Packing

Arguably the most daunting aspect of moving, packing is truly something we all dread. Still, if conducted systematically, it can be much easier to handle. The key to successful packing is organization. Whether you are in charge of your own packing, or whether hiring the packing services of your NYC moving company, the packing process should be thoroughly planned and should follow certain guidelines.

Before you start to pack

Indeed, the first thing to determine is who does the packing. Even if you do decide to pack yourself, it is highly recommended that you ask your moving company to provide you with useful packing tips and with sufficient moving boxes and supplies. Knowing how to pack is crucial to the safety of your valuables, and you should therefore be thoroughly prepared for this project before you embark on it.

Determining liability when you pack

Remember that if you do your own packing, your mover may refuse liability, as he has no control over the condition of your valuables prior to shipment. This factor is particularly worth considering if you have precious and fragile possessions which you want to make sure are covered by liability insurance. Preparing a detailed inventory of all your belongings is a must, as it may be of assistance in case of future insurance claims.

Packing guide

If packing is your responsibility, you should begin well ahead of time - ideally about 4-5 weeks prior to the scheduled moving date.
When working methodically, you are also more efficient. Accordingly, it is highly advisable to pack one room at a time, rather than collect bits and pieces in random order from around the house.
Each box that is packed should be clearly labeled with markers or colored tags, indicating the contents of the box and the room or area in the house the packed items belong to. This detailed information will allow the movers to place the unloaded boxes in the corresponding rooms and spaces in your new home.

All these various specifics should be properly recorded in an organized list, enabling you to control and supervise the packing and unpacking process from start to finish.

Moving boxes

Moving boxes come in different shapes and sizes, befitting their specific functions. Pack the items you intend to ship in the appropriate boxes. Even more so, ask your mover to provide you with packing instructions: indeed, your belongings should be placed within the boxes in a manner which ensures they are thoroughly protected. Breakable and delicate items must be properly wrapped, and their respective boxes should be visibly marked as fragile.

What not to pack

Moving companies have strict rules and regulations about the items that are not to be included in shipments. Flammable, corrosive or explosive items, as well as perishables (food and plants) are pertinent cases in point. Ask your mover for explicit guidelines on what not to pack.

Some more useful packing tips

Remember to pack a box of the essential items you'll be requiring during the first few days in your new location. Make sure it is the last box loaded onto the truck, and the first to be unloaded. If your shipment is scheduled to arrive after you do, take the relevant boxes and bags with you. Important documents, personal papers, and precious articles such as jewelry, should not be shipped with the rest of your cargo, and your mover assumes no responsibility for them if they are.

As you can see, there are plenty of packing 'dos' and 'don’ts'. Contact us for additional tips and for more helpful information about our packing services.

We would like to thank Mover New York for their professional guidance while building this site.