Preparing for a local move can be a very stressful time, especially when packing your personal and fragile items. It can be easy to underestimate the amount of things to be done and overlook certain items that may require special handling. Here we will explore what those items most commonly are, and the steps you should take to help be as prepared for the move day as possible. Not only do you not want to be scrambling around last minute to get things done, but you will want to avoid any unnecessary and unexpected charges.
When it comes to these items, you may have the following options, moving them yourself in your car on the day of the move or prior to the move day to avoid any additional charges, packing them yourself with the proper packing material, or opting to have them professionally packed by your moving company.
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When moving- delicate items such as lamps must be boxed. Table Lamps- Most people will overlook these or forget to consider them to be a “fragile” item. Table lamps will need to be packed in boxes. If the moving company does it, it can result in additional time it takes to pack them properly and the additional charges for materials. Depending on the size of the lamp, a Medium Box can be used to pack most lamps. Be sure to use proper padding and or packing paper to secure the lamp and pad the box to avoid damages.
- Pictures, Mirrors and wall hangings- Most framed pictures
Mirrors and wall hangings must be boxed. will have glass and are considered to be “fragile” items. Professional moving companies will offer to pack these as a professional service. (Usually an additional charge) If you chose to pack them yourself, you can purchase Picture/Mirror boxes that are usually perfect for these types of items. Keep in mind, most companies will not remove these items from the walls and will require that to be done prior to pick up.
Small Electronics- This can include but is not limited to DVD players, VCR, Gaming systems and accessories, blenders, toasters, rice cookers, microwaves, etc. Often enough, these items are sitting out and can “hide” in plain sight. Anything that will fit into a box should be packed beforehand and/or taken in the car to avoid having to pay for them to be packed on the spot.
Other item that usually will require special packing is furniture that has glass or marble pieces. These pieces of furniture most commonly are china cabinets, TV stands or entertainment centers, Curio cabinets, coffee or end tables, desks or bookcases. Any piece of furniture that has a removable, or non-removable glass or marble top will need packing in addition to the moving pads used by moving companies to protect non fragile pieces of furniture against knicks and scratches. Most of the time it is best to have the moving
company offer you a professional packing service of these items as you may not have the option of packing or moving it yourself. Please also keep these items in mind so you can get a quote on any additional charges ahead of time.
Most professional moving companies will be able to best advise you on what actions you can take to avoid any additional charge, or quote you on the packing service that may be needed for any of the above items.