How To Pack Fragile Items For a Move

Are getting ready to move? Are you using a mover or packing some or all things yourself? Many people like to pack up their fragile items themselves, which is understandable. They usually have sentimental value or are very valuable. The moving experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage in Denver CO put together these tips for packing fragile items before you move.

1. Be prepared. It takes time to pack up valuable crystal, porcelain and other breakables and you don’t want to pack fragile items in a hurry. Start packing fragile items well before moving day.

2. Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need quality, sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, pliable cardboard, scissors and packing tape. You’ll want to work on a large table or flat surface. You might even need an extra pair of hands to wrap large or unwieldy fragile items.

3. Label everything as FRAGILE. This will remind you, your family, your friends or your movers to be careful while handling those boxes.

4. Research how to pack specific fragile items. You pack a flat-screen TV very differently from your grandmother’s china. In all likelihood, you can find great specific information online. You can purchase moving boxes specifically for flat screen TVs and other electronic devices.

5. Pack plates vertically with crumbled paper on the bottom and top. Wrap each plate individually with paper and secure with packing tape. Don’t overpack the box. You can also purchase dish packs from moving companies like Cowboy Moving & Storage.

6. Wrap glassware individually. Use packing paper and place crumpled paper inside the large pieces. Layer spaces around the glasses with paper as well. Try to make sure you minimize the possibility of items moving around inside a box. Put the heaviest items on the bottom of the box with lighter pieces on top of them.

7. Don’t use old towels, small blankets, newsprint or paper towels to pack your fragile items. Invest in the right materials to secure your valuables correctly.

8. When in doubt, have your moving company pack your fragile belongings.

Use a Moving Expert in Denver

No matter where you are moving in Colorado, talk to the moving experts at Cowboy Moving & Storage. They are the #1 Recommended Mover in the state of Colorado. Family-owned and operated since 1968, Cowboy Moving & Storage has helped thousands of families with their moves. They have more than 2,300 five-star reviews on ReviewBuzz and excellent ratings with the Better Business Bureau. Don’t trust your belongings to just anyone. You can get a free estimate by calling 303-789-2200 today.

How to Get Your Home Ready For Winter

In no time at all, Colorado will experience its first winter storm. You’ll build lots of memories enjoying hot cocoa and enjoying family and friends in front of a roaring fireplace. But is your home ready for the colder months? If not, you might end up spending more time shivering under blankets than enjoying a cozy evening. Here are a few tips to make sure you and your home are ready for winter.

1. Get your chimney inspected. How often you use your fireplace will determine how often it should be cleaned, but as a rule you should have a chimney sweep out every 1-2 years. They should remove soot and dust, check for blockages, look for little creatures or birds that may have made a home up there, and determine if any repairs are needed.

2. Put up storm windows and check your weather stripping. Storm windows will keep your home more comfortable and a little cozier in the winter. You can also add thick curtains or drapes over windows to reduce the cold air from penetrating your home.

3. Check your smoke detectors. Makes sure they are in good working order and replace the batteries. Add a carbon monoxide detector if you are using a fuel-burning heater.

4. Have your trees trimmed. Look for trees or limbs that are too close to your home. A bad storm could send them crashing into your home.

5. Get your HVAC tuned up before it gets cold. The last thing you want is for your heater to fail in super cold weather.

6. Wrap your outdoor plumbing and any pipes that are not used frequently.

7. Decide if you are in the right home. Are you tired of shoveling snow and want the convenience of a maintenance-free patio home? Are you fed up with your historic home and want something that can stand up to the cold better? Are you ready to quit renting and buy your first home? If you’ve decided to move, be sure to contact Cowboy Moving & Storage in Denver, CO.

The Recommended Mover in Colorado—Any Time of Year

Cowboy Moving & Storage has been moving Coloradoans since 1968. Family owned and operated, Cowboy Moving has more than 2,300 five-star reviews on ReviewBuzz, and has an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Don’t trust your move to just anyone! Cowboy Moving & Storage thoroughly background checks every employee—and never uses contractors or day laborers. You can trust your valuable belongings to the team at Cowboy Moving.

Six Unexpected First-Time Homebuyer Costs

Are you ready to buy your first home in Colorado? Good for you! Before you start house shopping in the Denver Metro Area, Front Range or Western Slope, you’ll want to make sure you’re financially prepared. Here’s a list of six unexpected costs when you’re buying a home, so you won’t be blindsided.

1. Earnest Money: Earnest money is a deposit on your home purchase application. It lets the seller know you are serious. When the contract goes through, the amount is subtracted from the down payment and closing costs. If it doesn’t go through, you’ll get it back, depending on the contract contingencies. Earnest money is usually 1-2% of the total purchase price.

2. Appraisals: Buyers are usually responsible for the appraisal costs. It’s usually several hundred dollars.

3. Home inspections: Buyers usually pay for inspections. They, combined with the appraisal, ensure the cost of the home is fair and the home is in good condition.

4. Insurance: There are three kinds of insurance: homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance and supplemental insurance. If you put 20% or more down on a home, you won’t be required to buy mortgage insurance. If you need mortgage insurance, you’ll need to pay for a year’s insurance upfront. This can often be rolled into your monthly mortgage payment after the first year’s payment. The amount depends on the home you are purchasing.

5. Escrow Fees and Accounts: You pay lawyers or title company representatives to serve as an independent third party to make sure closing procedures go smoothly and all parties get paid. The fee is usually split between the buyer and the seller. Your lending company may require you to have an escrow account to pay your property taxes and insurance. Make sure you research property taxes before you make an offer on a home!

6. Utilities: When you move to a new town, you often have to pay connection fees for utilities like electricity and gas and setup fees for sewage, trash, recycling, TV, internet, security and more. Talk to your new neighbors to see who they purchase utilities from.

Talk To THE Recommended Mover in Colorado

When you’re ready to set up your move to your new home, be sure to talk to Cowboy Moving & Storage. They are Colorado’s #1 Recommended Mover. They’ve been helping Colorado families and businesses move since 1968. They have a fleet of dependable late-model trucks and vans, teams of moving professionals that have been background checked and all the moving supplies you’ll need for a safe and successful move.

Call 303-789-2200 today.