PACKING TIPS:
White Glove Moving & Storage has made packing and moving our
passion. We understand that this relocation is an important one to you,
and it is important to our staff as well. After fifteen years in the business
we’ve learned a few tips and general information that will make you almost
as much of an expert as we are. Whether you need help packing or
generally preparing for your move, we’ve got the tips and know-how to
assist you with all of those questions and concerns.
If you decide to tackle the job of packing by yourself, here are a few tips
that are bound to make things to more smoothly.
Pack like items with like items. Don’t pack delicate items in a box with
items that could damage them. Grandma’s antique tea set and Junior’s
computer do not go well together.
Cover any sharp edges on larger items (table corners, etc.) so that they
do not damage other items (a rag with a rubber band or some sort of
elastic works well for this).
Wrap items in clean unprinted packing paper. Use printed newspaper for
cushioning only at the bottom and top of the boxes, since the ink can
damage your delicate items (such as china, clothing, etc.). Place crushed
paper or other Styrafoam "peanuts" on the bottom and tops of cartons for
cushioning. Keep the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest items
on the top, both in individual boxes and in general. No matter how strong
your coffee table may be, chances are it won’t hold the weight of your big
screen television. Fill in empty spaces between the larger/heavier items
on bottom and the smaller/lighter items on top with paper to help protect
them. Make sure to fill your boxes completely, but limit their weight to 50
lbs maximum, to avoid the box collapsing. Use cushioning to achieve this.
Seal cartons tightly with tape whenever possible, and mark them with your
last name and the name of the room you want them to go into at delivery.
This system will let your movers know which box needs to go into which
room upon arrival, and will make unloading smoother & faster.
Develop a system to catalog the boxes. You might give each box a
number and keep a list of the items in that box in a notebook. It is not
recommended that you put the contents list on the outside of the packing
box.
Wind electrical cords, fastening them so that they do not dangle. Many
electrical cords have caused damage to a beloved lamp or computer.
Empty all furniture drawers and shelves/cupboards completely, so that
items are not damaged and to ensure that the structure of the furniture is
not weakened by excess weight during transport.
For very small and fragile items, pack a small box inside a larger box with
paper and cushioning in between boxes.
Try not to separate items that belong together. Any pairs or sets of items
should go together, and any screws, nuts, bolts, cables, cords, remotes
that will be used to reassemble an item should be packed with the item,
clearly labeled and well sealed.
MOVING COUNTDOWN CHECK-LIST:
Thorough planning is the key to any successful move. With so many
decisions to make and details to remember, the following check-list will
help you to stay organized. There are various articles written about the
process of moving , most of which agree that moves take 8 to 10 weeks
from start to finish. Therefore, we recommend that you start planning and
preparations as soon as possible. Print out the form below, and keep it
handy, so that you can refer to it as you go along.
6 Weeks Before the Move
Inventory all possessions now and decide what to move, sell, replace, or
donate to charity.
Take care of all change of address forms, mail to media, stores, and organizations.
If you have children, make arrangements for record transfers between
schools and doctors on both ends of the move.
Itemize your moving related costs with the mover, including packing,
loading, special charges, insurance, etc.
4 Weeks Before the Move
Have a garage/yard sale to dispose of unneeded items, which can greatly
help your move.
If your professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing days
1 to 2 days before the move date. If you are packing your own goods,
order adequate amounts of boxes, packing materials, and tape now.
Arrange for short or long term storage if needed.
3 Weeks Before the Move
Assemble a sufficient supply of packing materials and equipment.
Pack items you won’t use immediately or that will go into storage, and
label them.
Contact utilities on both ends of the move, order termination or turn-on for
occupancy date.
Confirm all travel arrangements.
2 Weeks Before the Move
Prepare auto for trip to new home. Check tires, oil, and have car serviced
before the move.
Cancel/transfer newspaper and other delivery services
Confirm new bank accounts by phone and in writing.
If you are purchasing or moving appliances, schedule an appliance
service firm for moving day to prepare major appliances for the move. You
will also need to have them re-serviced at your delivery location before
you hook them back up and/or use them.
1 Week Before the Move
Gather important papers, records, valuables for protected shipment to
your new home or safe deposit box. Do NOT include such items in your
shipment.
Notify friends and neighbors of your new address, and phone number (if possible).
Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day. You will
need every minute to focus on your move.
Fill any necessary prescriptions or medications needed for the next
several weeks. Do not pack medications into your shipment.
Day Before the Move and MOVING DAY!
Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away all food in both units.
Plan simple meals for moving day (or take-out food) to avoid using the
refrigerator.
Pick up cash for your trip and for the mover’s invoice (if required).
Pack items you need to take with you including valuables, financial
records, and personal papers.
Take your signed Bill of Lading and Inventory List with you, and keep them
where they can easily be reached at destination.
Give the movers a telephone number and address where you can be
reached in your new town.
