Packing yourself certainly can save you money in a lot of cases, but it is necessary to consider the time and effort needed to properly protect your belongings. To keep damage to a minimum, it is strongly recommended that you allow a professional mover to pack any fragile or valuable items.
When you use a professional moving company, you can decide, if you choose to do some or all of the packing yourself, or you can leave it all to the experts. Discuss your options with your moving company.
If you decide to pack yourself, you need to assure that all your items are properly packed, wrapped and ready to load, when your movers arrive.
For your moving company to be able to load, transport and unload your items, your belongings need to be packed according to moving standards. Check for any cartons or boxes that are torn or damaged or could be damaged, because they are improperly packed. Your movers will inspect your packed items to make sure that none of them will be exposed to potential damage, due to improper packing during the transport.
Consider what items you need the night before or the morning of your move and keep these items separate.
When packing your garage, sheds or attics, consider giving items away that you might not need anymore.
Even though you might be inclined to use non moving specific packing materials for your belongings, you might want to reconsider. Using new and moving specific materials will make it easier for you to pack and will ensure that your items will reach their destination safely.
Your moving company has a variety of boxes and other packing materials available that will fit your need.
In general you can expect your moving company to wrap and pad your furniture and major appliances. If you do have items that require professional disassembly and/or crating – such as pool tables, pianos, or large glass table tops – it is recommended to leave those furnishings to be taken care of by your professional mover.
The following items are some of the items that the moving companies, by federal law or internal policy, cannot transport.
To understand, what applies to your move, please contact your moving company for a full list of items.
Hazardous Materials
Items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive
• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Charcoal lighter fluid
• Fireworks
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Matches
• Paint thinner
• Nail polish remover
• Paints
• Propane tanks
Perishable Items
For example, food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit.
• Frozen foods
• Plants
• Produce
• Refrigerated foods
Items of personal importance or sentimental value
• Cash or credit cards
• Deeds or wills
• Important documents (including moving documents)
• Family photographs
• Precious jewelry
• Stamp or coin collections
• Any other valuable items
