Packing Tips

There are some helpful tips to make your moving day smooth and seamless:

Preparation for moving

• Dispose carefully of all volatile or corrosive chemicals and their containers.
• Drain gas and oil from power tools to prevent leakage.
• Make arrangements for disconnecting appliances (ice-maker, washing machine, dryer) from water and gas resources. If it is necessary to defrost your freezer, do so in advance. Place pieces of charcoal in dry, empty refrigerator and freezer to prevent mildew.
• Do not remove home fixtures such as towel racks, light fixtures, fans or hardware accessories unless they are specifically listed as “exclusions” in your home sale contract. They usually are considered legally to be part of your current residence.

For items you pack yourself

• Items that you should be transported personally for all family members: necessary medication, jewelry, passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, checkbook, tax records, credit card and bank account information. Other important documents include school, medical, dental, and insurance records, birth certificate, will and marriage license.
• Consider purchasing moving paper and packing materials from a moving or storage company for items you are packing yourself. Items packed in newspaper (dishes and glassware) must be washed after unpacking. Keep in mind that newspaper can stain items such as lampshades.
• Fragile items should be packed in reinforced boxes or boxes with compartments.
• Use plenty of packing materials to provide cushioning and protect belongings in boxes (especially in the bottoms of the boxes).
• Easily crushed items should be individually cushioned and boxed.
• Be sure boxes are moveable by limiting the weight of each box.
• Place heavy items on the bottom of boxes; lighter items on top.
• Label each box with contents and room destination.

For items the moving company will pack
Be sure to check moving company policy regarding broken or damaged items. Moving companies typically do not reimburse for breakage or damage to items in boxes they do not pack.

• Consider letting the moving company pack breakables like china and glassware. Their professionals are typically fast and knowledgeable regarding how much to pack in a box to avoid breakage. They can also crate uniquely shaped items such as lamps or mirrors.
• Make sure cleaning agents, liquids and nonperishable items are carefully sealed.
• Leave unbreakable contents in chests and dressers.
• Make sure movers place heavy furniture where it goes so you don't have to move it later.
• For items you can unpack quickly while movers are there, have them remove the boxes and packing paper.
• Check the furniture for damage as it is brought in and placed. Do not sign the approval receipt or pay movers until they have signed your "damage" list. This works for large items and furniture. Remember, movers are typically not “responsible” for damage to and inside boxes you have packed yourself.

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