* Boxes... Pack boxes 30-50 pounds. When a box is full close the lid and
seal it. Do not over fill them. Put books in SMALL boxes. Large boxes are for
light things.
* Dressers... Chests and dressers are best emptied. However it is only
necessary to empty drawers if a piece is heavy. If you can not budge one end of
a dresser by pressing against it with your hip please empty it.
Generally drawers do not make good boxes it is best to leave them in place. If a piece is light it is OK to leave things in the drawers as long as they are not
breakable or spill able.
* Desks... Office desks are always best emptied. Bedroom desks are OK left full.
* Clothes... For fancy clothes nothing can beat a wardrobe box, but they
are expensive and waste space. Plastic Trash bags with plastic pull strings work well.
Put the sealed end on the bottom and tie the strings on the open end around the hangers.
* Phone... You can ask the phone company to turn off the phone at your old
place the day after you move and turn on the phone at your new place the day
before you move. That way you have working phones at both places during your move.
* Parking ... If you live in a densely populated area such as Adams Morgan,
Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria then it would be great if you could get
Emergency No Parking Signs from your local police precinct. You must ask for
them four or more days in advance. Three days in advance is too late to get
them. Even if you don't get the signs it is helpful if you can park your car in
the space closest to your door so we can put the truck there.
Remember the back of the truck wants to be nearest to the door.
* The Last Box... Leave one open box for critical items which might be
needed during the move. Things to place in the box include: hammer, pliers,
screwdriver, scissors, knife, paper cups, toilet paper, paper towels, packing
tape, plastic trash bags, etc. all things useful while loading and unloading.
This box goes into the truck last and comes off first
* Plan ahead at your new place.... It is most efficient to move each item only
once. Plan where to place each piece ahead of time and we will place each item
exactly where it goes. I don't mind moving things around repeatedly, but
remember it takes time to do that. Mark boxes with their destination so we can
put them where they go.