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 How to Professionally Pack Your Home
1. You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. Limit what you pack to non-fragile items such as books, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small kitchen appliances. These items are cheaper to replace in case of damage. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.
2. The heavier the item, the smaller the box. Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make the hauling much more difficult. A good rule of thumb is if you can't easily lift the box, it's too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.
3. You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. If they are lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near the value you would place on them. Such items include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, crystal, and hobby collections. Pack and transport these items yourself, either in the car or as carry-on luggage.
4. Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe boxes. These are used pack your fine clothing such as suits or dresses. Your t-shirts and jeans can be packed in regular boxes or suitcases. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box. Don't let the box become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect your fine china. For your replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by using the free boxes that you can obtain from supermarkets and wrapping the items in old newspaper.
5. Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important to pad and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item carefully and separately. Make sure there are no empty spaces in the box. This will minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. This increases the strenth of the items should anything heavy be placed on top. Purchase strong tape- either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that movers use.
6. For the safety of your items, movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately notify your mover of each and every box that you packed yourself, especially if they're fragile or valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked. Some items may need to be placed in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. Movers have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services come at an additional cost. However, if you agree to use used boxes, they may give them to you for free. Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.
7. To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and back-up your important files.
8. Movers will not transport your plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a "plant/pet suitcase" of their own.
9. Movers will not transport or allow you pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, oils, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also note that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items. Movers also will not transport candles as they may melt inside the truck.
10. Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.
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Terry Hammill
General Manager
He does it all. Keeps us legal. Handles Dan’s loans and sales. Oversees agents in Carlsbad, Mission Valley, and El Centro. And that’s just before breakfast! The man also holds a PhD in Molecular Biology. Whew! People like Terry are the secret behind The Atvantage Group.
760-607-9700 ext. 208
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