Name: O'Briens Moving & Storage
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

Informational Sheets

Packing Tips & Suggestions

There are 4 kinds of packing:
1. Full service packing-we will pack everything from top to bottom
2. Partial packing-you pack some, we pack the rest
3. Fragile Packing-we will pack only your breakable and high value items such as:
  1. Dishes and glassware
  2. Fragile Furniture
  3. Artwork and Mirrors
4. Do it Yourself Packing. This is a big job, but can also save you money on your relocation costs. See below for more information on "Do-It-Yourself" Packing.
"Do-It-Yourself" Packing section:
1. First, we recommend you start with professional materials including:
  1. Tissue Paper
  2. Packing paper (plain newsprint)
  3. 2" Packing tape
  4. Masking tape
  5. A utility knife
  6. Scissors
  7. Permanent Markers
  8. Professional quality boxes. Boxes are available for purchase.
2. All packing should be completed before the evening of loading day. Only the personal items that you will need that evening, and on the morning of moving day should be left for last minute.
3. Follow a time table - people often underestimate how long it takes to pack.
4. Start with items you won't need right away, such as belongings stored in the basement, garage, or attic.
5. Packing room by room will help you stay organized.
6. Establish work areas in each room.
7. Plates and other flat, breakable items should be packed on end vertically rather than placed flat and stacked.
8. Wrap pictures and mirrors in a sheet, blanket, or bubble wrap before boxing to give them added protection.
9. Provide plenty of cushioning by packing loosely crumpled, plain newsprint in the bottom of boxes - leave room at the top for more crumpled paper.
10. Wrap all fragile, breakable items in paper first before packing them in boxes.
11. Pack large, heavy items first, smaller items next, filling in all empty spaces with plain newsprint.
12. Use only sturdy cartons that can be easily closed (don't overstuff), then tape top seams securely.
13. DO NOT USE plastic containers or totes to pack your items. They easily crush when stacked and may cause damage to your belongings.
14. Label the boxes clearly: your name, room where the box should go to in your new home and a brief description of the contents.
15. Electronics Care
  1. When packing a large screen TV and other electronics...
    1. If you no longer have the original carton and packing materials, carefully pack the item in a sturdy carton that has been lined with newsprint or styrofoam “peanuts”
    2. Securely seal the carton and mark the outside “extremely fragile”
  2. When packing your personal computer, printer, scanner, or other equipment...
    1. Disconnect and mark all wires and cables easily for assembly
    2. Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware as you would other home electronics
    3. Remove toner and ink cartridges
    4. Back up all of your computer files on DVDs or other file storage disks/devices
    5. Consult your PC user manual for additional instructions/precautions
16. What NOT to pack
  1. Valuable and irreplaceable items should be transported with you rather than on the moving truck. These items include:
    1. Jewelry, cash, checkbooks, bank records
    2. Personal files and paperwork (passports, birth certificates, deeds, etc.)
    3. Firearms
    4. Family photos
    5. Food in glass jars and perishable foods
    6. Prescription drugs needed for immediate use
  2. Hazardous Materials such as explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials CAN NOT be on the moving truck. These include:
    1. Nail polish remover
    2. Paints and thinners
    3. Lighter fluid
    4. Gasoline
    5. Fireworks
    6. Oxygen bottles
    7. Propane tanks/cylinders
    8. Automotive repair and maintenance chemicals/fluids
    9. Radio-pharmaceuticals
    10. Matches

Cold Weather Service

There are specific items that may require special handling and servicing when transported in freezing temperatures. These recommendations are based on third party service experiences as well as manufacturers' recommended procedures for cold weather service. In some cases, next day service is recommended to give item(s) time to acclimate to room temperature. The goal is to reduce property damage and damage to the transferee's possessions.

Waterbed Mattress: It is virtually impossible to completely drain a waterbed mattress. Residual moisture will freeze inside the mattress. Attempting to handle a vinyl mattress before it reaches room temperature can cause cracking or force ice chips through the material, rendering the mattress unusable. The mattress should remain in its box at room temperature for at least 12 - 24 hours before handling or filling.
Washing Machine: Even when the pump is drained at origin, the washer will always maintain some water in the mixer valve, pump housing and internal hose areas. Attempting to operate the machine while this water is frozen can result in damage to belts, pump impeller, hoses and other components. Operating temperature should be above 60°F.
Gas & Electric Dryers: When subject to freezing temperatures, igniters and heating elements become brittle. Attempting to operate the dryer will cause a sudden temperature change and may damage internal parts. Operating temperature should be above 60°F.
Refrigerators - Icemaker: A refrigerator may be plugged in on delivery day. The icemaker, however, should not be connected to the water supply for at least 12 - 24 hours after delivery. Even when the system is serviced properly at origin, residual moisture in the solenoid valve, supply lines and cold water reservoir may be frozen and will restrict normal operation. If the cold water reservoir was not drained at origin, it may be frozen solid and damaged. Hairline cracks in the water reservoir housing may go undetected on delivery day. It is prudent to let all components of the icemaker system reach operating temperature so a thorough system check can be completed after hooking up the water supply.
Water Softeners/Reverse Osmosis Systems: Residual water in supply tanks will freeze and units will not operate properly until thawed. The units should be allowed to reach room temperature before installation.
Grandfather Clocks: Freezing temperatures cause the oil in the pivot points to gum up. Delicate metal components will contract and restrict operation of moving parts in the mechanism. Attempting to set up clocks on delivery day in cold weather will usually result in a second service call. The clock should be allowed to reach room temperature before setting the mechanism in beat.
Personal Computers/Audio Video Equipment: Condensation caused by extreme temperature changes can wreak havoc on the high tech circuitry of today's electronics. PCs, VCRs, TVs, stereos, etc. must acclimate to room temperature for at least 24 hours prior to connecting the equipment to AC power.

What to Expect on Moving Day

If you ordered packing, a team of specially trained packers will arrive on or before loading day, depending on how much packing needs to be done.
Before loading, the driver will protect your home and its contents by laying floor runners over carpets and flooring and by padding banisters and doorways.
The driver will prepare a detailed inventory of the items to be moved. You should accompany the driver during this process, pointing out any special concerns or handling instructions.
You and the driver will both sign the inventory to acknowledge the items loaded and their condition. You will receive a copy for use at destination.
All cartons and furniture to be moved are recorded, numbered, and color coded.
Most furniture, as well as items that can scratch or cause damage, will be protected with stretch wrap or blanket padding.
The driver will ask you to sign a bill of lading that confirms services performed, pickup and delivery schedules, and the protection plan you’ve selected. It also serves as the contract that authorizes shipment and agreement to pay for the services performed.
After loading, walk through the house with the driver to make sure nothing has been overlooked.
If you cannot be present at your home during loading, you must arrange for a responsible person to be present and act on your behalf.

Moving with Kids

Tell your children about the move as soon as possible, so they don't hear about it by accident.
Talk with them sharing the details you think they'll understand... Ask and listen to their reactions.
Teens react differently than smaller children.
Involve your children with all aspects of the move. If possible, include them in the house hunting, planning the move, and other tasks that they can accomplish.
Have children help pack a special box with their most treasured items. Let them decorate their boxes so they can be quickly identified.
Ask for their input on decorating or arranging things in their new room.
Encourage your children to take time to say good-bye to friends and maintain ties by exchanging contact information.
Make plans to continue your child's current activities (such as Scouts, sports, dance classes, etc.) in your new community - continuing will make adjusting to the new location much easier.

Moving with Pets

Before leaving, schedule a veterinary exam to check your pets health, obtain copies of vaccination records and a health certificate (if required), update identification tags, and discuss a tranquilizer or precautionary measures for the trip.
If traveling by car, make sure to get your pet comfortable to auto travel by taking it on short trips around the neighborhood.
1. Don't feed your pet for seven hours prior to your trip, pack a container of fresh, cool water, and stop frequently for walks.
2. If stopping at a hotel overnight, make sure the hotel allows pets. Never leave your pet in the car alone.
3. Birds and small pets such as hamsters can travel in their cages if the cage can be placed in a stable, well-ventilated area free of drafts (covering the cage while the car is moving often calms an animal).
If traveling by air, contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services.
1. Consider direct flights to minimize the amount of time your pet will be confined.
2. Select a portable air-transport kennel that's large enough for your pet to stand and move around a bit.
3. Let your pet get accustomed to the kennel well in advance of the trip.
Don't forget to mark the kennel with "Live Animal", your pet's name, your new address and phone number, and any special handling instructions.
After boarding your plane, ask the flight attendant to confirm your pet has been loaded onto the plane.

Plant Care

As a general rule, moving companies will not accept liability for safe transport of plants. In addition, some states have rules prohibiting the transport of certain plants across state lines.
If you wish to transport on your own, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Provide plants with extra sunlight for several weeks prior to moving day to allow them to store extra energy.
2. Prune back overgrown leaves and branches about a month before moving and curtail feeding to minimized growth.
3. Thoroughly water the plant the day before you move.
4. Place the plant in a sturdy carton to keep it from tipping over.

Vehicle Care (for vehicles being transported on one of our trucks)

Automobiles should have ¼ or less fuel in the gas tank.
Check automobiles for any oil, battery acid, or radiator fluid leaks.
Boats should be drained of all fuel and oil in the motor.

How to Select a Mover

With so many moving companies and moving agents to choose from, how do you know which mover will provide you with the best service tailored to all your specific needs? There are several ways you can narrow down your choices.

Make sure that the company is legal (licensed and insured)
1. The Department of Transportation is the government agency responsible for licensing all interstate movers. The DOT maintains records on each moving company's and moving agent’s liability and cargo insurance and makes sure that it operates safely. A good status with the DOT will ascertain that you have chosen a safe, bonded mover to ship your goods. You can view the information on their website directly at: http://www.dot.gov/
2. To check the moving company’s and moving agent’s licenses, insurance, safety data and other related services to transportation industry please visit: http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/, make sure to have companies DOT or MC number to see the requested data.
Make sure that the company is reputable.
1. Check company’s record in the Better Business Bureau – http://www.bbb.org -overview when the company was established, check the rating of the company – use only the company with a satisfactory record, how many complaints does the company have and how many of these are resolved.
Family and Friends
1. Who can you trust more to give you the most honest information than your friends and relatives? Ask them for any recommendations and advise that based on their previous moves to a different state.

Moving & Packing Tips