What about packing? What do I need? And how long will it take?

We’ve prepared a general Packing Timeline, to help you plan and prepare for your move. Depending on the size of your home, you should start packing about 2 - 4 weeks prior to your move. Whatever you do - Don't leave it to the last minute! You don't want to rush when it comes to packing your belongings. Give yourself time to do it right.

What needs to be boxed? And where do I get boxes?

All loose belongings need to be boxed. This even includes more challenging items like paintings, TV's, lamps, mattresses and box springs. They all need to be protected. You can purchase clean, new boxes from Moishe’s that are double-corrugated for extra strength and available in special sizes that make it much easier and safer to pack your belongings. We suggest that you call your relocation consultant to schedule the free delivery of your boxes and other packing materials. For prices and sizes, see our Supply Closet. Before you start packing, it's important to know how many boxes your move will require. This will help you budget your time and money. Use the chart below to help you estimate.

* This estimate is based on standard, average moves. Depending upon individual lifestyle, the actual contents contained in any apartment can vary significantly from one household to another.

What other materials do I need?

It takes more than boxes to ensure the successful relocation of your belongings – unbroken, unscratched, undented. No matter how simple or complicated your move, it will be more successful with the following materials:

• Tape - Every box needs to be taped, top and bottom, with 2 - 2 1/2 inch gummed or masking tape. This gives the box additional strength and prevents it from opening during the move. You will need approximately one roll of tape for every 15 to 20 boxes. This tape can be found in the hardware store or purchased from Moishe's. Charges for tape will be made when supplies are delivered, not on the day of the move. Making additional charges for tape used by the mover on the day of the move is illegal
• Packing paper – For items that you wish to keep clean, you can purchase packing paper from Moishe's. When you purchase moving boxes from Moishe’s, there is no additional charge for packing paper.
• Blankets – All furniture should be wrapped in blankets, to protect it from tears and bumps during the move. This is job best left to the movers. They will provide heavy-duty blankets, specifically made for movers, free of charge.
• Original packing – Whenever it is possible, it’s best to re-pack some special items using their original boxes and packing materials. This is especially important for electronic items, like stereos and computers.

So, how do I do this?

You don’t need to be a professional packer – for most items. The right materials and a few tips can help you accomplish the packing portion of your move to go quickly, easily and properly. We also send an employee to assist you on how to pack and how to use the boxes for 1 hour with no additional charge. General Packing Tips:

• Tape each box when full. Tape both the bottom and top of every box by running two strips of tape along the side and one strip down the center.
• Pack items appropriately by weight. Use small boxes for heavier items - and larger boxes for light weight, bulky items.
• Wrap small/fragile items individually. This can prevent both breakage and loss.
• Cushion your items. Stuff the top, bottom, and sides of each box with paper.
• Stuff boxes to the top. This prevents them from being crushed. But don't pack fragile items too tightly. Stuff partially filled boxes with paper.
• Label the contents of every box. Use these three criteria: Where is it going? How fragile are its contents? When will I need it? You can order labels from Moishe’s that will make it easy to identify the contents and destination of each of your moving boxes.
• Make an inventory of your property. Simple - but absolutely essential, to both you and the movers.
  • Sounds easy? Take the time to give this a little thought. The items in the box may be headed for a different place in your NEW home. And labeling boxes correctly will save you from having to move them again, once you’re in your new place.
  • Labeling boxes according to the sturdiness of their contents helps ensure that the moving crew takes special care with your most fragile belongings.
  • Whatever is loaded LAST on the truck will come off FIRST. Make sure that the things you need the most are available to you – as long as you need them – and as soon as you need them at your new home. The kinds of “must haves” may include cleaning supplies and tools – or even the playpen! It’s up to you!

Is there anything the mover shouldn’t pack?

Absolutely. Here’s a beginning list of things that should not be packed or moved by your mover, even if you’re just moving across the street. If you give it a little thought, it all come downs to basic common sense. You should not have your mover pack or move: • Particularly valuable items: money, securities, valuable papers and jewelry • Flammable items: aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, etc.

Are there specific tips for packing some items?

We’ve prepared the following basic “helpful hints” for packing different types of items. As always, you can get more detailed advice from your estimator or others at Moishe’s.

• Dishware and Glasses:
  • Use large, double-corrugated boxes.
  • Cushion the bottom with rolled up paper.
  • Wrap each piece individually.
  • Bundle flatware in groups of three and wrap the bundle.
  • Do not place one piece of dishware directly on top of another. Separate with a layer of stuffed paper.
  • "Nest" less expensive glasses and cups in groups of three and wrap the bundle.
  • Cushion the top and sides of each box with paper to prevent shifting.
• Clothing:
  • Empty dressers completely.
  • Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes.
  • Use bottoms of wardrobe boxes for shoes.
  • Put extra tape along sides.
• Pictures:
  • Use a picture box.
  • Line bottom of box with paper.
  • Place picture in box, then stuff front, back, and along the top with paper.
• Lamps:
  • Remove light bulbs.
  • Put lampshades in separate boxes. Mark "FRAGILE".
• Electronics:
  • If possible, pack in original cartons. If not, pack each item separately. Use bubble wrap.
  • Code wiring with tape for easy reinstallation.
  • Stereo: fasten down the tone arm and dustcover.
  • Compact disk: check instructions to secure the laser.
  • Personal computer: backup all important diskettes; "park" the hard disk (program often included on diagnostics diskette). For floppy disk drive, insert an old or blank disk.