If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the moving van arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day...only the things you will need that night and the next morning should be left for last minute packing.
In addition, your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means complying with the principles of good packing as outlined here, as well as following the suggestions relative to items that should not be included in the shipment.
Good packing means…
• Wrapping items carefully
• Using sturdy cartons that close.
• Making sure of a firm pack that will not rattle, bulge outward or bend
REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS
Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator and freezer before moving day. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All loose pans and trays should be removed and packed. Regular shelves can be left in place. Empty the drain pan. If there is an ice maker have your serviceman disconnect it. We can disconnect the ice maker for you for an additional charge.
WASHERS
Unscrew water connectors for your washer or have a serviceman do this. Roll the hoses, wrap and place inside the washer. Be very careful to check for leaks to your plumbing. We will place a lock in the washer to keep the tub from movement. There will be an additional charge for this service.
DRYERS
Gas dryers have gas lines that will need to be disconnected.
MOWERS AND GAS POWERED TOOLS
Gas tanks should be drained and oil reservoirs emptied. No flammable mixtures or articles may be transported on public carriers.
RUGS
Vacuum rugs and carpets. We will roll the carpet to move it. Small rugs can be rolled and secured with tape.
STOVES
Have a serviceman disconnect any gas line or direct electrical wiring. Pack any removable eyes and pans or other removable parts.
TELEVISIONS
Remove antenna and remote and pack these. Carefully mark the carton. Most TV’s do not require packing.
CARTONS
Containers should be good, sturdy, clean, and sealed on all seams with 3 inch polyurethane tape. If you are “collecting” cartons, liquor store cartons are the strongest and usually still have their lids. All cartons must be sealed on top. Grocery store cartons can be used for lightweight items, Do not use garment bags or trash bags. They will fall apart during the move. Also, we have moving cartons and moving supplies in stock for all moving needs.
WRAPPING PAPER
You can use old newspapers, however the ink on newsprint never dries and most things wrapped in newspapers will become soiled with ink residue and require cleaning. For items that you prefer to keep clean, it would be best to pack in unprinted newsprint which you have available. You can also use your towels and blankets as wrapping or padding on some items.
MARKING CARTONS
Use a felt tip marker to mark your cartons with the room and general contents to avoid confusion at delivery.
WHAT NOT TO PACK
Do not pack any flammables, combustibles, explosives, or caustics. This includes aerosol spray cans, paint thinner, gas, kerosene, bleach, bullets, batteries, motor oil, etc. These items may cause damage to other items in your shipment and our valuation will not cover damages incurred when caused by these items. There are federal regulations regarding shipment of guns which must be followed.
REMOVE
Any items that are directly screwed into walls and cabinets such as under cabinet appliances, towel holders, etc. We cannot remove anything that will leave a screw or nail holes.
BEDS AND BEDDING
Place bedding in clean cartons. Light articles may be placed into drawers. We will dismantle your beds and set them up in your new residence. Your mattress and box springs should be packed in a carton unless it is a local move. We can supply these cartons; the charges vary with carton size.
BOOKS
Books should be packed in small, strong cartons and should be packed standing upright. Wrap valuable books with tissue wrap and pack alternating the bindings. Do not pack books in drawers of furniture. Do not pack books or other heavy items in large cartons; they will fall apart during the move.
CLOTHING
Hanging clothes should be hung in wardrobe cartons. Our wardrobe cartons are made to hold clothes on hangers to avoid wrinkling. You can purchase these cartons from us. Clothes should be cleaned beforepacking for storage. Small items can be packed in cartons, suitcases, trunks, or left in dresser drawers.
KITCHEN ITEMS
Pack canned food upright in small, strong cartons. Limit to 24 cans per carton to keep carton at a 50 pound limit. Kitchen utensils should be clean, wrapped and placed in cartons. Durable heavy items placed in the bottom, light ones on top with each piece wrapped. Toasters, mixers, other small appliances should be wrapped and placed in the bottom of cartons. Dispose of food in open containers that might spill or spoil in route. We can not be liable for damage caused by food spilling on other items. Perishable food should never be shipped. If your shipment is going into storage, dispose of any open food. Otherwise, seal any food boxes that have been opened. Silverware should be wrapped in tissue wrap and packed in a silver chest or carton.
For dishes or china, wrap each piece and all fragile objects individually. Large plates and heavy pieces should be placed in bottom of the carton, on edge. Place smaller plates and cups towards the top of the carton. Place 2-3 inches of crushed paper in bottom, around edges and in top of carton for cushion. We have dish packs and dividers for this purpose.
LAMPS
Unscrew top fastener or unclip the shade and pack in a carton preferably by itself. Cushion shade with tissue wrap. Remove bulb and wrap bulb and lamp base and place in another carton.
MIRRORS
Wall mirrors can be packed in mirror cartons. Dresser mirrors should be removed from the dresser, wrap hardware and place in top dresser drawer. Wrap mirror and place in mirror carton.
PAINTINGS AND PICTURES
Small pictures can be safely placed between the folds of blankets or pillows in drawers or cartons. Large or valuable pictures and paintings must be padded, wrapped and placed in mirror cartons.
PLANTS
Live plants should be handled personally by you unless it is a local move. We cannot assume responsibility for damages to living plants. Artificial plants and flowers should be packed in Styrofoam peanuts or tissue paper.
VALUABLES
Legal documents, jewels, currency, other important non-replaceable items should be handled by you personally. Keep them in your immediate possession.
TOOLS
Wrap separately. Pack in small strong cartons. Yard tools can be bundled and taped.