In the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys offers a little bit of everything; fine dining, shopping, sprawling neighborhoods, good schools, entertainment. The list goes on, and as a result the area is home to roughly 130,000 people. People move to Van Nuys from all areas of the world, and of the same token, locals find themselves moving great distances to pursue new opportunities. If you’re making a long distance move, to or from Van Nuys, this article has a few helpful tips to simplify the process. The hope is to help you have a more effortless and enjoyable moving experience.

Your Van Nuys Long Distance Moving Tips

• Gather the right packing materials and supplies. The bare essential for any move are packing tape, boxes (of various sizes), packing paper/bubble wrap, moving blankets, and shrink wrap. These items can be found at various places, tape and boxes at a Ralphs, Vons, or Gelsons, where you can buy the tape and try to get the boxes for free after the store is done with them. If you need to buy boxes, you may be able to get them at an office supply store, where you will also be able to pick up tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap. Additionally, you can go to a moving supply store for the moving blankets and shrink wrap, as well as, for most of the aforementioned supplies. Having the right supplies will make it easy to pack properly, and proper packing will keep your belongings safe regardless of how far you’re travelling.

• Pack your TVs/artwork/valuables in moving crates. Properly packing these items will ensure that they are protected for the duration of the trip. Ideally, you should let professional movers construct moving crates for all of these items, but if you’re taking the DIY approach, you will need bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and large cardboard boxes. You will wrap the items in a layer of shrink wrap to protect the exterior of the item. Then layer it with bubble wrap (or packing paper, or an alternative padding material). Provide a solid layer of padding around the item, and then wrap that with shrink wrap to hold it in place. Then cut a card board box, so that you can wrap it around the item. If it doesn’t reach all the way around, use another box to completely wrap the item. Seal it closed with tape, and you’ve created a crate. You can also purchase special padded boxes that are designed for artwork, TVs, etc. For pool tables and pianos, you should definitely consult the professionals, because they will have tools that allow them to safely move those items.

• Don’t pack plants, liquids, or hazardous materials. These are items that you will not be able to move. In some instances, with moving company and/or state/country permission, some of these items can be moved (plants), but generally attempting to move such items is prohibited. Moving companies don’t like to transport plants, because they can die during the transition from the strain of being in a truck or container. Additionally, there are many state laws regarding pests, which prevent citizens from transporting plants over state lines. If you absolutely must take your plants, transplant them in your own vehicle, and always check with the state’s or country’s agriculture department to ensure that they are okay to cross the border. For liquids and hazardous materials, these are things moving companies will not touch because of the issues they present to a move. You should leave these items behind and replace them once you arrive at your new location.

Hopefully these tips will help you as you make a long distance move into or out of Van Nuys. It’s always recommended that you partner with a good Van Nuys long distance moving company, who will have an in-depth knowledge of the area and the industry that will help them work with efficiency. To ensure you find a mover that’s trustworthy and dependable, consult the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the local moving industry. You can also consult the Department of Transportation, which regulates the long distance moving industry.