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TIPS

Plan Ahead
Don’t underestimate the time required to pack, dismantle, discard unwanted items, load and unload. Besides causing family angst, skimping on time may result in additional costs.

Packing
Purchase new cartons for all your kitchenware, breakables and clothing; newsprint is the most economical wrap and filler to protect breakables. Used cartons are OK for tools, garage and basement items. Mark your packed boxes with the name of the room (“kitchen”) or family member’s name (“Jimmy’s bedroom”) as well as contents of the carton.

Live Plants
If you’re moving more than 30 miles or across state lines, don’t move them. Certain parts of our country are exposed to seasonal infestations and contents must be certified as inspected by the owner. Some states do not allow live plants brought in at all. In-van temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees F. Plants exposed to such extremes, even when moving locally, may be permanently damaged.

Food
Don’t move opened food stuff. Refrigerated or frozen foods can be preserved up to 24 hours with dry ice. Never move a refrigerator or freezer loaded with food.

Propane
It’s a good safety measure not to move propane tanks at all.

Outdoor Furniture
Rinse off all outdoor furniture the day before you plan to load and make sure it has adequate time to dry. Load all outdoor furnishings and garage items last on the truck.

Paints and Cleaners
You don’t want to accidentally spill anything on your expensive furniture. Don’t move them – dispose following local and EPA guidelines.

Combustibles
Boom! Gasoline, paint thinner and solvents, compressed cans of anything – don’t move them.