Packing Tips & Suggestions
The process of relocating can
be a stressful one with major changes in your life and that of your
families. Therefore, we have a listed a
number of things for you to consider when planning your move.
Planning & Scheduling
Planning
is the most important part of every move. Therefore, planning has become a specialty for All American moving &
storage. From supplying the correct packing materials and labor through
loading, safe driving and unpacking, we make sure every possibility is
anticipated and every need is meet. From start to finish, we handle the
details. Our professional sales team will guide you through the process, and
will initiate the services of our customer service coordinators, operations
personnel, and others whose special training or unique capabilities are needed.
Packing Suggestions
Basic
Guidelines:
1: Label
each box with your name and job reference number
2: Use sturdy boxes, preferably those provided by your mover
3: When
packing breakables, leave a 2-4 inch layer of crumpled paper at the bottom,
sides and top of the box.
4: When packing a box, place heavier items
on the bottom, less heavy and lightest on top
China and Glassware:
1: Use china boxes, and unprinted newspaper.
2: Plates
and saucers:
Wrap each piece separately in unprinted newspaper. Place them in the box standing on edge
in the box.
3: Bowls:
wrap individually, stack 4-2 together, wrap all again and place then standing
on edge in the box.
4: Cups and
Glassware:
Wrap cup handles in paper, then wrap entire cup. Place them in box
with all handles pointing in the same direction. Wrap everyday glasses
individually.
5: STEMWARE:
Use white packing paper. Use china or liquor box with dividers. Wrap each glass
individually, stand on rim in box.
OTHER ITEMS:
1:
Books:
pack books standing on bottom edge
in book boxes.
2: Clothing:
Wardrobe boxes can be used for handling clothing. Other clothing, blankets and
linens can be folded and packed in linen boxes. We recommend emptying all
dressers and chests as the added weight can make them difficult to move
susceptible to damage.
3: Pots and
Pans:
Use china boxes; stack them together with a few pieces of paper in
between them. Fill all empty spaces with newspaper.
4: Lamps and
Lampshades:
Remove shades and bulbs. Wrap lamps in layers of paper and place in
box on base. Wrap lampshades lightly in paper, nest one inside the other, and
pack in separate box.
5: Electronic
Equipment:
Wrap theses items heavily in bubble wrap and place in box (ideally
in the original boxes). Place bubble wrap at bottom and sides to prevent
movement.
6: Paintings,
Mirrors, and Glass:
Use picture boxes and bubble wrap. Valuable pieces may need
to be professionally crated by us.
Points to remember:
We
at All American specialize in last minute moves. Contact us for additional information.
For
long distance moves scheduled towards the end of the month you need to call at
least 4 – 7 days in advance to secure your date and time.
At
any other time of the month you may call at your own discretion.
Yes, we offer free on-site
estimates, please contact our sales team directly
1-800-989-6683
1-800-989-MOVE to set up an appointment.
This will affect the estimate that your sales representative will give you.
It is important that they are made fully aware of the buildings that our
movers will be working in.
If
not, you may find additional costs added to the estimate given.
We
do not charge for shuttle trucks upon pick up.
However,
it is advised that you check in advance with
the local authorities that there is access for a 33-foot truck or a
tractor-trailer upon pick up/ delivery. This will enable your sales representative to make notes of parking
restrictions etc that may be in operation in your area.
This will allow us to make
additional adjustments where necessary so that you will have nothing to worry
about.
Please ask your sales representative for further details.
Some
buildings require certificates; therefore it is important that you contact the
buildings management company who will let you know if you need one. You will then contact your
sales representative with the information.
Yes, we offer this type of
service. Please speak to your sales representative for additional information.
If you require moving materials,
please order in advance, you may also get your own boxes from other sources
available to you.
Please use the link for Coverage Plans
further information.
All major credit cards accepted as
well as cash, certified checks and postal money orders, Contact us for
additional information.
The Moving Checklist: Courtesy of Yahoo
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Check list for moving:
8
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Task
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Check
you credit? If renting your new home, try to obtain a current credit report
to give to potential landlords. If purchasing a home, please check on your
credit report to make sure there are no errors!
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Look into getting
moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move.
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Using
a Mover: Use keyword ‘movers’ to get estimates from moving companies. Try to
shop around as much as possible to get the best rate.
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Self-Move: Use various internet
services to choose a rental truck to use. Be sure to reserve it well in
advance since reservations fill up quickly at certain times of the year.
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Pets:
Check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet,
especially if you are moving out of state or overseas.
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Kids: If you have small
children, be sure to research childcare options in your new area.
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Kids:
Assess the quality of school districts in your new area. Use various internet
services to compare schools.
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Overseas:
Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you don't have one, be sure
to get one well in advance
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Overseas:
Contact the consulate for the country you are moving to, insure that you have
all proper paperwork prepared and available
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Overseas:
Obtain a visa if you will need one. You can talk to a consulate about the
steps necessary to obtain one.
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7
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Make
a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to
your move.
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Begin
removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or
storage.
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Check to make sure
you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library
books.
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Gather
important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance
documents, etc…) and place them in a briefcase, strongbox, or other secure
place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
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Using
a Mover Get in touch with a moving company and set a date for the move. Fill
out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need
it.
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Overseas: Research
the customs and laws of the country you are moving to. If you haven't been
there, try to visit before you move.
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6
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Update
your car registration and driver's license with your state's motor vehicle
department. You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
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Make
item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes
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Sell
your old and unwanted stuff on
various internet services
or hold a garage sale before
you pack.
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Notify your
dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals. Be sure your insurance
covers the doctor/dentist in your new area.
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Forward
or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions or memberships.
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Pets:
Make sure you have transportation
arrangements for your pet. Buy a carrier on
various internet services.
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Pets:
Notify your veterinarian of your move. Obtain any records for your pet, and
ask for a referral.
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Kids:
Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer
immunization records and transcripts. Try to visit the school before deciding
if this is possible.
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Research
the financial situation your new country. Open a new bank account and change
your currency if necessary.
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5
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Make
reservations for a room at a local motel for the night before moving day.
This is the best way to make sure you can get a good night's rest and a
shower while all your things are packed up. Use various internet services to
make reservations online!
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Contact utilities
to cancel or transfer accounts.
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Overseas
Research driving laws in your new country. You may need to apply for a
foreign driving permit.
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Overseas:
Make sure you have current vaccination records. Make sure you receive
recommended vaccinations for the country you will be moving to.
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Overseas:
Research insurance options in
your new country. Your US insurance may or may not be valid after you move
and you may need to buy new insurance in your new country.
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4
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Fill
out an official change of address with the USPS.
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Notify
all important business and personal contacts of your new address. Fill out
changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
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Leave
a forwarding address with the next tenants of your home if possible.
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Self-Move:
Buy boxes and packing materials.
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3
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Start
packing. Begin with rooms of the house you don't use as much and finish with
the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area
for packed boxes. Check out our How to Pack section for tips on how to pack
like a professional!
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Check if the moving company
you choose has storage options for those items you cannot move immediately
and may need to store temporarily Or
various internet services
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Make
an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack.
Try to take photographs of these items if possible. You may need this
inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the
move.
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Kids:
Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids
pack some of their own things, and letting them figure out new layouts for
their rooms.
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Kids:
If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can
concentrate on the move knowing your kids are watched and safely out of the
way.
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2
Weeks before Move: To Do
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If
you live in a high-rise apartment, be sure to reserve an elevator for the day
of your move.
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Close
any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get
checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
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Drain
gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make
disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, or other hazardous substances you
will not be able to move, use, or throw away.
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1
Weeks before Move: To Do
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Make
backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
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Service
your car, especially if you're traveling to your new place by car. See
various internet services
for tools, services, and advice.
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Have
a party to use up perishable food items, beverages, and alcohol. Donate food
items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank.
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Confirm
any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights,
hotel, rental cars, etc).
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Using
a Mover: Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
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Pets:
Pack a travel case for your
pet
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Be
sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to
tip movers, buy snacks, etc… If you are moving out-of-state, keep in mind
that many businesses do not take out-of-state checks.
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Begin
cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
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Do
a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc.
Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with your old
property manager if applicable.
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Self-Move:
Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies,
carts, furniture pads, etc…)
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Pets:
Keep your
pet confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away
from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water. Consider taking a
dog or cat to the kennel for the day.
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Pets: Introduce your pet to your
new home slowly. Be sure they won't be able to run back to the old house for
the first few days.
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Have you doubled checked everything?
Material List
with dimensions:
Type of Box
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Dimension
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Book |
17x12.5x12.5
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Linen |
20x18x13
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File
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22.5x20x8
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Utility
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24x20x8
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China
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18x18x28
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Picture
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44x3.5x29
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Television
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28x26x2
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Wardrobe
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47x24x22
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Mattress
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White paper
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Tape
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Bubble wrap
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Pads
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Custom made
crates
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Other
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