Packing like a Pro ~ or close to it
How
to Pack Like a Pro
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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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