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Things To Consider When Hiring Professional Packers

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If the thought of packing and moving all your belongings is ruining the excitement of a move to a new location you are not alone. Moving causes many people to feel some anxiety and it's no wonder. Sorting and packing your belongings takes a lot of work and energy. While you can always enlist the help of friends and family, there may be a better alternative. Many moving companies also offer packing services. While professional packers won't do all the work for you, they will take the edge off the pain of packing and moving. Find out what you can expect from professional packers and movers.

What do professional packers do?

Professional packers arrive with all the supplies needed to pack your possessions and load them into the moving truck. This includes the boxes, tape, markers and other packing supplies, like packing peanuts. They typically pack your items according to your instructions and will gladly label them according to room or other designation as long as you let them know what you expect. They may load the truck or the moving company may send separate workers for that task once the packing is done.

How do you get ready for packers?

Typically, your house should be clean and organized. You should clear away clutter, throw out useless items and place everything in the room it belongs in. That means little Johnny's toys belong together in either his room or a playroom, not scattered throughout the house. Likewise, place all pet toys and supplies together in one designated area. Assuming the packers will automatically know where things belong and will work to organize them for you probably isn't very realistic. Generally, packers pack everything in the room and label it accordingly. It is your job to make sure the items are in the correct rooms before the packers arrive.

Will the packers and movers take care of everything for you?

No. There are some things you will need to pack and move on your own. This includes hazardous materials, pets, plants and some garden supplies. It also includes some toiletries you may not have considered as hazardous materials. Check this list of common household items that most movers and packers won't handle.

  • Toiletries: Fingernail Polish, Fingernail Polish Remover, Alcohol, Aerosol Cans

  • Medications: This includes both OTC and prescription meds. Pack these items yourself and take them in a personal vehicle.

  • Household and Garden Supplies: Fertilizers, Pesticides, Fungicides, Live Plants, Fire Extinguishers

  • Camping Supplies: Propane Tanks, Sterno, Lighters, Charcoal, Light Fluid or other Flammable Gasses or Liquids.

  • Household Cleaners: Ammonia, Bleach

  • Art Supplies: Paints, Solvents, Paint Thinner, Varnish, Oils

  • Automotive Supplies: Gas Cans, Oil, Automotive Fluids, Torches

  • Hunting Equipment: Ammunition

If you have questions about items not on this list, talk to the mover or packer to determine if the items are prohibited.

Do you need to be present when the packers are working?

As a rule, you do not need to be part of the packing process. However, you should be there when the packers arrive to make sure you both understand what they can and cannot do for you. This is the time for any special instructions, such as pointing out (or labeling) items that need special care and determining how items will be labeled. Typically, items are labeled by room, but there may be exceptions. Checking in with workers as they finish up lets you evaluate the job and assures everyone that things have gone as planned.

What other items should you transport yourself?

You should transport enough clothing to last each family member several days, personal items family members use everyday, medications and toiletries. It is also advisable to back up all electronic devices, such as computers, laptops and tablets and keep the backup copy with you. If the equipment is lost of damaged in transit, you will not lose important data. Likewise, important papers, such as insurance, medical or tax information that is not stored electronically should also be kept with you.

With a little effort, you can prepare your home for professional packers and then sit back and relax while they do all the difficult work of packing your belongings. If you have both done your job well, unpacking at the new location will be as simple as opening the boxes and setting up each room. For more information, contact one of the moving and storage companies near you.


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