How to Pack Like a Pro
- You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the
packing on your own. Limit yourself to non-fragile items
such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable
items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive
silverware), and small kitchen appliances. These items
will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed
to hiring workers for the extra labor. Leave the furniture,
mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.
- The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy.
Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make the
hauling much more difficult. A good rule of thumb is if
you can't lift the box easily, it's too heavy! Keep the
weight of the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift
with your knees, not your back.
- You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family
heirlooms, or other priceless items. Should they be lost
or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere
near the value you would place on them. Such items include
jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, and various
hobby collections. Pack these items yourself and take them
with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage if size
allows.
- Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes
and strengths. Have enough wardrobe boxes, as they'll save
you ironing time later. You can pack t-shirts and jeans
in suitcases and regular boxes but you don't want to pack
your fine clothing such as suits or dresses in the same
place. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of
the wardrobe box, but be reasonable. Don't let the box
become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom.
Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect
your fine china. For your replaceable and non-fragile items,
save money by using the free boxes that you can obtain
from supermarkets and wrapping the items in old newspaper.
- Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important
for you 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 tape- not masking tape but
either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that
movers use.
- For the safety of your items, movers are required to
inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point
out to your mover each and every box that you packed yourself,
especially if they're fragile or valuable. The mover will
advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked in
sturdier, more appropriate boxes. They 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 are additional costs.
However, if you agree to use used boxes, they may give
them to you for free. 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.
- To protect themselves, 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. Also prep your computer and back-up your
important files.
- Movers will not transport living things such as your
plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't
forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a "plant/pet
suitcase" of their own.
- Movers will not transport or allow you pack hazardous
materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents,
oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas,
propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive,
motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol
cans. Also note that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible
stench on nearby items.
- Make the loading process easier and more organized by
designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the
one closest to the door, in which to place all of your
boxes. Keep related boxes together since they'll end up
in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time
and make the move much more efficient.
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