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Questions for the
Landlord
Packing: (House)
Packing is the one
task that can save you money if you do it correctly. Its saves on the cost of
having movers come in to do it. It also allows you to pack the boxes so that
after the move you can unpack much easier. So even if you are moving to Irving, Addison,
Fort Worth or Huston Texas. It will save you time by getting the movers away
faster and getting your goods in the wardrobes faster.
Firstly you need
sturdy boxes. These can be your average box or special boxes such as a Wardrobe
boxes. These you can get at wholesale companies at a fraction of the cost of
what a mover would charge you. You will also need bubble wrap, old newspapers
and a lot of tape. Good filling material can also be found in old pillows and
blankets. You will also need a scissors and a marker.
Even if you are
just moving around the corner to Roanoke, Grapevine or Desoto, it is easier to
pack each room one at a time. Now that you are moving to your dream house out in Roanoke,
Grapevine or Desoto, take time to protect your goods during the move.
Remember to pack
each room and label the boxes with the contents and whose room it came from.
“Mothers Room” or “Gary’s
Room”. When unpacking it is easier to tell the mover in which room to place
which box.
Large appliances
are the most expensive items you own and have to move. It is important to
disconnect and clean them at least 2 days before the mover arrives. Here are
some tips on making the move appliance by appliance:
Dishwasher:
Clean the
dishwasher and disconnect the electricity from the dishwasher. Also disconnect
the hoses. Most of the dishwashers have removable pipes at the rear. Remove the
pipes, let it drain. Once the pipes are dry, wrap them in newspaper and place
them inside the dishwasher. Tape them together before placing them inside. Also
tape the power cord to the rear, so that it does not get snared into in thing
during the move. Don’t forget to leave the front open to allow it to dray and
not allow the buildup of mildew. Place tape over the front door of the
dishwasher on the day of the move.
Washing machine:
Clean the washing
machine both inside and out. Disconnect and drain the hoses. Tape the power
cords to the rear, just as the dishwasher. Also remove the hose pipes from the
rear as most clamp onto the machine. Wrap the dry hoses into newspaper and tape
them together. Place them in the washing machine.
Before you do that,
ensure that the washing machine is empty. This requires you to drain the sump of
the machine by turning it on its side. Don’t leave water inside, as the smell
after a few days is horrendous.
Secure the tub to
prevent swaying during the move. You can either buy a washer kit, or follow the
manufactures guide lines in the handbook. The cheaper but less effective option
is the stuff towels around the spinner to prevent it from swaying. Leave it open
to fry and place tape over the front door on the morning of the move.
Clothes Dryer:
Clean the clothes
dryer inside and out. Before moving ensure that you clean the lint filter on the
front. Also, remove the lint filter and place it inside the dryer. Unplug the
dryer and tape the electrical cords onto the rear of the dryer. IF it is a gas
dryer, the mover will not move the dryer. The appliance should be disconnected
by a professional. The gas line capped off by a technician. Better not do it
yourself. Gas can be dangerous! Don’t forget to tape the front close on the
morning of the move.
Stoves:
Clean the stove
before a move. If it is not clean more dust and dirt will settle on the stove.
Use a good degreasing agent to remove the grease. Remember that grease does
stain and it will stain anything it comes into contact with. Remove all
removable parts. Clean them and place them together into a box marked “Stove”.
If it is a gas stove, you need the services of a technician to turn off the gas
and to disconnect the stove securely. The gas line also has to be capped
properly. With an electrical stove, you do disconnect it yourself as there is no
danger to you or others. Remember to get the technician to connect the gas stove
again at your new house. Let him seal and light the pilot to check that
everything is working as it should. Don’t do it yourself!
Refrigerator:
Moving the
refrigerator is a task. For one, I have never liked any scratches or even small
dents on my fridge. It is just not on! Before moving the fridge, dispose of all
perishables that are still in it. Remember to do it at least 2 days before the
move so that it can defrost and be cleaned. Wash the insides of the fridge with
a light mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda. Remove all the removable
parts, such as egg trays, ice cube trays and shelves. Wash them in the solution
and dry.
Place them together
in a box.
Leave the fridge
doors open so that it can dry. Also leave some bicarbonate of soda in the inside
to absorb any mildew smell. Unplug the fridge and tape the electrical cords to
the rear of the fridge. At the rear of the fridge – empty the sump try at the
bottom before the move, also vacuum the compressor as it is a gathering place
for dust. Also before moving disconnect the water line that may be running into
the water dispenser.
Microwave Oven:
Remove and wash any
glass trays in the microwave oven and place them into a secure box. You can
place the microwave oven back into its original box before the movers come.
Failing this you can place it into a well padded box. Padding the sides and
underside with newspapers. If it is large, try and bubble wrap it and then pad
it into a box full of newspapers.
Always place the
microwave oven into a box downwards. That being said, place it in the box so
that its door faces the side of the cardboard box and not an opening side. The
door could spring open during the move. Be careful when unpacking to not
obstruct the exhaust vent, else over heating will occur in your new house or
apartment.
Carton Types:
Small Cartons:
These are excellent
for books. Being that you are moving, try and get rid of books and magazines you
are not reading or needing any longer. This is the perfect time to house clean.
Don’t pay someone good money to move your dirt for you.
Even though small,
try and pack it in such a way that you do not need two people to carry it. If it
is too heavy it will get dropped during the move. Also remember the Golden Rule.
Tap the underside of the box to give it added strength, or the bottom could
literally fall out.
Wardrobe Cartons:
Moving your
clothing can be very easy if you buy “Wardrobe” boxes. These are cardboard boxes
with a pole running down the centre. They are easy to pack as you can take your
clothing from the cupboard and hang them in the box. This will not only save
your on ironing time but will also allow you to add extra items such as shoes at
the bottom of the box.;
Large Square
Cartons:
These large cartons
are good for moving things such as lamps, toys and linen. Remember not to over
pack the boxes for the move.
Dish Pack (or China
Barrel):
Extra sturdy
corrugated carton of double-wall construction for all breakables such as china
and dishes, crystal and glassware. You may also want to use cellular dividers
inside the carton as an extra measure of protection.
The dining room
will generally include your most fragile china. Each item should be carefully
wrapped in paper and placed in dish pack cartons; cellular dividers are
recommended.
You
will also want to include any items with values exceeding $100 per pound on your
"High Value Inventory" form to receive proper valuation coverage during the move
from the mover or your insurance.
China &
Glassware:
Wrap all pieces
of china and glassware individually. Using several sheets of clean paper, start
from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping
edges. Add a lot of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and
glassware. A double layer of newsprint serves well as outer wrapping. Label
cartons with room, contents and "FRAGILE."
Flat China &
Flat Glassware:
Place cushioning
material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually with clean
paper, then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newsprint. Place
these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge.
Larger china and
glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer
in a dish pack.
Cups:
Wrap all your
cups individually first in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on
rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Top
off the layer with wadded newsprint. Even when using a dish pack and cellular
dividers, wrap china cups individually first, protecting handles with an extra
layer of clean paper. Then, pack cups upside down.
Silver & Flatware:
To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in
newsprint or plastic wrap. Even if silverware is in a chest, consider wrapping
the pieces individually and reposition them in the chest. Or, fill all voids in
the chest with newsprint to prevent shifting. The chest can be wrapped in a
large bath towel.
Figurines,
Curios and Other Delicate Items:
Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning. Wrap first in
tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in paper that
has been wadded and flattened out.
Fragile
Items:
Consult with your Mover on the packing of exceptionally fragile items. Items
with values exceeding $100 per pound need to be listed on your "High Value
Inventory" form to receive proper valuation coverage. If an item is extremely
valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you.
Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.
Lamp Bases:
Remove the light
bulb and lamp harp; wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. Place
them together in a carton, filling voids with wadded paper.
Lamp Shades:
Never wrap lamp
shades in newspaper, as the ink will soil the shade. Instead, carefully wrap
each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large
lightweight towel. Use a sturdy carton at least two inches bigger all around
than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the
lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A smaller
shade may be nested inside a larger one, provided they do not touch. Label
cartons "FRAGILE."
Chandeliers
and Glass Shades:
It is best to
have your mover crate large leaded or other glass lamp shades or chandeliers.
Draperies &
Curtains:
Wardrobe cartons
are ideal for moving curtains and drapes. Fold them lengthwise, place over a
padded hangar, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains
also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.
Rugs:
It would be best
to have your rugs professionally cleaned before your move—you'll get them back
from the cleaners wrapped, rolled and ready for shipping. Area rugs should be
loaded last and unloaded first so the furniture coming off the truck can go
right on top of the rug.
Furniture:
Your mover till
shrink wrap large, upholstered items. Talk to your mover beforehand about any
leather items and extra costs for wrapping the furniture.
Hazardous
Material:
The following
items are examples of things that the moving company may no transport or move
for you by federal law.
Any items which are
flammable, corrosive or explosive. These include but not limited to:
Aerosols,
Fireworks, Kerosene, Motor oil, Weed killer or Propane tanks.
Perishables
Food, plants or
living things that may die or spoil in transit: These include but limited to:
Frozen foods,
Plants or Refrigerated foods.
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