The following information has been copied in part from a copyrighted publication
© "A Guide to a Good Move" and reproduced by permission of Allied Van
Lines
- Do-It-Yourself Packing: (A Money Saving Alternative.)
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If you're looking for ways to economize, Self-packing may be a good place to start,
provided that you can achieve professional results. At Allied, we want to help
you do it right.
Allied can provide you with sound advice and proper materials. But you'll need to
plan the packing process. Take an inventory of what you'll be moving, and identify
those items that you'll need until moving day. Begin by packing less essential items
-- extra linens, our-of-season clothing and your good china, for example -- well
in advance of your moving date.
Many people allow two weeks or more to complete packing. That can be disruptive;
if you're not prepared for it, professional packing may be a better option. Your
Allied agent can complete most packing jobs in one or two days.
- What Needs To Be Packed?
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Obviously, not everything will fit in a box. As a rule, furniture and major appliances
will be wrapped and padded by your Allied driver as part of our standard service.
Also light weight, non-fragile items such as clothing can be left in dresser drawers.
To ensure adequate protection, anything that is loose and/or breakable should be
wrapped and packed in sturdy cartons.
It's a good idea to leave your most fragile or awkward things to the Allied professionals;
they have the experience, materials and techniques to properly protect these articles.
Items that require professional disassembly and/or crating -- slate pool tables,
chandeliers, or large glass table tops, for example -- should always be handled
by your Allied agent.
Hazardous Materials-
Flammables such as paint, varnish and thinners, gasoline, kerosene and oil, candles
and matches, and bottled gas cannot be moved. In addition, Propane tanks of any
kind, empty or not, all aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and explosives,
corrosives, cleaning fluids and detergents are prohibited. Dispose of these items
before you move. Do not pack them!
- Garage
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Your garage probably contains items that you will need to dispose of: pesticides,
fertilizers, oil and gas, the propane tank from the gas grilll these items cannot
be shipped. Empty the gas and oil from power tools, and remove as the propane tank
also cannot be shipped.
Small hand tools, kids' toys and sports equipment can be packed in 1.5 or 3.0 cu.ft.
cartons. Shovels, rakes and brooms need not be packed; gather them together for
your Allied driver to bundle in a pad.
- Kitchen
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Kitchen dishes and glassware should be packed in the same manner as fine china.
Use lots of wrapping, and load the items in dish cartons. Pots and pans, and small
appliances should be wrapped and packed in 3.0 cu.ft. cartons. Cook books should
be packed with the spine facing upward in 1.5 cu.ft. boxes.Tape shut or dispose
of any open packages, and be sure to wrap glass jars to prevent breakage.
Use or dispose of all perishables before moving. You will also need to get rid of
cleaning products and other kitchen chemicals. Be sure to allow freezers several
days to defrost and dry thoroughly so that mildew does not occur.
- Living Room
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Fragile curios should be carefully wrapped and packed in dish cartons. Lamps and
lampshades should be wrapped and loaded in appropriate boxes, typically 4.5 or 6.0
cu.ft. cartons.
Most pictures can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons. Fragile or
valuables fine art may require special crating, and should be handled by your Allied
agent.
Draperies can be placed on hangers and loaded in wardrobe cartons. Sofas, chairs
and tables do not require special preparation. They will be carefully padded and
loaded by the Allied foreman.
- Dining Room
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The dining room will generally include your most fragile china and crystal stemware.
Each item should be carefully wrapped in newsprint and placed in dish cartons; cellular
dividers are recommended for stemware.
Larger serving dishes will require extra wrapping for complete protection.
When assembling the dish carton use a few extra strips of tape, since these cartons
are fairly heavy when packed. Line the bottom of the dish carton with three to four
inches of wadded paper. Begin by loading plates followed by serving dishes, cups,
and finally glassware or crystal. Finally, top off each carton with another layer
of wadded paper.
Silverware should be wrapped in newsprint or tissue. Nest several pieces in each
bundle, and load them in the dish carton or in a 1.5 cu.ft. carton.
- Bedroom
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Leave clothing in drawers, but do not overload them. Loose and/or decorative items,
often found on dresser tops, may be wrapped and placed in drawers or packed in 1.5
cu.ft. cartons.
Remove valuables such as jewelry from drawers, and do not pack them to go in your
shipment. These items will be most secure if they remain in your possession.
Clothing in closets can remain on hangars and be loaded in wardrobe cartons. Shoes
can be placed in the bottom of wardrobes, or packed in a 3.0 cu.ft. carton.
Pillows, blankets and other bedding require no wrapping, and can easily be packed
in 4.5 or 6.0 cu.ft. cartons. All mattresses should be placed in mattress cartons
for added strength and cleanliness.
- Bathroom
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You will need to dispose of aerosol cans, such as hairspray or deodorant, or take
them with you. Other bottles should be taped shut and wrapped to prevent leakage,
then packed in 1.5 cu. ft. cartons.
Towels and other linens should be placed in 4.5 cu.ft. cartons. Full length glass
mirrors can be packed in large mirror cartons. However, if they are especially heavy,
crating is recommended.