Use the right boxes, and pack them carefully :
Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced
cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket
or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong
or padded, and so can't shield your valuables as well from harm
in transit.
Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate
pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides
of the carton. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather
than flat and stacked.
Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which
you've packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally
valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need
to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.
The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should
occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the carton easily,
it's too heavy. Label your boxes, especially the one containing
sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first
night in your new home.
For your family's safety and comfort :
Teach your children your new address. Let them practice
writing it on packed cartons. You can lighten your load and reduce
any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard
sale.
Fill two "OPEN ME FIRST" cartons containing
snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste
and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly
secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates,
cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items
your family can't do without. Ask your van foreman to load one
of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first.
Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your
house on the day of the move.
- Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from
all the activity on moving day.
- Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature
before plugging them in.
- Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses
from your new home, pack your phone book.
Work hand in hand with your mover :
Give the mover's foreman your reach numbers and email
addresses so you can stay in contact.
Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover
to explain anything you don't understand. Make a note of your shipment's
registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy.
If you're moving long distance, be aware that
your property might share a truck with that of several other
households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse
your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask
your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until
delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check
the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.
