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Moving Resources - Moving Tips from Graebel's MoveMyHouse.com
Proper packing is important to prepare your belongings for a
damage-free move. If you’d prefer to do your own packing, we’ve provided a
helpful packing overview courtesy of the professionals at Graebel University,
Graebel’s exclusive training center.
Of course, for a modest fee, you can relax and count on your
Graebel professional movers to do the packing for you using the correct packing
materials for each item. Or, you can purchase moving supplies from our wide
variety of containers and packing paper (non-printed newsprint) to help you
prepare for your home move.
If there is any other way we can help you as you prepare for
your move, please let your Customer Service Coordinator know. It is our job to
make your move a success.
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Dishware
- Glassware
- Silver
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Other fragile items
- Photos
- Lamps
- Books
- Multimedia
- Clothing
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Linens and Bedding
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Draperies and Curtains
- Rugs
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Appliances and Electronics
- Tools
- Food
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Outdoor Equipment
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Start with
out-of-season items and things you use infrequently.
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Try to keep your box
weight under 50 pounds.
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Wrap items carefully
and provide plenty of cushioning to absorb shock. Remember, the more fragile
the item, the more protection it needs. You can use crumpled paper or soft
items like towels or light blankets for padding.
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Wrap items
individually in clean paper such as tissue paper, paper towels or facial
tissue. You can also double wrap with newspaper for a sturdy outer wrapping.
Just be careful because newspaper ink can rub off onto your items. It’s a good
idea to use a layer of tissue first, or purchase our unprinted newsprint paper
for packing.
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Place 2 to 3 inches
of crumpled paper at the bottom of a carton for cushioning.
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Pack your box in
layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom and lightest things on top. Be
sure to pack similar things together. For example, you wouldn’t want to put
fragile items in with your power tools.
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After each layer,
fill in empty space with crumpled paper. Then use a cardboard divider or more
crumpled paper to make a flat, level surface for your next layer.
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Another good idea is
to wrap small, fragile items and place them in small boxes for added
protection. Then put the smaller boxes in a normal carton with paper around
them.
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Seal boxes securely
with tape.
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Use sturdy cartons
that are firmly packed and do not rattle, bulge outward, or bend inward.
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Pack items from only
one room in a carton—it will make your unpacking much easier!
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Empty drawers of
things that may break or spill. Remember to take out items that are not allowed
on the moving truck, such as batteries and some cleaners. Be sure to check your
PreMove Kit for a complete list of potentially hazardous items. Soft,
lightweight items, such as sweaters or blankets may be left in drawers.
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Keep pairs and parts
together. We suggest placing screws and hardware items in plastic bags taped to
the matching item.
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Wind and fasten
electrical cords so they don’t dangle.
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Keep an inventory as
you pack. Make a list of what you have packed on the side of the box or keep an
inventory notebook. It may also help to number or code your boxes. Also,
remember to clearly print your name and the room to which you want that box
delivered at your new home. You can help your movers by putting signs up at
your new home with each room’s “name.”
Graebel recommends
that you keep one box aside for last minute items and items that will help you
when you arrive at your new home. Your survival kit could include:
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Soap and toiletries
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Towels
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Facial and toilet
tissue
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First-aid kit
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Instant coffee or
tea
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Powdered milk or
creamer and sugar
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Snacks and instant
foods
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Paper plates and
plastic utensils
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Small pan or coffee
pot to heat water
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Trash bags
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Light bulbs
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Screwdriver and
hammer
Take advantage of
the Graebel Welcome Home® service.* At no additional charge, Graebel will
unpack 5 containers (packed by us) so you can find first-needed kitchen,
bathroom or personal items. This value-added service also includes:
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Unpacking all
mattress cartons
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Re-assembly of all
beds on delivery day
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Same day debris
removal of 5 containers and mattress cartons packing materials
To use this service,
just use the Welcome Home stickers in your PreMove Kit to identify the 5
containers (packed by Graebel) you’ll want unpacked first (mattress cartons do
not require labels). Please point out these 5 containers to your Driver during
loading.
*This service is
restricted to moves of 5,000 lbs. or more.
Some things like
china and glassware require a little extra care. Below you will find specific
information to help you take care of these important items.
Graebel uses
specially constructed dish pack cartons to provide the special protection that
fragile dishes and glassware need. You can purchase dish pack cartons from your
local Graebel service center. Gently used boxes may also be available at a
reduced price; ask your Graebel Customer Service Coordinator for details.
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When packing your
dishes, remember to wrap each piece individually using clean paper. Start at
the corner of your paper and wrap the item diagonally, tucking in loose edges
as you go. You may choose to use several sheets of paper, and then add a double
layer of newspaper for extra protection.
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Be sure to use
plenty of crumpled paper as cushioning when packing dishes and glassware.
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Large pieces such as
glass platters and dinner plates make excellent bottom layers. Wrap pieces
individually, and then wrap up to three together in a bundle. Place bundles in
the box on their edges. Then put crumpled paper around your bundles to fill in
the empty spaces and create a new layer (you can use cardboard dividers) to
separate the bundles from the next level.
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Small plates,
saucers and shallow bowls are excellent for a second layer. Wrap them in the
same way and remember to leave room at the top of your box for crumpled paper.
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Bowls should be
wrapped the same way as plates. You can use them on either the bottom or second
layer, depending on size and weight.
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Stand shallow bowls
on edge, just like plates. Deep bowls should be wrapped and nested, then placed
upside down in your box.
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Wrap sugar bowls and
similar dishes with their lids upside down on top of the bowl. Wrap each piece
individually and then together in a bundle. You should place these right side
up in the carton.
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As with dishware,
Graebel offers special cell pack cartons for glasses and cups. Cell pack
cartons are similar to dish pack boxes in weight, but they have cardboard
inserts to separate your glasses.
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Wrap glasses
individually. You can provide extra protection to cup handles by putting an
extra layer of paper around them. Place the wrapped pieces upside down.
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If you are not using
a cell pack box, place your glasses upside down in a single layer on the upper
layer of one of your boxes. If there are handles, place them all facing in the
same direction.
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Hollowware, such as
bowls, tea sets and serving dishes should be wrapped and packed like china. To
help prevent tarnish, you may want to wrap silver in plastic as well.
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Wrap flatware
individually, or as a set, in either plastic or tissue
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You may want to wrap
flatware in a chest to prevent jostling during transit. Fill in empty spaces in
your chest with crumpled paper or paper towels and wrap your chest in a large
towel to protect it from scratches.
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Consider our
professional packing service for fragile items that are precious or of high
value. Graebel has perfected special packing and crating techniques to properly
protect your valuables. For other fragile items, use the following guidelines.
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For figurines or
similar bric-a-brac, pack them into their original boxes if possible. If you no
longer have original boxes, wrap the item in soft tissue and then in bubble
wrap. Make sure these items are well cushioned, with all empty spaces filled
in.
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Wrap small mirrors,
pictures and other similar items individually in tissue paper, and then in a
bath towel or small blanket. Place these items on edge in your box.
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Large items such as
glass tabletops, marble slabs, mirrors, paintings, statues and vases are easily
damaged in transit. Glass may shatter, marble can crack and oil paintings can
be damaged by contact with paper. Graebel highly suggests custom crating
services for these fragile, high-value items. Ask your Coordinator or Sales
Person for details.
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Pack photos, videos,
slides and negatives separately from other items.
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Wrap framed photos
and place them on edge in the box, using plenty of cushioning.
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You may want to
consider carrying these irreplaceable items with you to your new home.
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Remove light bulbs
and lamp harps from the base. Wrap each separately in newsprint and place them
together in your box, filling all empty space with crumpled paper.
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Do not wrap
lampshades in newspaper, as the ink may smear. We suggest using tissue paper, a
pillowcase, or a large, lightweight towel.
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Pack lampshades in a
box at least two inches larger than your lampshade. Wrap it with clean paper
and put crumpled paper inside the lampshade, but not around it. You can place
smaller shades inside larger shades as long as they do not touch. If you have
silk lampshades, pack them one per box.
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Do not pack other
items with lampshades.
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Label boxes
“Fragile.”
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If you have
Tiffany-type lamps or glass lampshades, it is best to use crating services.
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Pack books of the
same size together and place them upright in the carton as you would find them
on your bookshelf. Do not pack with the spine up, as damage to the binding can
occur.
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Before packing, wrap
any expensive books or books of personal value.
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When packing books,
remember to stay under 50 lbs. per box by using small cartons.
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Be sure to remove
CDs, DVDs, VHS cassettes, tapes and records from your equipment or storage
cabinets before the move.
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Pack records
individually in their jackets, in tissue paper or in plastic wrap.
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Stand CDs, DVDs and
records on top of crumpled paper and on edge in your box. Use crumpled paper
along with cardboard dividers or large, hardcover books to separate layers.
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Pack tapes in their
boxes and then wrap them individually in crumpled paper. Tapes can be placed
vertically or horizontally on top of crumpled paper.
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Wardrobe cartons are
a great way to transport your clothing to your new home wrinkle-free. Cartons
can be purchased from your local Graebel Service Center. In some cases, gently
used cartons may be available. Ask your Coordinator for details. Each carton
holds approximately two feet of clothing on hangers. Hang items in the wardrobe
carton just as you would in your closet. Do not pack items in the bottom of
your wardrobe carton.
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If wardrobe cartons
are not used, remove each item from the hanger, fold it and place it in a
suitcase or a clean carton lined with paper. Some lightweight items such as
lingerie or sweaters can be left in drawers.
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Place hats in
hatboxes and then pack them in a carton, or wrap and stuff them with tissue
paper and place in a box lined with clean paper. Don’t pack anything else with
hats, and be sure to mark the box “Fragile.”
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Pack shoes in
shoeboxes or wrap them in tissue—individually, and then in pairs. Use
cushioning to avoid damage to heals and never put heavy items on top of shoes.
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Pack linen items in
plastic and then in a carton lined with clean paper. This is ideal for items
such as blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels and pillowcases. Wrap delicate
linens in tissue first. Don’t forget that you can also use these items as
padding for breakables.
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Mattress cartons are
available for purchase from your local Graebel service center. Remember that
mattress cartons will be unpacked as part of your FREE Welcome Home® service.*
Ask your Coordinator for details or look in your PreMove Kit for more
information.
*This service is restricted to moves of 5,000 lbs. or more.
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A great way to move
draperies is to use an additional clothing wardrobe. Fold your draperies and
place them over a padded hanger, pin them in place and hang in the wardrobe.
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You can also fold
them and pack them in a carton lined with clean paper.
Graebel will move
your area rugs for you; simply leave them on the floor. Leave them rolled if
you had them cleaned before your move.
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Wrap small
appliances and pack them in a box with crumpled paper. Be sure to securely wrap
the cords.
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Remove all batteries
before packing; they cannot go on the moving truck.
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Be sure steam irons
don’t have water in them before packing.
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Large appliances
such as refrigerators and stoves will likely need servicing before they are
safe to transport. For more information, consult your PreMove kit provided
during your in-home estimate or ask your Customer Service Coordinator.
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When possible, pack
electronics in their original boxes. If you no longer have the original box,
you can contact local stores to see if they have discarded boxes available or
you can seek help from your Graebel Customer Service Coordinator.
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To prevent data loss
home computers may need special preparation before they can be moved. See your
PreMove Kit for additional information on computers.
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Long-handled tools
such as rakes, mops and brooms should be bundled. Remove all attachments and
pack them separately.
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You may pack hand
tools in your toolbox. Add crumpled paper to fill in empty spaces.
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If you prefer, you
can remove the tools and pack them in regular cartons. Be sure to wrap them and
add cushioning. Use smaller boxes to prevent them from getting too heavy.
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Do not take anything
perishable. You should pack food only if you are sure it will travel well. In
the winter, do not pack anything that could freeze during the move.
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Tape open boxes or
containers of food securely. Small containers are best placed in smaller boxes
and then into your moving carton.
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To keep the weight
of the boxes down, limit the amount of canned items per box.
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Dismantle large yard
items such as swing sets and garden sheds. Bundle the pieces together with
nylon cord. We suggest you place hardware in a plastic bag and tape it securely
with the rest of the item.
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Drain all fluids
from your lawn mower before moving day.
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