How to Prepare for Movers and Packers

If you're using a professional moving company to pack and transport your goods, prepare for movers and packers before moving day arrives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Boxes
• Felt-tip Pens
• Packaging Tape
• Personal Organizers

1. Gather up essential items to take with you during the move, such as toiletries and clothes, and set aside the items in a small closet or cabinet that will not be accessible to packers or movers.
2. Remove breakable and liquid items from drawers and cabinets for packing separately.
3. Separate flammable and combustible items from the rest of your household goods; either dispose of the items or pack separately to take with you.
4. Locate all valuables, such as jewelry, collections and personal records, and pack separately to take with you.
5. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer and dispose of perishable foods.
6. Drain oils and fuels from power equipment such as lawn mowers.
7. Take rugs and drapes to cleaners; when you pick them up later, leave them in wrappings for transport.
8. Back up computer files and remove CDs from players.
9. Strip beds and wash linens for packing.
10. Call your mover to confirm the packers' arrival date and time.

Tips & Warnings

• Store items that you plan to take with you in one small closet or cabinet, labeled "off limits" to packers and movers.
• Movers who transport flammables and combustibles are violating federal laws ' and endangering the safety of your household goods during transport. Make sure you do not allow movers to pack or transport aerosol cans, paints or other combustible items.