Moving Tips

Moving Tips - Protect Yourself When Moving

 

Choosing a Moving Company - The two most important things you can do to protect yourself are:

Choose a licensed, professional mover with care.

Understand your rights and responsibilities as a moving services customer..

Before You Move Select A Licensed Mover

Your moving company should have a valid permit. Companies handling moves within the state without a permit are violating state law. A licensed mover must comply with safety, insurance and service standards. They also must perform their services at reasonable rates and within a reasonable time. Non-permitted moving companies operate outside the law and may provide little, if any, protection for loss or damage to your belongings.

Get recommendations when choosing a moving company

When shopping for a moving company, get recommendations from neighbors, friends, and co-workers who have used a mover recently. Ask for and check the company's references.

Trust Your Instincts when choosing a moving company

If a company makes you feel uncomfortable, go with another company. It's that simple

Compare Costs when choosing a moving company

To compete for your business, the mover may price its services up to 40 percent below the maximum allowed for moving costs. Ask for a great deal and get a free, no obligation, moving estimate before choosing a moving company.

How your moving company calculates moving costs

Make sure you understand how the moving costs are being calculated: rates based on the weight of your goods and the distance hauled.

Moving Company Estimates

You should ask for and receive a free, written estimate of the probable cost of your move. The estimate should clearly and accurately describe all charges. If it is not in writing, it is not an estimate.

There are two types of estimates you will get from moving companies

1.A non-binding estimate is an educated guess of what your move would cost based on the mover's survey of your belongings. Your final cost can be more than your non-binding estimate -- though there is a limit on how much a company can exceed the estimate.

2.A binding estimate is a written agreement that guarantees the price you pay based on the items to be moved and the services listed on the estimate, inventory or tally sheet.

Regardless of which type of moving estimate you get, you are best served by an accurate one. Show the estimator every single item to be moved, including items in the attic, basement, garage, shed, closets, and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost. If circumstances change from the time of the estimate resulting in additional costs, the mover must provide a supplemental estimate before performing the additional services.

During Your Move

An inventory list and the bill of lading are valuable documents, particularly if you have a claim for loss or damage

Moving Inventory List

Ask the mover to make an inventory of your property. Make sure the list is legible and accurate. If you disagree with the inventory, note it on the list before you sign it. Make sure all notations also appear on the mover's copy.

On moves when you pay by the hour, you will have to pay for the time an inventory takes. But without an inventory, you could have difficulty proving a claim.

Bill of Lading

Keep the bill of lading safe and available until your belongings are delivered. The bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover and a receipt for your belongings.

Movers are required to provide you with this contract before the truck leaves with your belongings

Read the bill of lading, complete portions requiring you to make specific choices, and understand the document in full.

If there are differences between what is written on your estimate and on your bill of lading, or if you do not understand something, ask the mover to explain it to your satisfaction. Be sure you understand the contract, especially the part about the carrier's liability, and get a copy

You must sign the bill of lading contract before the truck leaves with your belongings, and sign it again as a receipt upon delivery. The driver should also sign the bill of lading contract as a receipt that your belongings were picked up. If you cannot read the signature, ask the driver to print his/her name below the signature.

Moving Carrier Liability

Your mover's liability for loss or damage to your property will likely be less than the value of your goods. The mover is not liable for the full value of your property unless you pay an additional charge for that protection.

Basic protection often covers as little as 60 cents per pound, per article. As an example, a 10-pound lamp would be reimbursed at $6.

Carrier's liability and insurance are not the same thing, so it's a good idea to see your insurance agent to determine if you need additional coverage. Movers must explain their liability for loss or damage to your property and how you can increase your protection.

More details on carrier liability can be found reviewing the back of the bill of lading or from the tariff. You can view a copy of the tariff and a fact sheet on this topic.

On the back of the bill of lading is a list of instances in which the mover is not liable for loss and damage to your property. Review this list carefully, and make certain you understand the information.

Under no circumstances should you pack the following items with your other belongings:

•Jewelry

•Valuable papers

•Coins

•Money

•Flammables

•Dangerous articles

•You should take personal responsibility for moving such items.

Weight

Long distance moving charges are typically based on weight and distance. To determine the net weight of your shipment, the mover weighs the empty vehicle then reweighs it after loading your belongings into the truck.

At your request, the mover should:

Notify you of the weight and charges as soon as the net weight of your shipment is established. You are entitled to witness the official weighing of the loaded vehicle.

Re-weigh the shipment before delivery, if it is practical to do so. You are responsible for the cost of re-weighing the shipment. Re-weighing charges are shown in the tariff.

Delivery and Inspection

Be there at the agreed-upon time for delivery. If you are not there, and delivery can't be made because of your absence, your property may be put in storage at your expense.

Check for damage, particularly valuable items, while the mover is present. If there's a box or container that won't be unpacked right away, you and the mover should inspect it for signs of damage.

Do not sign any delivery papers until you inspect your belongings and check them against the inventory.

If there's loss or damage, make a specific notation on both copies of the inventory and/or bill of lading. This will help later if you have to file a claim.

If you find damaged goods after the mover has left, keep the items and packing materials as they were in the box, or set aside damaged belongings that were not packed. Call the mover immediately so that a claims representative can inspect them.

Be Prepared To Pay

Unless you make credit arrangements, you will be expected to pay for the move before your goods are unloaded. Payment will be expected in cash, money order or cashier's check unless other arrangements were made.

If charges are more than the written non-binding estimate, the mover MUST unload and release all your goods if you pay 110 percent of the amount of the estimate and supplemental estimates. The carrier is required to give you 30 days to pay the balance. (A good reason to get and retain a written estimate.)

After The Move

Claims

All claims for loss or damage must be filed in writing with the mover. Ask the mover for a claim form.

Claims must be filed within nine months from the date of delivery. If your shipment is lost, the claim must be filed within nine months of the date upon which delivery should have been made. File your claim as soon as possible while memories are fresh.

Movers must acknowledge written claims within a limited time frame (check state regulations). Be sure to keep the damaged property, because the mover has a right to inspect any damaged property before settling a claim.

If the mover will not voluntarily settle a claim to your satisfaction, you may: Submit the claim to arbitration or mediation through a third party (including services provided by a local government agency); or file suit in a court of law. Depending on the amount contested, you may be able to use small claims court.

Additional information related to claims is printed on the backside of the bill of lading.

Storage

If your goods are put in storage, you will have to pay for unloading when they go into storage, reloading them when they come out again, and storage charges. The mover's liability may end if your goods go into permanent or long term storage.

Moving Tips to Remember

The best way to avoid problems is to plan ahead, be informed, and be prepared. It's worth your time to remember these tips:

•Choose your licensed mover carefully

•Get a written, signed estimate, and have it out when you pay the final bill

•Ask for an inventory and check it for accuracy

•Understand and agree with the bill of lading before you sign it

•Have the mover explain his liability for loss and damage

•Be at the destination at the time agreed upon for delivery

•Check the condition of your property before you sign a delivery receipt, bill of lading, or inventory sheet

•Keep the lines of communication open with your mover at all times

Information From The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Moving Tips -Packing Materials

The secret to packing is making certain you have the right packing materials. Try to box everything. Boxed/square items usually stack better than those not boxed. The more boxed items you have the better you will be able to utilize the entire space inside the trailer or van. Take the time to package your belongings properly. The better you package your belongings the better they will travel.

Materials You Will Need

Large Plastic Trash Bags

Have a good supply on hand not just for throwaway items but also to cover items such as loose cushions and pillows to keep them from getting dusty and dirty during the move.

Resealable Plastic Sandwich Bags

You will find these useful for many purposes especially when disassembling furniture items to keep the nuts and bolts together so they will not get lost during the move.

A Notebook and Pen to keep track of everything associated with the move

It is a good idea to pack one room at a time, labeling each box with the room name (Kitchen, Bathroom, etc.) and a number (Kitchen - #1). As you complete packing each box go to your notebook, record the room name and the box number and list the contents of the box. If you take a little extra time to do this while you are packing each box, being as specific as you can, it will make unpacking at your new home that much easier. Also, if a box goes missing during the move you will be able to identify the missing items immediately by referring to your inventory list.

Black Felt Markers

The jumbo size, permanent ink, bold felt markers. Have two or three on hand as they tend to get misplaced especially if you have friends helping you pack for the move. Mark your Moving boxes boldly. Arrows indicating which end is UP on all sides of the box when the items you have packed must stay in the upright position. FRAGILE should be written on all sides of a moving box when the box contains fragile items.

Utility Knife and Scissors

For cutting cardboard and other packing materials.

Packing Tape and Tape Dispenser

Using proper packing tape on your moving boxes is very important. Other kinds of tape such as duct tape or masking tape do not adhere as well to cardboard boxes. We recommend 2 inch; wide plastic tape. A tape dispenser will make the job much easier and faster. Most moving supply companies offer a package deal – tape dispenser with 2-3 rolls of tape.

Packing tape is available in different grades and the price per roll generally reflects the grade type. As a note of interest, the very lowest economy grade of tape may not be your best value if the tape keeps tearing. You may end up spending more time trying to get the tape off the roll in one piece rather than sealing moving boxes.

Do not apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface. If you are attempting to secure dresser drawers or cabinet doors so they do not fly open when they are moved we recommend you use stretch wrap for this purpose.

Packing Boxes

Whatever type of moving boxes you use (purchased or free) make certain they have a lid or cardboard flaps that completely cover the top so can tape the box completely shut.

Keep the weight of your boxes at 50 pounds or less

Tape the bottom and top of every box.

Standard packing boxes that you buy come in various sizes and are generally offered for sale by the bundle.

Most moving supply companies will also buy back any boxes you do not use so make certain you have a good supply of various sizes on hand before you start packing and keep the sales slip for any returns.

Wardrobe boxes come in two sizes, large/tall for hanging longer clothing items (gowns, dresses) and small/short for hanging shorter clothing items (suits, shirts). Wardrobe boxes are recommended for transporting all of your hanging clothing items.

Electronics boxes are specially designed for moving, shipping or storing televisions, VCRs, microwaves, stereo components, computers, monitors and printers. If you have not kept the original shipping box for these items consider purchasing an electronics box and proper packing material for added protection during the move.

Free boxes: Liquor store boxes are great for packing heavy items such as books or tools because they are relatively small and very sturdy. Copier paper boxes from work (with the lids) are also good packing boxes. Supermarket shipping boxes for fruits and vegetables are also good sturdy boxes. A word of caution, make certain these boxes are clean of debris (insects too) and dry before you pack any of your belongings into them.

Rubber/plastic type tote boxes are becoming a very popular alternative to the standard cardboard packing box for some items because they are waterproof, durable and reusable for everyday practical use after the move. They come in various sizes with lids, they have handles for ease of lifting and usually stack very well. If you use these tote boxes for packing, do not overload them just because they seem so durable. They still have to be lifted so keep the general rule of thumb in mind, should not to exceed 50 pounds.

Packing Paper

If you use old newspapers to wrap your belongings and wadded up newspapers to fill in empty spaces in your boxes be prepared for the ink to rub off on your hands and also to rub off on anything else the newspapers comes in contact with. This means cleaning everything at the other end before you put anything away. Worse yet the ink may permanently stain some of your items. Use clean white newsprint. Most moving supply companies sell this packing paper in sheets by the box and it is a relatively inexpensive investment to protect your personal belongings during the move. Size of the sheets may vary but generally a box will contain 150 sheets – 20” x 25”.

You will need plenty of packing paper so make certain you start out with a good supply on hand.

Moving Pads

Moving pads are used to protect wooden furniture items, upholstered furniture items and large appliances during the move. Blankets and quilts may also be used.

Rope

Rope is used to secure furniture pads around large items of furniture. Rope is also used to secure furniture items inside the trailer so they will not get damaged from shifting during the move. Clothes line or twine may also be used.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is sold by the foot or yard and is available in various bubble sizes ranging from small to large. Smaller bubble size is recommended for delicate, lightweight items such as picture frames, glass or porcelain vases, crystal, glassware, figurines and knick-knacks. Larger bubble size is recommended for heavier items such as electronic or stereo equipment components, paintings or sculptures.

Packing Peanuts

Styrofoam or cornstarch packing peanuts are sold by volume by the box or in bags. Perfect as a cushion or filler when boxing up delicate objects.Great for packing electronics or other items sensitive to bumps and shocks. Many packing peanuts available today are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and anti-static.

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is sold by the roll generally in two convenient sizes: Small, 5” wide x 1000’ roll and Large, 18 inches wide x 1000 inch roll. This is a handy wrap that is ideal for bundling and securing all types of household items. Stretch wrap is very strong and form fits to any item you wrap. It sticks only to itself leaving no adhesive residue on the items wrapped with it. The small sized stretch wrap is ideal for securing dresser drawers and cabinets doors so they do not fly open while you move them. Wrap your furniture with the stretch wrap and your drawers and doors will stay firmly in place. Wrap cables with your electronics, ski poles to the skis, curtain rods and table legs together. The large sized stretch wrap makes wrapping larger furniture items and other bulky items fast and easy.

Appliance Dolly

Rent an appliance dolly to move or load appliances and other heavy objects.

We can help you with packing supplies, truck rental, a licensed driver, and more!

Mattress Bags

Keep your mattress and box spring free of dirt, dust and possible water damage. Dust can settle deep into the mattress fibers during a move or while in storage. You can purchase mattress bags in various sizes from a moving supply company. If you would like to do it yourself, purchase a roll of 3.0 gauge plastic, cut it to completely cover your box spring and mattress and secure it tightly with packing tape (or duct tape).

Sofa and Chair Covers

Protect your sofa, love seat and upholstered chairs from dirt and dust during your move. Most large furniture discount stores discard the shipping covers from new sofas and chairs once these items arrive at their store. Before you buy covers from a moving supply company, check with your local furniture stores as many will give you the covers for free.

Moving Tips - Appliances

Moving Small Appliances (Blenders, Toasters, Etc.)

What you will need: Tape, Packing paper or your own towels and linens, medium moving boxes. Do not use packing peanuts or shredded packing paper, which could get into the machines and cause damage unless you wrap your appliances in a plastic bag first. Get the packing supplies you will need here.

How to pack: Group kitchen appliances, like blenders and toasters, or other small household appliances, like hand-held vacuums and telephones, two or three to a box (make sure they are clean). Make certain the bottom of the box is securely taped, then pad the bottom of the box with wadded packing paper (not shredded) or with towels or sheets. Put the appliances in and pad them well all around with packing material. Put another layer of packing materials on top, seal the box, and mark it Kitchen Appliances.

Moving Medium Appliances (Microwave and Convection Ovens)

What you will need: Tape, Packing paper, Medium to large sturdy moving box. Get the packing supplies you will need here.

How to pack: Clean each appliance well. Remove any trays, racks or pots wich you should pack and label separately. Coil the cords and fasten to each appliance. Securely tape the bottom of the box then pad the bottom of the box inside with wadded packing paper. Place the appliance into the middle of the box and fill in all of the empty space around and on top of it with wadded packing paper. Securely seal the top of the box. Mark all sides of the box with bold arrows pointing upward and label it “Fragile – Microwave”

Moving Large Appliances (Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Air conditioners and Refrigerators)

Before you pack any of these appliances read the users' manual for each appliance to make certain there are not more special moving preparations you will need to make. Also consider servicing all your appliances a week or two before you move (especially if this has not been done in a while).

What you will need: Tape, Large pads, Rope, Your towels and linens, clothes and stuffed animals for washing machines. Get the packing supplies you will need here.

Moving My Washing Machine

Do all your wash a couple of days before you are ready to move. Drain all of the water out of the washer. If possible, tip it sideways to empty out any remaining water from the water hose. Dry the interior completely with a towel. Take out all accessories and fittings and put them in a plastic bag. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to keep the tub from rotating. Fill the basket with clothes, linens, and stuffed animals. Tape the lid and electrical cord down, then tie a large pad around the outside.

Moving My Clothes Dryer

Disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and from the exhaust duct in the wall. Loosely roll the hose and place it in the dryer basket. Tape the lint screen, electrical cord, and dryer door down. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dryer.

Moving My Refrigerator

One day before moving, empty out the contents and defrost. Never transport perishable food. Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain from the automatic ice maker. Clean the walls, drawers, and shelves. Some refrigerators have leveling rollers, which are wheels that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even. Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for the move. Wrap shelves (especially if they are glass) and tape them together. Tape down all other loose parts, including the drawers on the inside and the electrical cord and doors on the outside. Tie a large pad around the outside of the refrigerator.

Moving My Stove

Clean the oven and stovetop. Place all oven racks on the bottom rung and tape down. Tape down the burners and the protective pans under each burner. Tape the electrical cord and door to the stove (lock the door, if you can). Tie a large pad around the outside of the stove.

Moving My Dishwasher

Remove all dishes and tape down the racks and silverware basket. See your manual for removing and draining the water hook-up. Close, lock and tape the door shut. Tape the hose and cord to the dishwasher. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dishwasher.

Moving Air Conditioners

If your air conditioner is in use, shut if off the day before so the coils can dry and cool off. Remove and clean or replace the filter. Tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back, where the coils are). Use the original packing box, if you have it, or another large appliance box well padded with wadded packing paper. Do not use packing peanuts because they could get inside the air conditioner and cause problems later. If you do have a box securely tie two large pads around the air conditioner to protect the coils.

Moving Tips - Armoires

Moving My Armoire


Armoires can be great packing spaces for lightweight items like pillows, lamp shades, even hanging clothes, if you use a tight tension rod inside. If you are going to pack a lamp shade inside, be certain to pad it all around with lots of lightly wadded packing paper or bubble wrap.

What you will need: Rope, large moving pads or old blankets

How to pack: Remove all the contents from the shelves. Remove legs if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in a re-sealable plastic bag, label it and tape it to the underside of the furniture piece.

Do not try to ship your CDs, TV, cards and games, or other loose items inside the armoire. They will be jostled around and probably damaged. If you have drawers you can leave some items inside if they are not too heavy. Fill in the empty spaces with wadded packing paper and tape the drawers shut.

Larger empty spaces can be filled in with lightweight items like pillows and lamp shades (properly padded with lightly wadded up packing paper or bubble wrap). Several lamp shades can be stacked together with packing paper in between.

Close and lock your doors, if possible, or tie the handles together. Tie large padding or old blankets around the outside of the armoire.

Moving Tips - Artwork

Artwork

What you will need: Tape, packing paper and cardboard or bubble wrap, packing peanuts for sculptures, moving boxes (flat and/or sized to fit) for each piece of artwork.

How to pack framed prints: Wrap each print individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Tape cardboard around them. Place each print in flat fitted boxes. If they still fit loosely in their individual boxes, fill in the spaces with lightly wadded packing paper. Tape the box shut, label it boldly front and back “Fragile – Print”.

How to pack original paintings: If your painting is framed with glass, tape the front of the glass like an X with masking tape to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks. Cover the framed painting or canvas with packing paper and bubble wrap then tape it closed. Build a box to fit that is slightly bigger than the painting, or purchase one. If you are packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again, tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first. Double boxing is extra protection to prevent sharp objects from puncturing the box and canvas during the move. Tape the box shut well, boldly mark it front and back “Fragile – Artwork”.

How to pack sculptures: You will need bubble wrap, packing peanuts and a box at least one-third larger than the size of your sculpture. Fill one-third of the box with packing peanuts. Wrap the sculpture completely with bubble wrap and tape well. Place it in the center of the box in the upright position. Fill in all the empty space around and on top of the sculpture with packing peanuts. Your piece of art should be nestled in the center without touching the sides of the box. Tape the box shut, and boldly label it on all sides “Fragile – Artwork”.

Moving Tips - Mirrors

Mirrors

How to pack mirrors: Tape the front of the mirror like an X with masking tape to keep the pieces in place in case the glass breaks. Wrap each mirror individually in packing paper and bubble wrap. Tape cardboard around them. Place each mirror in a flat fitted box. Fill loose spaces with lightly wadded packing paper. Tape the box shut, label it boldly front and back “Fragile – Mirror”.

Moving Tips - Beds

Moving and Packing Beds

What you will need: Tape or rope, large pads or heavy blankets for headboards and footboards, mattress covers or old fitted sheets, plastic bag.

How to pack: Disassemble the bed frames and mark the pieces so you know where they go later. Tie or tape rails together. Place all screws, bolts and nuts in a resealable plastic bag, label it then tape the bag to the rails. Tie large pads or heavy blankets around headboard and footboards.

Cover the box spring and mattress individually with plastic mattress covers to keep them clean and free of dust and dirt during the move. Old fitted sheets can also be used to protect your box spring and mattress. Place one on the top side of the box spring and two on the mattress so the mattress is covered completely (front, back and on all sides).

Moving Kitchen Items

Kitchen Items -- Non-Breakable

What you will need: Tape, medium and large moving boxes, your kitchen towels and linens, packing paper.

How to pack:Group kitchen non-breakable items like pots, pans, cutlery, cooking utensils, canisters, plastic bowls and cups or other non-breakable items and box them accordingly. (Make sure they are clean.) Put packing paper (or ripped-open paper bags) between the items. Fill in spaces with wadded packing paper. Tape the box shut and label accordingly to your grouping Kitchen - Pots, Pans etc.


Kitchen Items - Breakable

What you will need: Tape, small and medium moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or packing paper.

How to pack Plates and Bowls: Place a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts in the bottom of the moving box.

Begin with stacks of layered plates, largest to smallest and continue with stacks of bowls, largest to smallest, on top. Begin with your largest plates and stack them in the middle of the box alternating one plate with one layer of bubble wrap or packing paper.

Continue until you are near the top of the box. Fill in all empty areas, top and sides, snuggly with packing peanuts or packing paper. Tape the box shut and boldly mark on all sides Fragile - China.

How to pack Glasses and Cups: Place a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts in the bottom of the box. Wrap each glass or cup in a piece of bubble wrap and tape it. Lay down a layer of wrapped glasses followed by a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts. Continue to layer until you have filled the box putting a final layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper on the top. Tape the box shut and boldly label Fragile - Kitchen.

China and Crystal

What you will need: Tape, small and medium moving boxes, cardboard, packing paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap.

How to pack Plates and Bowls: Place a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts in the bottom of the box. Begin with stacks of layered plates, largest to smallest and continue with stacks of bowls, largest to smallest, on top. Begin with your largest plates and stack them in the middle of the box alternating one plate with one layer of bubble wrap or packing paper. Continue until you are near the top of the box. Fill in all empty areas, top and sides, snuggly with packing peanuts or packing paper. Tape the box shut and boldly mark on all sides “Fragile – China”.

How to pack Glasses and Teacups: Place a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts in the bottom of the box. Wrap each glass or teacup in a piece of bubble wrap and tape it. Lay down a layer of wrapped glasses followed by a layer of wadded packing paper or packing peanuts. Continue to layer until you have filled the box putting a final layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper on the top. Tape the box shut and boldly label “Fragile – Crystal/China”.

Moving My Child's Toys

Moving Kids Toys

What you will need: Tape, packing paper, medium and large moving boxes.

How to pack: Most kids' toys are somewhat non-breakable and can be placed in boxes with some wadded packing paper or extra clothes to fill empty spaces.

Breakable toys like models or porcelain dolls can be wrapped in extra clothes and packed in wadded packing paper. Make sure you drain water from squirt guns and seal paints and other safe but messy materials in ziplock bags or containers.

Pack them together in a box lined with a plastic bag. Tape the box shut and label with the child's name. Mark fragile items accordingly on all sides of the moving box.

Moving Tips - Lamps

Lamps

What you will need to move your lamps: • Tape, medium or large moving boxes, bubble wrap. How to pack your lamps for the move without damaging them: Take light bulbs, harps, and lamp shades off of lamp. Wrap lamp shades in bubble wrap and stack them in a large box cushioned with wadded packing paper. Wrap the cord around the lamp and wrap lamp in bubble wrap. Place lamps in boxes with wadded packing paper. Tape box shut and mark Fragile Lamps on all sides of the moving box..

Moving Tips - Lawn Furniture, Lawn Tools, Lawnmowers

Moving Lawn Furniture

What you will need: Tape, large flat moving boxes for any glass tabletops, packing paper and bubble wrap for glass tabletops.

How to pack: Packing is easy if you have furniture with no breakable parts. Hose down/clean off your furniture. Disassemble any parts. Tape them together, or put small pieces in ziplock bags and tape to the furniture. If you have glass tabletops, wrap them in bubble wrap and put them in flat boxes used for mirrors and artwork. Tape box shut and boldly mark “Fragile – Glass”.

How to move Lawnmowers and Lawn Tools

What you will need: Tape, storage containers for hazardous materials.

How to pack: Clean your lawnmower underneath of all grass and debris (use a hose). Clean other lawn tools and equipment.

Drain gas and oil out of the lawnmower into storage containers. Contact your local recycling company or Environmental Protection Agency office for information on disposing of the gas and oil.

Tape or tie handles of rakes, shovels, and other garden tools. Pack smaller garden/lawn items in a box. Drain your garden hose down a hill, roll up, and put in a box. Tape your movingboxes shut and label Garden Shed.

Moving Tips - Pianos, Pool Tables

Pianos

Pianos are very heavy. An average piano can weigh from three to five hundred pounds while full-sized upright pianos can weigh anywhere from five hundred to as much as a thousand pounds. Moving a piano it is not simply a matter of weight. It is the shape, the fragile outer cabinet, the intricate and delicate inner mechanics and the uneven distribution of parts. To move a piano properly you must have the proper equipment and be knowledgeable about the unique dynamics of balance and inertia that pianos pose. do not take unnecessary risks for yourself and your piano. Hire a professional.

Pool Tables

Hire a professional to do it right. They will remove the bumpers, remove the felt, disassemble the table, remove the slate and prepare for transit by crate. At your destination, the professionals will uncrate the slate, reassemble the table, level the table and reinstall the felt.

Moving Tips - Sofas (Couches, Hide-a-Beds)

Moving Sofas, Couches and Hide-a-Beds

What you will need:Resealable plastic sandwich bags, large plastic trash bags, tape or rope, blankets or bubble wrap and plastic sofa cover (sofa covers may be purchased from most moving supply companies) or large sheet of plastic.

How to pack: Remove legs if possible. Place wing nuts or screws in a resealable plastic bag, label it and tape to the underside of the furniture piece.

Place sofa cushions and pillows in large plastic bags and use these as pads or fillers in the trailer or van. Pad all furniture items with blankets or bubble wrap. Secure padding to furniture with tape and rope.

Cover with a plastic sofa cover or large sheet of plastic and secure with tape and rope. If you are moving a hide-a-bed, it is very important that you tie it closed before you attempt to move it (people have lost fingers from hide-a-beds that have sprung open on them in mid carry).

Moving Tips - Computers Stereo VCR CDs DVDs

Moving Computers

What you will need: Tape, small pieces of cardboard, plastic bags, original packing box and foam forms -or- two sets of moving boxes, one larger than the other (for double-boxing components), packing peanuts

How to pack: Back up all the files on your computer. Your computer company may recommend that you park your hard drive. That means using a special program (possibly called SHIP.EXE) that makes recording heads in the hard drive pull back from the data area into a safer area of the CPU. Check your operator manual for details.

Pack your disks in a separate box making certain not to pack anything magnetic in the same box. Bundle cables and wires and color code them to match the holes for easier reconnection in your new home.

If your computer is completely cooled off, put each component part in a plastic bag to keep dirt out during the move. Place each piece inside the foam forms in their original boxes.

Fit cables and other accessories in the sides of each box and fill with packing peanuts. If you do not have the original boxes, use the double-box method. Fill the smaller of the two boxes with packing peanuts, put the bagged monitor or CPU in the middle, and fill the box the rest of the way so the component sits in the middle of the box without touching the sides.

Fit in cables and accessories, close and seal that box, then fill the bottom of the second box with packing peanuts, put the sealed box in, and fill all around the rest of the way with packing peanuts

. If you have a small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be sure to remove the printer ink cartridges. If your printer uses pins to form-feed paper, leave the paper in during the move to keep the pins in place. Tape each box shut and boldly mark on all sides Fragile - Computer.

VCR

What you will need: Tape, original packing box complete with protective foam forms -or- tape, medium sturdy box, heavy plastic bag, foam forms or packing peanuts, utility knife.

How to pack: Unplug your VCR and be certain the interior elements have cooled off before you begin to pack it (3 hours). Check your manual to make sure there are no special moving preparations you need to make to stabilize internal components. Wrap up the cord and secure it tightly with a twist tie.

If you have the original packing box, complete with protective foam forms: Place your VCR into the box, place foam form on top. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides and label “Fragile – VCR.”

If you do not have the original packing box with foam forms for your VCR: Begin with a medium sturdy box. Purchase foam forms. Cut and contour the forms to completely cover all four inside walls of the box. Cut two more pieces, one for the bottom of the box and one for the top. Place one form in the bottom of the box and place the VCR inside on top of it. Completely fill any empty spaces between the VCR and outer contoured foam forms with tightly packed wadded packing paper (not packing peanuts). Place the last contoured piece of foam form on top of TV. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides and label “Fragile – VCR”.

If you must use packing peanuts instead of foam forms be certain to place your VCR in a heavy plastic bag and seal it tightly at the top before placing it in the box containing the packing peanuts.

Moving and Packing CDs and DVDs

What you will need: Tape, packing peanuts or packing paper, small moving boxes.

How to pack: Pad the bottom of the box with wadded packing paper or packing peanuts. If you do not have a lot of CDs or DVDs and if your box is big enough place your entire CD/DVD holder (filled with CDs or DVDs) in the center. Fill in tightly all around and on top with packing peanuts or wadded packing paper.

If you have a large collection of CDs or DVDs, they can weigh a lot. Divide them into several small boxes. Place a stack of CDs or DVDs in the middle of each box and fill in tightly all around and on top with packing peanuts or wadded packing paper. Tape boxes shut and mark CDs and DVDs.

Collectibles

What you will need: Tape, small and medium moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or packing paper.

How to pack: Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap and tape. Put a layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper in the bottom of the box. Place wrapped fragile items in followed by a layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper. Continue to layer until you have filled the box putting a final layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper on the top. Seal with tape and boldly mark on all sides “Fragile – Collectibles”.

Moving Stereo Components

What you will need: Tape, plastic bags, original packing boxes and foam forms -or- two moving boxes (one a size larger than the other), and packing peanuts.

How to pack: Make sure all components are completely cooled off. Use color-coded tape to mark where cables and cords should go in the equipment for ease of set up when you get to your new home. Check your CD player manual to see whether you need to tighten screws that will keep internal components from moving around. If you have a turntable, tape down the platter the record sits on and tape the arm to the arm rest (pack the plastic turntable cover separately from the turntable, if it comes off, or screw it down if it comes with that ability).

Put all stereo components in individual plastic bags to keep them from getting dirty during the move and to keep packing peanuts out of the equipment. Put components in original boxes, or put them in double boxes. The component goes in the smaller box filled with packing peanuts, and the smaller box goes inside the larger box, also filled with packing peanuts.

Do not bundle components together in the boxes unless they are small enough to be separated by packing peanuts. Tape the box shut and label Fragile Stereo/Audio

Moving Tips - Televisions

Moving Big Screen TV

What you will need: Tape, Original packing boxes and foam forms -or- Large new moving box and foam forms.

How to pack a big screen tv: Unplug your big screen TV and be certain it has cooled off. Lay it gently on its side and slide the foam forms on either end. Then slide it into the box and set it upright.

Tape the box shut and label “Fragile – Big Screen TV”.

If you do not have the original box, you will still need more protection than packing peanuts provide. Dense foam blocks are much better for this type of job. Gently lay the TV on its side on top of a piece of foam.

Tape another piece of foam in the bottom and slide the whole thing into the box. Fill in all sides with foam. Tape the box shut and label “Fragile – Big Screen TV”.

Moving a TV that is less than 30"

What you will need: Tape, Original packing box complete with protective foam forms -or- tape, large sturdy moving box, large sheet of plastic, foam forms or packing peanuts, utility knife.

How to pack: Unplug your TV and be certain the interior elements have cooled off before you begin to pack it (3 hours). Check your manual to make sure there are no special moving preparations you need to make to stabilize internal components. Wrap up the cord and secure it tightly with a twist tie.

If you have the original packing box, complete with protective foam forms: place your TV into the box, place foam form on top. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides. Boldly mark FRONT on the picture tube side of the box and label “Fragile – TV” on all sides.

If you do not have the original packing box with foam forms for your TV: Begin with a large sturdy box. Purchase foam forms. Cut and contour the forms to completely cover all four inside walls of the box.

Cut two more pieces, one for the bottom of the box and one for the top. Place one form in the bottom of the box and place the TV inside on top of it. Completely fill any empty spaces between the TV and outer contoured foam forms with tightly packed wadded packing paper (not packing peanuts).

Place the last contoured piece of foam form on top of TV. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides. Boldly mark FRONT on the picture tube side of the box and label “Fragile – TV” on all sides.If you must use packing peanuts instead of foam forms be certain to completely enclose your TV in a large piece of plastic and seal it tightly at the top before placing it in the box containing the packing peanuts.

Moving Tips - Don't Pack These Items

What Not To Pack When Moving

It is dangerous and illegal to pack and move flammable and hazardous materials. Heat from the sun can raise temperatures inside a closed moving van to well over 150 degrees. Since vans travel through warm climates or high altitudes (both dangerous to pressurized containers) to reach their destinations, any article which may become explosive is prohibited from being placed in your shipment.

The following items should not be packed:

Corrosives Household cleaners, acids, liquid plumber and car or boat batteries.

Explosives Ammunition, bullets, flares, fireworks and detonators.

Flammable LiquidsGasoline, lighter fluid, paint, paint thinner, glue, kerosene, acetone (includes nail polish remover), tar remover, turpentine, lacquer remover, alcohol and lamp oils.

Flammable SolidsMatches and fuel tablets.

GasesEither pressured or liquefied, propane tanks, oxygen, helium, household fuel, aerosol cans*, paint cleaner and butane lighters.

Liquids

Wine, beer and alcohol.

Oxidizers

Bleach, disinfectants, organic peroxides, fertilizers, pool chemicals and chlorine in any form.

Poisons

Pesticides, herbicides, fumigants and photographic developing chemicals.

Any aerosol can including but not limited to Hair spray, shaving cream, deodorants, insecticides, cleaning products, spray starch, spray paint

Any other items That might be susceptible to combustion, like oily rags and charcoal, should not be packed for shipping.

What to do with Not to Pack Items

Call your local recycling pick-up provider, fire station, or the nearest Environmental Protection Agency office to learn how to properly dispose of flammable and hazardous materials before you move. If you have a small can of turpentine or leftover paint, ask your neighbors if they can use it. Otherwise, dispose of it properly with assistance from your recycling company or the EPA.

For other information about moving check out these links:
Moving Checklist
U.S. D.O.T.
Moving Scams
More Info