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2812 70th Ave. E.,
 Fife, WA 98424

(253) 926-3292
(800) 426-9940
(253) 926-3161 Fax
info@pafak.com
 
 

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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