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Frequently Asked Questions

What items should I not pack?

Some common household products can be dangerous when packed and shipped in a moving van. Flammable items and aerosol products can trigger explosions and fire that can destroy your property. To ensure a safe move, never pack the following:


Aerosol cans, which include:

  1. •Hair spray

  2. •Shaving cream

  3. •Deodorants

  4. •Insecticides

  5. •Cleaning products

  6. •Spray starch

  7. •Spray paint


Flammable products, including:

  1. •Oil-based paints

  2. •Gasoline and kerosene

  3. •Tar remover, paint thinner and turpentine

  4. •Bleach

  5. •Muriatic acid

  6. •Auto batteries

  7. •Propane in tanks

  8. •Oxygen in tanks

  9. •Lighter fluid

  10. •Matches

  11. •Ammunition

  12. •Chorine granules or powder


What types of insurance will I be offered?

TRU-PAK offers three types of insurance coverage: limited liability, declared value and full replacement value. On moving day, you must specify your choice.


Limited Liability

This is the basic coverage required by law, and it does not cost the consumer anything. Under limited liability, the mover is responsible for sixty cents ($.60) per pound per item for an interstate move.


Declared Value (depreciated settlement)

You must declare a minimum value of $1.25 per pound (e.g., a 6,000 pound shipment would have a declared value of $7,500).  You can also declare a lump sum value that exceeds $1.25 (i.e., if you believe the above shipment is worth $10,000, you can declare that value since it exceeds $1.25 per pound.)


Full Replacement Value (non-depreciated settlement)

You must declare a minimum replacement value of $5,000 or $5.00 per pound times the weight of the shipment (whichever is greater) to qualify for this coverage. You can also declare a lump sum that exceeds $5.00 per pound times the weight of the shipment.


How should I pack my computer?

To ensure your computer is transported safely, follow several important steps:


Backup Your Data Disk

Be sure to backup all your important files and programs. Store the backup disks with your original program disks and keep them in a secure container. Remove any disks from the drives.


Hard Drive Preparation

To avoid shock to your hard disk, the recording heads should be “parked” before transport. To find your computer’s park procedure program, check the diagnostic disk that came with your computer.


Your Computer

If you still have it, use your computer system’s original packing box, including the rigid Styrofoam packing material. If you’ve misplaced or lost this original box, TRU-PAK can provide a sturdy packing container and materials appropriate for the safe transport of your computer.


Your Printer

Use your printer’s original packing box, including the Styrofoam packing material, if you still have it. Otherwise, TRU-PAK can provide an appropriate container and packing materials. For a laser printer, remove the laser ink cartridge to prevent spillage. For a pin printer, insert a piece of paper in the plate and secure the print head before packing.


What packing materials do I need?

For a nominal fee, TRU-PAK can provide boxes and wrapping material.


Strong Boxes and Containers Use corrugated cardboard boxes – they’re strong and lightweight. Be sure to pack clothing in wardrobe boxes to cut down on post-move ironing.


Wrapping Materials Use discarded newspaper, or, to avoid ink rubbing off, unprinted newspaper stock (available through TRU-PAK). Bubble wrap and packing peanuts also work well to protect your items.


Felt Tip Markers Use a bold marker to label every box you pack. Boxes containing breakable items should be labeled “FRAGILE.”


Tape Use wide packing tape, also called strapping tape. For optimum convenience, get rolls with their own dispensers.


Sealable Plastic Bags These can be handy for storing knobs, handles, screws, picture hooks and other small items.


Should I pack my valuables, such as jewelry and legal papers?

Your most valuable and important possessions, including securities, fine art, jewelry, furs, coin and stamp collections and legal papers, should not go in the moving van. Take them with you or make arrangements for their shipment by a traceable, insurable carrier, such as UPS or Federal Express. The same is true for irreplaceable items such as special photographs and cherished family heirlooms.

 

Email us and we’ll send you A Complete Guide To Moving, filled with smart tips for an efficient, less stressful move. For even more information about moving, visit the American Moving and Storage website at www.moving.org.