FAQs

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

Aerosol cans
Cleaning products
Insecticides
Hairspray
Oil-based paint and paint thinner
Gasoline and kerosene
Bleach
Chorine granules or powder
Muriatic acid
Auto batteries
Propane tanks
Oxygen tanks
Lighter fluid
Matches
Ammunition

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.

To ensure your computer is transported safely, follow these important steps: Back up your data, prepare your hard drive, secure your computer system, secure your printer.

Back up your data - Be sure to back up 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.

Prepare your hard drive - 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.

Secure 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.

Secure 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. Remove ink cartridges to prevent spillage.

For a nominal fee, Tru-Pak can provide boxes and wrapping material.

Strong boxes and containers use corrugated cardboard. Be sure to pack clothing in wardrobe boxes to cut down on post-move ironing.

Use discarded newspaper, bubble wrap and packing peanuts to protect breakable items.

Use a bold marker to label every box you pack. Boxes containing breakable items should be labeled "FRAGILE."

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

Use sealable plastic bags for storing knobs, handles, screws, picture hooks and other small items.

Your most valuable possessions (fine art, jewelry, furs, coin and stamp collections, securities, photographs, heirlooms 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.

Contact us within 24 hours of your scheduled move, and we would be happy to accommodate you.

To get tips on smart, stress-free moving, visit the American Moving & Storage Association or ask us to send "A Complete Guide To Moving."