1. When you are preparing to move, there are various ways packing can be done. If you choose, you can do all of it yourself. (Note: military shipments cannot contain cartons packed by the owner.) Some people prefer to have movers professionally pack all of their belongings, or you may wish to do some of the packing of non-fragile items yourself, such as books, linens, clothing and shoes, inexpensive plates and small kitchen appliances. These items can be cheaper to replace in case of damage, as opposed to hiring workers to perform the extra labor. Other people may have only a few items they wish to have professionally packed.
2. Remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t lift the carton easily, it’s too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under fifty pounds, and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.
3. Do not have movers transport your jewelry, photographs, family heirlooms and other priceless items. Should they become lost or damaged, the reimbursement on a claim will not replace the sentimental value you place on them – only the actual replacement cost in today’s market. Pack these items and take them with you, if space allows.
4. Obtain the proper cartons for your items in regards to the right size and strength. Save space by putting shoes at the bottom of wardrobe cartons, but be reasonable. Don’t let boxes become too heavy, or they will be more susceptible to fall out at the bottom. If you have fine china, purchase padded dish cartons with dividers to protect it. For more easily replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by wrapping them in newspaper and use standard moving cartons.
5. Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate, wrapping each fragile item separately. Fill the empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong tape; either the plastic or strapping tape that movers use are best.
6. Movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out to your mover each and every carton that you packed yourself, especially if they are fragile and valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the cartons need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate cartons, or if they are packed okay. They have the right to refuse to load any carton they deem improperly packed; therefore, any improperly packed carton must be repacked by you or the mover prior to loading. All repacking services are an additional cost. Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong, nor are they padded. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they do not pack.
7. Movers cannot disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, washer, and dryer, along with any other appliances being moved (this includes draining any water). Also prep your computer and, as a safety precaution, back up your important files.
8. Plants and pets will not be moved with your household goods. Both are the responsibility of the shipper to see that they arrive at destination safely. Don’t forget to prepare them for the move. Pets need their own “suitcase” with food, water and a few toys. Along with pets, you need to make sure you keep enough necessities to get you by until the delivery of your household goods. This includes clothes, important paperwork, school supplies, and military uniforms. These things should be taken with you in the rare event that your shipment can’t be delivered by your required delivery date.
9. Hazardous materials cannot be shipped. These items can include, but are not limited to, paint, thinner, solvent, oil, varnish, gas, motor oil, bleach, ammunition, and aerosol cans. There is a danger of explosion if items such as these are transported. If firearms must be shipped with the rest of your household goods, the carton in which they are packed must be left open for the driver to inspect and obtain the serial number(s). There should be no mention on the outside of the carton that a firearm is inside. Only after that information is taken, can you seal the cartons. Additionally, no liquids, candles, scent wax, cleaning solutions, or oil should be moved. Although they may appear seemingly harmless, contents can melt and/or leak and cause damage to surrounding household belongings.
10. Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home, preferably one you can lock or easily block off, in which to place all of your items that are not to be packed or moved. Make sure the entire crew knows that room is not to be packed or loaded to ensure your necessities aren’t loaded onto the truck. We cannot be responsible for items being shipped if we weren’t made aware that they were to remain in the home.