Packing
You have two choices when it comes to packing.
Packing
it yourself.
Letting the
movers do everything.
Packing Yourself
If you choose to do the majority of the packing yourself, you stand
to save a lot of money. Study these tips to insure you do the best
packing job possible.
Limit yourself
to packing only non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing,
shoes, and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine
china), and small kitchen appliances. These items will be cheaper
to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for
the extra labor. For the large items, such as furniture, mattresses,
and heavy appliances, let the mover pack these.
Pack everything
carefully. It is important to buffer and separate the fragile
items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets,
pillows, and towels.
Wrap each
fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement
during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather
than flat and stacked. Purchase strong adhesive based tape such
as duct tape or plastic and strapping tape that professional movers
use.
Create an
inventory list of all your goods and cross reference them to their
assigned boxes which should all be numbered.
Let your mover inspect your packed boxes, especially the fragile
and valuable boxes.
Movers do have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly
packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by
you or the mover. All repacking services usually come at an additional
cost. Professional moving companies use only sturdy and reinforced
cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood
supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded.
They are more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables
in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items
they didn't pack.
Appliances
- To protect themselves, many movers will not disconnect your
major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug
and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer, and dryer.
Computers
- Do this yourself. Make sure you back-up your important files
and take them with you.
Plants/Pets
- Movers will not transport plants or pets. If you do not wish
to give them away, you will need to make separate arrangements
to have them transported.
Hazardous
materials - Movers will not transport or allow you to pack hazardous
materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils,
varnishes, firearms, ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil,
anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils,
nail polish remover, bleach, and aerosol cans.
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