MENU		PACKING		DO NOT PACK
		All loose belongings need to be boxed. You can do this yourself, pay the mover to do it all for you , or have the mover do partial packing (for example, pack only fragile items). Remember, in terms of insurance coverage, the mover is only responsible for damage to items inside boxes he packed, unless there is exterior damage to the boxes as a result of the move. Whether you are moving a short distance or across the nation, a thorough packing and loading job can save you lots of money and is your best insurance against damage. Ideally, you should allow 4 to 6 weeks or more to complete your packing.		Your shipment should not include anything that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive or perishable. Such items include, but are not limited to, the following: Fuels / Oils Paints / Varnishes Insecticides Liquid Bleach Matches / Candles Perishable Goods Live Plants Propane Paint Thinners Aerosol Cans Cleaning Chemicals Fire Arms or Ammunition Food in Glass Jars
		PACKING TIPS
		Before you start, make sure you have the correct packing materials - bubble wrap, packing peanuts, newspaper, string, utility knife, bin bags, scissors, marker pens, paper and plenty of empty boxes (all sizes). The first rule of packing: if you can not lift the box easily, it is too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50 pounds. The heavier the items, the smaller box it should occupy. Get the proper boxes for your items. For your replaceable and non-fragile items, you can save money by obtaining free boxes from the supermarket and wrapping the items in old newspaper. Liquor cartons are excellent packing cartons. They are sturdy, and contain dividers which make them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc. However, as a rule use new, high-quality packing materials specifically designed for moving. Professional moving cartons come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are specifically suited to fit a variety of household goods. Whenever it's available, use the original packing material for your electronic items (stereo, computer, etc.). What size boxes should you use? The rule-of-thumb here is the small, heavy articles, such as books, records, canned goods, etc., would go in smaller boxes. Bulkier, but not-so-heavy articles, such as pots and pans, linens, small kitchen appliances, etc., would go in somewhat larger boxes. Very bulky, lightweight articles, such as blankets, pillows, toys, large lampshades, shoes, etc., would go in the largest boxes. Every box needs to be taped, top and bottom, with 2 - 2 1/2 inch gummed or masking tape to give it additional strength and prevent opening. You will need approximately one roll of tape for every 15 to 20 boxes. It will probably be necessary to have your mover do some of your packing for you. At the very least, it may be necessary to purchase some of his specialized cartons that will be impossible for you to find elsewhere. This category would include such cartons as mattress cartons, wardrobe cartons, containers for large pictures and mirrors, and possibly some large cartons for tall table lamps. You should never let the movers pack and/or load your jewelry, family heirlooms, hobby collections, personal and valuable papers, securities and money. Ordinary newspaper will do fine for wrapping, but be careful because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items. It should only be used to cushion items that are already protected. For items you want to keep clean, you can buy unprinted white packing paper. Furniture should be wrapped in blankets for its protection. Leave this job to the movers. They will provide the use of blankets free of charge. Keep in mind that when you are packing fragile articles you should plan to pack the heaviest objects toward the bottom of the carton; more delicate articles should be packed closer to the top of the carton. It is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Dresser drawers need to be empty. Movers usually do not move chests of drawers with the contents of drawers left intact. Too much weight in the drawer could cause damage to the drawer while your furniture is enroute. Ziploc bags can be used for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers. Packing is much more convenient, and less tiring when you have a good work area. It is suggested that you clear the kitchen table and do your packing on the table. Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home, 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. Make an inventory list and label the contents of all boxes and the room where it belongs. Mark breakable items "Fragile." Plan for a box of "Open First/Pack Last" essentials like: Utility knife—essential for the rest of the job! Cleaning products, paper towels (which you can also use as packing material). Soap, toilet paper, towel, dish detergent, a sponge. First-aid kit. A small lamp or flashlight, light bulbs Some tools, measuring tape. Extension cords, batteries. Coffee maker (plus coffee, filters, sugar, powder milk, paper cups, spoons). Snacks, drinks, something to eat (plus paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels) Can opener. Pair of scissors. Address book. Trash bags. Pet foods.

CONTACT INFORMATION
		Rick McGuigan Toronto real estate sales representative Coldwell Banker Case Realty Phone: 416-696-5100 Pager: 416-461-0925
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