Packing Tips

If you choose to complete your own packing, here are some packing tips.

• Be advised that furniture items made from flakeboard or particle board are often damaged when moved as a whole piece, usually around the screws or nails. Due to the likelyhood of damage to such pieces, despite any precautions, there is no coverage for such goods. If you choose to have the crew move these goods while still assembled, rights to a claim are denied.

• It is recommended that you clean out and throw away unwanted items prior to the move. Your favorite charity or an auctioneer may be happy to take these items off your hands. Why spend the time and pay for moving services for things you do not want or need? Being prepared for moving day saves time and money.

• China, crystal and all other fragile objects must be individually wrapped in paper and packed in strong containers, preferably a dish pack, which is a double thick carton. Use plenty of paper and add bunches of wadded paper on the bottom and the top, as well as in any free space. This provides extra cushioning and stability. Clean, unprinted paper vs. newspaper reduces the need to wash each item again. Nothing should move when the box is packed well.

• Pictures, mirrors, glass, and marble tops should be either crated or individually packed in corrugated containers.

• Items in drawers need to be separated so that heavy or fragile items are removed and packed. Clothing can be left in drawers. Small odds-ends can also be left. Just remember that heavy furniture is tilted when moved, so items can shift during the move.

• Brooms, mops, yard equipment, and other odds-n-ends should be tied together in a bundle.

• Small appliances that are smaller than a box should be put into a box. Larger appliances may require a specialized service to be ready for the move. Gas dryers must be disconnected by a plumber. A mover is not authorized to do this for you.

• Food items in the refrigerator and freezer should be packed last into a cooler before you leave. The cooler can be transported on the truck, but be very careful when ready to eat these foods again. Dried and canned food can be packed in advance.

• Books and other heavy items should be packed in smaller cartons.

• Lampshades should be wrapped in paper and packed separately. Use wadded paper in the unused space for cushioning. Do not use newspaper, as the ink will rub off and damage the shade.

• Linens can be packed or used as cushioning for fragile items.

• Wardrobe cartons are used to transport hanging clothes. These protect your clothes, keeping them clean and wrinkle-free.

• The movers will take apart and reassemble beds. Therefore, the mattress and boxsprings will be moved as is for local moving. These must be packed in containers for long distance moves or when coming into storage.

• Loose carpeting can be rolled by the mover on moving day. You do not need to do anything special with them.

• Gas powered tools and yard equipment need to be drained several days in advance of the move.

• Keep all valuables with you and transport them yourself. This includes monies, checkbooks, jewelry, guns, etc.

Movers can not transport flammable and explosive materials, plants, and pets.