Packing tips from movers in Phoenix:
Moving is a stressful time. Whether you're buying a house, emptying
storage, or going from apartment to apartment, there are a number of
things that can wrong, it you're unprepared. Please read these suggestions
on how to prepare household and expedite your move. General Packing Guidelines: Begin packing well in advance. Start with things you
do not use everyday. Pack one room at a time, labeling each carton with
the general contents and the destination room in the new home. Fragile
or high value items should be clearly marked for your mover. Ensure
the bottoms of the cartons are well taped to hold the weight of the
contents. When packing individual cartons, place the heavier items
on the bottom and lighter items on top. Packing and Preparing Specific Items: go to top of page Books - We
recommend smaller cartons. Lay books flat, alternating their binders.
Separate each layer with a folded piece of newsprint. Pack smaller books
upright or magazines to tighten up the carton or just add more newsprint.
Mark cartons contents and room of destination. Glassware -
Dish pack boxes are optimal. Never lay glassware flat. Glass bowls can
stack into each other (Do not stand bowls on edge). Cover the bottom
of your carton with some wadded newsprint to help cushion. Wrap each
piece individually and stand upright. Top off the carton with more newsprint
or plastic ware to tighten it up. Mark carton as "Fragile". Plates
and Dishware -
Place wadded newsprint along the bottom, sides and corners of the carton.
Place your first plate in the center of a stack of packing paper; wrap two sheets
of newsprint over the plate. Place the second plate on top and use two more
pieces of newsprint to enfold the plate. Continue until you have a bundle of
4 plates. Place the bundle on edge rather than flat in the carton. Mark carton
as "Fragile". Small
Frame pictures - Choose the carton that
best fits your size pictures.
Always stand in an upright position. Cover the bottom of your carton with some
wadded newsprint to help cushion the load. Wrap each picture individually and
stand upright leaving some space to cushion sides. Top off your carton with some
more newsprint to tighten it up. Mark carton as " Fragile ". Large
framed pictures - Choose a Glass Pack/Mirror carton that best fits
your size pictures. Cardboard inserts and corner pads will provide extra
protection. If using more than one mark the contents on the outside of
each carton. Stemware/Crystal,
Collectibles -
Dish pack boxes are optimal. Like glassware, never lay flat. Wad some
newsprint to cover the bottom of the carton. Wrap each piece individually
with small bubble wrap. Tape each piece securely and stand upright.
Top off your carton with some wadded newsprint to tighten up your carton.
Mark carton as "Fragile". go to top
of page Linens - Use
larger cartons. Pack assorted sheets, pillows, towels, etc. Fragile lamps
can be packed in between some linen and towels. Label your carton
. Lamp Shades -
Lamp shades can be nested together provided there is a sufficient amount
of clean newsprint placed in between each shade. No other items should
be packed with lampshades. Some shades such as those made of silk should
be packed separately. Pad the carton with plenty of wadded newsprint.
Label your carton. Hanging
Clothes - We recommend wardrobe boxes with a 2 foot bar. Pack
shoes, pillows, dust covers, comforters, etc. in the bottom. We provide
this service free of charge with all local moves. Computers - Back
up all files on your computer and package separately from the rest of
the components. Remove disks from their drives and replace with the original
cardboard disks. All cables should be removed and individually wrapped.
Any non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. If possible, it is best
to pack these items in their original cartons with the original packing
material provided. If you don't have the original cartons, make sure
you use plenty of padding to protect each item in the carton. (Never
use peanuts) Audio-Video Equipment - Best
packed in original boxes with original foam protections. Label cables
and tighten transit screws. If original boxes are unavailable, wrap components
in bubble pack (Never use peanuts on any equipment with fans or vents).
Then pack one large piece per carton. Large Screen
Televisions- Leave plugged in. Our insurance requires we verify
it is in working order before moved. Grandfather
Clocks- Generally require special disassembly. As with any clock,
it is important to remove the pendulum. Pianos- Depending
on the type and size, our crews are able to handle the disassembly/reassembly
of smaller pianos. However, for larger and more expensive pianos, a specialist
should be hired for crating. go to top
of page Heat sensitive
items -
Candles, CDs, records, tapes and floppy disks are all at risk during the summer
months. Consider taking them yourself, or shipping in a way that will reduce
transit time. Medications - Pack medicines
in leak proof containers. Appliances- Are
best moved if clean, dry and disconnected for moving day. This means
defrosting and airing freezers and refrigerators. Contact the gas company
to disconnect any gas appliances. Internal motors must also be secured.
Remove broiler pan and racks from your oven. Tape burners or coil elements
to the top of your stove and tape down all knobs. Disconnect and empty
all washing machine hoses and store them inside the machine. Immobilize
the tub with a brace or by placing towels between the tub and sidewall.
Tape electrical cords to each appliance and tape all doors and lids shut. Small Kitchen
Appliances -
Pack small kitchen appliances such as your toaster, can opener, and blender
together in one or several cartons. Each item should be wrapped individually
in several pieces of newsprint and placed in a pre-filled carton of wadded newsprint.
Spaces in the cartons may be filled with smaller items such as pots and pans. Beds- Strip
mattresses and box springs completely. Plastic mattress bags are available
in all sizes, but not always necessary. Dismantling the frame yourself will
of course save time, but each crew will arrive with a full set of tools. If
you have a water bed, empty it the day before the move. Dressers
and Bureaus- Most of the time these can be moved with the drawers
full. Clothing may remain in drawers for transport, but remove any
fragile or small loose items from the drawers and pack separately. Lawn and Garage
items -
Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other
equipment. Disconnect all batteries. Large items- We
pack the large items. Sofas, recliners, coffee tables, desk, etc. will
be wrapped in blankets and/or shrink wrap upon our arrival
. go to top
of page Items
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