    If you are moving any items into storage, you may want to consider using desiccants (moisture removing substances). This is especially a good idea if you are storing any clothing, technology, furniture, or appliances. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stack-On-Safe-n-Dry-Desiccant-10-Pack/14707414
3.    Be sure to turn off all electronics and appliances several hours before your move, as sudden changes in temperature can crack screens and damage moving parts in appliances. Technology can be stored in cold temperatures as long as it is not turned on. These must also equilibrate to room temperature before being used or charged.
4.    Be sure all appliances (washers and fridges with water lines) are drained (see our appliance blog to see how). Appliances need to acclimate to room temperature for 24 hours before using or plugging it in. The oil that lubricates the moving parts gums-up in the cold and if the appliance is used immediately it can damage these parts.
5.    Be aware that wood and glass are sensitive to temperature changes and can crack or warp.

For more helpful advice on moving during the winter months, check out the links below:
http://moving.about.com/od/youremovingnowwhat/a/Tips-For-Moving-In-Winter.htm

Ayla and Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

You're renting a truck for your move and you took some time measuring some of the large items, thinking these will take up the most space. This is actually the easy part.

Look into all the storage and closet spaces. Estimating how many boxes you intend to use. Determine what you are keeping in the garage or shed. Please consider selling, purging, and discarding any old or unnecessary items. Think about the space, hassle, and cost to move semi-important items. Stay practical.

Now, let's get to truck sizes. Small rental trucks (10' to 12') are recommended only for very small living spaces like a studio apartment. It is sometimes more cost effective to rent a medium truck (14', 16', or 17') rather than a small one because rental companies often have more inventory of the medium (and will cost the same or less). Smaller trucks also have wheel wells that take up cargo space. Medium trucks are generally suggested for 1-2 bedroom apartments or small homes. A 17' or 20' truck will move a 2-3 bedroom dwelling. Large trucks (20', 22', 24', or 26') work best for single family and town homes. 24' and 26' trucks are recommended for 3 or more bedrooms. Remember: when in doubt, get the next bigger truck! During an in town move, this rule could save you a return trip, 3 extra hours, gas, and mileage. On an out of state move this can be devastating and no one wants to experience that. If you need further instruction please see our helpful links below.

General truck rental advice:
http://www.mymove.com/resources/moving/moving-shipping/how-to-rent-a-moving-truck-myths-vs-facts.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_8410598_calculate-size-uhaul.html http://moving.about.com/od/movingityourself/qt/renttrucksize.html

Specific truck rental advice:
http://www.elitemovinglabor.com/blog/view/53-what-size-rental-truck-do-i-need

Ayla with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

Moving Made Smooth, Inc. reserves the right to deny service if our laborers will be subject to unsafe or unsanitary conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to hoarding, pests, animal feces, mold, fungus, asbestos, fiberglass, water damage, rubbish/trash, etc. Our laborers also will not load/unload a truck at a location where the customer does not possess the keys. This practice is illegal.

If you need help cleaning-up after hoarding or otherwise unsanitary conditions in a household we suggest using the links below:

For hoarding, crime/trauma scene, unattended death, infectious disease, or tear gas:
http://www.traumatechs.com/services/hoarding?gclid=Cj0KEQjwx4yfBRCt2rrAs- P5vtkBEiQAOdFXbSEiS4TtZmcgePhrYuCch7aFCVoquG7Fn3HKtdoh25gaAlWg8P8HAQ

For mold or water damages:
http://www.maximprocleaners.com/

For pest control:
http://www.prestox.com/your-local-office/nebraska/omaha/index.html http://omaha.crittercontrol.com/

Ayla and Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

If you have valued antique furniture, fine art, or any items of priority or value, we recommend looking into moving insurance for them. Without insurance these items will be counted as household goods and not carry their unique value during transport.

To ensure that all of your valuables are covered under an insurance policy that reflects the item's true value, Moving Made Smooth, Inc. suggests purchasing a moving insurance plan. You may also want to check with your homeowner's policy to see if there is coverage during any part of your move. There are coverage options available (through the links below) to reputable moving insurance companies for moving trucks, storage units, moving containers, and fine art.

Moving Insurance Providers:
http://www.relocationinsurance.com/ also a link to their review on the Better Business Bureau's website, http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/insurance-companies/moving-insurance- in-arnold-mo-310421846

We have also provided a link to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this can answer any questions you may have about moving responsibility (Subpart B, section 2):
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/375appendix-part-375