Moving & Packing Tips
Palmer Moving Services has the moving and packing tips you need for a successful move. Our wide range of tips and guides can assist you throughout the moving process and help to organize your relocation. We are committed to providing stress-free and enjoyable moving experiences, which is why we equip you with the tools and resources needed to be best prepared for your upcoming relocation.
Moving Tips – Our moving tips includes suggestions for your move that will help make your relocation run smoothly and safely.
Move Preparation – Use this guide to help plan and prepare for your relocation.
Packing Day Guide – This guide will prepare you for what to expect on the day packers come to your residence.
Loading Day Guide – Know what to expect when the Palmer movers arrive to your residence to load your belongings.
Moving Day Guide – Be prepared when moving day comes with the tips in this guide.
Delivery Day Guide – Learn how the process of delivery day will work and things you will need to prepare for this stage in your move.
Items We Cannot Move – Unfortunately, you can’t bring everything with you for your move, so read this guide to identify things to throw out or leave behind.
Moving with Children – Discover the best ways to handle moving with children to ensure their happiness and comfort throughout the relocation process.
Moving Plants – Use this guide to learn more about how to approachmoving your plants if you should need to do so.
Moving Electronics and Appliances – There are special considerations whenmoving electronics and appliances, and this guide outlines the best way to move these items.
Glossary of Terms – Use this glossary of terms to familiarize yourself with words and phrases associated with your move.
Packing Tips – Ourpacking tips will assist you in preparing your items for transport should you choose to self pack.
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The most important tip: Plan ahead!
This will give you and the mover as many options as possible.
- Make sure your moving crew has a working phone number for you at all times.
- Pack a box containing items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home – toilet paper, soap, light bulbs, paper towels, etc.
- Dressers will be moved with the drawers full – make sure you remove any breakables and/or valuables.
- Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, etc.
- Drain fuel from any lawnmowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner or other substances that might leak.
- Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.
- Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer.
- Discard non-refillable tanks.
- Palmer Moving Services does not permit shipment of any propane tanks.
- Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners. Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value.
- Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine wood furniture prior to moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
- Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antennae or dish; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.
- Third-party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TVs and some exercise equipment.
- Contact us about PRE and POST move servicing of washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, grandfather clock, hot tubs, satellite dish, etc.
- APPLIANCES: Refrigerators, automatic washers, dryers, water softeners and other such appliances – ask your appliance dealer whether they will need servicing for the move. Small appliances should be placed in boxes.
- BEDDING, CUSHIONS & PILLOWS: Should be packed in boxes.
- BOOKS: Pack books in small, strong, securely taped boxes. DO NOT pack in dresser drawers! Remove loose shelves from bookcases.
- CHINA: Wrap china and all fragile items in newspaper or white newsprint and pack in strong barrels or dish pack containers. Stand plates on end. Pack heaviest items on the bottom. Palmer has newsprint available for sale, if desired.
- DRAWERS: Dresser and chest drawers with clothing or soft items such as linens can remain in the drawers. However, they should not be overloaded. All breakable and spillable items should be removed and packed in cartons.
- FROZEN FOODS: The driver is not responsible for these items on long distance moves. However, on local moves, this will not be a problem, as long as your goods are being delivered the same day they were picked up.
- HOUSE PLANTS: It is best to move plants in your car. The driver is not responsible for plants.
- LINENS: Linens, curtains, blankets and wearing apparel are best placed in strong cases, cartons or trunks. Drapes can be hung in wardrobe cartons.
- MIRRORS & PICTURES: Mirrors, valuable pictures and ornamental table tops (marble and glass) should be padded, wrapped and placed in specially designed containers. The crew will remove such items and set back up again at destination.
- PAINTS & AEROSOL CANS: NOT to be packed or shipped.
- POTS & PANS: Pack kitchen utensils in barrels (dish packs). Stove drawers must be emptied.
- REFRIGERATORS: To help reduce those odors in your refrigerator during transit, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf or a secured bag of coffee grounds.
- RUGS: It is not necessary for you to remove your rugs from floors. The crew will take care of them.
- VALUABLES: Remove all valuables such as jewelry, legal documents, liquor, etc. Your mover cannot be responsible for such items.
- WALL FIXTURES & BRACKETS: Movers are not allowed to remove any items that are affixed to walls.
If you choose to perform your own packing, remember light but bulky articles should be placed in large containers. Heavy items such as books and canned goods should go in small containers. Use cartons with tops so they can be taped. Palmer has all packing materials available, if needed.
Do not pack above the edge of the containers. They have to be placed one on top of the other inside the truck. Loaded cartons should not weight more than 50 pounds.
Mark all cartons showing contents clearly and into which room they belong at destination. This will speed up unpacking.
Separate items that are not to go in the truck and let the driver know. Mark: “DO NOT MOVE”
BEFORE THE MOVE: Notify your post office, newspaper carrier, publishers, etc. Order your telephone, gas and electricity changed or disconnected. Transfer your fire/homeowners insurance.
REMEMBER: Plan ahead! Make your arrangements as soon as possible.
Move Preparation
Working closely with your Palmer Moving Representative is your first defense in keeping your move costs under control. Unexpected or inflated moving costs often result from a breakdown in communication between the customer and the moving company. Rushing through the initial “choosing a mover” process can be detrimental to the success of a move.
It is extremely important that you take the time up front to talk to your sales representative about all of your moving needs and expectations so that both parties will be fully aware of the specific circumstances they will find on moving day.
For example, if you have remodeled your house since moving in, some of the furniture that went in originally may not come out the same way, and may require additional labor or equipment. Similarly, if you have assembled furniture within your home since moving in, special considerations will need to be made to move it out.
There are many other situations that can also lead to extra charges such as truck access issues due to low hanging branches or wires, steep inclines or sharp turns, delicate cement or driveway pavers, weather, parking limitations, etc. Many times there are steps that can be taken, if done ahead of the actual move date, that can save you time and money on your move.
Some other ways to keep the cost of your relocation in check are:
Take Inventory!
The first way to save money on your move is to move less stuff!! Local moves are done on an hourly basis, so time is money. Did you know that it takes a crew about the same time to take that box of old magazines that you haven’t looked through in years to the truck as it takes to move the sofa you sit on every day? Take a look around – are there just a few things you could live without?
Likewise, intrastate, interstate and international moves are charged based on weight and/or space – so lightening the load by either having a garage sale or donating to your favorite charity is the way to go!
Picking The Right Date
Most moving companies have a sliding scale of prices that reflect supply and demand on a particular day. Generally, the summer months are the busiest. Saturdays and the beginning and end of each month are busy year-round. Monday through Thursday, in the middle weeks of the month, tend to be less busy and therefore less expensive. Flexibility with your move date or an overlap between when you need to be out of your old home and are able to get into your new home can both allow you to get the best value.
Preparation
Doing your own packing can save you money. Your Palmer representative can offer you plenty of literature outlining proper packing techniques, as well as sell you the paper, tape and sturdy boxes for all of your packing needs.
In addition, disassembling and disconnecting items prior to the crews arrival can also save you money.
Keep In Contact!
Did you know that if your driver can not locate you in order to confirm and coordinate your actual delivery date and time that your items may end up being put in storage until you can be located, costing you additional money? Always keep in contact with your relocation coordinator to ensure prompt and efficient service. Need more advice? Contact your Palmer relocation representative today!
Packing Day Tips
Keep your home phone number connected, it is important that we are able to keep in touch with you during the course of your relocation.
Plan to be at home and make yourself available to the movers the entire day of packing, if possible. Packing times vary depending on the amount of packing that is required for your move.
For the comfort of the children, it is often helpful to have them stay with friends or relatives during the relocation process.
Have your refrigerator emptied and defrosted prior to loading day. Pack day is the perfect day to accomplish this!
If the packers are to pack high value items, such as silver, works of art, furs, etc., ask the packers to call you to view the packing of these particular items.
Please do not leave items such as money, jewelry, coin collections, etc. to be packed by the packers. These items should be transported by you. Palmer Moving Services does not accept responsibility for these items, and ask that they are not amongst the items to be packed.
Segregate items to be carried in your car and items you will need until after the loading process has been complete so that the packers do not pack them in error. This would include any prescription medication, documents needed for closing at destination, and any other important paperwork you will need during the course of your relocation.
The packers will not pack any perishable food items, flammables, aerosols or corrosive liquids. This includes house paint, cleaners, fire extinguishers, etc. Please make other arrangements for the transportation of these items, should you decide to take them with you.
House plants are very sensitive to environmental changes, and the risks associated with moving them are high. Many states prohibit the transportation of plants.
Palmer Moving Services can not accept liability for the demise of transported plants, nor can they care for them if storage should be required. It is best to find another home for your plants and purchase replacement plants for your new residence.
Loading Day Tips
You’ve made it through the planning and packing, now it’s time for the real work – loading and delivering your goods safely to your new home!
It is important that you make yourself available for the entire day on both your scheduled load and delivery day. While your driver and their helpers will do the actual physical labor, your assistance will be required during several aspects of these days.
Loading Day
Prior to placing your household effects on to the moving van your driver will prepare a detailed Inventory and Condition Report of the items you are moving. Every item in your shipment, whether it’s an individual carton or piece of furniture, will be inventoried with numbered and color-coded labels.
As this inventory is being prepared the movers will record each item and a description of any existing damage on the inventory form. You should accompany the driver during this time so you can point out any special concerns or handling considerations at that time.
Your driver will also ask you to sign the inventory, as your acknowledgment that the pieces indicated were loaded and as verification of their condition prior to moving. The driver will also sign the form and will present you with a copy. Be sure to keep this inventory with you for use at your new home.
The driver will also require your signature on the bill of lading. This is the contract by which you authorize us to transport your possessions and agree to pay for those moving services. The bill of lading serves to confirm the moving services performed, pickup and delivery schedules, and the valuation and protection plan that you’ve selected.
If you cannot be present at the time of loading, you’ll need to arrange for a responsible person to act as your agent in signing both the bill of lading and the inventory list.
Make sure you’ve provided both your driver and your relocation coordinator with phone numbers where you can be contacted during transit to your new residence. This will make scheduling delivery easier for everyone involved!
Delivery Day
Your driver will be in contact with you a minimum of 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time to confirm actual delivery arrangements.
When your shipment arrives, you can help expedite the unloading process by making sure the crew has clear access to the home and by having a room-by-room floor plan in mind.
As items are unloaded you can let the driver and movers know where you want things placed in your home. You should check items off the Customer Check-Off Sheet as they’re brought in, noting their condition.
If an item appears to have been damaged during transport, or is missing, immediately make a note of this on the inventory including the driver’s copies and notify your move coordinator.
The driver and moving crew will also reassemble any items at this time that they may have disassembled at origin.
Minimal unpacking (mattresses) is typically done at this time as well. Unpacking means taking the items out of their shipping boxes and placing them on the nearest flat surface, it does not mean putting them away.
If you require unpack and put away service, please let your relocation coordinator know prior to delivery so arrangements can be made. Extra charges do apply.
Moving Day Guide
Plan to leave all utilities on until the day following the loading of your household goods. Having a phone that is working is invaluable, as communication is key during any relocation.
Make yourself available the entire day of loading.
Check the inventory to see that you agree with the notations made by the driver as to the present condition of your furniture.
If there is a discrepancy, please make a note of it on the same inventory sheet.
Items of extraordinary value that are being shipped by the movers, such as antiques, works of art, etc., should be noted separately on the inventory, along with their value.
Make a walk through the house, garage, cellar, attic, backyard and any storage areas around the home to make sure nothing was missed by the movers. Check all drawers, cabinets and closets in all rooms for articles that may have been missed during the packing or loading process.
Make travel arrangements for departure on the day after your loading.
On the day of loading, make sure the driver and Palmer Moving Services are aware of how to reach you en-route and at destination.