Many questions about your upcoming move: Part II (packing, movers, truck)

[FreeMoverTips]

Sequel:
When will the movers arrive, and when can I expect them to leave?
When possible, a work day will begin around 8:30AM and finish around 5:30PM. Factors such as traffic and weather occasionally alter these times. While small moves will often dictate shorter days, a large move may require longer ones. Keep in mind that your move is scheduled to be completed in a given span of time and our crews may need to continue working later into the evening to ensure that these deadlines are met.
I realize that my mover offers a full service move, but is there anything I should do before the movers arrive?
The single most important thing you can do is to be as organized as possible before the movers arrive. You should:
1. Have a garage sale to get rid of everything you don’t want to take with you. Use the money you make to buy something nice for your new home!
2. Create an inventory list of your possessions. You might want to include the room each item belongs in, the year of purchase, the original cost, and the current value.
3. Be sure to drain water from hoses, refrigerators, and washers, and gasoline from garden equipment before moving them.
4. After you’ve completely cleaned out your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee or baking soda in a nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior fresh.
5. Pack a few boxes with things you will need when you first arrive at your new home, and mark them "Unpack first." Remember to include basic tools, cleaning supplies, towels, toilet paper, light bulbs, a first aid kit, paper plates and cups, and snack foods.
6. Take your current phone book with you – you may need to make calls to residents or businesses in your former town.
7. When moving plants to your new home in the car, be sure not to let the foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.
8. Once you arrive at your new home, you might consider hooking up the TV and VCR first to occupy the kids while the rest of the truck is being unloaded.
9. When moving in electronic appliances, such as PCs, be sure to let them acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in.
10. If you need to store some of your belongings, it’s a good idea to tour the warehouse you are planning to use. Look for cleanliness, organization, and security.
How many people will pack my items? Will the same people who pack my goods load them onto the van?
Normally, two to four people will pack your home. However, the exact number may vary depending on the size of your house. Your mover can is contracted can be a pack & haul carrier, which means the same crew that packs, will also load and deliver your goods.
How will the movers label the boxes after they are packed?
When showing the packers around your home for the first time, make sure to let them know how you would like each room to be labeled. When packing, they will label the boxes as asked and will also include a general listing as to the contents of each carton.
Do I, or someone in my family need to be present while they are packing my home?
Someone will need to be present to let the movers in and to show them around. Because moving is often a hectic time, we understand that you may need to run out for a short time. However, we have found that packing goes best when someone familiar with the move is available for a majority of the move.
Are there any items that your mover will not pack?
Household Goods movers are prevented from packing the following:
• Aerosol can, such as hairspray.
• Flammables of any sort such as gasoline, kerosene propane.
• Perishable foods (canned and boxed foods are fine).
• Paints, thinners, bleaches, or other toxic materials.
• Explosive, such as ammunition, firecrackers, and matches.
• These items should be removed from your home prior to the packers' arrival.

Will the packers use any of my original cartons when packing?
If original cartons are left near the objects for which they were designed and all the original packing (Styrofoam, cardboard cutouts, etc.) is still in the box, then the packers will try to use them. If the use of the original box entails the disassembly of an object (pressboard furniture, large toys, etc.), then the movers will try to find an alternative means of protecting the object. Small boxes for fragile items such as figurines, glassware and dolls come in very handy but due to their small nature, it is suggested that you pack these items yourself and have the packers repack them in a larger carton.