Moving/Packing question?
Question:We're moving in about a month. We've hired movers, but we really need to keep the costs down. My question is, how do we prepare large items for the movers? The large items I'm referring to include a tv, pc, china cabinet, full-sized bed, crib, dresser, changing table, rocking chair, a small bookshelf, a small entertainment center, and a kitchen table with chairs.
We are not moving any super large items like couches, loveseats, or appliances.
Any tips or links to helpful websites would be geatly appreciated!
:) Thanks!
Answers:
Not sure what your contract with the mover is. Most do all the packing and it is part of the job. If you are paying packers by the hour, break everything down that you can. They will have blankets to cover furniture items. A little tip: Even if they pack stuff, be there to mark the boxes with the room it will go to in the new house. It is stressful enough moving. Taking items and boxes straight to the room they belong in helps a whole lot. Also saves time upon arrival. As stated, if possible, take pictures of furniture to avoid any argument about damages. The last company I used did a checklist and had me sign a paper with damages listed before they put it on the truck. Good luck.
When I move, large items get wrapped in blankets. I imagine you can do the same with the PC. As for the crib, it should be possible to break it down and strap the pieces together.
Good luck!
Most local movers don't like to move electronics, such as televisions and computers, as they don't want to be responsible if something breaks.
As for furniture, they should have moving blankets to cover the furniture to avoid scratching. Make sure you inspect it AFTER they move it. If you see damage, tell the movers. Take pictures and document. They will send someone out to do an estimate of the damages.
I have used movers where I had to have everything packaged up before they got there. No problem. As for the big stuff I taped blankets around it. My friend used a big moving company where they packaged things. If she were to pack up anything it would avoid her insurance on the item. Hope that helps. I would say call the mover.
if you can break them down.do so
large towels, blankets can be placed over other large items and then taped into place. empty the dressers and remove the drawers
most of the time, the moving company would rather you not "help" out. I would call and see if there is anything you could do first
The bed, crib, changing table, bookshelf, entertainment center and kitchen table all come apart. Take them apart and wrap the small parts (legs, etc) in blankets. If you can, take the PC in your car with you. The TV can also be wrapped in blankets. I do feel I must tell you though, that you won't save very much by doing this. This is not what the movers charge for, or at least not the big bucks. The big charges are for driving your furniture and effects from where you are to where you are going. And it is by the mile and weight. All the work you go to to break down these items is probably an hour or two work for experienced movers. That means what, $50 bucks? The advice on taking the PC with you still stands.
I'm not sure how your contract reads but..the movers will walk in, pick up furniture and carry items out to the truck. You may save time ( if your contract is on a time basis), if you simply dismantle the bed, remove items from the China cabinet, dresser, entertainment center and tote the table and chairs out to the lawn. You can disconnect the computer and television and box them up yourself and have them ready to go also. If you have a "Pack and Load" contract, they will have already taken the dismantling and packing of these items into consideration and charged you accordingly, so don't perform "their" job and pay them to do what you've done. !! If they are on the clock !!...then make the move as fast as possible by prepping everything to fly out the door.
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