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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.
- 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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