Preparing to Move to a New Apartment - Series 1, Article 1

At Safe Moves for Seniors, our policies state that we cannot move more than 3000 lbs. at no charge from your current residence to your new address.   

If your current living space exceeds this weight, you have some options: 

1. Declutter and downsize your possessions: Go room by room and contain items in bags and boxes that can be donated or discarded. Arrange for a free donation pickup or ask for assistance to help you take items to a donation site of your choice. 

2. Put items in storage: Since Safe Moves for Seniors does not take items to storage for you, you will need to find a unit that you can ask someone to help you to get to the unit. Keep in mind that this is the least desirable option as it will create a monthly cost for rent and insurance. 

Our partner, Central Van Lines, loading their truck for a senior's move.

A professional mover or a Safe Moves for Seniors representative will be able to assess the weight of your household goods or inventory when they meet with you for the first time. 

What does 3000 lbs. look like? 

Here are normal pieces of furniture that would constitute 3000 lbs. worth: 

• Queen Bed (1) including headboard, footboard, mattress, and box spring 

• Dresser (1) 

• Nightstand (1) 

• Chest of Drawers (1) 

• Coffee Table (1) 

• Small kitchen table (1) 

• Dining Chairs (2) 

• Couch (1) non-sleeper-sofa 

• Chair/Recliner (1) 

• End Table – (1-2)  

• Entertainment/TV Stand – (1) 

• Bookshelves (1) 

Other items that add weight: 

• Lamps 

• Vacuums 

• Framed Art 

• Books 

• Décor 

• Cleaning Supplies 

Included in the 3000 lbs. maximum weight, we allow 40 cartons, or boxes. These can vary in size but come in these common sizes: 

• Small – books and small personal items like toiletries, electronics 

• Medium – clothing, shoes, cookware/bakeware, toilet paper, small appliances 

• Large – linens, paper towels, pillows, sheets, blankets 

• Dish Pack – dishes, bowls, glassware 

• Wardrobe -hanging clothing  

• Mirror  - framed large art, mirrors, smaller TVs 

• TV – for televisions 

Here is a list of items that usually go into these 40 boxes (or less) and what we aim for when packing each space. 

Kitchen:

• Dishes:  Plates, Bowls 

• Cutlery:  Forks, knives, spoons 

• Cooking Utensils: Spatulas, whisks, spoons, peelers 

• Glasses: Tall and short beverage glasses, wine glasses 

• Mugs: Coffee/Tea mugs and travel mugs 

• Cookware: Pots and pans  

• Bakeware: Cookie Sheets, Cake/muffin pans 

• Small Appliances: Coffee Maker, Toaster, Blender, Slow Cooker 

• Décor 

• Cleaning Chemicals, Supplies 

• Linens: oven mitts and dish towels/cloths 

In the kitchen, aim for 10 packed boxes: 

• 2 dish packs (tall double-walled boxes) 

• 3 medium boxes 

• 5 small boxes 

Bedroom:

• Clothing 

• Blankets 

• Pillows 

• Sheets 

In the bedroom, aim for 8 packed boxes: 

• 2 wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes 

• 2 large boxes for blankets and bed linens including pillows 

• 4 boxes for clothing and shoes 

• 1 small box for nightstand small items* 

Bathroom:

• Towels/Washcloths 

• Personal Care items (toiletries)  

• Cleaning supplies 

• Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels) 

In the bathroom, aim for 3 packed boxes 

• 1 large box 

• 2 medium boxes 

• 1 small boxes 

Livingroom: 

• Books  

• Photo albums and framed photos; memorabilia 

• Décor 

• Lighting 

• Television 

• Blankets and decorative pillows 

• Art on the wall 

In the living room, aim for 10 packed boxes: 

• 2 small boxes 

• 5 medium boxes 

• 1 dish pack  

• 1 art box 

• 1 TV box 

Entry Way/Hall Closets:

• Coats and Jackets 

• Umbrellas 

• Boots and Shoes 

• Hats and gloves 

In the hall closets, aim for 3 packed boxes: 

• 1 Wardrobe box for hanging coats and jackets 

• 1 Medium box for boots and shoes 

• 1 Small box for accessories 

Miscellaneous Items to consider: 

• Smaller, additional TVs 

• Durable medical equipment (walkers, commodes, shower chairs) 

• Additional seating 

Please take your jewelry and money, including checkbooks, with you in your purse or carry bag. 

Excessive amounts of belongings can create an unsafe environment, like blocking hallways and creating trip hazards. Moving into your new home can be a fresh start and give you an opportunity to age safely in a comfortable, clutter-free living space! 

We are here to answer any questions you may have about our weight restrictions and policies for our free moving services. Please contact us by calling 412-344-6621 or emailing hello@safemovesforseniors.org.