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Moving Tips 
Moving Questions
Packing Tips For A Successful Move
More than 43 million Americans will be "packing it up
and taking it on the road" as they move to new homes
this year. With fragile keepsakes and valuable household goods
to keep in mind, proper packing techniques become essential.
If you decide to pack your shipment yourself, plan on at least
six weeks to pack and get ready for your move. Mayflower offers
the following packing suggestions:
- Before you start packing, determine the items you want
to throw away, give away or sell. Moving is a good time
to get rid of items you no longer need. You will save money
and have less to pack and unpack. Give yourself enough time
to make these decisions.
- Don't just start packing - plan how you will pack. Pack
items you seldom use first. Pack items of similar size and
weight together. Don't make any carton too heavy to easily
lift.
- Always use proper packing cartons and wrapping materials.
Use professional packing tape, which is a wide, strong,
clear or brown tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to
support the weight of a fully packed carton. Tape all cartons
closed on the top and bottom - don't just fold the end flaps
closed. Use crumpled, unprinted newspaper to pack items
in boxes.
- Label the contents on the outside of all boxes, along
with the rooms to which they should be delivered in your
new home. When packing fragile items, clearly mark "fragile"
on the outside of the box, with arrows on the sides to indicate
the correct upright position.
- Indicate boxes holding essential items such as cooking
utensils, bedding, linens and toiletries that need to be
opened first by writing "open first" on the box
and making sure these are the last boxes to be loaded onto
the moving van.
Certain possessions require specific care when packing. The
following are some of the basic packing techniques used by Mayflower's
packing professionals:
China
Wrap each item separately in unprinted newspaper, and use
a specially partitioned box such as the "dishpak"
(available from Mayflower).
Stemware
First, wrap the stems for extra protection; then wrap each
glass individually and place upside down in a partitioned
box.
Mirrors and glass-covered photos and artwork
Cross the glass with a series of masking tape "Xs"
to help strengthen the glass, then wrap in a generous cushion
of clean paper, and place in a flattened packing or telescoping
carton.
Silverware
Nest utensils in groups of three or four, wrap securely and
place in silver chest or cushioned box.
Lamp shades
Handle shades only by the wire frames; place in large boxes.
Shades can be nested together in one box if separated by clean
paper.
Clothes
Clothes can be folded and boxed. For faster unpacking, you
can obtain special wardrobe boxes from your mover, allowing
you to neatly pack by leaving clothes on hangers.
Small appliances, computers, stereo equipment
If possible, pack small appliances, computers, stereo equipment
and VCRs in their original boxes. Otherwise, cushion appliances
with crumpled packing paper. Tape down moving parts, such
as stereo turntable tone arms.
Glass jars and bottles
Pack with bubble wrap or several layers of paper. Secure stoppers
or lids with masking tape to the top of the jar or bottle.
Don't move flammable items.
Statuary, figurines, curios
Wrap generously in bubble pack, wrap in a layer of clean paper
and pack in boxes with plenty of crumpled paper or foam packing
"peanuts" in between items. Objects with delicate
appendages, such as candelabras or figurines with extended
arms, should be wrapped with extra bubble pack and surrounded
by extra packing material.
Record albums, tapes, CDs
Stack these items on end so they can absorb shock with less
chance of damage. Pack tightly so they're secure and can't
shift.
Antiques, delicate furniture
Movers can supply specially made crates to secure and ship
fragile items and antiques.
When will the moving crew arrive on loading day?
Unless prior arrangements have been made, expect the moving
crew between 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Are there any items that Mayflower cannot ship?
Yes. Before your possessions are loaded, it is important to
understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent
a hazard or are perishable. Utilize this link to see a complete
list of these non-allowable items.
Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process?
Yes, because you are the most important participant in the move!
If our new home is not ready to move into, can we store our
household goods?
Yes, but please let your move coordinator know as soon as possible
so arrangements for storage can be made.
When should I contact you if we need to change our move schedule?
Call us as soon as possible, even if you are not sure of the
new dates.
What information do you need to schedule my move?
Your name, present address including ZIP code, work and home
phone numbers, your destination address including ZIP code,
and new work and home phone numbers as soon as you get them.
We also need to know any unusual items to be shipped - e.g.,
boats, tractors, autos, farm implements, etc. Other important
information: preferred move dates, your Move Coordinator's name,
and the best time to call and make an appointment to survey
your household goods.
Will Mayflower also move high-value items from my home?
Yes; however, Mayflower must be advised in writing that they
are included in your shipment. For a better understanding of
the type of items considered to be high-value, please use this
link to see a list of items of extraordinary value.
What should I do in the event of a claim on a damaged item?
You should first contact the move manager at the Mayflower agency
handling your move, and inform them of the claim. If you need
a claim form, utilize this link for a printable form now: Claim
Form.
When will the Household Goods inventory take place?
At the time the mover's driver loads your shipment, he or she
usually inventories your shipment listing any damage or unusual
wear. The purpose is to make a record of the condition of each
item. If the driver does not make an inventory, you should make
one yourself.
After completing the inventory, the driver will usually sign
each page and ask you to sign each page. It is important before
signing that you make sure the inventory lists every item in
your shipment and the entries regarding the condition of each
item are correct. You have the right to note any disagreement.
When your shipment is delivered, if an item is missing or damaged,
your ability to recover from the mover for any loss or damage
may depend on the notations made.
The driver will give you a copy of each page of the inventory.
Attach the complete inventory to your copy of the Bill of Lading.
It is your receipt for the goods.
At the time your shipment is delivered, it is your responsibility
to check the items delivered against the items listed on your
inventory. If new damage is discovered, make a record of it
on the inventory form. Call the damage to the attention of the
driver and request that a record of the damage be made on the
driver's copy of the inventory.
After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request
that you sign the driver's copy of the inventory to show that
you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured
yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have
been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you
sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for
your goods.
What is included in the carrier's unpacking service?
Unpacking includes the carrier removing your belongings from
the container and placing them on a flat surface for the transferee
to put away. The carrier will also remove any cartons or packing
materials you do not wish to keep.
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Armstrong
Mayflower
1211 N. Laurent
Victoria, TX 77901
Ph: 361-575-1485
Fax: 361-575-6683
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