1-800-949-6169
Contact Us
What our customers think
About Reliance
Moving Services Storage Moving Know-how Online Quote Current Deals
Moving Know-how
USEFUL LINKS
Start several weeks before moving. Pack items least used in your home first like storage closets, out-of-season clothing, and old books, toys and collectibles. It's best not to mix items from different rooms. Pack one room at a time, then move on to the next. This way unpacking is a breeze.
Packing Like a Pro
Use the right materials:
Use sturdy, undamaged cartons and adequate newsprint cushioning. Invest in a tape dispenser. Uneven and bunched-up tape does not secure a good seal on the box. Boxes could open in transit or worse collapse when under another box.
How to handle fragile items:
Cartons containing fragile or highly value items should be clearly marked for your mover. We recommend that you allow the mover to pack these items for insurance purposes.
How to handle heavy items:
The heavier the contents, the smaller the carton you need to use. Ensure the bottoms of the cartons are well taped to hold the contents. Place the heavier items on the bottom, graduating to the lightest items on top.
Document your boxes:
Prepare an itemized list of all goods you have packed. Number and label your boxes.

Know what we CANNOT MOVE:
Reliance unfortunately cannot move specific items and matters for various safety and legal reasons. Get to know these by reading: Non-Allowable Items

Back to top

Item by item
Checking the inventory list

BOOKS
Use small cartons and place books with their binding on alternate sides.
Checking the inventory list

DISHES, GLASSWARE and other fragile items
Pack fragile items in a small carton with 3" crumbled paper on the bottom as a cushion. Each item should be wrapped separately in paper. Place larger or heavy pieces at the bottom of the carton. Plates and platters should be packed in upright position with 2" of paper stuffed in between each item. Place smaller items, such as cups and saucers, toward top of carton. Cartons should never be packed above the top crease.
Checking the inventory list

CLOTHING and shoes
It is best to hang as many clothes as possible. They will stay neat and unpack quickly. Jeans and sweaters can go in boxes, but do not overload. Shoes should be wrapped with tissue or inkless newspaper and transported in their original boxes, if possible. Otherwise, stacking old towels between layers of shoes will prevent scuffing and creasing.
Checking the inventory list

LAMPS and bulbs
After removing light bulbs and shades, pack lamp either with your linens and towels, or wrap separately and place in another carton. Lampshades should be wrapped in tissue paper.
Checking the inventory list

LINEN, TOWELS and DRAPES
Fold and pack neatly into a sturdy and appropriately sized carton.
Checking the inventory list

MIRRORS and glass table tops
It is recommended that these items should be wrapped and crated. If they are small, wrap and place along edges of cartons.
Checking the inventory list

POTS, PANS, and appliances
Use sturdy cartons. Wrap each item individually, placing heaviest items on the bottom. To secure a minimum amount of shifting during handling, maximize space by packing smaller items between larger itemswherever possible.

Back to top

Get a FREE moving quote
I need a moving estimate for...
Moving Tip #1

Show your appreciation for work well done!
Although, tipping is optional,
it is very much appreciated. Our guys work hard. The average tip is approximately 15% of the volume charges. The foreman orchestrates the move, so you may want to consider giving him a little something extra for his performance.
© 2006 Reliance Relocation US DOT 1505274 - MC 564882 - TX DOT 000611150B