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Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials.
Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your *grocery or liquor store. Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items.
*WARNING: Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores.
Packing Supplies
Here's a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:
- Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
- Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn."
- Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
- Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
- Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
- Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
- Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
- Scissors and/or sharp knife.
Packing Pointers
Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan. For example:
- Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
- Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
- Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification
- Log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed.
- It's a good idea to leave space in your log for a special comments section to note carton conditions or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
- Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available.
- Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
- Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
- Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.
- Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier.
A general rule to remember on carton size -- the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.
Packing Dishware
- Select a medium-sized carton (or mover provided dish pack) and line the bottom of the carton with crumpled packing paper.
- With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.
- Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate.
- Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.
- Stack a third plate. Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.
- Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.
- Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle, cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.
- Seal the bundle with packing tape.
- Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge.
Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware. When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.
Packing Cups
- With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.
- Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup.
- Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).
- Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.
- Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner. Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.
- Delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time.
Packing Glasses and Stemware
- Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper before wrapping.
- Lie on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.
- Corrugated paper rolls or cellular boxes may be used for added protection.
- Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box. Heavier items (dishware, pitchers , etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.
Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side. No matter what you're packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there's a gap. All boxes with "fragile" items should be marked accordingly.
Specialized Packing Tips
The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items. If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.
Bureau Drawers:
- Don't overload. Too heavy a load can cause damage. Remove firearms and any items that might break or leak. Firearms, along with serial numbers, must be registered with your van line representative before the move.
Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food:
- Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton. Don't attempt to move perishables. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.
Frozen Foods and Plants:
- Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, your mover is prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading. Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.
Clocks:
- Remove or secure pendulum in large clocks. Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.
Drapes and Curtains:
- Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons. Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.
Flammables and Combustibles:
- Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode. For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not your mover, may be held liable.
Lamps and Lampshades:
- Remove bulbs, harps and shades. Roll up cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial (decorative knob) with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper. Place upright in large, tissue lined cartons.
Medicines:
- Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry with you.
Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures:
- Tell your agent about valuable paintings for special care. Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons. Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers. Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.
Personal Computers and Video Recorders:
- Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder. Wrap cords separately; label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton. Be sure your personal computer is "parked" and ready for transport.
Silverware:
- Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper to prevent tarnishing. Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.
Tools:
- Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship Flammables under any circumstances). Pack tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
Water-Bed Mattresses:
- Drain all water from the water-bed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time. Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles. Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress. Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects.
Cars and Motorcycles:
- Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.
Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks:
- Wrap grates and briquettes separately in a newspaper (or place all briquettes into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton. Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents. Propane tanks must be drained before the move. Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.
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Although many people don't bother to get several estimates before signing up with a moving company, moving company prices vary considerably and you can save a bundle. Consumer Reports recommends getting at least three estimates before selecting a mover.
Tax Deductions
Did you know that some of the expenses of moving are tax deductible? If you'd like to get any of the following expenses claimed against your tax, read on and see if you qualify.
- Cost of transportation or hauling from old to new residence.
- Cost of packing, crating and unpacking.
- Cost of shipping your car.
- Cost of moving the pets.
- Cost of the trip to the new residence which includes lodging but not meals
Take into account that these deductions must not be excessive amounts, but the real question is, do you qualify for the deductions? All taxpayers are eligible, even if they don't file itemized returns, as long as you are:
- Moving to a new residence for the purpose of employment, whether it be as an employee or self-employed.
- Moving to a new job, at least 50 miles farther from your new residence than your old job location.
- A full-time employee and employed within the vicinity for at least 39 weeks of the first 12 months of occupancy.
- A self-employed individual, who will work in the new location for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months following the move, of which 39 weeks must be within the first 12 months.
- Moving to a foreign country, or for military service (These options fall under special limitations, so it's best to consult a professional tax advisor before claiming them).
Preparation And An Inventory Averts Trouble
- Take down ceiling fans prior to moving day. Movers will charge you for the cost of an electrician to do it.
- Purchase enough insurance to over damage to especially valuable items, or transport them yourself separately. Movers may not pay for damage to items you pack yourself.
- Hire a piano specialist to prepare your piano for the move. Service to a piano will add a hefty additional charge to your bill if the mover does it, and there's a greater chance of damage.
- If you have many books, pack them yourself and mail them book rate to save significantly on the cost of your move.
- Grandfather clocks should be dissembled by a clock specialist prior to moving day.
- Ask the mover to inventory your items and check the inventory carefully to be sure everything is included.
- Check polished table tops and antiques for any existing damage (nicks and scratches) and note its exact location.
- Note down the location of all existing damage (worn areas, pulls) to fabric on furnishings.
- Disconnect the water to the washing machine and refrigerator and gas to the dryer and range prior to moving day to avoid a surcharge.
- Confirm on the inventory that all goods with movable parts are fully operational prior to the move.
Eliminate Rather than Relocate
While you're organizing or packing for your move, sift and sort. Use a heavy hand toward the trash can, and let common sense be your guide.
Have a Garage Sale
If you are like most people, you have in your possession many items you really have no use for anymore. Sponsor a garage sale before your move to give yourself a little junk relief! You just might raise enough money to pay for your moving expenses! Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure! If you don't need it, unload it. Rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last 12 months get rid of it.
Ignore the "I Might Need It Someday" Syndrome
Don't move the riding mower to an apartment. Part with tools you won't have a place to use. And remember, junk is junk. You don't need a furnished attic.
Donate to Your Favorite Charity
Itemize the items and keep a receipt. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.
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Your Insurance Options
All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods they transport, but you have to be aware of the amount of protection provided and any additional charges that may apply.
There are 3 basic coverage options to choose from:
1. Basic Carrier Liability
Limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
This is called the "released value" (it is the minimum amount of liability required by law when transporting goods out of state). When moving locally, consult a mover on what is the minimal liability for that particular state.
2. Declared Value Protection
Subject to an additional, minimum charge of $1.25 times the weight of your shipment (based on the depreciated value of an item).
The entire delivery is covered at a value that does not exceed the dollar amount you declare. With this coverage the mover is liable for the entire shipment at an amount equal to $1.25 per pound times the weight of your shipment. If your shipment exceeds the liability of $1.25 per pound times the weight of your shipment, you may obtain full replacement liability.
Remember that movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, so it is your responsibility to understand this coverage.
3. Full Replacement Value
Subject to a minimum charge of either $3.50 or $4.00 times the weight of your shipment (some companies provide Minimum Full Replacement Value coverage, decide if this is enough to cover you).
This coverage equals the replacement cost or the repair of a damaged item. The mover can sell you or procure for you liability insurance in the amount you request if you release your shipment for transportation at a value of 60 cents per pound per article. If any damages or loss to your shipment occurs during your move, the mover would be liable for an amount not exceeding 60 cents per pound per article, and the balance of the loss (up to the amount of insurance purchased) would be recoverable from the insurance company.
This coverage may also have a deductible. Coverage with a deductible reduces the premium (keep in mind that you're also responsible for the first $100.00, $250.00, or $500.00 of loss or repairs).
EXTRA COVERAGE:
Extra insurance can be purchased through your mover with an independent insurance company, which will cover you for the duration of the move. Your mover will be able to direct you to a company that will bind your move.
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