How to Pack?

**Packing You have two choices when it comes to packing. Packing it yourself. Letting the movers do everything. **Packing Yourself If you choose to do the majority of the packing yourself, you stand to save a lot of money. Study these tips to insure you do the best packing job possible. Limit yourself to packing only non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing, shoes, and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china), and small kitchen appliances. These items will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for the extra labor. For the large items, such as furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances, let the mover pack these. Pack everything carefully. It is important to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong adhesive based tape such as duct tape or plastic and strapping tape that professional movers use. Create an inventory list of all your goods and cross reference them to their assigned boxes which should all be numbered. Let your mover inspect your packed boxes, especially the fragile and valuable boxes. Movers do have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services usually come at an additional cost. Professional moving companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. They are more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack. Appliances - To protect themselves, many movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer, and dryer. Computers - Do this yourself. Make sure you back-up your important files and take them with you. Plants/Pets - Movers will not transport plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, you will need to make separate arrangements to have them transported. Hazardous materials - Movers will not transport or allow you to pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms, ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach, and aerosol cans. **Make Arrangements for Transporting Pets: Cats and Dogs Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If you do this, remember to take along the following items: Food. Water. A leash for letting your pet out of the car. Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean. If you are moving a long distance away, check ahead to see if the hotels where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have your pet shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals. Shipping Pets by Air **How To Shipping Pets by Air? To have your pet shipped by air: Have someone meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. Sometimes kennels can make these arrangements for you. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following items: Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian. Pet container. Airlines may have special containers available, or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations. Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Your scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it. Smaller Animals: Hamsters, birds, and other small animals can easily be transported in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover cages with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water available. Fish - It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish. Start using up pet food, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil.