Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with a forwarding address (temporary or permanent). Click here to notify the U.S. Postal Service of your move.
Materials you will need:
When you receive your estimate refer to the Table of Measurements. The third column will show a list of boxes and the sizes that will be required to pack your home. If you decide to use our materials we will send them out in advance of the move with free delivery, free packing paper and tape. We will take back and credit any boxes that you have not used on the day of the move. Do not purchase wardrobe boxes. These are delivered on the day of the move and are free if returned to us at the end of the job. Boxes that you have on hand are fine, However, we ask that all boxes be closed and taped. Be sure to write the name of the room the box is going to be delivered to, i.e. Master Bedroom, Den, Kitchen etc. Boxes should be marked on the sides, NOT the top. This way when you look at a stack of boxes you will be able to read your notations.
Start Simple
Books are the easiest to pack. Use the small box (1.5) and place books flat in layers in the box. If very valuable place a piece of packing paper in between layers of books. Most common mistake: Using a box that is so large it breaks when lifted. Tapes, CD’s and albums should also be packed in a 1.5 book box. Albums & CD’s should be packed vertically, standing on edge in the box. Getting these item’s packed and out of the way will save money as they are so easy to pack a child can do it!! Children’s toys and plastic ware are also a snap. Use a large box, 6.0 or 6.5. These item’s are usually bulky and lightweight so the large box works well. Nest bowls, and storage containers inside each other to save space. Pots, pans and cookware can be stacked in a carton with paper in between each piece. Do not use oversized boxes for these items. A medium box 3.0 works the best.
Breakables
Dishes should be individually wrapped. If you use newspaper, wrap first in a plastic bag to avoid a mess at delivery. We recommend un-printed newspaper and provide this free with our boxes. Plates, saucers, and platters should be wrapped and placed on their edge standing in the box. DO NOT STACK FLAT. Cups and bowls should be wrapped separately in packing paper or bubble wrap and may be nested inside each other to save box space. Glasses should be wrapped separately in packing paper or bubble wrap. Again, Glassware should be standing in the box, especially stemware.
DO NOT LAY GLASSES ON THEIR SIDE IN THE BOX.
Refrigerators & Freezers
Defrost clean and dry interiors. If possible vacuum back and bottom. On the morning of your move take out all contents. A cooler works well to transport food from freezers and refrigerators.
Washers & Dryers
We will disconnect this for you at pick up, but you must arrange to have the reconnection done by someone else after the lines have been checked at delivery.
TV, Stereo, Computers & Monitors
If you have the original box with foam inserts USE IT. If not and you do not have a box big enough we will blanket wrap these pieces. If you do box these pieces use bubble wrap, and scrunch up packing paper for the bottom and sides of box. Mark the box contents as FRAGILE. Draw an arrow showing which end is the top of the box. Please pull all wires and coil these up. We do not disconnect/reconnect computers, cable, or stereos.
Lamps
Lamps should be disassembled, with the shades placed in a box large enough to accommodate the diameter of a shade without the sides touching. Do not pack lamp parts with shades as cuts or tears may occur when the box is handled.
Mirrors & Glass
Wrap in bubble wrap and place in Mirror/Picture carton.. A typical carton will hold three framed prints, or one if the frame is deep. Be careful when placing more than one print that the hardware on the back does not damage the frame or front of a print already in the box. If we are going to pack these leave them on the wall. There is less chance of damage if we remove and blanket or box directly from the wall.
Reminders
Remove all contents from nightstands. Jewelry should be removed and bagged or packed in a suitcase. Items that you may need like medicines, escrow papers, school records and insurance papers should be packed in a box or suitcase so you can get to them right away. Clothing may remain in dressers. All other contents must be removed to avoid excessive weight on glue joints.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are free, if they are returned to the crew at the end of the move. As the crew unloads the truck they will bring in the wardrobe boxes you filled at pick up. Please remove your clothing from these and return them to the crew before they leave. If you wish to keep the boxes they are $8.00 each if used or $10.00 each if new.