Expert How-To's for a Better Move

Here are just a few packing tips to get you started:

• Gather your Supplies. Select an area large enough to handle your biggest boxes.
• Pack Room by Room. Pack one room at a time; this will make it easier to stay organized.
• Label Everything. Mark all boxes with room and a box number. (We will provide an official inventory during the loading process).
• Fill Boxes Safely. Use plenty of filling material in boxes; when in doubt, use more.
• Check Box Bottoms. Make sure bottoms of boxes are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Keep it under 50 lbs. Do not exceed 50 pounds per box; it makes moving them a lot easier.

Atlas provides an even more in-depth description of the packing process’ dos and don'ts. Check out the Atlas Van Lines website for details.

Holding a moving sale can not only help you save money, but it will also lighten your moving load, whether it’s you or the professional movers doing the heavy lifting. The Atlas experts provide detailed lists of steps regarding how to hold a moving sale, where and how to advertise for the sale, and tips to make the sale successful. Visit the Atlas Van Lines website to see more.

Apartment moves are very different from other residential moves. Because apartment tenants are required to follow the contracts of their landlords or property manager's, special steps need to be taken to ensure an efficient and painless move. The Atlas Van Lines website provides all of the apartment moving-related details everyone should know, whether they’re moving into an apartment or moving out.

When the time comes to relocate, various costs can slowly add up, which may seem daunting. Not only should you be thinking about costs for during your move, but be thinking about the expenses that come both before and after the move, as well. Visit the Atlas Van Lines website to read through all their cost-saving tips.

Simply stated, there are items you can pack, items the professional movers should pack, and things those professionals simply cannot pack for you.

1. Items we cannot pack or transport: hazardous materials such as acids, flammable items, aerosols, gasoline, and many more. Click here to view the full list of hazardous materials and how to properly dispose of them before you move.
2. Items we will not pack or transport: Perishable items such as frozen, refrigerated or opened food products. Click here to view the list of exceptions for moving perishable items. Note: houseplants are also considered perishable items, so scroll down to No. 9 for how to move plants.
3. Items you should pack and transport yourself: Personal items such as address books, car titles, checkbooks, financial documents, and many more. Click here to view the full list of items you should pack and move yourself.

Remember, the above lists are in place to ensure a safe and effective moving experience for you and our movers. If you have any questions regarding the items listed, please call us at (763) 755-2045 to speak with an expert.

At Ace, we understand that moving art, antiques, and collectibles takes extra care. We know how those valuable items should be packed, handled, and transported to arrive safely at your new home. Before you move, we will come to your home, survey your belongings, and point out items that may need special attention. The Atlas Van Lines website also gives helpful information and tips for packing and moving your most precious items, whether you pack them yourself or we pack them for you.

When it’s time to move, every member of your family should be at ease. Cats, dogs and other animals are especially sensitive to moving. Always remember, the secret to pet relocation is planning. Before you move, make sure you’ve gone through the following checklist to ensure your pet can to move with you:

• State laws
• Local ordinances
• Rental agreements (if applicable)
• Animal health certificates
• Rabies tags
• Permits

The pre-move checklist is only the beginning when moving your pets. Visit the Atlas Van Lines website to learn more about how to properly move your pet.

One of the most unique challenges of moving is transporting a fish tank. Each aquarium has its own unique ecosystem that keeps your fish calm and healthy. The Atlas Van Lines website provides lists for how to prepare the fish and tank before you move, how to protect them on moving day, and how to set up at your new home.

What may be a safe plant in one state may in turn be a hazardous plant in another. Some states have regulations for which plants can cross state lines and which cannot. There are also specific ways to properly prepare your plants to ensure a safe and legitimate move. Click here to learn more about how to move plants, plant care, and plant moving restrictions.

Your precious electronics are not cheap, and we want you to know they are in good hands during the moving process. Before you move, we will help you prepare by coming to your home and surveying the items you wish to move, including electronics. Some items may require special attention such as:

• Personal computers and components
• Tablets
• TVs, DVRs, DVD and Blu-Ray players
• Audio systems

The Atlas website contains important information regarding deinstallation of electronic products for before a move, preparation tips for before the move, and set-up tips for after the move. Check out the the Atlas Van Lines website for details.

If your job requires you to move, you may be entitled to moving expenses tax deductions. In brief, your moving expenses should meet at least three conditions to qualify as tax deductible:

1. Incurred within a year. You incurred the moving expenses within one year from the date you first report to work.
2. Outside 50 miles. Your new workplace is at least 50 miles farther from your previous home than your prior workplace.
3. You work full time. You work full time for an employer in the general vicinity of the new job location for 39 weeks during the 12 months right after your move. If you are self employed, you must also work at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months right after your move.

If you do not meet the work requirements by the filing deadline, you may still get the moving expense tax deduction if you expect to meet the requirements in the next year. Visit the Atlas website for full details.