Packing

• Order supplies 35 days out.
• Outline sizes and uses of cartons.
• Downsize whatever you don't need; you don't want to pay to move things you plan on throwing away.
• Tape the top and bottom of all boxes.
• When labeling boxes, use an abbreviation (for example, living room should be LR) and label on the top and one side of the container.
• All boxes have weight limits. Make sure to pack books and heavy items in smaller boxes.
• If possible, centrally locate your boxes in one room. This will make the moving process faster since these will be the first items onto the truck.
• When packing dishes, use layers of paper, pack them vertically so that they are standing on edge and separate levels with bath towels.

Moving

• Book mover at least 45 days out.
• Confirm all dates ahead of time so storage can be arranged, if necessary.
• Make a floor plan indicating where furniture should be placed. Cutting time cuts costs.
• Point out any items which need to be taken apart to be moved such s exercise equipment and china cabinets
• Movers cannot take off their shoes so be sure to cover high traffic areas before they arrive.
• If possible, centrally locate your boxes in one room. This will make the moving process faster since these will be the first things onto the truck.
• Make sure any time restrictions or parking restrictions are conveyed to plan appropriately.
• Obtain any required parking passes or permits and reserve elevators if necessary.
• During inclement weather, book extra men to keep a crew inside the new home to limit soiling the floors.

Non-Allowable's for Moving and Storage
Cargo claims are an inevitable part of the moving and storage business, however, there are certain preventative measures you can take to reduce the possibility of these claims occurring due to contamination, fire, etc. Below are industry-standard non-allowable's to ensure what should NOT be included on the moving trucks or shipments.

Perishables
Frozen Foods	Produce	Refrigerated foods	Food without adequate preservation
Plants
Hazards
Matches	Aerosols	Gasoline	Fireworks
Guns	Propane Tanks	Kerosene	Paints (latex and oil based)
Ammunition	Fire Extinguishers	Lamp Oil	Poisons (such as weed killer)
Motor Oil	Liquid Bleach	Fertilizer	Cleaning Solvents or Ammonia
Sterno	Charcoal	Pesticides	Charcoal Lighter Fluid
Household Batteries	Car Batteries	Chemistry Sets	Chemicals (such as darkroom or pool chemicals)
Paint Thinner	Nail Polish Remover	Alcohol/Liquor
Personal Importance or Sentimental Items
Financial Documents	Address Book	Cash	Checkbook
IRAs	Computer Disks	Stocks	Family Photographs
Bonds	Wedding Albums	Airline Tickets	Personal Videotapes
Deeds	Insurance Policies	Jewelry	Medical/Dental Records
School Records	Prescription Medications	Car Keys	Documents pertaining to new home