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General Paking Guide
Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with the mover a day or two before the moving van is loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to start. While packing yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept liability for damage to items packed by owners.
Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made, and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move.
There are several options for insuring your goods. All household goods shipments move under limited liability. However, you may purchase additional liability from your mover.
A Smooth Move Is In The Preparation
- Start collecting newspapers prior to your move. (Use newspaper only on glazed, non-porous ceramics, glassware and metal objects. Do not use on porcelain!)
- Go to the grocery store or other convenience shops and ask if they have any crates or boxes that you can use.
- Make sure your boxes are strong enough to support the weight of other boxes being stacked on top of them in the moving van.
- Let go. If you haven't worn it in over 2 years you probably never will. If it's really dusty, broken, or missing pieces, throw it out, donate it or have a garage sale.
Start Packing Yesterday
- Pack as much as you can as early as you can. Think of what you use daily and weekly. Now start packing in the reverse order.
- Pack similar items together. This way you avoid running around the entire house during the unpacking process.
- Tape all of the seams on your boxes.
- Distribute weight evenly amongst boxes. Keep boxes under 50 lbs. each. Don't overstuff boxes, leave some extra room at the top.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes. Tape the bottoms well.
- Wrap breakables in newspaper, bubble wrap, clothes, or towels. For the eco-conscience—pack with popcorn.
Sweat the Details
- Label your boxes as you pack with where they belong in your new home.
- Write FRAGILE in large type on boxes that contain breakables and valuables. Keep those boxes apart from the rest, so they can be loaded when approrpiate.
- You may want to leave lamps, china, artwork and other fragile items for professional movers to pack.
- Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances and remove all light bulbs from lamps.
- Tape will damage furniture, so avoid using it. Professional movers use belted straps to close unruly doors and drawers. Try cotton package string if you must do it yourself.
- Cover furniture with blankets or towels to protect against nicks and scrapes.
- Wrap glasses and tumblers individually (first with a sheet of tissue and than with normal paper. Store and transport them upright in a box padded with lots of bubble wrap or newspaper.)
- Be sure to separate valuable items such as jewelry, coins, and camera equipment. Handle their transfer yourself (a safety deposit box can be purchased if you're concerned about losing things.)
- Collect all your important documents prior to the packing date (if you're worried about them, put them somewhere safe or ask a relative to hold on to them until the move is complete.)
- Save space. Leave some clothes in your bureau or chest of drawers, but make sure it's unlocked though (it may be necessary to open the drawers to get a better grip while moving.)
- Cover the corners of your paintings with several layers of cling film and wrap the whole lot in bubble wrap. Afterwards cover them with thick wrapping material and place it in a picture box.
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