AVL – Let's Get You Moving California!

A Moving Plan
If you are moving your residence by yourself packing is the first thing that comes to your mind. To ensure that there is no damage during the transit professional packing is a must. If you are packing it by yourself, you can buy boxes, cartons and other professional packing materials and spend a day or two and finish the packing. If you want the packing done by our professionals, you can opt for the same. We are happy to provide full service packing, where we pack up your entire house or office, or we pack specific items that you request on a case-by-case basis. As always, the free moving blankets are provided to wrap your furniture to ensure that it is protected in transit. And in local moves we provide free hanging wardrobe boxes to handle your hanging wardrobe for you. Once you get a tentative idea for your move date, just give us a call to get the process going. Having an exact move date is not necessary to finalize the move. We are very flexible, and even when you have locked in your move date, we can go ahead and change that up to 2 days before the move. The main thing is to plan as far ahead as possible, to cover all of the bases and be assured that you have the most accurate quote with the best possible rate and precise services that you require. We can provide an accurate quote through an inventory of goods being moved, by email or over the phone, or through an in-home visual estimate, depending on your area. Or we can determine an estimate, based on your number of bedrooms or size of your storage unit. Local moves are priced by the hour and long distance moves are quoted by the weight. In a long distance move, if we are not able to acquire an inventory we weigh your items at pick up and charge you only for the precise weight, if it is lower than the estimate or higher. Our professionals are available to streamline your move based on your specific needs. We are here to help. So, don’t wait to get an exact move date before giving us a call. You do not need all of your ducks in a row to get the process started. Call us today and let’s get you moving at: 1 888 668 3068.

Moving Basics

Moving Education and Resources

At AVL, it is our duty to provide you with a wide variety of moving resources for different stages of your move. We offer a form of moving education to keep you well-informed about the moving process and what it entails. We pride ourselves on our customer satisfaction, and providing you with many moving resources and offering a moving education is part of ensuring our customers are happy.

Make Use of Our Resources for Moving

AVL's moving resources are here for you to call upon at any juncture in your move. So whether you are preparing to pack or qualifying a loan, our moving resources are at your disposal. We provide you with an unparalleled moving education so that you are fully equipped in knowledge and tools for your relocation.

Examples of AVL's Resources for Moving

We have a variety of moving resources for our valued customers. From video tutorials to calculators, we have the tools to provide you with the moving education you need. Our moving videos can take you through some useful moving information, as well as guide you through process of moving - from the pre-move to unloading. These moving videos offer you a visual tutorial of what to expect when moving. AVL provides a reference to community information for your new area. You can search by the state and zip code, and you will be provided with information about that area, such as school information. This tool is great if you want to research a location before you actually arrive to your new residence. Educating yourself about your new area is one of the best ways to prepare you and your family for the relocation. As a part of our moving resources, we also provide our customers with moving terminology and mortgage calculators. You can find information about Your Rights and Responsibilities as well, in our moving education section. We have a vast pool of information for our customers' upcoming moves. Use our moving resources to provide yourself with a comprehensive moving education from the experts at AVL.

How to Pack China, Glassware & Silverware

Moving company packers use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double- wall construction for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company. Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons, "FRAGILE THIS SIDE UP."

Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist

Developing a moving checklist for your upcoming relocation is one of the easiest ways to get organized. There are many things to consider when preparing for a move, and organizing these thoughts on a moving checklist will ensure that nothing is forgotten. At AVL, we already took care of the task for you, making a moving checklist for each aspect of your move.

AVL's Checklist for Moving Timeline

First, check out our moving checklist that provides you with a timeline of when to accomplish things for your move. This structured moving checklist spaces out the things you need to get done, giving you ample time to accomplish what you need to do before moving. This moving checklist counts down from eight weeks to your actual moving day, providing you with a two month moving timeline in which to plan your move.

AVL's Checklist for Moving Day

Our next moving checklist details what you need to accomplish on your actual moving day. This checklist for moving will include tasks such as marking boxes for loading purposes, clearing walkways and acquiring paperwork. Though these may seem like small tasks on moving day, they are easily overlooked during the hustle and bustle. Adhering to a moving checklist on your actual moving day will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Take Note of AVL's Checklist for Moving

We have developed our moving checklist to better prepare you in the weeks leading to your relocation and for your actual move day. At AVL, we want your move to go as smoothly as possible. By devising a moving checklist, you can be sure not to forget any important details for your next relocation. No one is better equipped to assist you with your next relocation than AVL. Start checking off tasks on our moving checklist, and get organized today.

Moving and Packing Tips

Packaging & Moving Tips

Ready, Set, Pack! Good Packing Means...

Limiting cartons, when possible, to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier. Wrapping items carefully. Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Using sturdy cartons that close. Making sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward. Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.

Checklist of the Basics

Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things you'll need until moving day. Empty drawers of breakables and anything that would puncture or damage other items. However, blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in drawers. Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans, for example. Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth bags (which can be purchased from the moving company) and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong. Twist electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle. Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a carton for cushioning. Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper. Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will prevent items from shifting; the cover should close easily without force, but should not bend inward. Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on AVL's High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator's inspection. As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well. Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly. *Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination. Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly. *Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.

How to Pack China, Glassware & Silverware

Moving company packers use a dish pack -- an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company. Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Label cartons, "FRAGILE THIS SIDE UP."

How to Pack Flat China & Glassware

Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack. Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge. Surround each bundle with crushed paper, being careful to leave no unfilled spaces. Add two or three inches of crushed paper on top of the bundle to protect rims and make a level base for the next tier. Horizontal cardboard dividers can be helpful in keeping layers level. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

How to Pack Bowls & Odd-Shaped Items

Depending on their weight, these might be used either as the bottom or middle layers. Wrap the same way as flat plates. Stand shallow bowls (soup plates, etc.) on edge in the carton and deep ones (such as mixing bowls) nested two or three together, upside down on their rims. Wrap sugar bowl lids in tissue, turning them upside down on top of the bowl. Then, wrap both together in clean paper, followed by an outer double layer of newspaper. Wrap cream pitchers in clean paper and then a double outer wrapping. Place sugar bowls, cream pitchers, sauce containers and similar pieces upright in the carton. Complete the layer as for plates.

How to Pack Cups

Even when using a dish pack and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down. If not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.

How to Pack Silver

Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Holloware including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed like china. Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or tissue.If silverware is in a chest, you still might want to wrap the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill in all empty spaces in the chest with tissue paper or paper towels. Wrap the chest with a large bath towel.

How to Pack Figurines & Other Delicate Items

Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in newsprint that has been crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning. Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.

How to Pack Fragile Items

Many moving companies use a material called bubble pack (plastic with bubbles) for exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

How to Pack Artificial Flowers

An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton. Label the carton "FRAGILE THIS SIDE UP." For instructions on moving live plants, ask your agent for a "Moving With House Plants" brochure.

How to Pack Lamp Bases

After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton.

How to Pack Lamp Shades

Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel. To allow for movement, use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one, if you are sure they will not touch. Only one silk shade should be placed in a carton to avoid stretching the silk. Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES FRAGILE." It is best to have the moving company crate large Tiffany-type or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.

How to Pack Glass Table Tops, Marble Slabs, Large Mirrors, Paintings, Statues & Large Vases

All are easily damaged. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can crack at veins. Paper never should be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting. It's best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind.

How to Pack Books

Pack them either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of the same general size together. Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing. Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons.

How to Pack Photographs

Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items. Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons clearly for easy identification. *If possible, carry irreplaceable items with you to destination.

How to Pack Compact Discs, Tapes & Records

Remove these items from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in small cartons. If records are not in jackets, wrap individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap to protect them from being scratched. Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark "FRAGILE." Cassette tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in which they came, if possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper.

How to Pack Clothing

Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe cartons used by moving companies will arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase several of these special cartons from your moving company. One will hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers. If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing such as lingerie and sweaters ? may be left in bureau drawers. Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE." Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of shoes. is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on the van.

How to Pack Linens & Bedding

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper. Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items. Special mattress cartons in various sizes are available from your moving company for a nominal charge. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

How to Pack Draperies & Curtains

Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. *Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

How to Pack Rugs

Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.

How to Pack Major Appliances

Pre-move preparation is required for many major appliances. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment -- or have your agent send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.

How to Pack Small Appliances

Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper. Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage items. Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box. Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

How to Pack Tools

Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately. Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons because tools usually are heavy.

How to Pack Outdoor Equipment

Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds. Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment. Prepare lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of loading. Food * Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing. Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape. Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.