Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
Label each box and indicate the following:
(a) Which room it should go in
(b) Whether it is fragile
(c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
Carry all valuables with you.
Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
How to Pack Boxes
PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS:
We can sell you any cartons you might need in addition to other packing material such as paper and tape. You might save a substantial amount of money, however, by obtaining cartons from other sources such as friends who have recently moved and/or stores. Starting to collect cartons a month or two prior to your move will probably make it possible to obtain enough cartons.
SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF CARTON:
Toll Free 800-311-9850
Right Size Moving Boxes
Heavy items such as books, record albums, canned food, etc. should be put in smaller cartons. Some items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special cartons which we can provide.
PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL ON LOCAL MOVES:
When you are moving locally some items do not necessarily need to be packed. Items such as mirrors, large pictures and mattresses can usually be transported safely for short distances without packing. Generally, these items should be packed for long distance move and for shipments moving into storage. Lamps and lampshades should always be packed.
PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME:
Packing can appear to be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall task into several smaller and more manageable tasks. This approach also makes it possible to set realistic goals, i.e. pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow, etc.
TAPE THE BOTTOM OF CARTONS:
Taping the bottom of cartons before filling them prevents the contents from spilling out the bottom during the move.
HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM/LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP:
In each carton the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.
USE A LOT OF PAPER:
All breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Paper should be used to cushion the bottom, sides and top of cartons.
PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN CARTON:
Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position; again, use plenty of paper on all fragile and breakable items.
CORRECTLY FILL CARTONS:
Fill all cartons to the top without overfilling. Cartons with items sticking over the top cannot be properly closed or stacked; cartons that are underfilled tend to crush when stacked. Always make sure each carton is filled totally to the top before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a towel, a blanket or other similar items.
CLOSE CARTON AND SEAL SHUT WITH TAPE:
Cartons should be closed-top and sealed with tape to prevent damage and make stacking easier.
LABEL EACH CARTON:
Use a felt pen to clearly label each carton as to its general contents and the room it is to be placed in at destination. Label on the side of each carton rather than on the top so that cartons in stacks can be identified. If a carton is packed in a manner that requires it to be always kept in an upright position, draw arrows on each side indicating which end must always be kept up. Any cartons containing particularly fragile items should be labeled as such.
STACK CARTONS:
Time will be saved on your move if you arrange cartons in stacks of similar sized cartons four to five feet high. This enables the cartons to be easily dollied from the house to the truck.
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THE MOVER’S LIABILITY FOR LOSS AND DAMAGE All moving companies are required to assume some liability for the value of the goods which they are transporting. Some responsibility is implied by law; the customer may also purchase additional protection. There are different levels of liability under the terms of their tariffs and pursuant to […]
Packing Supplies, Labeling & Packing Tips Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue Tape and scissors Tape measure Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items. Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. […]
If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family
to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and
downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make
your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life,
and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one
box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of
numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for
the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on
your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing
Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and
other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is
better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.
Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes
than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy
your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a
refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have
about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as
bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing
tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can
stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household
good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the
packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters,
pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your
mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure
the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe
boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes,
and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of
someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off
the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the
ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to
rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if
you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few
days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet
items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom
of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging
clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of
hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works
well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and
closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to
retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for
kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the
box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room.
The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the
destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where
you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and
traffic areas.
Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep
bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with
appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with
tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf
brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep
larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape
these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open
on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets,
or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you,
or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located
on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer,
get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios or TV's
around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra
toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare
down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can
also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery
bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic
cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of
kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room
as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods.
Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding
your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections,
or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the
items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your
homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you
need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork
(receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of
loss.
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school
records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank
records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and
more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family
member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set
of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address
book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but planning ahead will go a
long way toward making the process bearable.
What to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives
When reminiscing, few people rarely describe their experience moving their
entire household as "fun."
It totally consumes you for a long time: planning, packing, moving,
cleaning.
When you arrive in your new home, you're faced with even more challenges.
It may seem a small thing to decide where to put the best china or everyday
dishes, but after all the work moving out of the old home, the last thing
you need is another big decision or another major project.
But doing some work to your new home right away will make moving in feel
great.
If you're moving into a new house, you may not need to do anything
at all. Lucky you!
But if you've bought a home with carpet you hate, you're probably
thinking that it has to go. Should you wait until you're moved in, or
tackle the job now?
You may decide that it's too much to think about right now, that you
should leave the decision about replacement for later after you've settled
in.
You may not have the budget or time to do anything but move. But be sure to
weigh in the "cost" to you in both hassle and time if you wait to do a
necessary project at a later date.
Replacing flooring is a major project, and if you have the money
and you can make just this one decision at moving time, you'll really be
doing yourself a favor. If you put it off, you'll be faced with moving all
your furniture out of the rooms. What a bother! Not just for you, but for
the flooring installers as well! There will be furniture all around the
place, and you'll have to move it back into the room when they're done. If
you can do it when you move, be sure to order the flooring well in advance
of your move. Make arrangements to have new flooring installed a day or two
before you move in. Cover the new flooring with mats, tarps, or area rugs so
the movers don't track in dirt or scratch the wood. Then, when they set your
sofa and coffee table in place -- you'll be home.
Below are some other pre-move-in projects that can save you time and
trouble.
Choose the projects that are the most pressing. If your budget won't
allow re-carpeting the entire house, just do one floor. If you can't face
paint decisions for every single room, then just do the rooms where the
decisions are easy.
Painting -
Whether you do the work yourself or hire someone to do it, it's a lot
easier to paint an empty room. There will be no need to move furniture, take
down draperies, clear out the closets, or take every picture or mirror off
the walls. Allow several days to repaint before the movers show up,
especially if you'll be doing the work yourself. This type of work always
takes longer than you think. Or, hire a crew (professional painters or
friends) to come in and get it over with in a day or two. Painting even part
of the house before you move in can be a terrific time saver. If you can't
decide on colors, then just have everything painted a clean white, a pretty
light beige, or other background color you love -- depending on what works
best with your furniture and color schemes. Once the major patching,
priming, trim work, and base coats are in, adding another wall color at a
later date can be a snap.
Crown Molding -
Does anyone not love the look of crown molding? It's a wonderful luxury
to be able to install molding around the whole house all at once, before you
move into your new home. Be sure to prime and pre-paint the strips of
molding before installation, just before painting the interior walls. You
may need to do some touch up at the joints and nail holes, but that's a lot
easier than standing on a ladder for days trying to paint three coats fo
paint on the molding near the ceiling!
Here are some more great projects to do before the moving truck
arrives at your new home.
Re-Key - You'll never know how many keys are floating around for your
new home unless you get new locks or re-key the existing locks. The previous
owners may have given a key to neighbors, workmen, relatives, or cleaning
services, and you'll get some peace of mind if you get new ones. This is a
project to do just before or soon after you move in.
Closet Systems -
Having things organized, fitting into your new home, will really make you
feel great. You'll love wonderful closet systems with double hanging poles,
drawers, and shelves up to the ceiling. If you wait until later, you'll have to
take everything out, pile your clothes in stacks on your bed or floor (can you
visualize your clothes wrinkling in giant stacks), and live out of suitcases for
a day or two until the closet fittings can be installed.
No matter when you choose to do it, professional installers can be in and out in
a jiffy. Do-it-yourselfers may need a bit longer to figure out the instructions,
but once the process is down for the first closet, each additional closet should
be faster and easier. If you do some measuring in your new home before you move
in, you can plan ahead and choose and buy your closet components ahead of time.
Electrical Upgrades -
If you're moving into a new home, you may have all the electrical outlets you
need. But older homes could be a challenge. You can do the upgrades anytime, but
everything is easier to get to in an empty room. Remember, electricians are paid
by the hour and they'll be able to work faster if they have immediate access to
outlets and room for ladders and equipment. Older homes may need GFIs in
kitchens and baths, as well as additional outlets for TVs, phones, computers, or
lamps. This would be a great time to add a ceiling fan, and an electrician can
install a wall switch, brace the ceiling and install a specialized box for the
fan. You might want better work light in your kitchen or reading spotlights over
your bed. Lighten up a hallway with new track lighting or add lights in your new
closets. Two real luxuries that are easy to do are an outlet inside a vanity for
your hair dryer or an outlet on the mantle for holiday lights. How about a
motion-activated ceiling light in a basement or laundry room? All of these
projects can be easier to complete when your rooms are empty. The work can be
completed without your having to move furniture or cover room accessories to
protect them from drilling dust.
Will you be able to park your car in the garage, or will it become the
storage spot for everything from garden tools to holiday decorations? Yes, once
you move in, it's FULL of stuff. So, if you want to build storage shelves,
finish the floor with an epoxy coating, or install a workbench, it can be much
easier to do it before the garage is stacked to the ceiling. Another handy tip
-- if you have sturdy garage shelving from a previous home, arrange to have it
loaded on the truck last, then unloaded first, so boxes marked "Storage" can be
placed easily and quickly onto waiting shelves.
Using the tips and hints here, you'll find that moving into your house can
really be a pleasant experience. You'll feel right at home in a jiffy! Happy
moving!
Label each box and indicate the following:
TAPE THE BOTTOM OF CARTONS: