Helpful Moving Tips
Start with out of season items, next, the things you use infrequently, and finally, those items needed until the last minute. You may find it helpful to label a special carton for "Last Minute Items". Use it for necessities such as toilet articles, soap, towels, and facial tissues. The same carton can come in handy as a "first minute kit" if you include packages of snacks, instant coffee, powdered milk, sugar, cans of soup, a can opener, crackers, a small pan, paper plates and cups, plastic spoons, paper towels, first-aid kit, hammer, screwdriver, light bulb, and scotch tape. In other words, pack things that you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
Checklist Before Moving Day
About 4 weeks before moving day is a good time to keep track of moving expenses for tax purposes. This is also when you should begin services in your new hometown and arrange a date for them to begin. It is often a good idea to have the services begin a couple of days before you expect to arrive at your new home for the convenience of having the utilities and telephone working upon your arrival.
Transfer of Records
• Automobile and driver license
• Bank
• Pet immunizations
• Medical Doctors and Dentists
• Isurance Companies
• Legal
Services to be Discontinued
• Telephone Company
• Water Department
• Cable T.V.
• Pest Control
• Electric Power Company
• Fuel/Oil Company
• Newspaper Delivery/Magazine Subscriptions
• Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
Change of Address Cards
• Local post office branch
• Friends and relatives
• Creditor (Charge accounts)
• Magazine/Newspapers
• Lawyer
• Insurance Companies
Miscellaneous
• You may want to hold a garage sale to sell unwanted items. It is much easier and more convenient to get rid of unwanted items before you move. It will also save you the expense of transporting them.
• Use up frozen foods a week or so before moving. Begin using up foods in the refrigerator. Defrost or allow refrigerator to dry out for two days before moving.
• Have all curtains and carpets cleaned.
• Drain out all gasoline powered equipment.
• Dispose of all oily rags, paint, and flammables before moving.
On Moving Day
• Make the foreman aware of any items that are fragile or need special handling. All fragile items should be boldly marked.
• When the moving crew has loaded the truck, do a complete walk-through of your house to ensure that everything was loaded and nothing has been left behind.
• Make sure the driver has your correct destination address.
• Wgeb tge crew has finished unloading, please check that you have all your items. If you are unsure please feel free to inspect the inside of the truck.
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME!
How This Guide Can Help You Packing For Your Move
This do it yourself guide intends to give you some valuable and helpful tips on packing your small articles so they can be safely moved on the truck.
Small articles such as dishes, table lamps, pictures, and many other items must be thoughtfully and carefully packed in boxes if they are to arrive at your destination in as good condition as they were prior to being packed and moved.
Packing for moving is an art required a certain amount of expertise and know-how. Much of the secret of packing is having the right materials with which all the necessary materials are available for purchase through Ironman Moving. If you are going to do your own packing the tips contained here should help remove some of the mystery,
Time
Professionals can normally complete the packing for an average move in one day (usually the day before the truck arrives to perform the move). "Do-It-Yourselfers" should allow more time, several weeks if possible. It's unlikely that you will be able to drop everything to devote a full day to packing, so try to work between making necessary pre-move arrangements and your regular activites.
Adequate Work Space
Prepare a convenient place to work. The dinning room table makes a great work surface. Be sure to cover it with a heavy quilt or a blanket. It's handy also, to have a covered card table on which you can line up the things to be packed. You might consider setting up headquarters in a spare room, if available, so it's ready to use when you can devote even a little time to the job.
Materials
Next, get together the materials you will need to do your packing.
Cartons of various sizes and degrees of sturdiness.
You will need many boxes in assorted sizes. All boxes should be in good condition, and must have covers on them in order that they can be closed up and sealed. You can purchase these cartons from us if you wish. It must be pointed out, however, that all paper products are expensive these days, and special-designed movers cartons are no exception. Ironman maintains a huge stock of all movers cartons for your immediate needs. You miight want to start collecting cartons from your grocery and liquor stores. All too often grocery stores have the tops removed, but if you have a talk with the store manager he/she would probably be willing to save you some cartons with the covers that are still intact. Liquor cartons are excellent packing cartons. They are sturdy and contain dividers, which make them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, bottles, etc...
Cushioning Paper, White Paper, Tissue Paper
You are going to need plenty or wrapping paper. Many people save and use their old newspapers. Keep in mind that the ink on the newspaper never thoroughly dries. Consequently, the goods that you wrap ion newspaper are most likely to be soiled and will require cleaning after unpacking, and before you put them away. For some items that you prefer to keep clean, it would be best to purchase some packing paper from Ironman Moving, where white packing paper, tissue paper, and bubble wrap are available in bulk or small quantities.
Sealing Tape
The best tape for this purpose is plastic tape. Your rolls of tape should be at least 1.5"-2" wide, Ironman Moving has a variety of tapes to suit your needs.
Magic Marker
This is for marking your packed boxes with such information as "fragile" or "this side up," etc...Ironman carries magic marker and industrial markers for your convenience.
Misc.
You might also want to use scissors, and a notebook pencil.
Some Things to Consider
Start Collecting boxes early. An easy way to store cartons so that they won't require a great deal of storage space is to open both ends of the cartons and flatten them out. You can open then again and re-seal the bottoms with your movers tape, as you are ready to use them.
Pack on a room-to-room basis. That means don't pack articles from the living room in boxes with articles from the kitchen. This will save much confusion later when it is time to unpack. If possible, start packing early. Remember, if you were to pack only a couple of boxes a day in thirty days you could have 60 boxes packed. You could start in areas where goods are not in frequent use, such as the cellar, attics, garage and closet shelves, etc.
It will probably be nevessary to have your mover do some of the packing for you. at the very least it may be necessary to purchase some of the specialized cartons that will be impossible for you to find elsewhere. This category would include such cartons as mattress cartons, wardrobe cartons, containers for pictures and large mirrors, and possibly some large cartons for table lamps. All of these items are available at Ironman Moving.
Hanging clothing such as suits, dresses and coats, should be hung in movers wardrobe cartons. This will save you the trouble and expense of having your garments cleaned and pressed after the move. Hanging clothing cannot be left in garment bags. Garment bags were not designed to be used as movers wardrobes, and they will not withstand the stress. Clothing to be hung is usually taken out of the garment bags and hung in the wardrobe.
Dresser Draws: do look through all draws and remove any breakable articles for packing in boxes. Be sure that only light contents are left in the drawers and that they are not too heavy. Too much weight in the drawers could cause damamge to the drawer while your furniture is in transit.
What size boxes should I use?
The rule-of-thumb here is that small, heavy articles such as books, records, canned goods, etc...would go in smaller boxes. Bulkier, but not so heavy articles, such as pots and pans, linens, and small kitchen appliances would go in somewhat larger boxes. Very bulky, lightweight articles such as blankets, pillows, toys, large lampshades and shoes, etc...would go in the largest boxes.
DO NOT pack for moving any flammable combustiles, or explosives. The safety of the shipment is the primary concern. Movers are not supposed to transport aerosol spray cans, paint thinner, gasoline, or anythingn of a flammable or explosive nature.
Basic Principles of Packing
General Rules
The general rules for packing are simple common-sense procedures:
• Wrap items individually
• Provide plenty of cushioning
• Make sure of a firm pack
Checklist of Fundamentals
• Use a carton that will close and is sturdy enough for items being packed.
• Place a two or three inch layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton to serve as a cushion, or you may want to use styro-foam chips.
• Wrap each item individually.
• Build a layer of the heaviest items first.
• Fill in all empty spaces with crushed paper as each item is added to the cartons. Be generous with the cushioning material, it absorbs shock.
• When each layer is complete add more cushioning paper and continue to build layers in this manner.
• Save the lightest items for the top layers.
• Use tissue paper, kitchen towelin, or even facial tissue for very delicate, fragile items. A colored wrapping draws attention to a very small item.
• Avoid overloading the carton, but strive for a firm pack which will prevent items from shifting. The cover of the box should close easily without forcing.
• Seal and label the carton.
Labeling
You may want to use a general description of the contents of each carton such as "kitchen utensils" or you may prefer to number and code the containers and make a complete list of the items un eacg carton/ In any case, be sure y ou have your name and the room to which the carton should be delivered at destination on each and every box. The movers will then be able to quickly place cartons in the proper rooms which will save time.
Packing Specifications
ITEMS IN THE KITCHEN.
Packing is much more convenient, and less tiring when you have a good work area. It is suggested that you clear the kitchen table and do your packing on it. Keep in mind that when you are packing fragile items you should plan to pack the heaviest objects towards the bottom of the carton, and the more delicate items towards the top.
BOXED FOODS.
Seal with masking tape those boxes that have been opened. No need to wrap such items in packing paper or additional cushioning.
SPICES.
These are ok to pack and ship. Make sure all cans are closed and won't leak. If in doubt, seal them with tape.
CANISTER SETS
Contents maybe left in canister sets. Again, it's a good idea to seal them with tape. Each canister should be individually wrapped in packing paper.
PACKING FLATWARE
Place a plate in the approx. center of your packing paper. Grasp about two sheets of paper at one corner. Pull over the plate to completely cover the plate stack, second plate on first plate. Grasp the second corner of your paper and pull over and cover the stacked plates. Stack the third plate. Take the remaining two corners (one at a time) and fold each corner over your stack of plates. Rewrap the entire bundle. Follow the same procedures as before. Finally, seal the bundle with masking tape.
Place the bundle of flatware in the cartons so that the plates are standing on edge.
*Note: For more efficient packing, plate separators are available.
PACKING CUPS AND GLASSES
Cups and glasses may be "nested" (one places inside the other) and three or four wrapped in a bundle. Tear or cut some small sheets of paper. Use at least a couple of small sheets between each glass or cup as protective lining.
1. Take your first glas and line with a couple of sheets of your cut up paper.
2. Place the second glass or cup inside the first one. Line with two more sheets of paper, and insert another glass or cup.
3. USing your best judgment, nest three or four and lay these on your stack of wrapping paper in a diagonal manner, off center amd closer to your body.
4. Grasp the corner closest to you of the two sheets of wrapping paper, and wrap around your glasses.
5. Grasp the next corner and wrap around the glasses again.
6. Repeat the procedure with the remaining corners of the wrapping paper, and roll the cups into a bundle (much the same as a butcher would wrap up meat).
7. If you have collected some liquor cartons with dividers, pack glasses, cups, and stemware in these boxes. If your bundle does not fill the entire box then stuff additional packing paper in to fill it up.
PACKING SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Its best to pack your small kitchen appliances (blender, toaster, can-opener, coffee-maker, etc...) together in one or two boxes. Later when unpacking you will find this to be much more conveniant. Wrap each appliance individually with two or three sheets of your packing paper then place the appliance into the designated box. When all appliances have been packed if there are small spaces that are empty, wad up some packing paper and fill in the spaces. However, if you should have a great amount of space leftover then you should pack other items in the box (for example you might want to add a few pots or pans).
PACKING POTS AND PANS
Approximately three pots or pans can be nested one inside another. Tear some packing paper, large enough to line the entire interior of the largest pan. Place two or three sheets of lining paper in each pan, repeat sealing each bundle with masking tape so that the bundle will not come apart. Pack in a medium sized carton. The same procedure can be applied for packing large bowels too.
PACKING TALL TABLE LAMPS
Your major problem in packing a table lamp may be acquiring a carton large enough to accommodate the lamp. If you cannot find such a carton you can purchase a dishpack box from Ironman Moving. Dishpack cartons are tall, extra-sturdy cartons originally intended for packing fragile articles such as dishes, however to solve this problem Ironman carries a special lamp carton which accommodates lamps up to 40" high. Dishpack boxes are 18" X 18" X 28", lamp cartons are 12" X 12" X 40" . Remove the lampshade and bulb. Wrap a cord around the base of the lamp. If possible, remove the lampshade hoop to reduce stress on the lamp. Line the bottom of the carton with a considerable amount of wadded up packing paper. This will ensure extra cushioning and protection or the lamp. Roll the paper around the lamp, tuck in the ends, secure it with tape, and place the bundled lamp in the previously lined carton.
LAMPSHADES
Place a layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton. Line the carton with clean tissue paper. Wrap each shade with one or more sheets of fresh tissue paper. Nest in a large carton, being careful that one shade does not press against another. Fill in all the empty spaces with crushed paper. Do not pack other items in the same carton with the lampshades.
PACKING PICTURES
Small pictures can bne wrapped and stood up in norrmal packing boxes with other goods. Extremely large pictures such as the type commonly found hanging over a sofa or mantle should be packed in one of the Ironman's designated picture or mirror cartons.
1. Select a carton which is larger than your picture when open at both ends.
2. Open the bottom of the carton, and t hen flatten out the carton. Seal one of the open sides with your tape.
3. Lay your pictures, face down, on several sheets of packing paper which have been spread out so as to be almost twice as wide as your picture.
4. Wrap the picture in much the same manner as you might a gift box. Bring one side of the packing paper around the picture so that it will cover most of the back of the picture. Then bring the second side of the packing paper around to cover tha back of the picture. Seal with tape. Turn the picture over and seal the areas where the packing paper overlaps.
5. Slide the picture into the unsealed side of your carton and seal this end with tape.
Packing Other Specific Items
BOOKS
Pack the upright alternating bound edge to the open edge. Expensively bound volumes or ones of special sentimental value should be individually wrappe. *Note: Books are heavy so use a small carton (such as the 1.5 book/record carton).
MATTRESSES AND PILLOWS
Special mattress cartons, in various sizes are available for you at Ironman Moving for a normal charge, and their use is recommended. We also have a plastic covers for your mattresses. Pillows can be placed in bureau drawers.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Family photographs and negatives should be packed in separate cartons, rather than combining them with other household items. Label cartons clearly for easy identification.
RUGS
Leave rugs on you floor for you mover to handle. If they have just returned from the cleaner, leave them rolled.
SMALL RADIOS AND CLOCKS
These and similar items may be packed with linens or in a separate carton.
FLOWERS-PLANTS
Living plants should not be taken in the truck. A centerpiece or other arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap carefully in paper toweling, facial tissue or cotton. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton. A "this side up" label should be placed on the carton.
FOOD
Make an effort to use up as much food as possible before moving. Boxes of dried up or powdered foods such as macaroni, or mixes should be taped and sealed. Cover the holes of all items with shaker type tops. Do not take anything perishable or subject to freezing if you are moving in the winter months. Dispose of all frozen foods prior to move day. Take only items that you are sure will travel well.
TOOLS
Long handled garden tools should be bundled together securely. All power tools should have all attachments removed and packed separately. All hand tools should be packed according to general packing rules. Use small cartons because tools are usually heavy. *Note: Remember to empty all gasoline and oil from motors.
WINDOW COVERINGS
Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise, place them over a pant hanger, and hang them in the wardrobe. Window coverings may also be folding and packed in cartons.
Final Packing Tips
Start with out of season clothes, next thing you use infrequently, and finally those items needed until last minute. You may also find it helpful to label a special carton for "last minute items." Use it for necessities such as toilet articles, soap, towels, and facial tissues. The same carton can come in handy as a "first minute kit" if you include packages of snacks, instant coffee, powdered milk, sugar, can openers, and plastic utensils and cups. Also include a first aid kit, screw driver, lgiht bulbs, toilet paper, and scotch tape. In other words, things you will need immediately upon arrival at your destination.
THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT GO IN THE VAN
Articles of extraordinary value such as cash, jewelery, personal documents, deeds, evidence of debt, securities, stamp or coin collections, or any other type of negotiable items. Take valuables of this kind with you or make other arrangements for their transfer. |
