How To Get Moving In The Right Direction From The Beginning.

Explore your options.
The very first step is to stand back and review your options. First of all, you need to know that Davi & Valenti and Stevens Worldwide Agents offer professionally trained packing crews who can assist you in any phase of your move.
This can include:

• a full-service approach of packing and unpacking at both ends of the move
• packing only at the point of origin
• providing advice and the highest quality packing materials that have been designed specifically for packing and shipping
• packing only difficult and/or fragile items
• special packing for sensitive home electronics, such as computers and home entertainment components

To help you make your decision, your Move Consultant will provide a free estimate to pack all or any part of your goods. In the case that you pack your belongings, our trained, certified crews will inspect any questionable boxes prior to loading and identify potential problems. Any impending hazards can be corrected by you or by one of our trained packers.

Before You Begin

Once you have determined which approach to packing best suits you, you need to remember that certain items are restricted and cannot be moved.
Restricted materials include:

• Bottled gas of any type
• Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners and oils
• Corrosives and explosives
• Ammunition
• Gasoline, kerosene and any other flammable liquid
• Flammable household items like nail polish remover and lamp oil
• Heating agents like Sterno
• Ammonia and bleach
• Aerosol cans regardless of the content
• Matches and lighters
• Any other type of combustible

Articles Not Recommended For Moving Include:

• Stocks, bonds and securities
• Coins and stamps
• Insurance policies
• Currency
• Jewelry and furs
• Important documents

These items should be moved by you or alternate transit arrangements should be made.

What you'll need.
In the most basic terms, you'll need cartons, protective wrap, sealing tape and a marking pen. What to look for in each is covered in the General Packing section.

About Cartons.
Cartons can come from a variety of sources including grocery stores and liquor stores. But, more and more, companies are reusing or recycling cartons and the supply is diminishing. If you find an adequate supply of cartons, make sure that they are sturdy, in good condition and have tops or lids that can be sealed. Professional grade cartons are recommended for moving. By contacting your Move Consultant, he/she can make arrangements for purchase and home-delivery of cartons.

Tip: Start Packing Early

Getting started early in the packing process is probably the best tip we can offer. By packing as few as three to four boxes a day, you'll have over 100 ready at the end of a month. While 100 may seem like a lot, you'll probably be amazed at the number of cartons you'll fill before moving day. And, by starting early, moving day won't be another hurried day of packing.

Where To Start

A room-by-room approach is the most organized and efficient way to begin your packing. Each room should have an established work area for packing and storing completed cartons.

Begin with the least used items in areas like garages, attics and basements. As these areas are completed, move to other rooms that tend to have items that are not frequently used, this would include guest rooms and areas like the family or living room. While these rooms may be used frequently, they contain many items that are not, such as books and collectibles.

We recommend the kitchen as the last room to pack. Many items here are used on a daily basis right up to, and including, moving day.

How to pack
Once you have your materials ready, it's time to begin packing. While items like blankets, towels and sheets will not need protective wrapping, most household items do. Be sure to use 3-4 inches of crumpled packing paper on the bottom and the top of each carton.

NOTE: While the standard type of carton may be adequate for many household items, the dishpacks that are available through Davi & Valenti are highly recommended. These extra sturdy specialty cartons provide an additional level of protection for your breakables.

General Packing

Davi & Valenti stocks a variety of materials and cartons that have been specially made for moving. Items can be purchased for all your needs or for specific applications. In addition to typical small, medium and large boxes, there are boxes designed for specific tasks. These include:

Dishpack: designed for fragile items such as dishware and glassware.
Wardrobe Cartons: allow clothes to be hung on a metal bar.
Mattress Cartons: protect mattresses from damage and soiling.
Mirror or Picture Cartons: designed to adjust to different sized pictures, mirrors and other fragile, flat items.

Other materials needed for moving:
Tape: the tape you choose should be high quality. While it may cost a bit more, it's worth it if for the protection it provides. The tape should be 1 ½” to 2” in width, we recommend PVC tape or strapping tape. Strapping tape is the stronger option and contains filament strands for added durability.

Marking Pen: The pen is an essential tool for identifying cartons. A heavy, permanent marker should be used to list packed items along with which room the items belong. If something is fragile, don't be shy about writing “FRAGILE” on all sides. And if you're moving any permitted liquids, mark all sides with arrows pointing up along with “THIS END UP.” Including your last name on each box will assist help the driver identify your cartons at the time of unloading.

Protective Wrap
There are two basic types of protective wrap, newsprint and bubble wrap.

Newsprint: It is very important that you understand the difference between newspaper and newsprint. Newspaper is newsprint that has already been printed, and should never be used as it can soil or even ruin items it touches.

Newsprint, on the other hand, provides a clean surface and can be used for almost all of your packing needs. Professional packing paper can also be obtained through Davi & Valenti.

Bubble pack: While newsprint will protect most properly packed items, bubble pack is recommended for fragile items, providing greater cushioning and additional protection.

Plates and flat china
Each piece should be wrapped individually with several pieces of newsprint. Next, wrap three to five previously wrapped plates together with a double layer of newsprint. Stand each bundle on its edge layering larger items on bottom. Never lay them flat. Add additional layers of crumpled paper between bundles. To create a second level, add another 3-4 inches of crumbled paper. A cardboard divider may be added between levels.

Glassware and crystal
Always individually wrap glass and crystal, never stacking one piece inside another. Glassware and crystal should make up the very top layer of your carton and should be packed rim-down. For added protection, we recommend packing extremely fragile items in a separate carton and then packed in the larger carton surrounded by cushioning.

Bowls
Wrap individually, then nest 2-3 together and wrap as an entire package. Continue to add layers in the same manner instructed for plates and china.

Glasses and cups
Even though they can be fairly sturdy, it is still important that each is individually wrapped. Cups with handles should be cushioned with another layer of paper. Pack with the rims down. Cushioning and layering as instructed above.

Mirrors, glass/marble table tops, pictures, paintings, etc.
We recommend purchasing special cartons for all but the smallest items in this category. Mirror and picture cartons can handle most situations. Only one article should be packed in each carton. Consider professional crating assistance for oversized or especially heavy items such as table tops.

Books
Books should be packed in smaller boxes with open edges alternating with the bindings. Try to pack similar sized books together. Hardback books, or ones with fragile covers should be wrapped for protection.

Clothing
Clothing may be left in sturdy dressers or packed in suitcases, if desired. Use medium-sized cartons for folded clothes and wardrobe cartons for hanging clothing. If wardrobe cartons are not used, clothes should be removed from the hangers and packed in lined cartons.

Food
Never pack perishable items, aerosol kitchen products or frozen food. Box dry foods in medium-sized cartons after taping any openings or tops closed. Jars should also be taped shut, wrapped and cushioned. Both cans and jars should be packed in the small cartons because of weight.

Lamps
Remove shade, bulb and harp assembly. Double wrap the bulb and harp assembly. Wrap the base and cushion it in a dishpack or similar type box. For lampshades, select the carton size as close to the shade measurements as possible. Pack only one shade per container. Don't use crumbled newsprint inside or around the outside of the shade. Glass lampshades and chandeliers should be professionally packed in sturdy crates.

Major appliances
Many appliances require servicing, disconnecting and preparation. Although not a part of our moving service, upon request, your Move Coordinator can arrange for a third party to provide these services. In some cases you may be able to perform some of the requirements yourself.

Refrigerators should be emptied of all food. Shelves should be either secured in place or detached and wrapped. The electric cord should be unplugged and taped to the back. If there is an icemaker, it should be disconnected from the water line and drained in advance.

Washing machines should have all hoses disconnected and containerized. If you elect to place hoses in the tub or drum, be sure to wrap the metal couplings with cloth or paper to avoid damage to the tub's surface as a result of bouncing or vibration during transit. The electric cord should be unplugged and taped to the back. The washer drum should be secured with materials available from Davi & Valenti or your Stevens Worldwide Agent.

Dryers should have the vent hose removed and containerized. The electric cord should be taped to the back.

Small Appliances
Clocks, radios and other smaller appliances should be individually wrapped and packed along with linens or towels or surrounded with crushed paper for protection.

Tools
Any power tools containing gasoline or oil should be drained before moving. Long handled tools can be bundled. Hand tools should be wrapped and packed according to general packing rules.

Draperies and curtains
Wardrobe cartons are excellent for hanging curtains and drapes. If wardrobes aren't used, pack folded curtains and drapes in cartons that have been lined with newsprint.

Bedding
Mattresses must be covered to protect them from soil and damage. Appropriate sized mattress boxes are recommended and are available from Davi & Valenti.

Flowers and plants
Live plants and potted flowers will likely not survive a long distance move, and are generally not moved. Check with your Move Coordinator for specific rules regarding these items. Artificial flower arrangements should be carefully wrapped and packed in individual cartons. If possible, secure the arrangement to the bottom of the carton. Cushion and label appropriately.

Electronics and clocks
Original manufacturer's packaging with Styrofoam inserts provides the best protection for moving electronic goods. If these resources are not available, the appropriate size carton should be used with the item well wrapped and cushioned. Larger home electronics such as consoles and large screen televisions should not be packed and will be moved as furniture. Computers and grandfather clocks require special pre-move preparation. Consult your Move Coordinator or a local dealer to determine all that is required for moving these items.

On Moving Day

Everything should be packed prior to the arrival of the moving van. On moving day, you need to concern yourself with two cartons.

1. The Moving Out Carton - Anything you need on moving day should be kept here. This includes towels, toiletries, tissue, prescriptions, etc.
2. The Moving In Carton - This carton should contain items you will need immediately upon reaching your destination. Consider including a screwdriver, a utility knife to cut packing tape, first aid kit, instant coffee, snacks, light bulbs, paper plates and cups, plastic eating utensils, paper towels, toilet tissue, etc.

We hope this guide has helped move your packing in the right direction. We firmly believe that a quality approach to packing is one of the first steps to a successful moving experience. If you have any additional questions, call Davi & Valenti Movers or your local Stevens Agent.