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Moving & Packing Tips | Professional Guidance from Marquette Movers

Preparing for a move in Marquette, Houghton, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Menominee, Sault Ste. Marie, or anywhere in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula requires planning, organization, and attention to safety.

Whether you are relocating your home, downsizing, remodeling, or preparing for commercial transport, these professional moving and packing tips will help ensure a smoother, safer moving day.

Before Moving Day: How to Prepare Your Home

Clear Walkways & Entry Points

In the Upper Peninsula, weather plays a major role in moving safety.

Before your crew arrives:

  • Shovel snow and apply salt to sidewalks and driveways

  • Clear ice from steps and porches

  • Remove debris, rugs, and obstacles from pathways

  • Ensure driveway access for the moving truck

  • Reserve parking space when possible

Clear, dry pathways reduce risk of injury and prevent delays.

Before Moving Day: How to Prepare Your Home

Secure Pets & Children

Moving day involves heavy lifting and open doors.

For safety:

  • Place pets in a closed room or crate

  • Inform movers if pets are on-site

  • Keep children away from loading zones

  • Avoid high-traffic areas during loading

This prevents accidents and protects both your family and the crew.

Packing Tips: Protecting Your Belongings

How to Properly Pack Boxes

  • Use sturdy, moving-grade boxes

  • Do not overload boxes (keep under ~50 lbs)

  • Place heavier items at the bottom

  • Fill empty space to prevent shifting

  • Seal all seams with quality packing tape

Label every box clearly with:

  • Room destination

  • Fragile (if applicable)

  • Orientation (“This Side Up”)

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Don't feel like packing? No worries - We do full-service packing and moving!

Using Bubble Wrap & Cushioning Materials

For fragile items:

  • Wrap each item individually

  • Use multiple layers of bubble wrap

  • Cushion the bottom of boxes with paper or padding

  • Separate items inside the box to prevent contact

  • Avoid newspaper for delicate surfaces (ink transfer)

For dishes:

  • Wrap individually

  • Stack vertically in dish packs

  • Add protective layers between rows

Packing Furniture Properly

  • Disassemble bed frames and large furniture when possible

  • Keep hardware in labeled plastic bags

  • Tape hardware bags securely to furniture (if safe)

  • Remove shelves from bookcases

  • Secure doors and drawers before transport

If unsure, professional packing services reduce risk of damage.

Downsizing & Organizing Before the Move

  • Moving is the ideal time to declutter.

  • Donate or dispose of unused items

  • Separate items going to storage

  • Create a “first day essentials” box

  • Organize documents in one clearly marked container

  • Efficient organization reduces labor time and overall cost.

How Professional Movers Handle Equipment Safely

At Marquette Movers, safety and proper equipment usage are critical. Here’s how our team handles your belongings correctly:​

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Shoulder Dollies & Lifting Straps

Shoulder dolly systems:

  • Distribute weight evenly

  • Reduce back strain

  • Allow safe transport of heavy furniture

  • Provide stability on stairs

Our team uses proper lifting posture and coordinated communication when navigating tight spaces or elevation changes.

Hand Carts & Appliance Dollies

We use commercial-grade hand carts and appliance dollies to:

  • Safely transport refrigerators and washers

  • Move stacked boxes efficiently

  • Reduce manual carrying distance

  • Protect flooring during movement

Appliances are secured with straps and protective padding before movement.

Moving Blankets & Padding

Every large item is wrapped using thick moving blankets to:

  • Prevent scratches and dents

  • Protect corners and edges

  • Shield surfaces during loading

Blankets are secured with stretch wrap or straps to ensure protection remains intact during transport.

Ratchet Straps & Load Securement

Inside the truck, items are:

  • Strategically placed for weight distribution

  • Secured with ratchet straps

  • Blocked to prevent shifting

  • Cushioned between heavy items

Proper load securement prevents damage during travel, especially on longer Upper Peninsula routes.

Weather Considerations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Moving in the UP requires preparation for:

  • Snow and ice

  • Wind exposure

  • Uneven rural terrain

  • Seasonal mud or thaw

Our team adjusts equipment and load strategy based on weather and road conditions to maintain safety and efficiency.

Final Moving Day Checklist

Before movers arrive:

✔ Walkways cleared
✔ Pets secured
✔ Boxes labeled
✔ Fragile items identified
✔ Essentials separated
✔ Parking arranged
✔ Questions prepared

When to Consider Professional Packing Services

If you:

  • Have fragile or high-value items

  • Are short on time

  • Are preparing for long-distance relocation

  • Need storage between moves

  • Have specialty or oversized items

Professional packing reduces risk and ensures proper protection.

When to Consider Professional Packing Services

If you:

  • Have fragile or high-value items

  • Are short on time

  • Are preparing for long-distance relocation

  • Need storage between moves

  • Have specialty or oversized items

Professional packing reduces risk and ensures proper protection.

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