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Moving the PAF
Way
Moving Tips
[Supplies]
[Packing
Tips] [Furniture]
[Electronics]
[Large
Appliances] [Dishes]
[Lamps/Decor]
[Lawn/Garage]
[Moving
Out] [Moving In]
[Bulkhead
Addition]
RECOMMENDED
PACKING SUPPLIES
- Boxes and Tape
- Blankets or Moving Pads
- Cardboard
- Gloves
- Newspaper or Wrapping Paper
- Protective Padding, Bubble Wrap, etc
- Plastic Sheets or Tarp for Floor Protection
- Sandwich Bags to hold small misc. items
- Scissors, Pocket Knife, or Exactor Knife
- Small Tool Kit
- Felt Markers
- Large Plastic Garbage Bags
Most of the supplies can be ordered through PAF. The boxes you
purchase from PAF can be delivered directly to your door for an
additional $30.00 or to save yourself a delivery fee you can pick them up
at your local PAF
terminal. Frequently ordered boxes such as wardrobe, dish packs and
oversize cartons for bulky items are available making it easier for
you to order the right quantity and size. Click here to see pricing
and descriptions of packing supplies and boxes that available for
purchase.
PACKING
TIPS AND HINTS
Pack as much as will fit into your boxes; use packing paper as a
filler if necessary to ensure a full box. This actually provides
greater protection for your items, and will make loading your
trailer much quicker.
Protecting and packing your items with some type of padding is
essential to a successful move. Do not skimp on packing supplies; it
will only cost you in the end. Packing supplies are far less
expensive than replacing broken or damaged items; some of which may
not even be replaceable. You can view the variety of boxes and
packing supplies PAF has to offer. Please keep in mind while packing
that PAF trailers are not air-ride.
Start packing a few weeks prior to your move date. It is a good
idea to pack one room at a time; beginning with the items used less
frequently. Pack each room separately, and label the box of its
contents.
Reinforce the box with tape; strapping tape is advisable. Your
boxes should not have empty space inside, or bulge from being over
packed.
Pack heavy items in smaller boxes, making it easier to lift and
move. Keep the weight of each box at a weight that you can lift and
carry without any strain.
You can move lightweight items, such as linens and clothing, in
drawers for the move. No need to transfer them into boxes. Some of
these lighter items can also be put into large, heavy duty garbage
bags and taped closed. You may also want to plan ahead and use some
of these type items as fillers for some of those boxes that aren't
quite full.
You should disassemble any items that you can and pack them into
boxes instead of loading them into the trailer assembled. Wrap the
edges of any sharp items with bubble wrap, or part of a blanket to
prevent scratching or gouging of other items.
Valuables and everyday essential items should be packed
separately and kept with you.
FURNITURE
Wrap all your furniture, using bubble wrap, blankets, or moving
pads. Do not use tape directly on your furniture, but make sure to
secure the protective padding around it.
Disassemble the legs of all furniture if you can. You can use
sandwich bags to put all small parts in, such as screws, nuts,
bolts, etc.
It's a good idea to coat fine wood furniture with wax to help
protect it from scratches.
Couch cushions, pillows, and throw blankets can be put into bags
and used to fill empty space in the trailer.
Keep items in dresser drawers if possible to avoid repacking. Be
sure and secure the drawers closed with strapping tape after you
have wrapped the dresser with a pad or blanket.
ELECTRONICS
If possible, pack items in the original boxes they came in such
as computers, printers, etc. They may even need double boxing for
extra protection. Refer to the manufacture's guide for moving those
items also.
Remove all wires and cables, and immobilize all moving parts of
your electronics. Make sure to label your wiring for quick and easy
reinstallation. Wrap the end of your cords with bubble wrap for
protection, and tape the wire to the back of the appliance.
High temperatures can damage Software and CD's. If you are
shipping during the warmer weather be sure and keep these items in a
cool dry place.
LARGE
APPLIANCES
Be sure your appliances are clean and dry at least 24 hours
before moving them. You may want to use the empty space inside of
the stove, or microwave for packing lightweight or breakable items.
Remove broiler pan and oven racks, tape down all knobs, coil
elements and burners down.
Disconnect and empty all washing machine hoses and put them
inside of the appliance. Immobilize the tub with a brace, or place
towels between the tub and sidewall. Tape electrical cords to each
appliance and secure all the doors and lids closed.
DISHES
AND GLASSWARE
Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, and use wrapping paper to
fill the extra space in the box.
When packing plates, set them on their edges and use kitchen
towels or potholders to cushion them from the bottom and sides of
the box.
All your fine silverware should be wrapped in cloth or special
silver paper.
There are also "dish packs" which can be used in
packing your dishes.
LAMPS AND
DÉCOR
Be sure to remove the bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy
boxes, marking them "fragile".
When packing pictures and other wall hangings, wrap them in
individually in a blanket or bubble wrap and heavy cardboard.
When packing large mirrors or wall hangings, wrap in bubble wrap
and cardboard and then tape securely.
LAWN AND
GARAGE ITEMS
Flammable, corrosive, and poisonous items cannot be shipped.
Please refer to our Hazardous
Material Warranty for a list of items that may fall into this
category.
Before packing lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, or other
like equipment, it is a requirement to drain the oil and gasoline from them, and
disconnect all batteries. Without following this requirement, these
items cannot be shipped as they are considered hazardous. Do not
send the oil & gasoline containers in the trailer.
Empty propane tanks from barbeque grill and purge the hose.
Secure lid and immobilize moving parts. Again, this is required to
eliminate a hazardous product situation.
All long garden tools can be bundled and strapped together. Heavy
power tools can be packed into small boxes and newspaper can be used
to fill the empty space.
MOVING
OUT - TIPS AND ITEMS TO PLAN FOR
- You must be present when PAF delivers your trailer. You will
need to show the driver where you want the trailer parked, and
sign for delivery of it.
- Be sure to inspect the trailer for cleanliness, leaks, etc
before signing for it.
- Measure your space on the trailer so you know where your
boundary is. This will help you keep within your budget. If you need more or less space, you can use it and
just adjust your base rate by your 'per foot' rate.
- You are responsible for how your items are packed and loaded
into the trailer. Use our packing tips and supervise any hired
help you may have.
- Plan ahead how you are going to load your items. Keep those
important every day used items towards the back on the trailer
for immediate unloading.
- Check all closets, drawers, etc one last time and make sure
everything got loaded.
- Once you have loaded all your goods, install the bulkhead (see
Bulkhead Info Below)
- Take the utility readings, and contact the various companies
to cancel them.
- Upon receiving your trailer, you should receive a Bill of
Lading (BOL). Look over this document carefully & contact
your PAF moving coordinator with any questions you may
have.
- Make sure the destination address and contact information on
the BOL is correct. Please be sure there is a contact phone
number.
- Be sure and write the number of feet your shipment has used of
the floor of the trailer on the BOL. Accuracy is very important
as it ensures an accurate rate for you.
- Call your local PAF terminal when your trailer is loaded and
ready for pick up.
- Fife 253-926-3292
- Anchorage 907-336-2567
- Fairbanks 907-452-7971
- When PAF arrives to pick up your trailer, verify the footage
used in the trailer with the PAF driver, and sign the BOL.
- The next day, call the local terminal to verify your charges
and to get your PAF shipment number. You will be able to use
this number to track your shipment by calling 1-800-426-9940,
and asking for Customer Service. You can also go to our website
and trace your shipment.
- Be sure to leave a note with your new address in the house you
are vacating so future residents can forward any mail that comes
for you.
- Always let someone know of your intended whereabouts in case
of emergency.
MOVING IN
- You will likely arrive at your new residence ahead of your
trailer. Use this time to look things over and make sure your
new utilities have been connected, and turned on.
- Check all the appliances and other systems to make sure they
work properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
- Check to see of mail is coming to your new residence, and pick
up any mail being held at the post office.
- Keep track of your trailer and coordinate with the local PAF
terminal to schedule your delivery. Plan ahead where you will
want the trailer parked upon arrival.
- Make sure to be present when PAF delivers your trailer. Show
the driver where you want it parked, and sign for the delivery.
If you are unable to be there for the delivery, assign a
reliable person to be there for you.
- After your goods are unloaded, call your local PAF terminal to
schedule a pick up. Make sure to sweep out the trailer, and
remove all debris. Do not leave garbage or packing materials in
the trailer, or you will be charged for cleaning out the
trailer. The trailer must be completely cleaned before the
driver picks it up.
BULKHEAD
INFORMATION
Building a bulkhead in the trailer/container to support your
goods will entail (4) quality 8' 2"x 4"s or 2"x
6" boards, as well as (2) 4'x 8' x ¾" sheets of plywood.
You will have the ability to nail into the floor of the
trailer/container, but not into the steel sidewalls or roof. Your
local PAF terminal can assist you with further instructions on how
to construct a bulkhead. However, the ultimate responsibility for
safely securing your goods is yours. If you do not feel confident
about the construction of the bulkhead, hire a professional or seek
another mode of transportation for your move. Please keep in mind
that your goods will be traveling over a long distance. The trailer
will be loaded by crane onto ships and sailing along potentially
rough seas; so the better you pack, secure, and bulkhead your items,
the better shape they will arrive in.
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