We have created a list of steps you can take to securely pack your own dishware and fragiles. If you are too busy to pack yourself, feel free to contact us at 609-497-9600 and we will be happy to provide a quote for packing and materials.

• Place a single plate in the center of the paper stack. Lay a few sheets of the wrapping paper across the plate and place another dish on top of it. Again, if available, you can use kitchen towels, bubble wrap, or cardboard pieces between dishes for additional cushioning. Do this for 3 or 4 plates. Wrap all of the plates together using a few sheets of paper and tape the paper at the top to create a neat bundle.
  
  
• Place the wrapped dishware carefully into the box, stacking them vertically. Continue to wrap your dishware into bundles as noted above and add them to the box.
  
  
• To minimize movement within the box, squeeze in other items between the stacks of dishware, such as dish towels, unused sponges, pot holders, etc. Don't forget to place a cushion on top of the dishware for added protection.
  
  
• Secure the box top by addition several more pieces of tape on the seem and down each side of the box.
  
  
• Use a magic marker to identify the contents of your box and also to identify that there are fragile pieces in the box by writing "handle with care", "fragile", "breakable", etc. It is helpful for the movers, and yourself if you identify which end is up by simply adding an arrow pointing to the top of the box (or the side that goes 'up'.)​
  

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Note: the above wrapping method for your dishware will also work well when packing bowls, platters and other fragile items.

​When moving, it's important to know that there are a number of items that cannot be packed and loaded onto the moving truck. You may be surprised by the various common household items that are considered hazardous, and are on the list.
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We recommend you give away these items to family and friends or dispose of them responsibility, to protect the environment, by contacting your City or County to learn where these items can be disposed.

I hope you find these tips helpful.
-Lou Decibus, Owner

When hiring Princeton Van Service, we will provide you with a list of “non-allowables” – an
industry term for items that professional movers will not transport.

Our list includes items you would expect such as ammunition and gasoline, but there are also
many items that you may not realize cannot be transported by professional movers; these
include items like nail polish, paints, pesticides, perishable items such as foods, sentimental
items and plants.

Please read our lists carefully so you can separate and manage these non-allowable items
prior to packing. If you have any questions regarding an item that is questionable, please
contact us to confirm before the move date.

Perishables:
Movers generally will not allow food items on long-distance moves because it will deteriorate
and cause odors as well as attract rats and other pests which can, in turn, damage your
property.

There are exceptions, however; if your items will be picked up and delivered within 24 hours,
Princeton Van Service may allow perishables to be transported as long as they are properly
packed. Contact us for details prior to your move date.

Perishable item examples:

• Perishable foods:
  Whether frozen, refrigerated, or in opened containers; movers won’t move anything that will spoil. Consume what you can before-hand and either move these items yourself, give to relatives, or discard them.
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• Plants (indoor or garden):
  It is illegal to transport any plants more than 150 miles without a special license as pests and predators, can go unnoticed on your plant and be introduced into a new area.

Hazardous material:
While you may be surprised at some of the items listed as hazardous, there are usually good
reasons to have them included. Of course, we cannot move anything that may explode, and for
obvious reasons. Flammable items are considered hazardous materials; use them up, give
them away or discard responsibility before your move.

Below is a list of common items that moving companies consider non-allowable:

Personal or sentimental items:
Most Professional movers don’t like to transport these items because of the potential risk of
them becoming lost or damaged. It is also in your best interest to keep these items secure and
under your control; especially items that cannot be replaced.

​Below is a list of items Princeton Van Service considers personal or sentimental:

Specialty items:
These items include power equipment with fuel still in the tank, including lawn mowers, weedwackers, motorcycles, quads, gas leaf blowers, propane heaters, etc. In order for us to move these items, they must be completely drained of fuel 24 hours before the move. You can run the fuel out of the item or manually drain the fuel; it doesn’t matter as long as the tank is dry. If there are any questionable items, contact us before your move; we will need to approve such
items prior to the move date.
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Preparing your home for a move can be overwhelming, and no wonder because there is so much to remember! We have prepared a list of moving tips for those who have hired Packers to pack their goods. Our list also includes reminders to contact your utility company, notify the post office, etc.

The tips are broken down step-by-step with suggestions on what should be done when and why, as well as what to expect from our Packers.

We hope you find these helpful.

-Lou Decibus, Owner