Pack Like a Pro!

1.   You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. Limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small kitchen appliances. These items will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for the extra labor. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover. 2.   The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make hauling much more difficult. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the box easily, it's too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back. 3.   Never let movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. If they become lost or damaged, the insurable value will not be anywhere near the value they are to you. Such items include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, and various hobby collections. Pack these yourself and take them with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage if size allows. 4.   Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe boxes, as it'll save you ironing time later. You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes but you don't want to pack your fine clothing such as suits or dresses in boxes. Save space by placing shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box. Don't let the box become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect fine china. For your replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by using the free boxes that you can obtain from supermarkets and wrapping items in newspaper. 5.   Take time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separate. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong tape - not masking tape, but either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that movers use. 6.   For the safety of items, movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out each and every box that you packed yourself, especially if they're fragile or valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes or not. They will have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed box must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services are additional costs. Professional moving companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Although boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. These are more likely to cause damage to your valuables in transit. Remember, movers are not liable for items they didn't pack. 7.   To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prepare the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer, if they are to be moved. Also prepare your computer. Remember to back-up important files. 8.   Movers will not transport living things such as plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a "plant/pet suitcase" and arrangements of their own. 9.   Movers will not transport or allow you to pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. You will have to make arrangements for these as well. Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of the boxes. Try to keep related boxes together. This will help cut carrying time and make the move much more efficient. If you want to additional advice on packing, be sure to call one of our HomeLife Real Estate Professionals TODAY!

 

HomeLife Welcomes You & Extends PROFESSIONAL SERVICES!

 

 

from Dana, Hanna, Joanna & Barb!
Real Estate Specialists
HomeLife Real Estate Professionals Ltd.

#200, 12907 - 97 Street

Edmonton, AB  T5E 4C2

Phone: (780) 457-5100
e-mail:

Dana Wloka, Broker
Hanna Drozdowski, Agent
Joanna Wloka, Agent
Barbara Grodaes, Agent