Proper Packing is the most important thing that you the shipper can
do to save time, money, and aggravation! Basically, use common
sense when packing. Pack heavier things like books into smaller boxes,
 and pack lighter things in progressively larger boxes. Never make a
box heavier than one person can handle.

Don't save all your packing for the last day. Begin packing items not
needed well in advance. Packing gets more and more tiresome over a
period of time, so it is good to jump start the packing endeavour as
much as possible. Disassemble items that need to be taken apart and
carefully save any hardware involved. Sometimes lost hardware is virtually impossible to replace, so be very careful where you save it.

Don't pack your chequebook, passport, visas or airline tickets ! 
If you are putting your goods in storage, don't pack important papers
like passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, etc.

Thoroughly wrap fragile items individually with paper, bubble wrap
 or foam wrap depending on the item (newspaper print residue must
be hand washed off of all things it touches, dishwasher washing will not take
 it off). Special care must be taken with small items so as not to lose them
 in the packing materials. Taping over the wrapping is a good technique
to highlight a small item as not being merely a bunched up piece of paper. Glassware and china should be wrapped so as not to clatter within the
box. Use plenty of paper to line the top, bottom and side of each box. Plates
 should be individually wrapped and then stood on their side in the box-
NEVER lay them flat; all the weight would be on the bottom plate, and
if the box is set down too strongly the bottom plate could break.
Glasses should also be individually wrapped and packed standing up;
 they're stronger when standing than if laid on their side

All staples in boxes should be removed so as to safeguard surfaces
such as wood floors, counter tops, and furniture where cartons may be
stacked prior to pickup and after delivery. Do not interlock box flaps
together - always tape bottoms and tops with at least three strips of tape
 and at least halfway up or down the sides of the box for strength.
Remember that taping reinforces the strength of the box, and yet can
be easily cut with a blade later when unpacking.

Mark the top and sides of all cartons on the tape with contents and
 destination location (such as bedroom, kitchen, or basement). This
will make identifying where things are easy when they are stacked on top
of each other. If the box is reused, then using fresh tape over marked
taped easily eliminates old markings. 

Oil pictures should be covered over with a non-acidic clear wrap and
then bubble wrapped or wrapped in blankets, and then placed in a picture
 box or a flattened out box with the ends taped. Pictures in glass frames
 or mirrors should be wrapped in blankets and packed in picture cartons or flattened out cartons. Lamps and lamp shades should each be placed in separate boxes. If two lamp shades are put together a piece of plain
paper should be put between them so that they can be easily pulled apart.
 Do not use newspaper with print or it will permanently mark the shades.

Electronic equipment should be padded and boxed so that knobs
are not broken off and the finish is not scratched.

Stack all cartons neatly against a wall, and create clear, unobstructed
 paths to prevent the possibility of tripping. When possible disassemble
 beds, remove mirrors from dressers or walls. 1st Move will do these
things if needed, but if you do them you will save time. Remember that
saving time says you money.

Do a walk through of each residence from which you are moving after
 the truck has been loaded with it's contents. Double check all cabinets,
drawers,  basement, garage, or storage lockers. Make sure you have all
hardware to disassembled pieces. Look at all inside or outside
places where things been left sitting (including windowsills). Get
your ladders, hoses, and toolboxes. Be absolutely certain that everything
 has been loaded onto the truck before releasing the moving
crew to the next location. 

Hazards should be noted ahead of time. You should advise your
mover of damaged or fragile furniture, weak or broken stairs, or
impediments which may affect the move.

Parking near your residence should be easily accessible for your
 mover. Do whatever you can to reserve parking for your mover;
Remember the moving van cannot block the street. Also, if the movers
have to walk some distance with your furniture the move will take
longer and cost you more. 

Confirm your moving date and time with 1st Move at least 5 days in advance. 

If you are not on the ground floor or may have access problems,
please advise us well in advance. Advise us of potential problems, 
and special needs such as clothing wardrobes, extra cartons,
last minute packing, etc.

1st Move International Ltd provides packing services and materials
for your move at a competitive cost. Preparation and organization are
the determining factors in having an efficient move. Pre-move planning
will go a long way in making your move trouble-free.