Vision Realty in Mena, Arkansas
The Real Estate Professionals - An All Broker Firm

Consider doing the bulk of your packing on your own.  Limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens (towels can be great packing material for some items), clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small kitchen appliances.  These items may be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for the extra labor.  Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.

When packing heavy items use smaller boxes.  Don't just toss everything into one large box.  This makes hauling difficult.  A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot lift the box easily, it's too heavy.  Keep the weight in each box under 50 pounds.  Remember-lift with your knees, not your back.

You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items.  Should they be lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near the value you would place on them.  Such items include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, and various hobby collections.  Pack these items yourself and take them with you either in the car or as a carry-on luggage if size allows.

Obtain the proper boxes for your items.  Wardrobe boxes will save you ironing later one.  You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes.  Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box, but be reasonable.  If you pack it too heavy then the bottom may fallout of the box.  If you are going to pack your fine china yourself then purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers.  For your replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by using free boxes obtainable from supermarkets and wrapping the items in old newspapers.

Take time to pack everything carefully.  It is very important for you 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 the empty spaces to minimize movement during transit.  Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.  Purchase strong tape-not masking tape but either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that movers use.

Always remember that movers are not responsible for items that you have packed.  They have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed.  Any improperly packed boxes must be either repacked by you or the mover.  All repacking services are additional costs.  Many movers will give you used boxes for free.  Their boxes are sturdy and have reinforced bottoms.  You must point out every box that you packed to the movers.

Movers will not disconnect your major appliances.  Before the movers arrive to pack and loan, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer.  Always prepare your computer and back-up important files.  If you sold your appliances with your home or you are renting and the appliances were furnished by the landlord/owner, then make certain the movers do not load these items.

Movers will not transport or allow you to pack hazardous materials.  Items such as paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms, and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans.  Also not that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items.

Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes.  Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room.  This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.