Moving Tips

 

Packing Tips

 

  • Keep the following supplies handy for packing: boxes, packing tape and scissors, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue.
  • Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly.  Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
  • Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes.  Label cables and tighten transit screws.  If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
  • Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
  • Label each box and indicate the following: a) Which room it should go in, b) Whether it is fragile, c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
  • Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue.  Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  • Pack books tightly on end in small boxes.  If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing.  Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
  • Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
  • Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
  • Carry all valuables with you.
  • Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another.  Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

 

Moving House Plants

 

Two Weeks Before Your Move

·        Prune plants to facilitate packing.

·        Consult a florist or a plant book for instructions.

 

One Week Before Your Move

·        Place your plants in a black plastic bag, along with a bug/pest strip, flea collar or bug powder.

·        Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.

 

The Day Before Your Move

·        Place the plants in cardboard containers.

·        Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper.

·        Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist.

·        If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings.  Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.

 

Moving Day

·        Set the boxes aside and mark “DO NOT LOAD”, so they won’t be taken by the movers.

·        Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.

 

During Packing and Unpacking

·        Park your car in a shaded area in the summer and a sunny spot in the winter.

 

Upon Arrival

·        Unpack the plants as soon as possible after arrival.

·        Remove plants through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems.

·        Do not expose the plants to too much sunlight.  Let them get gradually accustomed to more light.

 

 

 

Moving Garden Plants

 

  • Research climate and soils of new home.
  • Gather and store seeds in an airtight container.
  • Dig up bulbs during their natural dormant season.  Pack in a mixture of loose dry peat moss and vermiculite to provide a lightweight and protective transport medium.
  • Sharpen garden tools – clippers, lawn mowers and shears – and apply a thin coating of household or motor oil to protect the paint and metal parts.  Clean and disinfect rakes, hoes and sprinklers.  Household bleach can be used to disinfect a variety of times.
  • Dig up and transplant plants that you can.

 

Moving Pets

 

  • Wash and dry all dishes.
  • Be on hand when the movers arrive.
  • Pack suitcases.
  • Pack the car for the trip.

 

Moving Day

 

  • Advise the Moving Foreman of any items you wish to have as soon as you move into the new house.
  • When the packers arrive, show them any items that you feel need special attention.
  • Sign the Certificate of Packing and Unpacking when packers are finished.
  • Sign the Inventory and keep a copy.
  • Your Moving Foreman will be in charge.  Ask him any questions.
  • Make a final tour of the premises with the Moving Foreman to be sure that all items have been loaded.
  • Before signing the Bill of Lading, check all the details.

 

Arriving

 

  • Notify the destination member of your arrival.
  • If you do not know whom to contact, telephone Fitzgerald Moving at 507-235-9669.
  • As soon as possible, check your goods.  Report any loss or damage to Fitzgerald Moving.
  • If any goods are to be stored, advise the warehouse of any items you want to remove or inspect so that they can be accessible.
  • Stand in a convenient locations during unloading to inspect the condition of your furniture, direct it’s placement and mark it off on the inventory.
  • Receive and sign for the shipment even if there is damage or loss.  Note damage or loss on the inventory.
  • To make sure that all furniture and boxes will placed correctly, fasten a clearly-marked floor plan near the entrance.
  • Be on hand to accept delivery or arrange for someone to be there when the van arrives.
  • The movers will lay rugs and reassemble furniture and appliances.