How To Pack For Your Move
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Packing many or all of your items can help you save money on the total cost of your move, and
by reviewing the tips and guidelines contained in this brochure, you can learn how to properly
and safely pack your goods. These packing tips are taken directly from suggestions made by
experienced packers.
Here are a few things to remember if you choose to pack your own goods:
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Moving Men, like any other van line, has the right to inspect packed-by-owner (PBO)
items to ensure they are sufficiently packed to protect your goods.
If, in the carrier's judgment, a container is not packed properly, the carrier may ask you
to repack it; or, an Moving Men representative may choose to repack the container
and charge you for the service.
If any PBO containers are damaged during transit, liability may be affected.
How To Select Your Packing Material
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When selecting packing material for your goods, remember:
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Use only strong, corrugated cartons with tops or flaps that fold shut.
Collecting boxes discarded by your local grocery store can save you money.
Make sure boxes are clean of insects and other pests.
Save old newspapers for packing material, but be careful — the ink may rub off and
stain certain items. Moving Men recommends that you use blank newspaper that can
be purchased from your Moving Men Agent.
Other packing supplies you may need to include:
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Plastic bags and labels for parts storage and identification
Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn" for added protection
Tissue and kraft paper
Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items
Heavy-duty packaging tape (1-1/2 to 2 inches wide) for sealing cartons — Moving Men
does not recommend using duct tape or masking tape
Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons
A notebook and pencil for carton identification log
Scissors and/or a sharp knife
Before Packing
After you collect your materials, select a work area that is large enough to handle various sizes
of cartons. Also, choose a strong table with a protective cover as your work surface. (We
recommend that you do not use your good dining room table.) Keep your marking pens, tape
and scissors nearby. Spread a neatly stacked, generous amount of packing paper flat on your
table.
You're almost ready. Here are a few more suggestions before getting started.
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Pack one room at a time; it will help when the time comes to unpack.
Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
Mark all boxes with room and box number.
Keep a carton identification log that shows the number of boxes packed per room and
the total number of cartons packed. (Your Moving Men Van Operator will provide an
official inventory during the loading process).
Leave space in your log for a "special comments" section to note carton conditions or
the location of high-value goods. (Please notify your carrier to pack these items to
ensure they are properly protected while in transit.)
Be sure to have plenty of "filling" material available; when in doubt, use more.
Take extra care to make sure the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the
weight of the contents.
Always pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the
top. Try not to exceed a weight of 50 pounds per box; it makes moving them a lot
easier.
Remember — the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.
Packing Methods
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Once you have prepared your work area and selected a room, you can begin packing. Here are
some basic recommendations for packing various items. (More tips are provided under the
"Specialized Packing Tips" section of this page.)
Dishware (See the steps described below.)
1. Select a medium-sized carton (or a mover-provided dish pack) and line the bottom of
the carton with crumpled packing paper.
2. With packing paper stacked neatly in place on the work table, center one plate on the
paper. Grasp a corner of several sheets and pull the paper over the plate until the plate
is completely covered.
3. Stack a second plate on the first and, moving clockwise, grasp another corner of
several sheets and pull them over the second plate.
4. Stack a third plate. Grasp the remaining two corners and fold using two sheets, one
corner at a time over the plate.
5. Turn the wrapped stack of plates upside down onto your paper.
6. Re-wrap the entire bundle. Start with one corner of packing paper and pull two sheets
over the bundle; cover the bundle with the next corner, then the third corner; and
finally, the fourth. (Non-fragile plates may be packed five or six to a bundle.)
7. Seal the bundle with packing tape.
8. Place the bundle of dishware in a medium-sized box (or dishpack) so that the plates are
standing on edge.
Use this technique on all saucers, bread and butter dishes and other dishware. When packing
smaller dishes, you may choose to stack in greater quantities.
Cups
1. Position one cup 6 to 8 inches from one of the corners of your packing paper.
2. Pull the nearest corner of the paper up and over the cup.
3. Nest a second cup directly on top, with the handle to the left (the second cup should
"nest" itself in packing paper folded over the bottom cup).
4. Pull the two side corners up and over one at a time and tuck the corners inside the top
cup.
5. Hold the bottom and top cups in position and roll the cups to the remaining corner.
(Fragile mixing bowls may be rolled in the same manner.)
6. Place cups in a vertical position, lips down, near the top of the box. Do not stack heavy
items on top of the cups.
More delicate cups, like china, should be wrapped one at a time. Antique glass or china should
be stuffed with crumpled tissue and wrapped one at a time as well.
Glasses and Stemware
1. Before wrapping, stuff glassware and stemware with crumpled tissue or packing paper.
2. Lay glass or stemware on the corner of the packing paper and roll it one or two full
rotations (depending on size); pull the sides of the packing paper up and over the
glass/stemware and continue rolling to the far corner. Corrugated paper rolls may be
used for added protection.
3. Glasses and stemware should be placed toward the top of the box. Heavier items
(dishware, pitchers, etc.) should be placed toward the bottom. Very delicate glassware
and stemware should be placed in a vertical position, lips down — not on their sides.
As you pack each layer of a box, use crumpled packing paper to assure a snug fit wherever
there is a gap. All boxes that contain fragile items should be marked "Fragile." Labels, including
"Fragile," "Load Last/Unload First," etc., are provided by your Moving Men Agent.
How To Protect Your Valuables
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To ensure your possessions arrive safely and in perfect condition at your new home, your
cooperation is important. You will be asked to...
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Complete the Statement of Customer Responsibilities and High Value Inventoryform
provided by Moving Men, before relocating. It serves as an inventory of your valuables,
indicates to Moving Men which items may require special attention and informs you of
your responsibilities.
List all belongings you consider to be of high-value that are to be moved by Moving
Men, including: jewelry, coins, stamps and other collections; antiques; precious stones
and metals; and valuable paintings. This will help determine the total value of the
shipment and assist Moving Men in determining which pieces need special care.
When transporting jewelry, coins, stamps, etc., it's important to remember that
Moving Men may not be liable for these items in the event they are damaged.
The Rights and Responsibilities form states that these items are non-Moving Men
liability items as we encourage that the customer transport these with them and not
include them in the shipment.
Make sure all special instruction labels are clearly visible and can be understood by the
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packers and movers. The van operator must see each item of high-value before moving
it onto the truck, including cartons you have packed yourself. If a carton which you
have packed yourself is considered insufficient by the van operator, he/she may ask
you or Moving Men personnel to repack the items. If Moving Men repacks the carton,
you may be charged for the service. If any cartons which you have packed are damaged
during transit, liability may be affected.
Use your Customer Responsibilities form and the supplied Customer Check-Off
Sheet at time of delivery as inventory lists. Check off each piece/box as it is unloaded
and record anything missing or damaged. If something is missing, your relocation crew
can start the search immediately.
Your Coverage
Before you relocate, contact your homeowner's insurance company to determine what
coverage you may have for a relocation. This is important because cancellation and changes in
the policy may occur due to the sale of a home. Find out:
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If your current homeowner's policy applies while the shipment is being loaded?
Does it apply during transit?
Does it apply while your belongings are being unloaded at your new location?
If your policy does continue, does it protect from fire and theft? Does it protect from
dents, scratches and missing pieces?
Moving Men makes every effort to handle your belongings with care. However, occasionally
something may be lost or damaged.
For additional protection and peace of mind, Moving Men offers two levels of liability
protection. Basic liability protection provides coverage at 60¢ per pound per article at no cost
to you. For optimal coverage, consider Full Value Protection (FVP) which repairs or replaces
items at their current market value. The cost for FVP varies with the level of protection you
select. For more information on coverage options, ask your Moving Men agent for a copy
of "Valuation Options: What's Right For You?"
What You Should Transport Yourself
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Moving Men recommends that you transport the following items instead of including them in
your shipment, as they are not easily replaceable:
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Fine jewelry (except for minor-value costume jewelry)
Coins, currency and any other negotiable paper (stock certificates, bonds, notes, etc.)
Important papers, deeds, titles, bank books, tax forms and similar documents
Prescriptions and medical/dental records
Larger collections can be safely transported along with your other possessions.
Antiques
Moving Men handles valuable and rare antiques with the utmost care. Here are a few things to
keep in mind while Moving Men is packing your antiques:
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You have the option of having your antiques crated rather than simply wrapped. Moving
Men generally uses wooden crates for delicate pieces such as crystal chandeliers, pool
table slates and antiques.
A custom crate can be built around the piece to ensure correct fit and proper
protection.
Antique pieces can be packed in cartons with padding, stretch wrap and, if necessary,
decking in the truck so they are not in contact with other items.
To prepare other items for the packers:
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It is best to secure loose parts of furniture and removable pieces before packing, or
make this request of the packers.
Doors may be secured with rubber straps or strings.
You may remove delicate handles and tape them inside drawers for safe moving, or ask
the packers to do so.
Glass panels or mirrors can be removed or taped and secured with padding and stretch
wrap.
Any hardware, attachments or components should be placed in plastic bags and labeled
with their corresponding pieces. All bags should then be placed in a designated "Parts
Box."
Collectibles
Moving Men recommends packing delicate collectibles in their original cartons, if possible, for
the best protection. However, if these are not available, Moving Men can pack the collectibles
in secure boxes and cushion them in bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts.
Here are a few things to remember when packing your collectibles:
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Pack small collectible items like coins, stamps, etc. and transport them with you.
China, crystal and delicate porcelain should be individually wrapped in fine tissue and
placed in specially designed compartment containers with plates standing on edge and
stemware in individual corrugated cylinders.
Pack dolls, figurines, and sculptures as you would any other breakable goods. Wrap
them individually in soft tissue or padding and pack in bubble wrap or Styrofoam
peanuts. If necessary, use double-walled cartons.
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Ask your sales representative about packing wine or other perishable collections. Special
arrangements may be needed to assure the utmost care while in transit.
Label all cartons containing glassware and breakables with "Fragile" labels supplied by
your Moving Men Representative.
Anything Moving Men is to pack should be left in its place; it's safer and easier.
Ask your Moving Men Representative about unusual or hard-to-move collections.
Prepare a list of your collectibles for your homeowner's insurance policy if you have not
already done so.
Electronics
Moving Men can move all your electronic equipment including personal computers and
components, big screen TVs, surround sound systems, DVD players, VCRs and stereo
equipment. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding transporting these
items. Moving Men recommends you use a qualified service provider to properly prepare a
plasma TV for transport. Your Moving Men Representative can recommend a reputable
provider in your area.
The preferred way to move electronics is in their original cartons with the original packing
materials. If you don't have the original cartons, pack items in standard boxes that best fit
them. Secure items with bubble wrap, paper padding or Styrofoam peanuts.
Before moving your electronics:
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Back up all software used on computers. Older computers may require you to "park" the
hard drive as well.
Disconnect all wiring and cables before your Moving Men crew arrives.
Draw a simple diagram or color-code wires before disconnecting to make reconnecting
much easier.
Keep all components together and their boxes clearly labeled.
Pack all wires and cables with their corresponding electronic unit.
Pack small or loose accessories, like remote controls, with each component or place
them in the designated "Parts Box." Indicate this on the inventory list so small parts are
not misplaced.
Complete a list of all electronic components and computer equipment (with serial
numbers) prior to moving them, and submit it to your homeowner's insurance company.
Moving Men is not permitted to take down TV antennas or satellite dishes, but we can
arrange to have it done if you wish.
How To Deduct Moving From Your Taxes
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If you are moving to a new home, you undoubtedly have a lot to think about, including whether
you can deduct your moving expenses from your taxes. This brochure helps to explain who can
deduct moving expenses and what expenses you can deduct.
Who Qualifies
Even if you don't file an itemized return, you can deduct moving expenses if your move meets
these three conditions:
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It is closely related to the start of work
It meets the distance test
It meets the time test
Move Related to the Start of Work — Generally, you can deduct moving expenses incurred
within one year from the date you first report to work.
Distance Test — You may qualify for a deduction if your new job location is at least 50 miles
farther from your former residence than your old job. For example, if your previous job was
located three miles from your former residence, your new job must be at least 53 miles from
your former residence. (See Federal Tax Form 3903 to see if you qualify.)
Time Test — You may qualify for a deduction if you work full-time for an employer in the
general vicinity of the new job location for 39 weeks during the 12-months following your
move. This condition is waived if you: 1) cannot satisfy it because of death, disability, or
termination for reasons other than for willful misconduct, and 2) it is reasonable to expect that
you would have otherwise fulfilled the condition.
If you are self-employed, you must work in the new location (as a self-employed person or as an
employee) for at least 39 weeks in the first 12 months and 78 weeks during the 24 months
following your move.
Keep in mind:
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If you pay the expenses in one tax year, but do not satisfy the working requirements by
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the filing deadline, you may still deduct the expenses if you reasonably expect to satisfy
the condition in the succeeding tax year. However, if you fail to satisfy the requirements
in the next year you must either: 1) report an equal amount of income, or 2) amend the
prior year's return.
Foreign moves and moves by military personnel are subject to some exceptions. In
these situations, seek the advice of a professional tax advisor.
You may not deduct expenses in excess of a reasonable amount.
Deductible Moving Expenses
The non-reimbursed cost of moving household goods and personal effects to a new residence is
permitted as a deduction in determining federal adjusted gross income. This includes the actual
cost of transportation or hauling from your old residence to your new one; the cost of packing,
crating and unpacking; storage-in-transit and valuation (each limited to 30 consecutive days).
Report non-reimbursed moving expenses on Federal Tax Form 3903.
Deductible expenses include:
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The cost of shipping your automobiles and boats
The cost of transporting your household pets, including dogs, cats, tropical fish, etc.
The moving related cost associated with connecting and disconnecting utilities
The cost of moving your personal belongings from a place other than your old residence
(such as a summer home or relative's home), but not in excess of what it would have
cost to move them from your old residence
The family trip to the new residence is deductible — this includes lodging but not meals
Resources
IRS Publication — 521 Moving Expenses
IRS Problem Solving Line — 1-800-829-1040
IRS Web Site — www.irs.gov
Select Libraries — audio and video recordings for help with Federal Tax Forms.
For tax publications, forms and instructions, call the toll-free IRS Tax Form line: 800-TAXFORM (800-829-3676).
The information on this page is not intended as tax advice or to include all aspects of Federal
Tax Law as it relates to moving expenses and their deductibility. We are not tax experts and
encourage you to seek independent advice.