Michigan Movers - Men on the Move

"We make moving easier"

Packing Tips for the Do-It-Yourselfer

An important decision for anyone preparing to move is whether to do all or part of the packing yourself of to have it done by professionals. For anyone seeking to to save money during the move, substantial savings can be realized when packing is done by family and friends.

This article will offer you helpful tips for packing so that your belongings will be safely by Men on the Move without incident.

The packing skills offer by our professional packers have been acquired through years of experience. We hope to share some of our knowledge and techniques with you, to help guide you along the way as you undertake this new challenge. It may be difficult work, but if you allow yourself the right amount of time to do the job carefully, you will be justly rewarded.

Valuables

Items of high value like jewelry or coin collections should not go into the moving truck. We strongly suggest that you transport items of this nature yourself. We also suggest that you contact us for information concerning the packaging and handling of painting, sculpture of statuary, antiques, mirrors or any other delicate items.

Materials Needed
Boxes or Cartons

moving boxes You will need many boxes or cartons is assorted sizes. All should be clean, in good condition and have covers so that they can be closed and sealed. Start collecting boxes early on. You may often find used boxes that are suitable at grocery or other types of retail outlets. Liquor boxes are a great find since they are sturdy and have dividers. This makes them ideal for packing glasses, vases and other breakables. If you desire, we offer moving boxes for sale. We carry assorted sizes and packages for you to choose from.

A point to consider: Packed boxes are much easier to handle when they weigh 50 pounds or less.

Wrapping Paper

You're going to need lots of wrapping paper in your move. Many people save old newspapers for wrapping. One thing to keep in mind with newspapers is that the ink generally does not thoroughly dry. Items wrapped in old newspapers will often end up soiled and in need of cleaning once they unwrapped. Our professionals use unprinted newspaper. For items that must be kept clean, it is best to use unprinted packing paper.

Kraft paper, tissue paper, shock resistant corrugated paper or bubble wrap, all make excellent wrapping materials and may often be purchased at local stores. These materials provide excellent cushioning or lining for you items.

Carton Sealing Tape

Heavy duty gummed tape or carton sealing tapes at least 1½ to 2 inches wide are most suitable for sealing cartons to be moved.

Felt Tip Markers

Felt tip pens or magic markers are ideal for labeling your boxes with information such as "Contents", "Fragile", "This Side Up" or any other important information that will make handling safer and easier to identify upon your arrival at your new location.

Packing Tip Considerations List

Start collecting boxes early. Storage is easier when you open both ends of the box and then flatten it and stack boxes until it's time to use them. They can be resealed as they are being used.

Pack on a room by room basis. Don't mix items from one room with that of another room. Clearly label each box with it's room location to avoid confusion upon arrival.

Begin packing early. If you pack two boxes a day, in a month you will have packed up 60 boxes. Start with things that are not used frequently. Start in the basement, the garage or closets or other areas of storage.

It may be necessary for you to have us do some of the packing for you. If you do the major portion you will save some money. You may also consider purchasing some of the specialized boxes that we offer. Boxes to accommodate large items or boxes designed for clothing or tall boxes for lamps or boxes to hold pictures or other items.

Hanging your clothing, like suits or dresses or coats in wardrobe boxes will save you the trouble of having these items laundered or having to press them upon arrival. You should not leave clothing in garment bags as they are not designed for moving. Clothing is best moved in wardrobes with your garment bags folded and placed in the bottom of the wardrobe carton.

Dresser drawers do not need to be emptied. Our movers can handle dressers with the drawers left intact. You should however, remove anything that is breakable and also make sure that drawers do not contain too much weight that may cause damage to the furniture during transit.

What size box should you use? A general rule of thumb is that small, heavy items like books, cds, canned goods and the like should be packed in smaller boxes while bulkier items like pots and pans or small appliances should be placed in boxes a little larger. Much bulkier items like blankets, lamp shades, toys or pillows should be packed in large boxes to accommodate their size.

Be careful to avoid overpacking your boxes. Try to keep the weight per carton to around 50 pounds or less. They are much easier to handle for everyone involved.

Do not pack flammables, combustibles or explosives. The safe shipment of your belongings is of primary concern. Further it is a violation of Interstate Commerce Commission regulations for us to transport these items. We are prohibited from transport aerosol containers, paint, paint thinners, gasoline, explosives or anything that may be flammable or combustible.
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