Professional Moving Tips?

[denisem]

Moving from Michigan to Florida in a coupla months. First time doing an out-of-state move.

Any tips on packing/moving from those of you who've done this before?

I'm particularly concerned about electronics (computers, DVD recorders, TiVo), more fragile items (china, paintings, etc.). What's the best way to go?

Thanks in advance!

Denise < --- moving 1100 miles closer to The Mouse!

 

[holycow]

How exciting! We were fortunate enough to have prof. movers our last move out here...they had tons of the heavy duty paper I would wrap electronics in that or blankets they also have boxes specifically for china, glasses etc..you may want to pick a few of those up.

One word of advice...pack a box and put it last on the truck...put sheets and things you will need when you first arrive...oh, and don't pack your check book! I did and it took me two weeks to find it! Augh!!

HC

 

[my3kids]

When we have professional movers they crushed some of the paper they wrapped things in into the bottom of each box to help cushion.

None of the boxes were packed too full.

Set aside a closet or corner as your "Do Not Load" zone. Keep your vacuum cleaner, spray cleaners, etc...anything you need to get the old house ready to transfer and anything you need to get the new house ready for you.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Mark all boxes and containers with the room they go in. The movers will place them in that room, so you don't have to move them again.

 

[katerkat]

Take pictures and write down serial numbers/descriptions of your electronic stuff before it's packed. If you have professionals, they know how to pack carefully. (We had a big box with one tiny table lamp, carefully packed!)

If you do it yourself, go to your local newspaper and ask about the end of the rolls. Newspapers are printed on giant rolls of news sheet, and usually there's a good bit left on the end of the roll, which makes perfect packing material. Newspaper without the ink to get on stuff!

You definitely want to write down the contents of every box. I found that it was better to number the boxes and have a sheet with the contents.

If you're doing it yourself, start now! Get some boxes from the grocery store and pack up everything you don't need. (Christmas decorations, etc.) Designate a room and start piling the boxes in there.

Definitely pack one box with bed linens and other essentials that you'll need the first night. Nothing's more annoying that searching through six "linens" boxes until you find the sheets!

Oh, and definitely watch professional movers. Last time, they packed my coffee marker right after I got my coffee - before it was cleaned and while it was still hot!

 

[Feralpeg]

I am in the process of packing for my move to Florida in June. I set up an Access database and created labels for each box. I number the box and put the destination room on each label. I put the contents of each box with a description, seriel numbers and approximate value in the database. I will present the list to the mover prior to the move. If you don't give them a list with value, they will value your items by weight. It is something like a $1 a pound (just crazy).

It is a real pain to pack this way, but it should make it so much easier to unpack when things are actually where you can find them.

Good luck on your move!