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Packing Tips:
Good packing is essential for a
good move. If you choose to do some or all of your own packing
in preparation for your relocation, it’s especially important
that you be familiar with the techniques that will best protect
your possessions.
If your shipment includes delicate china, crystal, family
heirlooms or other items that need special attention, discuss
professional packing services with A1. We’ll be glad to explain
costs, materials and unpacking services available at your new
home.
You can depend on A1 for knowledge and experience in helping you
prepare for your move. We’ll be happy to assist you by answering
your questions and working closely with you to make your
relocation as effortless as possible.
Before you Begin.....
If you decide to do the packing
yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the
responsibility for your move’s success—including having
everything properly packed and ready for loading when the van
arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before
moving day. Only the things you’ll need that night and the next
morning should be left for last-minute packing.
In addition, your packing will be expected to meet specific
standards. This means complying with the principles of good
packing.
Prior to loading the van, moving company personnel will inspect
the cartons you’ve packed. If it is their opinion that items are
improperly packed or cartons are susceptible to damage, the
company may refuse to load the cartons until the questionable
items are repacked by the moving compare or removed from the
shipment. There is, of course, a charge for any packing services
performed by a moving company.
Plan Ahead:
Normally, packers from A1 can
complete packing for an average move on the day before goods are
loaded on the van. "pack-it-yourselfers" should allow more
time---several weeks, if possible. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be
able to drop everything to devote an entire day to packing, plan
to work at it between your other pre-move activities.
Preparing a convenient place to work and keeping your packing
materials in one location are important in completing the
packing job y moving day. If there’s a spare room available,
consider making it your packing headquarters.
A large table covered with a heavy blanket, quilt or mattress
pad makes a good, firm work surface. It is helpful to have a
second covered table nearby for soon-to-be-packed items.
Gather together everything you will need:
Various sizes of sturdy cartons
with flaps that can be closed completely.
White paper, tissue paper, paper towels or newsprint (unprinted
newspaper cut into 20"x30" sheets) good for all-purpose wrapping
and cushioning. Newspapers for cushioning or use as outer
wrapping only.
Note: No matter how old the newspaper, the ink always rubs off
and even can become embedded in fine china if used for wrapping.
When using newspaper, wash your hands frequently to prevent
leaving ink smudges on items you handle. Although ink smudges
can be washed off some items, it’s better not to take a chance.
-Scissors and/or sharp knife.
-Gummed tape for sealing packed cartons.
-Felt-tip marker for labeling cartons.
-Notebook and pen or pencil for listing contents of cartons as
they are packed.
-Labels or stickers.
You may purchase cartons (including those for special uses, such
as for dishes, mattresses and clothing), unprinted newsprint,
tissue paper, bubble pack and tape from A1 at a nominal charge.
There is a charge for delivery to your home.
Not Recommended from Moving Companies:
It’s best to make other
arrangements for the transfer of certain negotiable items or
articles of extraordinary value - or, take them with you. If you
decide to include such items in your shipment, be sure to list
them on the High-Value Inventory form that will be provided by
your A1 representative:
Cash
Deeds, wills or other such valuable papers
Documents pertaining to the move
Family photographs
Furs
Securities
Stamp or coin collections
Valuable jewelry
To guard against damage that can be caused by combustion,
leakage or explosion, dispose of these items:
Aerosol cans
Food in glass jars
Ammunition
Frozen or refrigerated food
Batteries
Furniture polish
Bleach
Gasoline
Chemicals, such as those for darkrooms
Kerosene
Chemistry sets
Lighter fluid
Cleaning fluids
Matches
Cologne and perfume
Nail polish remover
Fertilizers with ammonium nitrate
Oil-based paints
Fire extinguishers
Starter fuel
Fireworks
Flammable goods
Tanks of compressed gas, such as for gas grills or diving
Flares
Note: Empty scuba tanks with the valve removed may be
transported.
If it is absolutely essential to pack a liquid, such as a
medical prescription, the lid or cap should be fastened tightly
and taped shut. The container then should be placed in a tightly
sealed plastic bag.
Ready, Set, Pack!
Good Packing means...
-Limiting cartons, when possible,
to a maximum weight of 50 pounds to make handling easier.
-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:
Start with out-of-season items.
Next, pack things used infrequently. Leave until last the things
you’ll need until moving day.
Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, items not recommended
for inclusion in your shipment and anything that would puncture
or damage other item. However, blankets, sweater, 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, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should
be placed in plastic or cloth bags (which can be purchased from
A1) and taped or tied securely to the article to which they
belong.
Wind electrical cords, fastening them so they do not dangle.
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 in 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 to make a level base for the next layer, or use
sheets of cardboard cut from cartons as dividers.
Cushion well with crushed paper; towels and lightweight blankets
also may be used for padding and cushioning. The more fragile
the item, the more cushioning needed. Be sure no sharp points,
edges or rims are left uncovered.
Pack small, fragile, individual wrapped items separately or a
few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded
paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling spaces
with crushed paper.
Avoid overloading cartons, but strive for a firm pack that will
prevent items from shifting; the cover should close easily
without force, but should not bend inward.
Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items
listed on United’s 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 destination. Tape a sign o 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.
For Moving Day:
You might find it helpful to
reserve a carton for last-minute items to be packed on moving
day. Include such necessities as:
Soap
Toiletries
Towels
Facial and toilet tissue
The same carton can serve as an instant aid box for things you
might need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as:
First-aid kit
Powdered milk/creamer
Instant Coffee/tea
Screwdriver and hammer
Instant soup mixes
Snacks
Light bulbs
Sugar
Paper plates and cups
Small pan or electric coffee pot for heating water
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