Doing Your Own Packing
Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as well as for your household goods, should begin as soon as you know you are going to move. Consider the following...
Good packing is essential to a good move. If you choose to do some or all of your own packing in preparation for your relocation, it's especially important that you be familiar with the techniques which will best protect your possessions. We've prepared this information to share with you those methods which professional packers use every day.
If your shipment includes delicate china, crystal, family heirlooms or other items which need special attention, we recommend that you discuss professional packing service with us. We'll be glad to explain costs, materials and the unpacking services available at your new home.
You can depend on us for knowledge and experience in helping you prepare for your move. We are happy to assist you and ensure that your relocation is as effortless as possible.
Before You Begin...
Consider your responsibility for packing.
If you decide to do the packing yourself, you automatically assume a major portion of the responsibility for the success of the move - including that of having everything properly packed and ready for loading when the van arrives. All packing must be completed by the evening before moving day. Only the things you'll need that night and the next morning should be left for last-minute packing.
In addition, your packing will be expected to meet specific standards. This means complying with the principles of good packing as outlined in this booklet, as well as following the suggestions relative to items that should not be included in the shipment.
Moving company personnel will inspect the cartons you have packed prior to loading the van. If, after inspection, it is their opinion that the articles are improperly packed or that cartons are susceptible to damage, the company may refuse to load the cartons until the questionable items are re-packed by the moving company or removed from the shipment. There is, of course, a charge for any packing services performed by the moving company.
Plan ahead - arrange a packing area - gather needed materials
Normally, packers from the moving company can complete the packing for an average move on the day before the goods are loaded on the van. "Pack-it-yourselfers" should allow more time - several weeks, if possible. Since it's unlikely you'll be able to drop everything to devote an entire day to packing, plan to work at it between your other pre-move activities.
Preparing a convenient place to work and keeping your packing materials in one location are important in completing the packing job by moving day. If there's a spare room available, consider setting it up as your packing headquarters.
A large table covered with a heavy blanket, quilt or mattress pad makes a good, firm work surface. It is helpful to have a second covered table nearby for soon-to-be-packed items.
Gather together everything you'll need:
- Various sizes of sturdy cartons with flaps that can be properly closed;
- White paper, tissue paper, paper towels or newsprint - good for all purpose wrapping and cushioning;
- Newspapers for cushioning or use as outer wrapping only;
- Gummed tape and/or strong twine for sealing packed cartons;
- Scissors and/or sharp knife;
- Felt-tip marker for labeling cartons;
- Notebook and pencil for listing cartons as they are packed;
- Labels or stickers
Cartons(including those for special use such as dish packs, mattress cartons and wardrobes), unprinted newsprint, tissue paper, bubble pack and tape may be purchased from Yolo Transfer & Storage. Call our main office at 530-661-1388 for more details.
Not recommended for the van
It's best to make other arrangements for the transfer of certain negotiable items or articles of extraordinary value. Or, take them with you. However, if you decide to include such items in your shipment, be sure to list them on the high-value inventory form which will be provided to you.
- Cash
- Personal Papers
- Move Documents
- Deeds, wills or trusts
- Evidence of Debt
- Securities
- Jewelry
- Furs
- Stamp or Coin Collections
- Family Photographs
Loss and Damage Protection
You may choose from United's Full-Value Coverage. Depreciated Coverage or Released Rate Liability. The option you choose determines United's maximum liability to you. Valuation is not insurance; it is a tariff level of motor carrier liability. How much protection you have and it's cost to you depend upon the option you choose.
Full-Value Coverage
If articles are lost or damaged while in United's care, under Full-Value Coverage, at United's option your goods will either be repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement made for the current marketplace value, regardless of the age of the item. Unlike other options, depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value.
Full-Value and deductible options are available in increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates. Minimum total declared value under the Full-Value Coverage program must equal the weight of your shipment multiplied by $3.50.
Depreciated Coverage
The depreciated Coverage program considers depreciation in the settlement of claims, with claims settled by repairing damaged articles or making a cash settlement at the depreciated value.
Released Rate Liability
This no-additional cost plan provides the minimum tariff level of carrier liability for your shipment. Loss or damage claims will be repaired or settled based on the pound weight of the damaged or lost article multiplied by 60 cents.
You must select the valuation option and write your choice on the bill of Lading in your own handwriting. If the bill of Lading is not completed, your shipment will be considered released at Declared Valuation based on the total weight of your shipment multiplied by $1.25 per pound. A declared valuation charge will be added to your moving cost, and claims will be settled taking depreciation into account.
For a full description of the full-value or depreciated coverage programs, or if you have any questions about valuation coverage, please call us.
As an agent for United Van Lines, Yolo Transfer has direct access to an award winning collection of moving related brochures...
Click here to request the complete guide to "Doing Your Own Packing," a 16 page brochure that covers the topics above as well as:
- Good packing basics
- How to pack
- What to do on moving day
- And more...
Also view our
Moving From "A to Z" page for more information regarding the steps for packing almost anything.
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