| Discover the Top 10 Packing Tips that can be used | | | | Purchase strong tape (not masking tape) but either |
| when you pack boxes and move homes. Remember | | | | duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that |
| too, that these tips will also come in handy when | | | | movers use. |
| storing your items at a self storage facility. | | | | 6. For the safety of your items, movers are required |
| 1. You can save a lot of money if you do the | | | | to inspect each box tendered for shipment. |
| majority of the packing on your own. Limit yourself | | | | Immediately point out to your mover each and every |
| to non-fragile items such as books, bedclothes, | | | | box that you packed yourself, especially if they're |
| garments and shoes; and replaceable items such as | | | | fragile or valuable. The mover will advise you on |
| plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), | | | | whether the boxes need to be repacked in sturdier, |
| and small kitchen appliances. These items will be less | | | | more appropriate boxes. They have the right to |
| expensive to replace in case of damage. Leave the | | | | refuse to load any box they deem improperly |
| furnishings, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be | | | | packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be |
| packed by the mover. | | | | repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking |
| 2. The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should | | | | services are additional costs. However, if you agree |
| occupy. Don't toss everything into one large box. It | | | | to use used boxes, they may give them to you for |
| will make the lifting and carrying much more | | | | free. Professional moving companies use only sturdy |
| strenuous. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift | | | | and reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can |
| the box easily, it's too heavy! Keep the weight of | | | | obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be |
| the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift | | | | free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. They |
| with your knees, not your back. | | | | are more susceptible to causing damage to your |
| 3. Never let the movers pack your jewelry, family | | | | valuables in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not |
| heirlooms, or other priceless items. Should they be | | | | liable for items they didn't pack. |
| lost or damaged, the insurable value will not nearly | | | | 7. To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect |
| cover value you would place on them. Such items | | | | your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to |
| include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, | | | | pack and load, unplug and prepare your refrigerator, |
| and various hobby collections. Pack these items | | | | dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prepare |
| yourself and take them with you, either in the car or | | | | your computer and back-up your important electronic |
| as carry-on baggage if size allows. | | | | files. |
| 4. Get the right boxes for your items - the right sizes | | | | 8. Movers will not transport living things such as your |
| and strengths. Have sufficient wardrobe boxes, as | | | | plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them |
| they'll save you ironing time later. You can pack | | | | away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. |
| t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes but | | | | They will need a "plant/pet suitcase" of their own. |
| you don't want to pack your fine clothing such as | | | | 9. Movers will not transport or allow you to pack |
| suits or dresses in the same place. Save space by | | | | hazardous materials. These items include: paint, |
| tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box, | | | | thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and |
| but be reasonable. Don't let the box become too | | | | ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything |
| heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Buy | | | | flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and |
| the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect your | | | | oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also |
| fine china. For your replaceable and non-fragile items, | | | | note that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible stench |
| save money by using sturdy boxes with unprinted | | | | on nearby items. |
| newsprint paper for wrapping. | | | | 10. Make the loading process easier and more |
| 5. Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is | | | | organized by designating a room in your home |
| important for you to buffer and separate the fragile | | | | apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in |
| items that you pack with newsprint, bubble wrap, | | | | which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes |
| sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each | | | | together since they'll end up in the same room. This |
| fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to | | | | will help cut on the carrying time and make the move |
| minimize movement during the move. Pack plates and | | | | much more efficient. |
| glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. | | | | |