Cross-Country Roommate Moves:

About Chandeliers

Of all lighting fixtures, none create an atmosphere of class, grace, and elegance quite like a chandelier. Chandeliers are the ultimate in ornamental lighting, with sprawling branched supports for multiple lights and designed to be hung from the ceiling. Originally designed as candelabras, to hold candles, more modern chandeliers obviously make use of electronic lighting with incandescent bulbs as well as fluorescent lamps as well as LEDS.

Chandeliers are made from a variety of materials including brass, silver, gold, and most commonly, glass. Classic design chandeliers utilize hanging crystal prisms from which to illuminate a room utilizing refracted light. Smaller chandeliers may be used in bedrooms or living spaces, while larger variations are commonly installed in the grand rooms for theatre lobbies, houses of worship or even business establishments looking to convey a touch of elegance.

Utilizing chandelier lighting adds sophistication and classical ambience to any space, but such luxuries are not inexpensive and moving them from one location to another can be a risky endeavor indeed. Once you have invested in a chandelier, you will no doubt want it to be properly maintained so that it may be handed over to future generations.

Moving a Chandelier

We understand the importance of moving a chandelier safely and securely, so here are a few tools of the trade designed to make sure your chandelier(s) arrive safely at their new location.

Proper Prep

As with any moving project, proper preparation prevents inferior performance. Preparing your chandelier for its move consists of three straightforward steps.

1. Power down the chandelier. While this should go without saying, you would be surprised at just how often such a simple and obvious step gets overlooked. You need to make sure that the power to the chandelier is turned off before you make any attempt at disconnecting or dismantling the unit. Because chandeliers are so often wired in like much of the rest of your home’s lighting, you should consult an electrician to come out and make sure that the power current has in fact been cut off. The last thing you or your family or friends need is a nasty electrical shock.
2. Remove anything removable. Chandeliers are rarely one-piece affairs, but rather a collection of smaller pieces working together. These include all the bulbs, crystals, shades, and any and all other adornments that make up the unit. If it is possible to secure these pieces to the chandelier close to the area where they belong, utilize wrap, tape, or foam to do exactly that. If you cannot do so, have a box designated for them, one that is clearly marked for future reference. You may also want to video record the partial disassembly of the chandelier so that you have a reference point when it comes time for reassembly. Keep in mind what you are working with, and you do not want to take shortcuts, because that increases the likelihood that something eventually gets broken.
3. Bag and box. Keep careful track of all bolts, screws, chains, wires, and any other extraneous components that you remove from your chandelier. These items should similarly be placed in a bag or box, clearly labeled. If there are hanging parts that simply cannot be removed, that are not designed to be separated from the chandelier, use zip ties to securely fasten them down for transport.

The Main Thing

As for the main body of the chandelier itself, it is important to securely wrap each and every connected piece. This will make sure that they do not knock against each other during the move. Use high quality wrap for this part of the process and wrap each section one at a time. This means every arm, every scroll, every crystal, etc…all should be entirely covered in paper or wrap and fastened down to the chandelier body using packing tape. It will be a slow and tedious process but trust us it will be worth it.

Once the body of the chandelier has been secured in a layer or two of bubble wrap, it should be placed in a large garbage bag filled with Styrofoam peanuts for an added layer of protection.

Proper Containment

At this point, the chandelier will need to be placed in a secure container, ideally a wooden crate with a clearance of at least four inches on each side. Those four inches allow for the installation of cushioning materials. The container you choose should be sturdy and durable, and preferably with an interior lining to prevent the chandelier from moving while traveling and in the event of sudden stops or lane changes, all of which have the ability to shift anything being transported. You can use additional bubble wrap or even moving cloths to soften the sides of the box.

Now for the pieces, they need to be boxed up separately and similarly protected. So much of a chandelier’s construction is fairly fragile, so you want to take the time to make sure each element is properly cared for and stowed securely. Smaller pieces can be bagged and placed in the same container as the chandelier, but if shared boxing is not an option, simply make sure the pieces are labeled, and you know where they are supposed to go when all is said and done.

We have touched on this already, but make sure all containers are properly labeled, not only with what room that are to go to but also what is inside, as doing so helps you more efficiently organize the unloading and unpacking that will happen at your destination.  Make liberal use of the phrases “Fragile” and “This Side Up,” because if something can be damaged, it will.

The Day of The Move

When it comes to actual transport, make sure you have at least a couple of helping hands to collaborate with you on actually maneuvering the chandelier from your home to the transport vehicle, ideally using a dolly or hand truck to take most of the weight. Make sure the container is securely fastened down using ratchet straps. Along the way, stop and check that your chandelier, among the other items in transport, has remained secure and not come loose while on the road. Once you are at the other end of your journey, again secure the help of friends to move the chandelier into your new home and install it correctly. It is always advisable to take videos or pictures of the process to aid in the reassembly later on.

Done correctly and in order, your chandelier will be able to bring light and joy to your home and family for many years to come.

The Video Revolution

Video arcades became all the rage in the 1970s and 80s, with at least one springing up in virtually every small town in America. Over time, the popularity of these entertainment venues waned, and the games seemed to vanish into thin air. Later on, it became fairly obvious that many of them, having survived their tours of duty in the video arcade circuit, ended up in basements and man caves all across the country.

Having a home video arcade is an enjoyable hobby that allows you to relive those glory days, but without the burden of making sure you have an ample supply of quarters. Many folks end up collecting more than one, with some residences having more to offer in the way of video games than most commercial arcades of the era.

Planning Your Move

If you are contemplating a long distance move, you will of course want to take your video arcade collection of games along with you, and there are several steps you need to take, in the proper order, to make sure that everything arrives at the other end in good working condition and ready to be enjoyed for many more years to come.

Here is our guide to moving a video arcade.

1. The first thing you need to do is plan your route, and that route starts with the room the video arcade is in. Take measurements of all of the games you will be transporting, as well as any and all doors, stairways, and other passages through which the video games will be passing. You have to make sure everything will fit and make arrangements to disassemble or partially disassemble any machines that may require it.
2. Secondly, determine how you plan to move the units. Will it be by hand? Will you use a dolly or a hand truck? Do you have the help required to manage machines that may weigh several hundred pounds and become quite awkward and hard to handle? Do you have a vehicle capable of accommodating all of the machines in your collection? And lastly, what does the path into your new home look like (considering similar measurements of doors and passageways)?
3. Clean your games thoroughly using furniture and glass cleaner and microfiber cloths. Do this after the machine has been unplugged, as you do not wish to have any staticky discharge. If you must disassemble or partially disassemble the machines, make sure to take plenty of pictures or video to document the process and help with reassembly at the other end. Place all loose pieces in a bag or box labeled to correspond with the machine they came from and keep those parts with the machine if at all possible.

If you are moving a pinball machine, be sure to remove the balls as well as taping the flippers down and removing the legs if possible (refer to our complete article on pinball machine transportation insert link).

• We have already mentioned the route the machines will have to take. Inspect that route before moving any of the machines and do a final check of all measurements and clearances. Failure to do so means that you could strike the machine against a wall or door jamb, damaging the wall or door as well as causing damage to the video game itself. Keep in mind that some clearances may require the removal of doors and hinges, so you should do this, again, prior to the move. Lastly, inspect for any obstacles along the path that may trip or be fall risks. You do not want to risk a fall with a 500 pound machine.
• Shrink wrap is recommended for pretty much any large item in any move, but for video arcade games, you want to consider heavy duty cling wrap. This protects your machine from damage without adding a great deal of extra bulk. Do not use any sort of adhesive tape on the surface of the video arcade game as this could seriously damage the finish or artwork on the game console itself.
• If the machine is too heavy to move using regular labor, make use of a dolly with ratchet straps and a ramp as this will make the transport much easier. And it bears repeating, always ask your friends for help. There is something about moving a video game that seems to bring out a few more volunteers.
• Once you have the video arcade game outside the house, it is time to pad it up. Keep the machine upright and placing it on its side or back could cause damage to the unit, with the delicate pieces and computer chips that make up the inner works of any video arcade game. Use moving blankets to wrap the machine securely and tighten those blankets with more straps or bungee cords.
• When you place the game into your moving truck or on your trailer, again, store upright, securing the machine to the wall using ratchet straps to provide stability and reduce the chances of shifting during transport due to sudden stops or last second turns. Depending on the length of the journey to your new home, stop every so often and check the status of the straps, making sure nothing has come loose, and that the unit is not making any unwanted moves back there. Getting to your destination and discovering that a unit has been damaged in transit would be most discouraging.
• Once you have arrived at your destination, remove the video arcade games from the moving truck. Again, inspect the path leading to their new room in their new home and check measurements and look for obstacles. At this point, you can move the game into the home and perform any needed reassembly that is required. The last step in the process is to plug the machine up and verify that it is in good working order.

In Conclusion

Home video arcades can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family, and planning your move ahead of time and seeing to the devil in the details will go a long way towards making sure that you and yours can continue enjoying them for many years to come!

Pianos are commonly found in many households and businesses across the United States. They are also notoriously difficult pieces to move without incurring some sort of damage due to their size, weight, and fragile nature. They are also extremely expensive to repair, much less replace, so any time a piano needs to be relocated, it should be done only after the most judicious and detailed planning and preparation have been executed.

In this article we will look at the best standards and practices for moving several styles of piano. But first, as with any moving project, let us examine the preparation needed for such a job.

Measurements and Planning

• You will need to map out your path of movement both in the current location and the subsequent destination. Move furniture and other items out of the path and remove any doors if extra room is needed.
• Measure the piano as well as the hallways, doors, and other entry or exit points. Make sure you have sufficient clearance at all times. This is not a problem you want to discover as you are moving the piano.
• Lay down floor protection. A piano is very heavy and could leave marks or scuffs on hardwood flooring.
• Use a ramp for any stairs or steps that may be involved in the move.
• Secure assistance. It may take up to four men to securely and safely maneuver a piano.
• Due to the weight of the piano, always wear closed-toed shoes, gloves and back belts.

Your Moving Supplies

Have all of your supplies on hand before beginning the move. Again, you do not want to halt the process because you do not have what you need. And what you will need to do this safely are:

• Moving blankets
• A dolly or hand truck
• Lifting straps
• Tie down straps (ratchet variety)
• Packing tape
• Work gloves

Transporting an Upright Piano

Upright pianos are smaller and easier to maneuver than their grand or baby grand counterparts. You need to make sure the keys and pedals are well protected, and you should begin by placing the lid over the keyboard and securing it in place with packing tape. The pedals should be wrapped in stretch wrap and again secured with tape. Then wrap all sides of the piano with moving blankets to protect both the piano and your walls.

Upright pianos weigh between 6090-1500 pounds, so use lifting straps to lift the piano and place it on your dolly, then roll to the moving truck and use ratchet straps to tie it down securely. It is advisable to load your piano in the truck first, as this helps balance the load and will help protect the piano from damage.

Transporting a Grand Piano

Grand pianos are a completely different proposition altogether, in that they have to be disassembled for transport, making them much more time-consuming than an upright piano. You will want to take detailed notes or pictures or video of the disassembly to assist you in reassembling the piano later on.

The first thing to do is to lower and secure the top lid and then begin to remove the piano legs and pedals. Store the legs and pedals in a box, clearly labeled for easy access later. Wrap the entire piano with moving blankets and secure with packing tape and do the same for the legs and pedals.

Make sure you have assistants on each side of the piano before attempting to move it. Using lifting straps, lift the piano simultaneously and place it on a pair of dollies. Grand pianos will likely require more than one dolly due to their size and shape. Roll the piano onto your moving truck and place it against the back wall, secured with tie down straps.

Can You Move a Piano On its Side?

Yes, as long as it is done carefully. In fact, turning it on its side may prove invaluable when navigating narrow doorways or turns in hallways. The piano should not be left on its side for very long; moving will often knock them slightly out of tune and leaving them on their side may exacerbate the problem. Stant the piano back upright as soon as you can.

Procedures for moving a piano on its side are roughly the same as listed above. Use plenty of moving blankets, have several folks to assist, and place the piano near the back of the moving truck.

Arriving at Your Destination

While transporting the piano, make plans to stop every so often and check on the unit, making sure it remains securely tied down and not at risk of any damage.

Once you have arrived at your new location, the piano will need to be moved into its new location and reassembled (if needed). Take your time, as pianos are heavy items and moving them between houses and through rooms can be somewhat cumbersome. If you have to go up or down steps, make use of a metal ramp. Do not be surprised if it does require at least some minimal tuning. It does not take much to knock a piano out of tune. If possible, wait several weeks before tuning to allow the piano time to “settle.”

Wipe the piano down with furniture cleaner to remove and dust or debris that may have accumulated.

Conclusion

Of all the elements of a long-distance move, getting your piano there in one functional piece may very well be the most challenging part. However, with proper planning, the right equipment, and some enthusiastic assistance, there is no reason that you cannot successfully move your piano and continue creating beautiful music in your new abode.

Of course, if all this sounds like a bit more than you would like to have a go at it on your own, professional long-distance movers have the experience, skills, and tools to guarantee a successful move.

The Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking is a fun and adventurous recreational sport enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Whether you are paddling calmly around the local mill pond, or facing down the rapids DELIVERANCE style (no, wait, those were canoes) …either way, kayaking is an enjoyable pastime for the whole family. Many folks opt to own their own kayaks instead of renting them, and some kayakers will tell you they get pretty close to their chosen kayak in a way not unlike car enthusiasts gush over automobiles. So, when you find yourself having to move, it is inevitable that your beloved kayak is going to go with you. If you have never moved a boat before, this is how you do it!

            Planning, Planning, Planning

As with any project, proper planning will always result in a more efficient outcome. Waiting until the last minute, throwing your kayak on the roof of the car or truck and tying it down wherever the ropes go through the windows may sound good, but ultimately will fail in its execution.

            All Aboard!

Place the kayak atop whatever vehicle is carrying it, using cross straps to secure it to your racks. You can also attach the bow and stern lines but leave them somewhat slack until you are actually ready to go. Tightening them down too soon could actually warp the kayak itself, which would ultimately make for a none too pleasant journey later on!

You also wish to use a cockpit cover, as this not only prevents foreign matter from getting into the seating area but can actually increase the aerodynamics (and fuel mileage) by preventing the kayak from scooping in the air as you go down the road. Some kayaks have even been known to fly off their transport vehicles if enough wind force is exerted upon them. These covers are very inexpensive and will provide safety and fuel efficiency when used properly.

            Front, Bow! Back, Stern!

When securing the kayak for transport, always use the bow and stern lines. This is designed to keep your kayak from shifting sideways and making its best impression of an airplane wing. Kayaks are hydrodynamically engineered, not much different from aerodynamics, as they are meant to move through the water efficiently. This can become a problem if the kayak is not properly secured, as a sudden stop could turn the kayak into an airborne missile. A person standing in the wrong place could get hurt. Use bow and stern lines of the ratchet variation for the most secure and dependable results.

            Check Those Lines

Once you are secured and on the road, periodically stop and check those lines to make sure they are still properly tightened down. Things have a habit of shifting or working loose during transport and just giving them a cursory check whenever you stop for food, gas, or bathroom breaks will help ensure that you do not have any surprises on the way to your new destination.

            Inspection!

Even if you aren’t facing a move, a periodic inspection of your tie down gear will make sure that they are always in proper working order and ready the next time you need to transport your kayak, either for a major move or just a trip to spend the day on the lake. As with any sport, you want to keep your equipment in top working condition.

            Take Your Time

We have already established that a kayak could become a formidable force if suddenly projected through the air. Do not be in such a hurry during your move. Driving slower makes it much less likely that you will have to stop quickly or make sudden turns or other maneuvers, any of which could serve to loosen the kayak from the top of your vehicle, making it susceptible to falling off. Any time you are powering a load, take it a little slower and be careful.

            Use A Caution Flag

In some place this may be the law, but it is always a good idea to affix a caution flag to your kayak, as it will no doubt hang pretty far over the front and back of your vehicle, and you do not want anyone getting close enough to risk a collision. Kayaks have very narrow profiles from front and rear, and may be difficult to see, but that red caution flag should be enough to catch anyone’s attention.

            Rule Number One – Obey All Rules

Some states may have other laws pertaining to the transport of kayaks, so always familiarize yourself with them and make sure you are in compliance. Many states require three points of contact between the kayak and the transport vehicle, so you might want to go that extra mile and have four. Just to be on the safe side.

            Of Course There Is Always the Old-Fashioned Way

If you are looking at a long-distance move, and do not want to have your baby riding piggyback for hundreds of miles, there remains the option of packing the kayak into your moving vehicle and transporting it that way. In fact, you may be able to utilize the cockpit area for additional smaller items.

Just make sure you afford enough room in your moving vehicle to accommodate the kayak and use enough ratchet straps to fully secure it to the wall or floor of the vehicle. The last thing you want is the kayak banging around in the back like a BB in a box car.

Of course, when you arrive at your destination, have some space designated for your kayak to occupy, somewhere that you can easily retrieve it when you are ready for some fun.

            Summary

Moving, even long-distance moves, do not have to be trying, nerve wracking experiences. With proper planning, they can be a fun and rewarding adventure. Perhaps not as adventurous as riding the rapids, but an enjoyable process, nonetheless. So, take the proper time and effort to make sure everything is done right, and enjoy your kayaking adventures in your new area of the country!