Moving, Packing and Loading Tips

The following is a list of Packing Supplies to make your packing go more smoothly:

Razor knife and/or Scissors
Note pad
Dark, water resistant marker
Boxes of all sizes
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Peanuts

PACKING TIP: Pack one room at a time labeling each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents and which room the box belongs in. Also label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items with Fragile. Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.

PACKING TIP: Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. To keep from unnecessary damage, it's a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container that you can keep with you so the parts won't get lost.

PACKING TIP: Do not pack flammable goods or heat sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints, and certain cleaning fluids.

PACKING TIP: Wrap items individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.

PACKING TIP: Make sure cartons are firmly packed with heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top.

STORAGE TIP: If you'll be putting some boxes in container storage, make sure to pack according to the seasons during which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes accordingly.

MOVING TIP: Put heavy items in small boxes so that they're easier to carry.

PACKING AND MOVING IP: When packing the truck, make sure the items you'll need first are loaded in last (ie. kids toys, kitchen items, telephone and radio) to make access easier.

MOVING TIP: Use common sense when loading your truck by keeping in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes.

PACKING TIP: Plan ahead for what you'll need the first day after your move. Packing a separate bag with your toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. will avoid unnecessary scrambling or a run to the local store.

MOVING TIP: If possible, move on a weekday when banks, utilities, and government offices are open.

MORE HELPFUL HINTS WHEN MOVING

AIR CONDITIONERS:
Consult your authorized dealer or service man on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.

BEDDING:
Place bedding in clean cartons. Light articles such as blankets or pillows may be put into furniture drawers.

BEDS:
Be sure when you disassemble your beds that you put all of the hardware in a clear plastic zip lock type bag. Then tape it to the inside of your dresser drawer.

BOOKS:
Books should be packed in small, strong, securely tied cartons. They should be placed cover to cover, alter nesting bindings to prevent the pages from becoming interlocked and damaged. Wrap valuable books individually. Do not pack books in furniture drawers or leave them in portable bookshelves or bookcases.

BRIC-A-BRAC:
Wrap separately and pack in cartons, boxes or barrels. Cushion well with newsprint. Pack largest and heaviest items in bottom of container. Do not pack over edge of container.

CANNED GOODS:
Pack upright in small, sturdy cartons. Do not pack beyond the limit of portability, not over 50 pounds to each container. Approximately 24 cans should be ample.

CHINA:
Wrap china and all fragile objects in paper individually. Large plates and heavy pieces should be placed on the bottom of the container, on edge, smaller plates, cups and saucers toward the top of the container. Plates and dishes should be placed in a vertical position with pads of paper in between. Recommended - 3” of paper on the bottom of the barrel or carton and 2” of paper in between layers. Do not pack above edge of container.

CLOTHING:
For a nominal charge we cam provide your family with wardrobe boxes. Wardrobes will hold approximately 25 hangers depending upon the size of garments. Your clothing will reach you clean and wrinkle-free. For storage, clothing should be cleaned. Small clothing articles pack nicely in suitcases, boxes or trunks.

CLOCKS:
Pendulums on clocks should be removed or secured tightly to the base of the clock. Small clocks may be wrapped and placed in boxes.

CURTAINS:
Before moving day, remove curtains from the rods and fold them neatly in drawers or clean, white tissue-lined cartons.

DRAPERIES:
These may be placed on hangers and transferred to wardrobe cartons, or they may be folded and placed in cartons. To save handling, they can be sent to the cleaners and delivered directly to your new home.

DRAWERS IN FURNITURE:
Articles such as blankets, cushions, pillows and clothing may be left in drawers. Do not pack heavy items in dresser, bureau, server or buffet drawers. NEVER leave liquids, breakables or firearms in drawers.

DRYERS, ELECTRIC OR GAS:
Check with your service technician. Motors may need to be checked and secured. We can arrange this service for you or recommend a reliable service company.

FOOD:
Dispose of food in open containers that might spill or spoil . The carrier will not be liable for damage caused by food spilling on other items. Perishable food should never be stored or shipped.

FREEZERS:
These appliances must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odor. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meals that will use up perishable contents. Check with your service man to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.

GLASS TOPS TO FURNITURE:
For complete safety, these items should be crated. This is a “must” when storing or shipping; for local moving however, they frequently can be removed and replaced by the mover who will pad them safely in the van.

GLASSWARE:
Stemware and glassware should be wrapped individually and placed in barrels or placed in the top of china containers. Do not nest unwrapped glasses in each other. Place wrapped glassware right side up, not on their sides.

GRANDFATHER CLOCKS:
Remove chimes. Secure weight chains tightly against the base of the clock with wire or strong string and remove weights and pendulums. If it is going a long distance, call a reputable clock man to prepare the works against damages.

JEWELRY:
Keep valuable jewelry in your immediate possession rather than in a self storage unit.

KITCHEN UTENSILS:
Kitchen utensils should be clean and placed in cartons or barrels. Durable, heavy pieces placed on the bottom, light ones on the top with each piece padded against dents, chipping or scratching. Toasters, irons, waffle irons, mixers, etc., may be wrapped individually and placed in cartons with other kitchen utensils.

LAMPS:
Remove ornamental tops and put in a safe place... one you will remember. Small lamps may be wrapped and placed in cartons for safe moving.

LAMPSHADES:
Wrap in white, clean tissue paper only, place in cartons, mark "Fragile". Do not use newsprint when packing. They may be nested but do not pack them so as to tear lining or puncture parchment shades.

LINENS:
Table and bed linens should be put into strong cartons or trunks. They should be lined with tissue or clean white or brown paper to protect from dust. Do not use newsprint as a liner as the ink may soil the fabric.

MATTRESSES:
You may purchase from our office, a mattress bag or carton at a discounted rate. Do not try to roll or handle as this may result in damaged springs or fabrics. You may protect them with a sheet or mattress cover if you like.

MEDICINES:
Seal bottles and jar stoppers. Wrap individually, placing them upright in small cartons or metal waste containers.

MIRRORS:
For storage or local moving, they must be packed properly for safe handling. .

MOWERS AND GASOLINE POWERED TOOLS:
Gas tanks should be drained and oil reservoirs emptied. No flammable mixtures or articles may be transported or stored in the mobile attic units.

PAINTINGS & PICTURES:
Small pictures can be safely placed between the folds of blankets or pillows in drawers or cartons. Large and valuable pictures and paintings must be padded, wrapped and crated for moving.

STEREOS:
Secure the tone arm and turntable against the movement by tying. Secure the changer to avoid its moving forward. On delicate, expensive players, it is wise to have this done by an experienced serviceman.

RECORDS, TAPES AND CD PLAYER'S:
Pack records on end, side by side, to provide the greatest resistance to weight pressure. Use small cartons only when storing or moving these items.

PLANTS:
These should be handled personally by you or given to your florist to send to your destination. The moving company will not assume responsibility for living plants.

REFRIGERATORS:
Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves or removable parts should be removed and wrapped separately. Have your refrigerator serviced. Motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.

RUGS:
It is not necessary to remove rugs from floors. Our men will do this for you. They will be rolled to avoid crushing. If they are to be stored, have them cleaned. Tacks should be removed from carpeting before the moving and packing team arrive.

SEWING MACHINES:
These do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, the driver will stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.

SILVERWARE:
Leave in original containers or wrap in cloth or low sulphur-content paper, or tissue and pack in boxes. Place padding in silver chests to prevent moving and scratching.

STOVES:
Be sure gas lines are shut off tight and capped, if possible. For electric ranges, if the coils are loose, they must be removed together with griddles, deep fryers and removable parts, then packed separately.

TELEVISION SETS:
Some sets require that they be checked before moving. Some color TV's must be serviced both before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from roof tops and disassembled. It is recommended that Plasma TV's are repacked in the original cartons or crates.

TOILET ARTICLES:
Seal the corks and stoppers of cosmetics, medicines and perfume bottles with natural nail polish, paraffin or masking tape before wrapping separately in paper and placing upright in cartons or metal waste containers.

TOOLS:
If they are valuable, wrap separately. Tools, as a rule, can be put into small strong cartons without wrapping individually.

VALUABLES:
Legal documents, all important papers, jewels and currency should be handled by you personally. Keep them in your immediate possession rather than in storge containers.

WASHERS:
Automatic washers must be serviced by an authorized service man. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place when moving.