Packing Prep: 5 Things to Do Before the Professional Packers Arrive
Hiring professional packers is a great way to take a huge part of the stress out of your move. But you can make things go more smoothly if you do a little preparation first. Take a look at these 5 great tips for getting ready for the pros to arrive.
Professional packers
Having a team of professional packers box up your personal belongings can save you a lot of trouble during your move.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sort through your things yourself. Preparing your items before the packers get to your house can make the job go every faster and help you feel more put together and relaxed.
Take a look at the five most important things you should do before the professional packers arrive.
1. Go Through Your Belongings
The total weight of your items plays a big part in determining the amount you'll have to pay for the moving services. It doesn't make sense to move things into your new home that you never use or no longer have any need of.
If you still own things you haven't used in over a year, it might be time to get rid of that item.
Spend some time sorting through your belongings before the movers show up at your house. Sort each item into a category. Can you sell the item? Can you donate it? Does that item need to go to the trash?
Going through your household items will help you get rid of some clutter and keep you from paying for things you don't need.
2. Get Rid of Things the Packers Won't Take
There are some things your professional packers aren't legally allowed to move for safety reasons. This is the law, so don't try to sneak these things into pre-packaged boxes yourself. These items can endanger your other items, the moving crew, or your family.
So what are these non-packable items? Here's a quick list.
Hazardous Items: This includes anything as serious as weapons and ammunition to cleaning fluids, oils, and paints.
Perishable Items: Think of foods that you have to keep frozen or refrigerated.
Plants: Because they're so fragile, packers won't move any plants.
Make sure you take care of these items on your own.
3. Create a No Pack Zone
Set things aside you plan to move on your own. These items might be important possessions you don't trust with anyone else or supplies you'll need for the first few nights in your new home.
Either way, keep these things apart from the items the packers have to move. Put them in their own room and leave a clear "Do Not Pack" sign on the door. If you don't have enough to fill an entire room, make sure they are sectioned off from everything else.
It's a good idea to let the packers know before they start not to move those items.
4. Prepare Your Furniture
Not all your furniture can fit out your front door. If this is the case, you should disassemble them before the movers arrive. This will reduce the possibility of damage trying to squeeze them out of the home.
You can also protect your furniture by wrapping it in bubble wrap, blankets, or other material.
5. Take a Lot of Pictures
Your professional packers will bring high-quality packing materials, years of experience, and various safety measure with them when they show up at your house. Odds are, all your items will make it to your new home just how they left.
If they don't most professional packers have proper insurance. This means they'll take liability for anything that's damaged during the process.
But just to be safe, it's always a good idea to take a lot of pictures of your items. In worst case scenarios, these pictures may be able to turn the tide in your favor after your move.
Prepare for Professional Packers
Professional packers know what they're doing, and they get the job done quickly. But they'll do an even better job when you prepare your home for them in advance. You should also let them know if you have things you want them to leave alone. And it never hurts to provide snacks and water.
Want some help with your move? Take a look at some of our packing and moving services.
