Packing and Moving Tips

• Don't wait until the last minute! Each box will take an average of thirty minutes to pack. An average apartment can be packed by an individual in 15-20 hours; a house, in 30-40 hours.

• Have packing tape and a magic marker available to seal and label each box. Note the contents on the box, whether or not it is fragile, and in which room it will be placed at the destination.

• Begin packing the least used areas of your home first and leave the essentials until last. Many people will pack their suitcases full with the items they know they will need immediately after the move and will move them in their own vehicles.

• Tape all cartons carefully on both top and bottom. Double tape boxes that will be carrying heavy items like books.
• Always pack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on the top.

• Do not put heavy items in with breakables, and make sure there is an inch of paper cushioning between layers of breakables. Towels or linen may be used as well.

• Slightly over-pack each carton before sealing for added strength, but do not pack boxes so that they remain open at the top. They are more difficult and less safe to move that way.

• Pack all valuable items in the same few cartons and check on their arrival at the destination or move them in your own vehicle for safety. Try to use up as much of your food supply before the day of the move to eliminate extra packing. Do not move any liquids that have been opened, only containers that are still factory sealed.
• Stuffed animals, soft items and sweaters can be packed in large trash bags.

• You may leave clothing in dressers, but remove all breakables, loose items or valuables from drawers.

• Disconnect all electronic equipment and wiring prior to moving day, and try to pack components in their original boxes if possible. Otherwise, they can be wrapped in furniture pads and placed on the truck.

• Try not to water plants for 2-3 days prior to the move. Small plants should be placed in boxes and are better moved in your own vehicle. Large plants should be placed so that the entire pot is contained within a box, so that spilled soil will not get all over the truck and your belongings.

• Place all loose items in an appropriate box! Although your movers will be cooperative enough to move whatever you have, they will not vouch for the safety of loose pictures, lampshades, mirrors, or small electronic equipment. You can buy bubble-wrap for pictures and mirrors, or request mirror boxes from us.

• Mattresses can be wrapped in furniture pads on the truck, but special boxes can be purchased if desired. You can request your movers to wrap your upholstered furniture with shrink wrap.

• Please disassemble all particle board and pressed wood pieces prior to moving, if you would like them to survive the move. Otherwise, these pieces are unsturdy and prone to cracking with even small movements.