How to Prepare for Professional Packers
Full-Service Mover Logistics
Hiring professional packers can be expensive, but the benefits often outweigh the cost. Not only are most professional packers experienced, but they have all the right packing material and equipment to do their jobs efficiently. And, by packing your items, they’ll be accepting liability for them as well.
Still, you have some responsibilities as well even when you hire a full-service moving company. Planning and logistics are important. To prepare for professional packers and movers, consider the following:
1. Make a moving calendar
The #1 key to remaining organized is to keep your calendar up-to-date. From dealing with realtors, banks, mortgage brokers, and utility companies, to downsizing, saying goodbye to friends and family and enrolling kids in new schools, there’s lots to plan before moving day arrives. A simple calendar on your smartphone will help you stay on track and check off tasks on time.
2. Downsize, donate, discard
This is one of the best tasks to take on first.
Downsizing will:
- Reduce overall move time
- Decrease packing and moving costs
- Help those less fortunate when donating furniture, toys, and clothes to charity
- Raise much-needed funds when selling items in a garage sale
3. Clean before the packers arrive
Yes, you will have some cleaning to do after the packers are gone, but starting with a clean home makes it that much easier on a busy moving day. Besides, Cluttered homes are inefficient workspaces. The more you clean before the packers arrive, the more quickly and efficiently the packers can work.
4. Toss any non-transportable items
There are many items that packers and movers won’t handle:
- Perishables
- Hazardous Items
- Aerosols
- Explosives and ammunition
- Gasoline, oil, coolant, and brake fluid
- Paint and paint thinner
- Chlorine, bleach, and liquid detergent
- Lighter and charcoal fluid
- Plants
6. Establish a zone for items you will handle yourself
Keep these types of items in one spot to eliminate confusion during the packing process:
- Medicine and toiletries
- Work documents and computers
- Guns and ammunition
- Passports, wills, birth certificates, records of immunization, etc.
- Phones, chargers, and tablet computers
- Irreplaceable family photo albums and heirlooms
- Jewelry
If possible, set aside a closet or bathroom for these items. Close and lock the door. Put a sign on the door to remind the packers.
7. Set aside high-value items
Most movers will handle high-value items, but they will need to know about them and list them.
High-value items include:
- Stamp and coin collections
- Antiques
- High-end electronics
- Original artwork
Many interstate movers record high-value items on a special inventory that’ll be checked off at delivery to make sure everything is accounted for and in good condition. On this “high-value inventory” they’ll note what the item is, its condition and approximate value, which room it came from, and its serial number or other relevant information.
8. Take pictures
On occasion, you may need to file a claim. Taking pictures that are date- and time-stamped is valuable if something does get damaged. Keep a separate file and be sure to back up the pictures to a cloud server such as Amazon or iCloud.
10. Be available to help direct and answer questions.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be tempted to avoid the packers completely. You can practice social distancing and remain available to answer questions throughout the day. Ask the company in advance what their protocols are.
11. Take care of children and pets
If possible, make arrangements for your children and pets to spend the day with friends, neighbors, or relatives while the packers are on-site. Or, your vet may be able to board them during the day. If that’s not an option, set aside a place where they can stay safely out of the way, and make sure they have drinks and snacks and things to keep them comfortable and occupied like books, games, and pillows.