• Packing it yourself.

• Letting the movers do everything.

Packing Yourself
If you choose to do the majority of the packing yourself, you stand to save a lot of money. Study these tips to insure you do the best packing job possible.

• Limit yourself to packing only non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing, shoes, and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china), and small kitchen appliances. These items will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for the extra labor. For the large items, such as furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances, let the mover pack these.

• Pack everything carefully. It is important to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels.

• Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong adhesive based tape such as duct tape or plastic and strapping tape that professional movers use.

• Create an inventory list of all your goods and cross reference them to their assigned boxes which should all be numbered.

• Let your mover inspect your packed boxes, especially the fragile and valuable boxes. Movers do have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services usually come at an additional cost. Professional moving companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. They are more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.

• Appliances - To protect themselves, many movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer, and dryer.

• Computers - Do this yourself. Make sure you back-up your important files and take them with you.

• Plants/Pets - Movers will not transport plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, you will need to make separate arrangements to have them transported.

• Hazardous materials - Movers will not transport or allow you to pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms, ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach, and aerosol cans.