1.  When you are preparing to move, there are various ways packing can be done. If you    

     choose,   you can do all of it yourself. Some people prefer to have movers professionally   

     pack all of their belongings. Or you may wish to do some of the packing of non-fragile items   

     yourself, such as books, linens, clothing and shoes, inexpensive plates and small kitchen 

     appliances. These items can be cheaper to replace in case of damage, as opposed to hiring 

     workers to perform the extra labor. Other people may have only a few items they wish to   

     have professionally packed.
2.  Remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is 

     if you can’t lift the carton easily, it’s too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under fifty (50)  

     pounds, and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.
3.  If at all possible, do not have movers transport your jewelry, photographs, family heirlooms  

     and other priceless items. Should they become lost or damaged, the reimbursement on a   

     claim will not replace the sentimental value you place on them. Pack these items and take  

     them with you, if space allows.
4.  Obtain the proper cartons for your items – the right size and strength. Save space by putting  

     shoes at the bottom of wardrobe cartons, but be reasonable. Don’t let boxes become too  

     heavy, or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. If you have fine china, purchase padded dish 

     cartons with dividers to protect it. For your more easily replaceable and non-fragile items,    

     save money by wrapping them in newspaper, using standard moving cartons.
5.  Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate, 

     wrapping each fragile item separately. Fill the empty spaces to minimize movement during 

     transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong 

     tape, either the plastic or strapping tape that movers use.
6.  Movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out to  

     your mover each and every carton that you packed yourself, especially if they are fragile and  

     valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the cartons need to be repacked in sturdier,  

     more appropriate cartons. They have the right to refuse to load any carton they deem 

     improperly packed. Therefore, any improperly packed carton must be repacked either by  

     you, or the mover, prior to loading. All repacking services are an additional cost. Professional  

     moving companies use only sturdy, 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 also more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables while in transit. Keep in 

     mind that movers are not liable for items they do not pack.
7.  Movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and  

     load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, along with any other appliances being moved. Also 

     prep your computer and, as a safety precaution, back up your important files.
8.  Plants and pets will not be moved with your household goods. Both are the responsibility of  

     the shipper to see that they arrive at destination safely. Don’t forget to prepare them for the  

     move. Pets need their own “suitcase”, with food, water and a few toys. Your pets need to 

     know that they are being included.
9.  Hazardous materials cannot be shipped. These items can include, but are not limited to, paint,  

     thinner, solvent, oil, varnish, gas, motor oil, bleach, ammunition and aerosol cans. There is a  

     danger of explosion if items such as these are transported. If firearms must be shipped with  

     the rest of your household goods, the carton in which they are packed must be left open for  

     the driver to inspect and obtain the serial number(s). There should be no mention on the  

     outside of the carton that a firearm is inside. Additionally, no liquids should be moved.  

     Although they may appear seemingly harmless, contents can leak and cause damage to   

     surrounding household belongings.
10.  Additional measures need to be taken if firearms are being moved, for your protection, and  

       that of the general public. Pack any firearms in cartons that do not mention on the outside  

       that firearms are enclosed. Additionally, leave those cartons unsealed so the driver can  

       inspect and obtain the serial number(s). Only after that information is taken, can you seal the  

       cartons.
11.  Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home,  

       preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your cartons. Keep related  

       cartons together since they probably will end up in the same room. This will help reduce  

       carrying time and make the move much more efficient.