| | Use suitable boxes |
| | Avoid used boxes. You never know what little insects are hiding or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions. Don’t use boxes without tops. No tops make it impossible to stack properly in the truck. Use custom-designed boxes when packing fine china and clothes. |
| | Remember: the heavier the item is, the smaller the box you should use. |
| | Always stack dishes upwards when packing. |
| | Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china because it may leave stains. |
| | Never use duct tape – use packing tape. |
| | Clearly label all boxes on top and side. |
| | Plan your packing |
| | Start packing items you will not need ahead of time. |
| | | Pack important and sentimental documents separately so they are easily accessible. This includes: |  | children’s health records; |
| | passports;
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| | family records; |
| | insurance information; and |
| | photo albums. |
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| | Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box. |
| | Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately after the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck. |
| | Always pack and unpack breakables over a padded surface. |
| | Always tape boxes – don’t interlock the tops. |
| | Clean out wardrobes, cupboards, the attic, and the garage as soon as you decide it’s time to move. |
| | Kids stuff |
| | Don’t try to get rid of your children’s favourite things before the move – kids sometimes find it difficult to deal with the move. |
| | Small heavy items |
| | Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast. |
| | Large items |
| | For large appliances, check your owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving. |
| | As you take apart furniture and other items, make sure to tape all parts to the main base. |
| | Use wardrobe boxes to make wardrobes easier to pack. Clothes in drawers can be placed in suitcases. |
| | Electronic items |
| | Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing them. |
| | Hazardous material |
| | | We cannot transport hazardous materials such as: | | petrol; |
| | bottled gas and other flammables; |
| | ammunition; nor |
| | explosives.
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| | Cleaning up |
| | Make a “survival cupboard” of things for the last cleanup before you move out – sweeping brush, dust cloth, dust pan, mop. |
| | Clean your oven and hob before you move out. |
| | The day before your move, defrost the fridge and the freezer. |
| | Getting organised |
| | Reserve your moving company two to four weeks before your moving day. |
| | Remember to get snacks for your moving day. |
| | Make sure to get enough cash to get you through move day. |
| | Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbours before your busy move day. |
| | If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show. |
| | Change of address |
| | Post your change of address forms about a week before your move date. |
| | Arrange to have things disconnected the day you move. You don’t want to have to pay for cable, phone and other utilities when you aren’t even there! |
| | Cancel newspapers, cable, cleaning help, garden services about a week before the move. |
| | Top questions to ask your moving company |
| | Are you insured and bonded? |
| | How do you charge? |
| | Do you charge extra for large items such as pianos and big screen Tvs? |
| | Do your movers and drivers go through training before servicing customers? |
| | What is your cancellation policy? |
| | Will you have a contact person on site or provide a contact number for the day of the move? |
| | Do you move nights and weekends and if you do, do you charge extra for that service? |
| | What payment options do you offer? |
| | What is your customer referral rate? |
| | Do you use permanent employees? (Be cautious of those who use temporary staff because they may not have proper insurance.) |
| | Do you give free estimates? |
| | Can you give me suggestions to make my move easier? |
| | Do you offer packing and unpacking services? |
| | Will my items be insured during the move? |
| | Do you have a minimum charge? |
| | Do you charge by the piece or by the hour? |
