Moving/Packing tips
PRE-PLANNING MOVING DAY
- Make are sure all entryways, doorways, porches and driveways are clear.
- If you live in a building with elevators, be sure to notify the management or HOA in advance that you will need use of the elevators.
- Be sure to set aside a box or bag of personal items that you will need immediately in your new home. Take this with you when you travel.
- At least one person should be present during the loading process. Drivers and other personnel may have questions or need access that only you can provide.
A Smooth Move can handle all your packing needs for you, but if you do decide to do your own packing, here are a few professional tips to help:
- Do not over pack. Keeping boxes and cartons to 50 pounds or less will prevent damage.
- Pack items you won’t need until after you are settled in your new location first.
- Label boxes clearly with your name, room and where the box should go in your new home
- Purchase quality packing materials. A Smooth Move offers a custom set of packing materials suited to almost any item including mattresses, dishes, large items, mirrors/pictures, and many more.
- Use wadded newspaper to provide cushion in your boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in newsprint or tissue paper before placing in boxes.
- Never pack Flammable fluids Chemicals Fireworks Paints Firearms
- Pack a travel bag or box of Family photos Prescription drugs Children’s toys Important papers and personal records (wills, insurance policies, deeds, stock certificates, etc.)
VALUABLE ELECTRONICS
When packing valuable electronics, special care needs to be taken. If you no longer have the original packaging for items such as televisions, use a sturdy carton with plenty of newsprint or bubble wrap. Label the carton “Extremely Fragile.”
For computer equipment:
- Back up computer files onto external storage device
- Disconnect all wires and cables.
- For printers, detach paper holders and remove ink cartridges.
- Treat monitors as you would television screens
WINE COLLECTIONS
Wine collections can be valuable personal items and require special care. Large, high-value collections should be moved in climate-controlled vehicles. Small collections can be transported in a car or van. Professional movers are experienced at packing wine correctly, including storing the wine on its side. If you are packing wine yourself, obtain specially designed wine-packing boxes. Dri-ice may also be purchased at your local grocery store for climate control during the move process.