Self packing guide

Packing is a crucial part of your move. An organized and planned packing process will allow you to start your new life at your new location quickly and easily.

The Moving Experts have come up with some important tips in order for you to create a smooth packing process:
 

• Pack early. It is important to go at your own pace and not rush the packing process in order to account for all items you plan to move with you and to make sure you are well-organized for easy unloading when you arrive at your new location.
• Mark all boxes to indicate what is in each box and what room it goes to.
• Heavier items should be in smaller boxes and light bulky items in larger boxes in order to keep boxes from splitting or crushing.
• Pack all the boxes to their maximum capacity and, if possible, combine paper to prevent movements that will cause noise and damage to the boxed items.
• Tape the boxes at all openings, especially bottoms, as well as tape around the box to insure stability.
• Dishes. Make sure that each dish is separately wrapped with paper or bubble wrap and there is padding on the bottom of the box as well as between each individual item. Cover the top of the items before you close the box to ensure tightness and security.
• Clothing, linen. Put lighter clothes and linen together in a medium-sized boxes. Put paper sheets inside the boxes. Use special wardrobe boxes for coats, fur coats, suits, dresses. You can put on the bottom of wardrobe boxes other small and light items, and reduce packing costs.
• Empty the drawers of all of your furniture. Use bubble wrap for the packing of furniture. On the corners of the furniture it is advisable to attach the pieces of corrugated cardboard.
• Tools and Lawn Equipment. Drain oil and fuel from power tools such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers and chain saws (do not ship flammables under any circumstances). Pack hand tools in small, strong cartons. Wrap separately if valuable.
• Motorcycles. Should be drained nearly empty of fuel. Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected.
• Electronics like Home Theater Systems, Plasma and Big-Screen TVs, Surround Sound Systems and Entertainment System Components — We recommend using a qualified third party to properly prepare plasma and big-screen TVs and entertainment system components for transport. It is best to use the original packaging when available. Consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on your equipment.
• Lamps and Lampshades. Remove bulbs, harps and shades and roll up the cord. Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place up right in a clean, tissue-lined carton. Wrap harp and finial with packing paper and tape to the inside wall of the carton that contains the shade. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper, and place upright in large, tissue-lined cartons.
• Medicine. Seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons or metal waste containers. Some prescription drugs, such as insulin, lose their potency if exposed to heat. Check with your pharmacist before transporting them with your shipment. Our recommendation is that you carry all medications with you.
• Microwave Ovens. Remove all loose articles inside the oven, such as cookware, glass shelves and carousels. Wrap loose articles and place in a separate container. Tape the door shut in an "X"-pattern to protect the glass. Use the original manufacturer's carton if available.
• Glass Items like Glass tops, glass shelves, Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures -- For complete safety, these items should be crated. This is a "must" when storing or shipping; Wrap them in unprinted newspaper or paper pads and place them in picture / mirror box.
• Cables. Disconnect all the cables from all electronic items like TV, Stereo System, DVD, VCR and pack them together.
• Computers. Pack computer equipment — PCs, scanners, printers, etc. — in original cartons when available. Otherwise, use strong, corrugated cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Place additional padding between the carton and the computer.
• Carpets. Leave large carpets to be rolled up by the carrier.
• Refrigerator / Freezes. Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves or removable parts should be removed and wrapped separately. Have your refrigerator serviced. Motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.
• Stoves. Must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut off tight and capped, if possible. For electric ranges, if the coils are loose, they must be removed together with griddles, deep fryers and removable parts, then packed separately.
• Washers, dryers, dishwasher. Disconnect from the electric power and main water supply pipe. Pour the remaining water through specially equipped openings.

Items that we recommend to be packed by authorized third party:

Grandfather clocks, chandeliers, pool tables, hot tubs, washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, aquariums, electronics etc

Items to be transported by the client:   
 

• Legal documents, all important papers, jewels, stamps and currency should be handled by you personally. Keep them in your immediate possession.
• Firearms.
• Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed. Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak or even explode.
• Frozen foods and plants.