Here are a few guidelines to help your moving day run smoothly. Warren’s Homework offers full service packing and moving, hence none of the below is required. But, these suggestions will save you money because there will be less work for your movers to do and it will be less likely that your belongings are damaged.

Packing:

• Pack heavier items in small boxes, lighter items in larger boxes.
• Line the bottom of the box with newsprint.
• Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box.
• Try to keep boxes under 40 pounds.
• Use newsprint, bubble wrap, and other padding materials generously. The materials are much less expensive than the items they protect.
• Use dish pack boxes to pack dishes. Wrap dishes individually and stand them on end in the box.
• Fill all space in each box¾use wadded up newsprint to fill in empty space.
• Boxes should neither bulge nor cave in.
• Be sure to seal both ends of all boxes. Use at least three strips of packing tape to seal each end.
• Pack one room at a time. Do not mix the contents of two rooms into the same box.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing¾plan ahead how much time you will need and pack rooms with less frequently used items first.
• Clearly label the contents and room for each box with a marker on the side of each box (not the top) so that they are readable when in a stack. Label boxes that you will need right away in your new location as “load last.”
• You can use trash bags to pack pillows and linens.
• Pack your essentials in a suitcase to keep with you.

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Furniture:

• You can leave all non-breakable items in the drawers of your furniture. Pack all other items into boxes.
• Move furniture away from the walls if possible.
• Take everything off the top of your furniture.
• Use shrink-wrap to protect couches, dressers, and other large furnishings. But, do not use shrink-wrap on leather.
• Remove legs from furniture if possible. Tape the screws to the bottom of the piece.
• Don’t put tape on finished or painted wood.

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Electronics:

• Disconnect all electronics.
• Color code or label wires for easy reinstallation.
• Secure all cords to prevent damage.
• Pack into original boxes if possible.
• Double box particularly fragile items.

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Appliances:

• Turn off water and gas on all appliances. Drain all hoses.
• Unplug all appliances and tape the cord to the back.
• Immobilize the washer tub by placing towels between the tub and the sidewall.
• Empty out refrigerator and freezer, defrost, and allow to dry.
• Linens can be stored in the dryer.

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Lamps and Décor:

• Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps.
• Wrap the cord around the bottom of the lamp.
• Wrap each piece of artwork separately.
• Use mirror packs and bubble wrap to pack large or expensive paintings and mirrors.

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Safety:

• Drain gas and oil from lawnmowers and other equipment.
• Empty out propane tanks.
• Warren’s Homework will not move poisonous, corrosive, or flammable items (fuels, oils, paints, insecticides, bleach, aerosol cans, ammunition, ect.).
• Always lift with your knees, not your back.
• If an item is very heavy, ask someone for help lifting it.

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Saving Time on Moving Day:

• Pack as much of your belongings into boxes as possible.
• Do any necessary disassembly and keep track of all the parts.
• Bring smaller items from upstairs to downstairs.
• Bring items from the backyard to the front.
• Remove doors if necessary.
• Reserve elevators if necessary.
• Try to remember if you had any problems moving in and inform your movers ahead of time.

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General Tips:

• A floor plan of your new residence will help you decide where to put your furniture.
• Sort through your belongings as you pack and decide which items are not worth keeping.
• Take an inventory of your belongings.
• Inform important contacts of your change of address.
• Arrange for childcare on moving day if necessary.
• Cancel your newspaper delivery.
• Contact utilities and schedule disconnection for the day after the move. Schedule start of service in your new home for the day before the move.
• Be available during your move. Your movers may have questions to ask.
• Read your bill of lading/receipt.
• Do a final walk through your home before the movers leave to be sure nothing was forgotten.

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