When Should You Start Packing Before Moving to Los Angeles from NYC?

Okay, a move of any type is a major project, and one that can easily become stressful if not properly coordinated and executed. But a long-distance move from the bright lights of New York City to the balmy West Coast of Los Angeles can be even more so. It becomes important to not only know how to plan your move, but when.

There are a number of factors that go into a coast to coast move of any sort, with numerous variables that need to be taken into consideration. You should consider the costs, the coordination, and the timing of the move. Through careful preparation, though, your coast-to-coast move can be an exciting and enjoyable project.

For starters, coast to coast moves are rarely DYI options. The level of packaging and the logistics of a coast-to-coast move are simply more than even the handiest among us would want to take care of. When you consider the distance involves, the unusual terrain such as mountains, valleys, possible snow and ice and other factors that have to be navigated, it becomes of the utmost prudence to hire a qualified, experienced long distance moving provider, one who can take the reins from the get-go and see the project through to its conclusion. Professional movers can handle all aspects of your moving project with efficiency because they are well trained and have done this a time or two.

Professional movers also provide insurance coverage for the items they transport, which means peace of mind, and it is infinitely more affordable than hiring a rental truck and trying to oversee all of the organization yourself. And by affordable, we not only mean monetarily, but also the peace of mind in knowing everything will be done correctly, the first time.

While there is no hard and fast rule for exactly when you should start packing for a Los Angeles move, the conventional wisdom would suggest that you begin, to some degree, once you know for sure that this is a move you are going to be making. We recommend making out a checklist divided by the weeks and days available to you ahead of the move, and then sticking to that schedule as best you can. Starting with small rooms first, then moving on to the bigger things, by the time your moving day arrives, you should have everything packed up and ready to go. If you want a fixed answer, we suggest allowing a minimum of two months to have everything done. Such a time frame will prevent any exasperation and stress in the final days leading up to the move.

Allowing plenty of time for your west coast move also allows you to research and hire the best moving company, as well as looking for any deals that may be out there for packing supplies, en route lodging, meals, and other expenses that you are going to incur along the way. You might also want to consider the time of year in which to move, as some companies offer discounted rates in what they consider their “off season.”

It goes without saying that you need to have an end goal in mind. Are you moving to a new house? An apartment? A condominium? Finding the perfect home tops the list of things to do when planning your west coast move. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options and costs when considering a move to LA.

You should also calculate a moving budget. Moving long distance often means long hours on the road, hotel stays, a lot of eating in roadside restaurants. Have an idea what those few days en route are going to cost you and provide for that as a part of your moving budget.

Pack ‘Em Up!

Take the time leading up to the move to properly downsize. You are not going to bring everything with you to your new location, nor should you. Downsizing, eliminating all of those non-essential items, means you ultimately spend less time and money transporting those things that you will most likely never use again. Lose the clothes you have not worn in more than a year, or the books you no longer read. If your kitchen appliances are older than ten years, they probably are not worth moving. Just replace them when you get where you are going.

Again, taking the proper time to get everything packed means that you can do so carefully and methodically, as opposed to quickly and recklessly. Pack fragile items on their own, away from less fragile items, and use enough packing paper or bubble wrap to protect them over the course of the move. These items should be packed firmly, but gently.

You can also use old sheets and towels to protect furniture and larger items from damage, chips, or dings. Make sur everything stays dry, as climates tend to change drastically from coast to coast, because it does not take a lot of time for mold to set in, and that is the last thing you want to find as you arrive at your LA destination. You can carry a dehumidifier with you and turn it on once you arrive.

Move ‘Em Out!

As you can see, there is much to do, so the time to start planning for your move from New York to Los Angeles is now! The more you can do to prepare, and the earlier you can do it, only serves to create fewer problems when the moving day arrives. At California/New York Express Movers, we have the skills and experience needed to make your Los Angeles move an amazing experience. We will manage all aspect of your move from the first box packed to the last one in the door of your new home. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact our office today to get your Los Angeles move underway.

Shipping household items internationally is very common, however only about 10% are shipped internationally by air.  

Shipping by air can get your items to your international destination in just a few days, unlike international shipping by sea, which takes weeks, sometimes up to a few months.  

How much does international air freight cost? 

Cost to ship internationally by air varies, depending on the type of cargo that is being shipped, and the available space on the plane. It’s far more costly than shipping by sea, but if it’s speed and reliability you’re after, this is the way to go. To compare rates, prepare an inventory of what you’ll be shipping. Knowing sizes is helpful to get a more accurate estimate of the cost. Additional costs will include: Fuel surcharges, security surcharges, and airport transfers. The price can also increase for door-to-door service.  

Why is air cargo so expensive? 

The high costs to ship by air are due to the larger fuel consumption of a plane, and the operational costs.  

What cannot be shipped by air? 

While most items can be shipped by air, some items cannot. The reason is that some things can become extremely hazardous during the flight, this is due to the changing pressures. Items that cannot be shipped include: explosives of any kind, flammables (solids & liquids), toxic & infectious items (pesticides).  

Depending on where you’re moving, whether it’s a local or long distance move, it’s important to plan what to do with the food in your kitchen.  

Can I pack food when moving?  

Non-perishable foods can be packed and moved. If you do pack these items, consider carefully which ones to take, and make sure they’re packed securely. If you’re moving long distance and have opened packets of flour, sugar etc., cans or glass jars of food, it’s best to discard or give away these items and purchase a new supply once you’re in your new home. These items can get heavy and potentially messy if not packed correctly.  

How do I keep my food cold while moving?  

If you’re moving locally, items that require refrigeration, perishables, can be moved. Make sure they’re transported in a cooler and remain at low temperatures. If you’re wondering, can I move my freezer full of food? You cannot! Freezers must be emptied and unplugged prior to the movers arriving.  

How do I eat all food before moving?  

If you know your moving date, it helps to plan meals and use what food you have. Naturally, the perishable items need to be used before they spoil. If there’s more food than you and your family can eat prior to moving day, consider inviting guests to come and eat with you, even if it means eating on paper plates. Non-perishable foods that haven’t expired can be donated.  

The Internet can be used to plan your entire move from start to completion. With everything and everyone available online, using the Internet to coordinate a move can be a simple and stress less experience. 

How do you make a moving plan?  

Using the internet to create a moving plan is easy and efficient. There are some great moving apps available to help keep your move organized, which is essential to a successful move. Some moving apps are free and can be used on both Android and IOS devises. While creating your moving plan, you can simultaneously start researching moving companies and collect estimates, all through the internet. If you need to sell anything prior to moving, there are different online platforms where you can sell almost anything. To donate items, just go online and schedule a pick up. If you’ll be renting or purchasing a new home, check out some of the great resources such as Zillow, and craigslist to find a suitable property.  

When should you schedule internet when moving?

Making sure you have internet in your new home is important, and should be included as a task on your moving plan. You’ll want to schedule the installation and set up appointment a few weeks prior to arriving at your new home. If you’re moving to a new city, or state, research who is the best internet provider so that you get the best service.  

Knowing how to safely lift and move heavy items can help avoid serious injury from happening on moving day. Common injuries that occur during the moving process include back and knee injuries, strained muscles, and broken bones in the hands and feet.  

How should you avoid injuring yourself when lifting and moving? Firstly, know how to use your body correctly, so there is no strain. This means lifting with the legs, not the back, which generally takes all the weight, causing back injury. The right tools and equipment should be used, especially if you are doing a DIY move. If you’re hiring a moving company to transport your belongings, they will provide all equipment, and come with fully trained movers. Know your limits, and take breaks when needed. The risk of injury increases when tired.  

What is the correct way to lift heavy objects? Start by bending at the hips and knees, so that you’re in a squatting position and are able to hold the item close to your body. Begin straightening your legs while lifting. It’s important not to lift heavy objects above shoulder level or twist your body while lifting and moving heavy objects. If you don’t have help, how do you move heavy objects by yourself? Use the same principals as already mentioned, correct use of the body when lifting, and moving equipment: furniture dollies, moving straps, and furniture sliders.