Seamens List of Moving and Packing Tips

Having packed and moved over 1000 s of families since 1995, Seamens Moving has mastered the art of moving. It s true. They say that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. With 8,766 hours in a year, if you do the math out, Seamen s is a master of its craft 17 times over. Although we specialize in making all types of moves easy and stress-free as possible with our wide range of moving and packing services, there are still things you can do to prepare to make both of our jobs easier. It s like a plan of action or a treasure map that lead to perfect move! However you want to look at it, this just another way we try to help and hope you take advantage of the following moving and packing tips.

Packing tips

Make sure to pack heavier items first

Be sure to place heavier items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This is pivotal because it will help the sturdiness of the box and could be the difference in keeping the box s contents safe.

Don t leave empty spaces in boxes

To avoid loose and flimsy boxes, be sure to fill in the empty space with anything such as packing paper, paper towels, hand towels or clothing. This helps to battle against having to carry awkwardly packed boxes and helps to prevent any accidents.

Don t pack different rooms contents together

Packing and unpacking is hard enough already, why make it harder. To ensure packing and unpacking is as easy as possible use the one room at a time packing method. This helps to ensure that the contents of each room are packed and organized separately, rather than getting all mixed up and having something important like your TV remote packed in with your bathroom supplies.

Label Boxes with the room name and description of contents

This little trick helps both you and the movers. It alerts whoever is carrying the box as to where each box goes in your new location. It also helps to know what is in each box for quick unpacking. Using a number system with each box will help keep inventory and help you know what has been packed and if everything arrives at your house safely.

Tape your boxes generously

To ensure no accidents and safe contents be sure to use several pieces of tape to shut the seams, then wrap the boxes all the way around with tape at all the stress points.

Ask about special crates for expensive art

For framed pictures use masking tape to make an X on the glass face. This will help strengthen it and keep it in place if it breaks. Then wrap them in bubble wrap or paper and insert them into a frame box. Do not use regular paper as it will stick on oil paintings.

Bundle the Breakables

Dish-barrel boxes should be used to pack dishes. As you load them up, wrap paper around each of them, then wrap six together. Never pack dishes flat, as they will break instantly, be sure to pack them always on their sides. Use bunched-up paper as padding in between, below and above. Place cups and bowls inside each other with paper in between. Then take around four of them and wrap them into bundles.

TV s need special attention

Wrap TVs in special quilted furniture pads. Unless you have the original box, special wooden crates are needed for shipping plasma TVs. Don t ever lay the TVs flat.

Pack your essentials in a suitcase

Certain things you will need on-hand as soon as you arrive at your new place. Be sure to make a checklist of these things to pack ahead of time in a handbag or suitcase and an essentials box. These essential items will be transported with you, rather than the truck. Make sure you include extra clothing, jewelry, treasures, snacks, and toys.

Your essentials box will have all the things you ll be scrambling for upon arrival. These items typically include:

• Tape, scissors, can opener and knife
• Kitchenware, cups, and essentials
• Towels, garbage bags, and soap
• Coffee and water, among other beverages
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Flashlight and tools
• Paper and pen
• Radio and batteries
• Cell phone chargers
• Laptops

Moving Tips

Always be informed

Begin by starting a move file, in which you will place all important moving-related information and receipts. Some moving expense may be deducted on your next tax return, so this will come in handy.

Research your new community

One of the greatest tips for moving to a new area is to visit the community, city, and state s websites. It s also helpful to gather information, which can be obtained from simple google searches. Look into researching new schools and local service providers and consider becoming involved in the community.

Ditch the clutter

The beauty of moving is that it lets you re-evaluate every item you own and get rid of any extra stuff you ve been holding on to. Tackle one room at a time and be ready to make some tough decisions.

Things to ask yourself when making these decisions:

• Does it have sentimental or monetary value
• Does anyone really use it
• Is it worth the hassle of moving
• Will there be room for it in my new home

Take an inventory

While you re ditching the clutter in your home, take the opportunity to take inventory. Make a list of everything you re keeping and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are priceless and difficult to replace. You should always move these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail. These items could include:

• Photos and home videos
• Birth certificates, wills, and other legal documentation
• Jewelry, rare coins, and special collections
• Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
• Computer drives with backups of important files

Hope this list helped to clear up some of the unsure and stressful issues or questions you may have before your move. If you need any help at all, contact Seamen s Moving, your Connecticut relocation specialists.