Summer
is "peak" moving season. If you can be flexible about when you
move, don't wait until the summer. Also keep in mind that the first and last
weeks of the month are extra-busy for all movers.
Before you move, eliminate what
you don’t want or need.
DO NOT apply a heavy coat of wax
to your furniture before the move. A pad or a blanket can leave
marks in the finish that may not come out later. The wax can also become
slippery, which could cause the worker to drop the piece or incur an injury.
If you are doing your own
packing, be careful about overloading the cartons. If you cannot
lift the carton easily, it is too heavy! Try to keep the weight of a single
box to under 50 pounds. Do not pack all your books in one big carton—it will
be too heavy to move! Be sure to use appropriate cartons so your goods will
arrive safely. (Plastic trash bags are not appropriate cartons) Carton tops
should be flat and taped securely for easier (and quicker) handling and safe
and efficient stacking in the truck.
To avoid damage, be sure fragile
articles are not packed in the same carton as heavy articles. Be
sure to mark cartons clearly. Unplug your TV’s and computers at least 24
hours before the move. This “cool down” period will help stabilize the
working parts and help prevent damage.
Carry your valuables (jewelry,
furs, money, etc.) medication, and important papers with you—do not pack
them in the moving truck. Your contract will specify that the
mover is not responsible for these items.
Remember, it’s “first in—last
out” when loading any truck. Keep toiletries, medicines, and
other necessities with you in the car on moving day.
Label all boxes well.
Remember to label all boxes with the room destination (LR = living room, DR=
Dining Room, etc.). This will help direct the movers to the correct room
without delay. Also, mark all fragile items well! The better a box is
marked, the less chance of damage to fragile items.
How To Pack Specific Items?
Plates
and Flat China
Begin with the larger items. Smaller items can go
toward the top. Wrap each piece individually with
several pieces of newsprint. Next, wrap three to five
previously wrapped plates together and stand each
bundle on its edge. Never lay them flat. Add 3-4
inches of crumpled paper and a cardboard divider
before creating a second level.
Glassware
and Crystal
Always individually wrap and never put one piece
inside another. Place on the very top level of your
carton and pack rim down. Especially fragile items
should be packed in a separate carton and then packed
in a larger carton surrounded by cushioning.
Bowls
Wrap individually and then nest two to three together
and wrap as an entire package. Place on end or flat.
Use crumpled paper and a cardboard divider before
adding layers.
Lamps
Remove shade, bulb and harp assembly. Double wrap the
bulb and harp assembly. Wrap the base and cushion it
in a dish pack or similar type box. For lampshades,
select the carton size close to the shade
measurements. Pack only one shade per container. Don't
use crumpled newsprint inside or around the outside of
the shade. Glass lampshades and chandeliers should be
professionally packed in sturdy crates.
Food
Of course, never pack perishable items, aerosol
kitchen products or frozen food. Box dry foods in
medium-sized cartons after taping any openings or tops
closed. Jars should also be taped shut and wrapped as
well as cushioned. Pack cans and jars in smaller
cartons.
Clothing
Clothing can be left in sturdy dressers or packed in
suitcases, if desired. Other foldable clothing should
be packed in medium-sized cartons. Hanging clothing
should be packed in wardrobe cartons available from
your USA Moving and Storage. If wardrobe
cartons are not used, be sure to remove hangers and
pack in lined cartons. Hats should be left in their
boxes and packed in moving cartons. Small cartons
loosely filled with newsprint also help protect hats.
Mirrors,
Glass Table Tops, Pictures, Paintings, etc.
We recommend purchasing special cartons for all but
the smallest items in this category. Mirror and
picture cartons can handle most items. Only one
article should be packed in each carton. You will want
to consider professional crating assistance for
oversized or heavy items such as table tops.
Glasses
and Cups
Wrap individually. Cups with handles should be
cushioned with another layer of paper. Pack with rims
down. Cushion and layer with crumpled paper.
Books
Pack in smaller boxes with open edges alternating with
the bindings. Hardback books, or those with fragile
covers should be wrapped for protection.
Draperies
and Curtains
Wardrobe cartons are excellent for hanging curtains
and drapes. You can also fold them and pack in cartons
that have been lined with clean newsprint.
Bedding
Mattresses must be covered to protect them from soil
and damage. Appropriate sized cartons are recommended
and available from your USA Moving and Storage.
Small
Appliances
Clocks, radios and other small appliances should be
individually wrapped and packed along with linens or
towels or surrounded with crushed paper for
protection.
Electronics and Clocks
Original manufacturers packaging with styrofoam
inserts provides the best protection for moving
electronic goods. If these are not available, large or
medium cartons should be used and the item well
wrapped and cushioned. Larger home electronics such as
consoles and large screen TVs should not be packed and
will be moved as furniture. Computers and grandfather
clocks require special pre-move preparation. Consult
with your USA Moving and Storage or a local
dealer to determine what is required for moving these
items.
Washing
Machines
Washing machines should have all hoses disconnected
and containerized. If you place hoses in the tub or
drum, be sure to wrap the metal couplings with cloth
or paper to avoid damage to the tub's surface. Unplug
the electric cord and tape to the back. Secure the
washer drum with materials available from your
USA Moving and Storage.
Major
Appliances
Many appliances require special servicing,
disconnecting and preparation. Upon request, your
USA Moving and Storage will arrange third
party services to prepare these items for your move.
You may be able to perform most of the requirements
yourself.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators should be emptied of all food. Shelves
should be secured in place or detached and wrapped.
The electric cord should be unplugged and taped to the
back. If there is an icemaker, it should be
disconnected from the water line and drained in
advance.
Tools
Any power tools containing gasoline or oil should be
drained before moving. Long handled tools can be
bundled. Hand tools should be wrapped and packed
