ORGANIZATION:

The key to a smooth move is planning ahead of time. Thinking through the process before you begin will save you time and money.

Begin with your closets. This is a terrific opportunity to get rid of things that are cluttering up your home. Unpacked boxes from previous moves may be filled with items you will never use again. Clothes that have been grown out of can be given away, as can long forgotten children's toys, shoes, unmatched dishes, recyclables, and so on. Many charities in the area are happy to accept these donations and provide you with a receipt for your tax deduction. Churches, the Salvation Army, and special help programs are good places to start.

PACKING:

Use strong boxes with closing lids, packing the heaviest items (like books) in small boxes and lighter items (such as linens) in your larger boxes. Begin packing as far in advance as possible to lighten your load near moving day. Out of season items and storage areas are good places to start. Label boxes well to prevent any confusion later. Include the destination room if possible. Always label fragile items to assist the movers. NOTE: If the box is too heavy for you to move, it's probably too heavy for us!

CLOTHING:

Hanging clothing can be hung and moved in B.V.T. wardrobe boxes. These are supplied on the day of your move at no charge, and are to be returned with the driver the same day. Clothing in dressers does not need to be packed in boxes. If the dressers are very heavy, the drawers will be moved separately.

FRAGILE ITEMS:

Put a layer of crumpled paper on the bottom of a strong box. (Dish packs are made especially for this purpose with double corrugated cardboard.) Put the heaviest items on the bottom, wrapping each piece separately. Plates should be packed on the edge, instead of being placed flat. Glasses and light items can be placed on top. Use clean ink-free paper rather than newspaper.

FURNITURE:

If any furniture requires disassembly, please make prior arrangements with your sales representative or the office staff.

LAMPS:

Lamps need to be packed into boxes in order to travel safely in the trucks. If you have possession of your new home ahead of time and plan on making several trips, you may find it less time consuming to take them over in your car.

STEREOS & ELECTRONICS:

Pack these in original boxes if possible. They should be put into tight fitting boxes that are well padded and marked. Turntable arms and other loose parts need to be securely tied down.

PLANTS:

Plants too large for your vehicle can be placed in the truck at the end of the load. Be alert to the weather; Ficus plants are very sensitive to moving. In some cases, they completely defoliate. Due to the tender nature of plants, we are unable to warranty plants in any way. Plants should not be moved outdoors when temperatures are below freezing.

VALUABLES:

You are responsible for moving small valuables such as your jewelry, cash, and important documents. Large items of unusually high value need to be pointed out to both the estimator and the crew leader, along with the purchase of additional insurance.

PAINTINGS & MIRRORS:

Generally speaking, these items do not need to be packed. These items can be wrapped in moving pads for travel in the truck, however they will not be insured. Any paintings of high value should be pointed out to both the estimator and the crew leader.

GARAGE ITEMS:

Rakes, shovels, and the like should be taped together with strong packing tape. Bicycles, tires, lawn mowers, and other large awkward pieces can be drained of gas and moved on the truck. Small items need to be packed in small, strong boxes.

REMINDER: