Packing Help
You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. Limit yourself to
non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable
items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small
kitchen appliances. The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy.
Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make the hauling much more
difficult. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the box easily, it's too
heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50 lbs and remember to always lift with
your knees, not your back.
Valuables
You should pack jewelry, family heirlooms, or
other priceless items. Such items include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo
albums, and various hobby collections. Pack these items yourself and take them
with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage if moving long distance.
Boxes
Get the proper
boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe
boxes, as they'll save you ironing time later. We will supply wardrobe boxes for
free on local moves. You can pack these yourself on the day or have our trained
movers take care of it.You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and
regular boxes but you don't want to pack your fine clothing such as suits or
dresses in the same place. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the
wardrobe box, but be reasonable.
Don't let the box
become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Purchase the padded
dish boxes with dividers to protect your fine china. For your replaceable and
non-fragile items, save money by using the free boxes that you can obtain from
supermarkets and wrapping the items in old newspaper. Better quality items
should always be wrapped in white newsprint paper - especially if going into
storage - as newsprint can bleed onto your items.
Make the loading
process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment,
preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes.
Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room. This will
help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient. A great way
to make the unload less stressful for you is to place colored stickers on boxes
going to specific rooms and then place the same color sticker on the door of the
room at the new location. We will provide these for you if we drop off materials
to you to help with your move.
Packing
Take the time to pack everything carefully. It
is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with
old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each
fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during
transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
Purchase strong tape- not masking tape but either duct tape or the plastic and
strapping tape that movers use. We can supply all tape, boxes, bubble wrap,
white paper or any other moving supply you might need prior to moving day at a
reasonable cost. Our trucks are also fully equipped with these items on the day
of your move.
Appliances
We can disconnect your major
appliances. You can save money by unplugging and prepping your
refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and
back-up your important files.
Hazardous Materials
We cannot transport hazardous materials.
These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes,
firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything
flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail
polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also note that spilled
sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items.
Items Not To Pack
Oil and Fuel
Drain oil and fuel from lawn mower and
other machinery. Discard any partially used cans of paint,
thinner, oil or other substances that might leak.
Propane Tanks
We are not allowed to move propane tanks
in local moves. For long distance moves they must be professionally
emptied.
Satellite Dish
Think twice before dismantling your outside
satellite dish; a new one may cost less than moving the present
one.
Flammable Chemicals
Dispose of all of the following flammable,
corrosive or explosive items: acid, gasoline poisons, charcoal,
lighter fluid, fertilizer, paints, car batteries, matches,
nail polish and remover, ammunition, liquid bleach, stern,
aerosols, kerosene, pool chemicals, chemistry sets, fireworks,
pesticides, motor oil, paint thinner, batteries, loaded weapons,
weed killer, ammonia, lamp oil, propane tanks, and cleaning
fluid.
Food
Dispose of perishable food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit (long distance only).
Note:Empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24
hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the
appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and
odor. It is almost always a bad idea to put perishable or
food itemswhich can spillin a moving truck as Murphy's law
dictates that your $1.99 bottle of cooking oil will leak on
your $4,000 antique armoire!
Valuables
Some articles are not accepted for transportation.
Princeton Van Service assumes no responsibility should these
items come into our possession withoutour knowledge. Movers
cannot give a waiver and accept these items: Check Books /
Jewelry / Sterling Silver / Rare Coins / Cash / Stocks / Stamp
Collection / Ammunition / Explosives of any kind/ Firearms
Note: Firearms can be carried long distance but we must be made aware of them before shipment.
Helpful Advice
Rugs
Clean your rugs and draperies with your
local cleaners. Leave the rugs and draperies wrapped when
they are returned from the cleaners.
Furniture
Avoid refinishing your furniture before
your move. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable
to imprinting from furniture pads. Obtain a written appraisal
of antiques to verify the value.
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