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.
10. 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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