Packing for the big move!

[smartsexystylish]

-> As the time is coming closer I am feeling the crunch of having to do a million things at once. I'm hoping to compile helpful lists for those who may be 1st time home buyers (or movers) like us.

Hopefully this will be helpful to some of you within the community.

As always, I look forward to valuable tips and comments from the experienced (And non-experienced!)

Packing Tips
Found here: https://ssl.postescanada-canadapost.ca/smartmoves/tips/themove/packing-e.aspx

Don't pack junk
There's no sense in moving a lot of stuff you don't want. Decide what you're going to throw out, sell or give away.


Get your equipment ready
Pick up free boxes and other packing materials that are often available at stores, or buy them from storage or moving companies. Start saving newspapers and other wrapping materials.
Make sure you have plenty of strong, wide packing tape to tape boxes securely.


Organization counts!
Begin your packing with seldom-used or off-season items.
Label tops and sides of boxes with content and destination.
Keep a master inventory list detailing what's in each box and the box number in case any cartons go missing or you need to find something after it's packed.
Put things you'll need right away in boxes marked "Open First".
Make up "Do Not Move" cartons for items you'll be taking in the car.
Don't forget to empty the "secret hiding places" in your home.


Protect your belongings
Use "fragile" stickers and "this end up" arrows on cartons requiring special care.
Use towels and blankets as extra padding.
Wrap dishes in clean paper or bubble wrap, not newspaper, to avoid ink stains.
Pack flat items, such as china dishes, mirrors and pictures, on edge.
Pack lampshades by themselves and take light bulbs out of sockets.
Pack books on edge in small cartons. Be careful not to pack too many to lift!
Pack electronics and computer equipment in the boxes they came in whenever possible. Tape down moving parts to avoid damage during the move.
Put CDs, records and tapes on edge, packed tightly so they don't shift around.
Tie brooms, mop handles and curtain rods in bundles.
Use wardrobe cartons to move clothing.
If you disassemble furniture, put the bolts, fasteners and assembly instructions in a plastic bag and tape to the underside of one of the pieces.
Wrap tabletops with pads to protect the finish.
Fill the washing machine tub with blankets or stuffed animals to keep it secure during transport.
Secure drawers inside the fridge or other appliances so they don't come loose. But don't tape bureau drawers shut it could damage the finish!


Pack Safely
Tape any sharp edges, such as scissors or tools, to prevent injury.
Don't pack oily rags. Dispose of them.
Make sure containers of dangerous fluids are tightly closed.
Put paints, fertilizers, insecticides, etc. in strong cartons, padded firmly to avoid spillage. Clearly mark any boxes containing harmful substances.
Do not overfill cartons they should weigh less than 23 kg(50 lbs).


Packing tips
No carton should be so large that it obstructs your view when carried or weighs more than 23 kg (50 lbs).
Do not overfill or under fill cartons; this practice increases the risk of damage. Tops must close flat and be sealed with tape.
Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Pack articles snugly so they will not shift.
Cushion every carton with clean, crushed paper on the bottom, between layers, at the top, and in any empty spaces between articles.
Pack small articles in small boxes and nest them into a large box.
Wrap fabrics and china in clean newsprint.
Wrap all items separately to protect fine surfaces and protrusions from damage.
Wrap small articles in coloured paper so they will not be discarded with packing material.
If you must ship liquids, fasten and tape lids, seal in a plastic bag and place upright in a carton.
Record the contents of each carton in a notebook. Label each carton with your name, room location and special directions.
Tape small pieces and screws to where they belong or put them in a carton labelled "Set-Up Carton" for easy access at destination.
Place items from desks and drawers in small labelled cartons. Loose clothing may remain in dresser drawers.
Place a "Do Not Move" sign on items, that are to remain in the house.
Assign a place for suitcases and other items that are not to go in the moving van.
Send your important documents by Registered Mail or valuables (jewellery, furs, etc.) security carrier, or carry them with you.
Roll and tie electrical cords so they will not tangle.
Prepare a "Load Last Unload First" carton for things you will need as soon as you arrive.

[smartsexystylish]

Source (http://https://ssl.postescanada-canadapost.ca/smartmoves/tips/themove/protect-e.aspx)

Moving is physically demanding, not only on you, but also on your belongings. Insurance will help protect you from financial loss if your possessions are damaged or destroyed during your move, but to get the best coverage you'll need to know how much they're worth.

Valuing your goods and choosing your coverage
Begin by inspecting your home and calculating how much it would cost to replace the goods you'll be putting on the truck. Then decide which of the following two insurance options suit you best. The one you pick will become part of your contract with your mover.
Option 1
All moving companies are legally required to give you basic compensation for damage and/or loss of your goods during transport. This is called released rate liability. You pay nothing for this insurance, and the carrier's maximum liability is $0.60 per pound per article. However, this won't likely be enough coverage. A chair weighing 20 pounds will be valued at $12.00, no matter how much it costs you to replace it.

If you do choose this option, you must get the bill of lading from the van operator on the day of the move. Then write "Released to $0.60 per pound per article" on the bill's Declaration of Value line. If you leave the Declaration of Value line blank, Option 2 will automatically apply and the mover will add a coverage charge to your bill based on the total value of the goods being transported.


Option 2
This option allows you to increase your coverage up to the replacement value of the goods being shipped. The extra expense to obtain this protection is minimal and usually worth it - if an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, you'll get compensation equal to its replacement cost.

Your valuation must be either the total replacement cost of your shipment, or its minimum value as established by the mover, whichever is greater. To select this option on the day of the move, enter the declared value of your shipment on the bill of lading's Declaration of Value line.


Items of extraordinary value
These are items with a replacement value of more than $10,000.00. You'll have to get a written appraisal confirming this value for each item, and you must show the appraisals to the mover on moving day. The items and their replacement values also have to be listed on the bill of lading or an attachment to it. Many movers won't accept responsibility for some items, such as jewellery, so you'll have to carry these yourself or use a commercial courier.

[smartsexystylish]

Source (http://https://ssl.postescanada-canadapost.ca/smartmoves/tips/themove/moving-e.aspx)

Your household almost certainly includes goods that are dangerous to move - gasoline for your lawnmower, for example, and many household chemicals.

Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, your mover will be prohibited from putting most of these items onto the truck. In addition, the van operator may legally refuse to transport any goods that may, in the van operator's opinion, be dangerous to himself or herself, the vehicle, its contents or the public.

The list below includes both prohibited goods that you can't ship under any circumstances and those that are allowed if properly handled.

Prohibited dangerous goods
These are items that the mover is legally forbidden to transport. You'll need to take them to a hazardous-waste disposal site to get rid of them. Never conceal them inside your shipment - this is not only illegal, but can be extremely dangerous. Among them are:
Gases and propellants
Gasoline, propane, kerosene, naphtha and lighter fluid
Liquefied petroleum gases of all types, including butane lighters
Aerosol cans not classified as personal toiletries
Oxygen, helium, acetylene and barbecue tanks
Fire extinguishers
Explosives
Ammunition
Fireworks and flares
Industrial explosives, blasting caps and detonation devices
Flammable solids
Matches and solid fuels, such as barbecue starter tablets
Oily rags, hay, straw and wood chips
Yard and gardening supplies
Any pesticide with a base of arsenic, strychnine or cyanide
Fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate
Pool chemicals and chlorine
Wood preservatives
Corrosives
Acids or alkalis
Household chemicals
Disinfectants, bleach, oven cleaners, lye and acids
Cleaning fluids, such as ammonia and turpentine
Pesticides, herbicides and fumigants
Oil-based paints and thinners


Allowable dangerous goods
You can ship these if they're packed in a carton labelled "Consumer Commodity - Dangerous Goods Exempt". You must also declare them on the bill of lading as the only dangerous goods you're shipping. They include:
Household cleaners, such as Ajax or Dutch Cleanser
Nail polish, polish remover and perfume
Non-flammable art supplies

[smartsexystylish]

Source (http://https://ssl.postescanada-canadapost.ca/smartmoves/tips/themove/storage-e.aspx)

Protect your belongings
You say you're moving to a new house, so what possible need could you have for storage? Think again. Even if storage is not a part of your original moving plan, it pays to be prepared.

There are several moving scenarios that include permanent or temporary storage.
Scenario 1: You are moving to a much smaller home and you simply won't have room for all your belongings. This situation may be permanent. You've decided to move to a condo, giving up a large house for health or age reasons, and you want to store items permanently. Perhaps you'll give them to family members when they have the space or need for them.


Scenario 2: You need a small, permanent storage space for seasonal items, such as Christmas decorations and ski or camping equipment, and your new home doesn't have adequate space. Remember, you'll need winter or summer storage for bicycles, balcony or lawn furniture and sports equipment, such as hockey gear and your canoe.


Scenario 3: You have valuable antiques or upholstered furniture, and this is the right time to put them in storage until the little ones aren't so little (and spill-prone) anymore.


Scenario 4: Your new home requires renovations maybe more than you originally anticipated. You'll be staying at a nearby hotel while the work is being done. If renovations are less disruptive, you could live in the new house, particularly if you're doing the work yourself. But you'll need a place to store large furniture, breakable and little-used items until the work is completed.


Scenario 5: The closing dates of your old and new homes don't quite match. You need a place to stay for a week or two (reserve early hotels have a habit of filling up when you most need a vacancy!) and a place to put your belongings until your new home is truly yours.


Scenario 6: You're planning that long-awaited vacation to coincide with your move, and you just need a place to stash your belongings until you return and are able to move into your new home.


Some things to consider when choosing storage
Don't be caught unprepared. Grabbing the first available or the only remaining storage space could be costly. You want a clean, economical and safe place to store your valuable possessions. Make sure you do your homework and choose the best storage facility possible. There are a number of factors to consider:
Rates: Will you rent your space by the week or month? Is there a cheaper, yearly rate, and would that be worthwhile for your purposes?


The size of the space: Try to rent a space that's exactly the right size to fit your belongings. Nothing could be more frustrating than pre-paying for a storage unit and finding out only half the sectional will fit inside it. At the same time, storage is meant for storing things, not using them. You can cram a lot of belongings into a space smaller than the size of the space you'll eventually be putting them into.


Security: Check out the available storage facilities and compare their security systems. Whether you're storing your belongings for a week or permanently, you want them protected from intruders. What kind of security does the facility provide? Are there security cameras with 24-hour monitoring? Is there a security guard? What do you have to do to enter the facility? Can you use your own lock? Is the loading dock well lit and fenced?


Safety: Will your belongings be protected from fire, water damage, pest damage, etc.? Ask about the sprinkler system and fire alarms. How are the temperature and humidity controlled? Find out about climate control systems. What sort of protection is offered against pests, such as mice and bugs? Find out what types of insurance are available.


Access: Will you have adequate access to your belongings? Some facilities are open around the clock; some aren't open on Sundays. Be sure to choose the type of access you'll need.


Service: Will the facility move your belongings from the truck to the storage unit for you? What will it charge for such a service? Does the facility have carts or dollies available for you to do your own loading and unloading? Can you rent a truck at the same facility?


Convenience: How close is the storage facility to your new home? Is the management easily available, or do you have to wait to have a page answered before you can speak to anyone?

[KM.]

Something to add, as I have a fair amount of experience moving electronics, such as Computers, Game Consoles, etc...


Label all your wires, power adapters, cables, and accessories. It's far easier to yank out all the plugs and cables than it is to remember which ones go with what, and how they're connected. Keep the cables and wiring for each component with the unit itself. They all look the same in a big box of cables. Some cables are rated differently for different uses.
Remove any CDs, DVDs, Disks, and other media from your DVD players, game consoles, CD-Rom drives, and anywhere else they're plugged into. When transporting your equipment, leaving a disk inside the drive can result in irreparable damage to your media/data.
Screw/fasten down any loose parts. If you have a computer and that component you added months ago isn't screwed down, now is the time to do it before your computer case is relocated.
Bunch up your cables individually in an oval shape, do not wrap the cords in a tight radius or around the controller -- this leads to unnecessary wear-and-tear on the cables and will reduce its lifespan. Use cable ties, twist-ties, tape or elastics in the middle to keep the bunch together.
Pack all instruction manuals with your electronics; it's amazing how easy it is to forget how to reprogram the clock on that VCR. The dreaded flashing of 12:00 will drive you nuts. Trust me.
If you have controllers or remotes for your electronics, pack them with the unit itself. Label it anyhow, just to be safe.
After moving your electronics into your new home, DO NOT turn them on until they have reached room temperature. It's never a good idea to fire up an ice-cold TV, computer, or stereo system.


As I think of more pointers, I'll add them to the list.

[Rachel125]

That's awesome....Thanks for posting :p

[smartsexystylish]

That's awesome....Thanks for posting :p


You're welcome Rachel! I hope someone will find it useful :)