Complete Guide For Packing Your Valuable Goods Safely
Good packing will reduce the chance of your household goods from being damaged. Careful packing will increase your chances of no damage to your goods.
PACKING YOUR COMPUTERS
Before moving your personal computer, there are certain procedures to follow which will protect your system from mechanical failure or damage due to normal physical shock which occurs during transport. If the following steps are taken prior to moving your computer, your system will arrive safely at the destination. Movers and packers
- FLOPPY DISK DRIVE PREPARATION
Make backup copies of your data files and store them together with the original program disks in a sturdy container, preferably a fireproof lockbox. Remove any floppy diskettes from the drives and insert a cardboard disk or an old floppy disk in the drive and close the drive door.
- HARD DISK PREPARATION
To avoid shock to your hard disk, the recording heads should be “parked” before transport. When automatic park and lock systems are powered down, the disk automatically retracts the recording heads from the data area into a safety zone. Other PC systems require the running of a program to activate the parking procedure. IBM and most hard-disk clones include the program SHIPDISK.EXE that parks the heads. The program is usually located on the diagnostic diskette that came with the computer. You can run the program from the menu of the diagnostic diskette, or you can copy SHIPDISK.EXE to your hard disk and run it. When SHIPDISK is invoked, the red light of the disk goes on and off, indicating that the hard disk is parked. The hard disk is unparked when the computer is turned back on. Once your drives are secure, you should turn the system to OFF and remove all cables from the back of the unit.
- PACKING/SHIPPING PREPARATION
The original packing box your system came in is the best choice. The rigid styrofoam packing material will hold the system securely in place. In the event your original box is not available, your carrier will provide a sturdy packing container and materials.
- MOVING A PRINTER
The original packing box and material is the best choice for transport because the styrofoam is customized to fit each printer. If you are moving a laser printer, remove the ink cartridge as the ink may spill and contaminate the laser engine. If you are moving a pin printer, you should insert a piece of paper in the platen to secure the print head.
PACKING VALUE ITEMS
All items in your shipment, which are considered to be of extraordinary value, must be identified. You must advise your van line agent in writing that they are in your shipment. These items are defined as items having a value greater than $ 100.00 per pound per article. For example.
- Antiques
- Crystal
- Precious Stones or Gems
- Art Collections
- Currency
- Silver and Silverware
- Cameras
- Figurines
- Video Cameras
- Computer Software
- Furs
- Coin Collection
- Oriental Rugs
If you include items of extraordinary value in your shipment, a High-Value Inventory sheet must be completed and signed by you prior to your move. In the event of a claim, any settlement is limited to the valuation you declare for the entire shipment. If you fail to list all extraordinary value items and/or fail to sign the High-Value Inventory sheet, the van line liability for loss of or damage to those items will be limited to no more than $100.00 per pound per article, based upon the actual weight of the article (does not apply to shipments under the “basic carrier liability” option).
You must declare the total amount of the released value that you declare for your goods. This total should include the value of items, including all items of extraordinary value. Record the total value on the bill of lading. Please note that the protection for items of extraordinary value is not available for shipments, which are released to the van line’s value of 60 cents per pound per article (basic carrier liability option).
ITEMS NOT TO PACK
Read this section before doing your own packing and loading. It is important that you understand which items you can and cannot ship. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to help ensure safety. There are also items you should not pack yourself, for example, you may need professionals to pack up your exercise equipment correctly. The following list serves as a guide only on what not to pack. If you have any specific questions contact your mover. More Moving Tips
Flammable, corrosive or explosive items: Acid / Gasoline Poisons / Charcoal / Lighter Fluid Fertilizer / Paints / Car Batteries / Matches Nail Polish & Remover / Ammunition / Liquid Bleach / Stern Aerosols / Kerosene / Pool Chemicals / Chemistry Sets Fireworks / Pesticides / Motor Oil / Paint Thinner Batteries / Loaded Weapons / Weed Killer / Ammonia Lamp Oil / Propane Tanks / Cleaning Fluid
Dispose of perishables such as food and plants that may die or spoil in transit. You should empty your refrigerator and freezers for at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor. The van line agent may agree to transport perishables if they are properly packed and require no servicing in transit and the shipment delivery is less than 150 miles and within 24 hours.
Some articles are not accepted for transportation. The van line agent assumes no responsibility should these items come into his/her possession without his/her knowledge. Although these articles do not create a physical threat, it can create problems if your shipment is delayed or items lost. This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you. For example: Address Books / Files / Personal Video Tapes Air Line Tickets / Financial Statements / Photos and Albums Car Keys Furs Research Projects Bond /Deeds/Tax Records / School Records Check Books / Jewelry / Sterling Silver Coins / Letters / Stocks.
TYPES OF BOXES
Packing Materials
It is essential to use the right type of packing material when packing up your household goods to help prevent damage. This guide is designed to help you to choose the right material by showing you what is available. There are many different size boxes suitable for different items and there is a variety of other packing materials you will need which are detailed below.
The following boxes and packing materials are used specifically for household moving. These boxes and packing materials are manufactured especially to the moving industry specification. You can obtain all these items from your van line agent or a moving supply company for a reasonable fee. You can also begin to collect cartons from your local grocery store and be sure to ask them for the covers also. Boxes used to carry glassware are very useful to the mover as they are usually very sturdy and often contain dividers to separate the glass containers. These can be very useful for packing glasses, bowls, vases and assortment of glass and delicate items. Dubai Movers
Boxes
- Book (1.5 cubic feet), size 17 x 123/8 x 123/8: These small cartons are designed for heavy items, such as books, records, CD’s, and canned goods.
- Legal Tote (2.3 cubic feet), size 24 x 16 x 13: This box is specially designed for your files and folders.
- Medium (3.0 cubic feet), size 101/8 x 18 x 16: This box is designed for non-fragile and moderately heavy items, such as pots, pans, linen, folded clothes, toys, games, etc.
- Large (4.5 cubic feet), size 18 x 18 x 24 or (6.0 cubic feet), size 23 x 23 x 20: All large bulky articles, very light, such as pillows, comforters, lampshades.
- Dish pack (5.2 cubic feet), size 18 x 18 x 28: This box has double extra thick walls specifically designed for dishes, vases, glasses, and other fragile items. You can also use cell packs separator for china or glassware with individual compartments for the items being packed.
- Mirror, picture box: These narrow boxes accommodate different sized mirrors, paintings, other fragile items, and flat items.
- A wardrobe box with metal bar: This box is equipped with a metal bar so clothes can hang.
- Mattress Box: Available in different sizes.
Miscellaneous Packing Materials
- Tape: The most common tape used for carton sealing is a plastic tape called “PVC”.
- “Newsprint” paper: NEVER USE NEWSPAPERS as wrapping material. Newspaper ink has a tendency to rub off on items it touches and it very difficult to remove it from items such as fine china. Use “newsprint” paper as a cushioning material.
- Tissue paper This can be used to pack up delicate or easily broken items by layering over an over again
- Bubble wrap: This is another material used as cushioning material.
- Styrofoam peanuts: Packing material used to protect fragile items. This material is lightweight, clean, lint-free and useless, and safe.
- Ziploc bags These can be used for an assortment of things including small bits and pieces you may have lying about in containers and drawers.
- Magic makers You will need markers to label the boxes with the contents.
WHAT TO PACK LAST
Here’s a list of the items you’ll be using on moving day—at your old place and your new place. Reserve a carton for these last-minute items, plus other things you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Movers in Sharjah
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.)
- First-aid kit
- Aspirin or pain reliever
- Medications and eyeglasses
- Box cutter or knife
- Tape and dispenser
- Work gloves
- Scissors
- Extension cords, batteries
- Basic cleaning supplies and paper towels
- Coffee maker or instant coffee/tea
- Powdered milk/creamer and sugar
- Snacks
- Disposable plates, cups and eating utensils
- Pet supplies
- Plastic trash bags
- Light bulbs
- Flashlight
- Bedding and linens
- Alarm clock
- Local phone book
- Screwdriver and hammer
- Map of the new area