MOVING TIPS
How To Prepare For Your Big Moving Day
If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your move, it’s especially important that you are familiar with the techniques that will best protect your possessions. Our packing tips will provide you valuable information to assist you in this process.
Good Packing Means
- Wrapping items carefully.
- Providing plenty of cushioning to absorb shock.
- Using sturdy cartons that close.
- Making sure cartons are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward or bend inward.
- Not mixing items from different rooms in the same carton, when possible.
Checklist Of The Basic
- Start with out-of-season items. Next, pack things used infrequently. Things that you will be using up to the moving day should be packed last.
- Empty drawers of breakable and spillable items. These are not recommended for inclusion in your
shipment as well as anything that would puncture or damage other items. However, blankets, sweaters, lingerie, bath towels, and similar soft, lightweight goods may be left in drawers. - Pack similar items together. Do not pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans, for example.
- Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirrors, bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic or cloth bags (which can be purchased from the moving
company) and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong. - Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or even facial tissue for fine china, crystal, and delicate items. Colored wrapping draws attention to very small things. Use a double layer of newspaper for a good outer wrapping.
- Place a two or three-inch layer of crushed paper at the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
- Build up in layers, with heaviest things on the bottom, medium-weight next and lightest on top.
- As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper and add more crushed paper to make a level base for the next layer, or use sheets or cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.
- Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets may also be used for padding and
cushioning. The more fragile the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure that no sharp points, edges or rims are left uncovered. - Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items listed on the High-Value Inventory form. These must be left open for the van operator’s inspection.
- As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while cartons are stacked) and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well.
- Indicate your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at the destination.
Tape a sign on the door of each room at destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly. - Put a special mark on cartons you want to unpack first at destination.
BEST L.A. MOVERS HAVE TIPS TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR MOVING:
There is usually a lot of pressure when moving to a new home, with so much to be done outside of the move itself. It is impossible to remember everything. But organization is critical to a smooth move and this is the time to start the process of securing a mover and considering various packing options.
- Make sure to separate out those items you’ll be taking with you and those items the movers will take. Items you may wish to take with you could be jewelry and important documentation.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and clean your stove all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.
- Prepare your “first night bag.” Your first night bag should contain the clothing and toiletries you will need for the first night in your new home.
- “Work” with the movers and be on hand when the movers arrive. If you are not able to be present while the movers are there, (and we strongly recommend that you be present), designate a close and trusted friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence. This person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
- Stay home until the last item is packed and loaded. Make a final inspection before the crew leaves. Leave your phone connected throughout moving day.
- Clean your house as much as you can before the moving truck arrives. Search every room, closet and around the house before the moving truck arrives.
- Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading. Remain there in case there are any questions for the duration of the unloading.
- It is helpful to have a baby sitter for your kids during the loading and unloading process. Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the loading and unloading process.
- Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home. Have your phone connected a day before move-in day.