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Renting a Truck |
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Here are some very
useful packing tips that will help you with all your moving
needs, keep a check list on hand and plan everything before you
start packing, double check every part of the list to avoid any
issues. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
