Before relocating, you may want to.....

Hold a Moving Sale:

Now is a perfect time to rid yourself of excess baggage.  By getting rid of unnecessary possessions, you'll reduce the weight of your shipment and get some extra traveling money for your effort.  So, start to sort through your can't-live-without items that have been sitting in the closet, untouched for years, and get ready to make some cash.  Remember: Your trash is someone else's treasure!


Organize The Sale:

1.)  Make a list of all sale items.

2.)  Put a price tag on or near each item.  You may not always get what you're asking so be ready to negotiate.  What you don't sell you can donate to a local charity.  Get a receipt and you can deduct it on your federal tax return.

3.)  Gather some shopping bags and cartons to make it easy for customers to carry their new treasures home.

4.)  Display all similar items together, ie. games, dishes, etc., so they're easy to find.

5.)  Make sure everyone knows what is for sale and what isn't (sounds obvious, but you would be surprised).

6.)  Make a cashier's desk, complete with cash box, change, calculator, scissors, tape, string, markers, etc.

7.)  Assign everyone a responsibility for the day.  If you're moving solo, invite some friends over to help.  Buy them a lunch with the profits.

8.)  Saturdays are the best days for garage sales, but be sure to avoid holiday weekends.  Make sure to set a rain date.

9.)  The earlier the sale, the better.  Bargain shoppers like to rise with the sun.

10.) Where should you hold the garage sale?  Garage is the obvious answer.  However, depending on the time of year, the yard or basement may be a better idea.  Be sure to check with local authorities about restrictions before announcing your sale.  Also, be sure there is enough space for parking and people.

Finally, publicize and promote.  Contact your local paper about putting together a classified ad announcing the garage sale.  Tell all your friends and neighbors.  Also, place directional signs in high-traffic areas prior to the sale. 

Now you are ready to move..... 

Before actually packing-up, you need to have a game plan.  For example, pack one room at a time.  This helps when it comes time to unpack.  Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well before the move.  Mark all boxes, designating room and box number.  Make an identification log recording the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed.   It's a good idea to note carton conditions and the location of valuable items.  

You should notify us of any high value items.  Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available.  Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.  Packing tape is much stronger than masking tape.  Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.  Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier.  A general rule to remember on carton size; the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Packing Materials:

Use only strong cartons with covers.  We sell specially made cartons & materials, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors.  The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor quality packing materials.  Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your grocery, liquor stores etc., and use old newspapers for packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items.

WARNING:  Insect eggs and insects such as roaches can travel in food boxes.  Keep this in mind when getting used boxes from stores.

Here's a list a packing supplies that will come in handy:

1.)  Markers or labels for easy identification of boxes
2.)  Scissors and/or sharp knife
3.)  Bubble wrap for delicate packing jobs
4.)  Packing paper for figurines, dishes, etc.
5.)  Packing tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide)
6.)  Various size boxes
7.)  Notebook and pencil for box identification log

Packing Pointers.....

Dishware

Obtain a thick (or double-walled) box known as a dish pack and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper.  With packing paper stacked neatly in place on a work table, center one plate on the paper.  Grasp a corner on several sheets of packing paper and pull the paper over the plate until sheets completely cover the plate.  Add a cushion of bubble wrap.  Stack a second plate on and, moving clockwise, grasp a second corner and pull sheets over the second plate.  Again, cushion with a piece of bubble wrap.  Stack a third plate.  Grasp remaining two corners, folding two sheets of each corner (one at a time) over the plate.  Turn your wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your packing paper.

Re-wrap the entire bundle: start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets over the bundle; cover bundle with next corner, then the third corner; and finally, the fourth.  Seal the bundle with packing tape.  Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-size box so that the plates are standing on edge.  Use this process on all saucers, bread and butter dishes, and other dishware.  When packing smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantity.

Cups

With packing paper in place on the work table, position one cup six to eight inches from one of the corners.  Now pull the near corner of the paper up and over the cup. Nest a second cup directly on top, with handle to left (second cup should "nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cups).

Pull the two side corners up and over, one at a time, and tuck corners inside the top cup.  Hold the bottom and top cup in position and roll cups to the remaining corner.  Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.  Delicate cups, such as china, should be wrapped one at a time.  Antique glass or china should be stuffed with crumpled paper and wrapped one at a time.

Glasses and Stemware

Stuff glasses and stemware with crumpled packing paper before wrapping.  Lay on the corner of packing paper and roll it one or two full rotations (depending on size); pull sides of packing paper up and over glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner.  A layer of bubble wrap may be used for added protection.

Place glasses and stemware toward the top of your box.  Heavier items (dishware, pitchers,etc.) should be placed toward the bottom of the box.  Delicate glassware and stemware should be placed in an upright position, not on its side. No matter what you're packing, you should use crumpled packing paper in between each layer to assure a snug fit wherever there's a gap.  All boxes with "fragile" items should be marked accordingly.

Specialized Packing Tips.....

The list of individual household items is endless.  Most can be packed by following our packing pointers.  Here are some additional packing tips for major items.  If you want a more comprehensive list of how to pack special items, drop us a line.

Bureau Drawers:  Don't overload.  Too heavy a load can cause damage.  Remove any breakable items.  We recommend you stick to clothing and linens in all of the drawers.

Canned Goods and Other Non-Frozen Food:  Pack upright with no more than 24-30 cans per carton.  Don't attempt to move perishables.  Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons.

Frozen Foods and Plants:  Because of the delicate and perishable nature of these items, movers are prohibited from accepting these packed items when your shipment is being transported more than 150 miles and/or delivery will not be accomplished within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of loading.  Frozen food shipped within these guidelines must be packed in a freezer which at time of loading is at normal deep-freeze temperature.  We do not ship plants out of state.  (See detailed information below regarding plant transport.)

Clocks:  Remove or secure pendulum and/or weights in large clocks.  Grandfather clocks should be prepared for moving by expert servicemen.

Drapes and Curtains:  Hang drapes over crossbars in wardrobe cartons, or pack folded in clean cartons.  Remove curtains from rods, fold and pack in cartons or bureau drawers.

Flammables and Combustibles:  Flammable liquids and aerosol cans must not be packed.  Changes in temperature and pressure can cause them to leak, or even explode.  For your own protection, you should know that if you pack these items and they cause damage to your shipment or others, you, not the mover, may be held liable.

Lamps and Lampshades:  Remove bulbs, harps and shades.  Roll up cord.  Pack lamps with bedding or wrap separately and place upright in clean, paper lined carton. Wrap harp and finial with packing paper and tape to inside wall of carton that contains shade.  Wrap shades with packing paper, not newspaper.  Place upright in large, paper lined cartons.

Medicines:  Seal caps with masking tape.  Wrap and pack upright in small cartons.  If needed during travel, carry with you.

Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures:  Valuable paintings, wall hangings and tapestries should be specially prepared by the movers.  Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames and place on edge in cartons.  Place large pictures and paintings on edge in heavy cardboard containers.  Large wall or dresser mirrors will be taken down by the movers and placed in special cartons.  For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage.  Do not place newspaper directly against paintings.

Silverware:  Wrap each piece in cloth or low sulphur content paper to prevent tarnishing.  Use an old blanket or moving pad as a wrap to prevent scratching the silverware chest.

Tools:  Drain fuel from power tools (do not ship flammables under any circumstances).  Pack tools in small, strong cartons.  Wrap separately if valuable.

Waterbed Mattresses:  Drain all water from the waterbed and, grasping internal baffle systems with external vinyl, fold mattress 20 inches at a time.  Adjust folds to avoid making creases across individual baffles.  Consult your owner's manual for special instructions concerning the care and transportation of your mattress.  Do not place your mattress in a carton with sharp or pointed objects. 

Cars and Motorcycles:  Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel.  Motorcycle batteries should be disconnected.  Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.

Barbecue Grills and Propane Tanks:  Wrap grates and briquets separately in a newspaper (or place all briquets into a grocery bag) and place parts in carton.  Pad carton with paper to reduce movement of contents.  Propane tanks are non-allowables.  Consult your local gas grill distributor for the safest method.

Personal Computers and Video Recorders:  Pack valuable electronic equipment in original cartons when available.  Otherwise, use strong cartons and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton.  Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item and place it in its carton.  Place additional padding between the carton and the computer or video recorder.  Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces.  Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped.  Place cords between the padded computer or video recorder and the carton.  Be sure your personal computer is "parked" and ready for transport.

More About Preparing Your Computer.....

Here's the information you need to make sure your computer doesn't arrive at your new home in bytes and pieces.

1.)  Make backup copies of all your files.

2.)  Store the backup disk with your original program disks and keep in a secure container.

3.)  Remove any floppy diskettes from the drives and insert the cardboard disk or an old floppy disk into the drive and close the drive door.

4.)  To prepare your hard disk, make sure the recording heads are parked for transport.  When automatic "park and lock" systems are powered down, the disk automatically retracts the recording heads from the data area into a safety zone.

5.)  Some computer systems require that you run a program to activate the park procedure.  IBM and most hard-disk clones include the program SHIPDISK.EXE, which parks the heads.  The hard disk becomes unparked once you turn the computer back on.

6.)  Once your hard drive is secure, turn off the system and remove all cables from the back of the unit.  When possible, you should always pack your computer in the box that it came in.  If you don't have the original box, ask us to provide you with the proper packing materials and container.  Don't take chances with a less sturdy container.

7.)  If you have a printer, pack it in its original or sturdy box.  Remove ink cartridges from laser printers.  If you are moving a pin printer, insert a piece of paper in the plate to secure the print head.

Moving House Plants.....

Like any living thing, plants require special attention.  If you're moving long-distance, you'll want to move plants in a temperature-controlled environment such as your car.  Extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to your plants.

Here are some tips for making sure your plants survive the trip to their new home:

3 Weeks Before Moving Day:

Repot any plants in clay pots into unbreakable, plastic containers.  The new pot should be big enough to hold the plant, without being too big.  Jumping pot sizes can cause plants to respond poorly.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day:

Prune larger plants.  Pruning will make packing easier and produce healthy, bushy, compact, attractive houseplants.  You can prune by simply pinching back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger.  Succulents and ferns do not respond well to pruning.

1 Week Before Moving Day:

Eliminate any insects or plant parasites.  Pesticides may contain harmful chemicals so use them with care and always follow label directions.  Another way to kill pests is to put the entire plant in a black, plastic utility bag for about six hours with a bug/pest strip or an animal flea collar.  Keep the bag in a cool, shady area.  This method is environmentally safer for your home and your plant.

2 Days Prior To Moving:

Make sure your plants are getting their normal dose of water.  Keep in mind that during the winter months, roots saturated with moisture may freeze.  In warmer weather, overwatered plants are subject to damaging fungus growth during transit.

Moving Day:

Pack your plants in the morning, or the night before.  Conventional packing cartons are good for moving plants.  A dish pack has compartments that easily adapt to holding plants.  Securely anchor each plant to prevent slipping when the box is lifted or jostled during transit. To do this, place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly in the bottom.  Use paper around the base of the pot to hold it in place.  Next, cushion branches and leaves of the plant with soft paper.  Moistened paper can be used for short periods; however, plants allowed to remain wet are more susceptible to disease.  Finally, punch air holds in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid.  Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids to avoid putting them into the van with the furniture and your other belongings.  If you follow this procedure, your plants will be ready to travel safely for up to four days.



We hope our information has been helpful.  If you have questions about anything covered or not covered, don't hesitate to contact us.  We strive to make your moving experience an enjoyable one!

Thank You,

The Staff at Shamrock Moving & Storage

                                                1-877-653-MOVE
                                           shamrockmoving@aol.com