Move yourself Tips and Tricks
With u-pack/we-haul or move yourself options, you will need to acquire the necessary resources to pack and load your own belongings. You'll needs supplies to pack and secure your items, such as:
- Boxes
- Tape
- Padding (blankets, bubble wrap, sheets, tarps, newspapers, etc)
- Gloves
- Tools (for taking down large items)
- Small bags to hold bolts, screws, and other small items
- Dollies, carts, and extra help for the large and heavy items
Packing Tips for the do-it-yourselfer mover
Boxes are available from a number of sources. They can be purchased at moving companies, storage facilities and stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. Don't be afraid to ask friends, neighbors or even your local grocery store for discarded boxes. Many times they are glad to get rid of them.
Make sure you have a variety of box sizes on hand, as well as, plenty of packing tape. Don't skimp on tape. Tape is far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings. Make sure boxes are securely closed especially on the bottom. Also, be careful when using taping on painted or wood items, such as furniture or frames.
Fill boxes as full as possible. This will provide greater protection for your belongings. Use paper or other fillers such as old towels to eliminate any empty space in your box.
Begin packing several weeks before your planned move date. Try to pack one room at a time starting with things you use less frequently, such as books and knick knacks. Be sure and label each box according to room and content of box.
Try and keep the weight of your boxes manageable, by packing heavy items, like books, in smaller boxes.
Take apart any items you can and tape a small baggie containing the bolts, screws, etc., to the item. Otherwise, when you arrive at your destination, you may not be able to find all of the pieces needed to put the item back together.
Be sure NOT to pack valuables and essential items on your moving truck. They should be packed separately and kept with you when possible.
FRAGILE - Breakable items, such as dishes or glassware should be wrapped in tissue, newspaper or bubble wrap. Plates need to be pack on their edges. Kitchen linens, such as dish towels or pot holders, can also be used as packing material. There are special kits of boxes and packing material specific for dishes available for purchase. Light bulbs should be removed from all lamps and packed similarly to dishes. Be sure and label all boxes with breakable items as FRAGILE!
Pictures and mirrors or other wall hangings should be wrapped individually with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Larger mirrors or pictures should also be strapped with heavy cardboard.
Leave clothing and linens in their drawers as much as possible, to avoid wasted space and repacking. Make sure drawers will not open during transit. Sofa cushions, pillows and stuffed animals can be place in large garbage bags and taped closed. These bags can them be used to cushions items while loading your truck.
When possible remove legs from furniture. Tape bag of bolts and screws to underside. Furniture should be wrapped with bubble wrap or blankets.
When packing electronics such as stereos, computers, TVs, etc., if possible, use the original containers in which they were shipped. Some manufacturers have moving instructions and tips available.
All cords should be taped to the back of appliances or electronics. Any doors, lids, or knobs should be secured with tape. Be sure to remove all cables and wires from any electronics. Labeling wiring can simplify reinstallation.
Appliances need to be clean and dry for moving. Lightweight items could even be packed inside appliances, but be sure and fill any empty area around items paper or packing material.
All batteries should be disconnected and all gasoline and oil should be drained from lawn mowers, weed eaters, or other such equipment.
Long garden tools can be strapped together in bundles. Heavy power tools should be packed in smaller, sturdy boxes with plenty of packing material to fill spaces.
If you need to move a recreational vehicle, such as a boat or camper, consider towing it yourself, if possible. They could also be used to transport some of your belongings.
There are many items that cannot be shipped. These include obvious flammables, like fuels, paints, varnishes, matches, candles, propane. Also many other household items, such as, perishable goods, live plants, cleaning chemicals, aerosol cans, food in glass jars, fire arms, ammunition and PETS! If you are using a u-pack/we-haul type company, be sure and check with them for a complete list.
Planning is the key to any successful move. Part of planning is deciding which method of moving would be best for you.