Pre-Move Essentials
Check all electrical goods
Will they work in the new home? Keep original boxes for stereo equipment if available.
Family pets preparation
Make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
Clear out unwanted goods
Hold a garage sale. Donate clothes you don't need to charity shops.
Personal documentation
Round up marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses. Keep passports separate.
Additional Preparation Steps
Get rid of flammables
Paint, petrol, gas cylinders. Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers.
Separate books
Categorize into disposable, family reading, and valuable books.
Address changes
Start making your change of address list and arrange mail forwarding.
New home research
Find out about shops, schools, theaters, and lifestyle in your new area.
Vehicle transport
Check import regulations and duty payable if taking your car.
Children's items
Separate cherished toys to travel with you.
Packing Pointers
Essential Guidelines
Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply specially made cartons for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors.
WARNING:
Insect eggs and roaches can travel in food boxes. Keep this in mind when getting boxes from food stores.
Packing Supplies Checklist
- Plastic bags and labels
- Foam peanuts or Styrofoam pellets
- Tissue or craft paper
- Corrugated paper rolls
- Gummed tape (1½ to 2 inches wide)
- Markers and labels
- Notebook and pencil
- Scissors and/or sharp knife
PACKING MATERIALS
Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan.
Pack one room at a time. This will help when it's time to unpack.
Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
Mark all boxes with room and box number. Keep a carton identification log.
Pack heavier items toward the bottom, lighter items on top. Keep boxes under 50 pounds.
Detailed Packing Instructions
DISHWARE
- 1Select medium-sized carton and line bottom with crumpled packing paper
- 2Center one plate on paper, add second plate
- 3Stack third plate and wrap with corners of packing paper
- 4Turn upside down and re-wrap entire bundle
- 5Seal with packing tape and place standing on edge in box
CUPS
- 1Position cup 6-8 inches from corner of packing paper
- 2Pull corner over cup and nest second cup on top
- 3Pull side corners over and tuck inside top cup
- 4Hold both cups and roll to remaining corner
- 5Delicate cups should be wrapped individually
GLASSES & STEMWARE
- 1Stuff with crumpled tissue before wrapping
- 2Roll in packing paper with 1-2 full rotations
- 3Pull sides up and continue rolling to corner
- 4Place toward top of box in upright position
- 5Use corrugated paper rolls for added protection
Specialty Items
The list of individual household items is endless. Most can be packed by following our packing pointers. Here are some additional packing tips for major items.
Bureau Drawers
Don't overload. Remove firearms and breakable items. Register firearms with van line.
Canned Goods
Pack upright, max 24-30 cans per carton. Wrap glass containers individually.
Frozen Foods
Prohibited for moves over 150 miles or 24+ hours transit time.
Clocks
Remove pendulum. Grandfather clocks need expert servicemen preparation.
Lamps & Lampshades
Remove bulbs, harps, shades. Wrap shades in tissue, not newspaper.
Personal Computers
Use original cartons when available. 'Park' hard drives before transport.
Silverware
Wrap each piece in cloth or low-sulfur paper to prevent tarnishing.
Mirrors & Paintings
Place tape diagonally across mirrors. Don't put newspaper directly on paintings.