Green Van Lines often has transported the items such as Grand Pianos, large Marble Statues, fine artwork (in a few cases a mural about 10’ft by15’ft), as well as collections of fine china, family heirlooms and other precious materials that we take great care to transport for our customers for them to receive in the exact same condition as when they entrusted us with them.

Green Van Lines is a full-service mover, or we will be as full service as you need us to be. We understand that moving is a very stressful event in life and takes much time to sort out all of the responsibilities that need to be taken care of. That is why we offer our customers the service of packing for them in advance to the move. Let our professional service team come out and service you so that all of your memories are packed in the most safe and careful way. The pricing is based by the hour, but with Green Van Lines we are always finding ways to save our customers money. Don’t worry about paying for those un-sturdy, expensive cardboard boxes, our customers that are moving locally can take advantage of our 100% recyclable plastic bins that are easily stackable and keep your items 100% safe from any environmental damage. Whether we pack for you or you pack yourself, Green Van Lines will drop them off in advance for you to start packing so that come moving day, you can hand off everything to our service team. Also, you have the added benefit of keeping the world a more eco-friendly place, one box at a time.

Let us give you a few tips and save you a few headaches, and if you are a “do-it-yourself” kind of person then these tips will help you prepare for packing yourself:

Keep In Mind that Green Van Lines includes in their service FREE OF CHARGE any disassembly and reassembly of all large items such as beds, large furniture pieces, appliances (you will need to contact your service providers to unplug washers/dryers/refrigerators) or any other items required. These tips however, will save you on our time billed to you and can lessen the time for our service team to load your household items.

General Residential Packing Tips

            Avoiding Vibrations

·         When moving, most damage comes from vibration in transit. If you have a stack of dishes in a box on the bed of a bouncing truck, even if the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. But dishes packed on edge (in the same way as a dish washer) and, surrounded by bubble wrap, have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.

 

·         The affect of these inevitable vibrations can be minimized by having the right packing materials. Make sure not to leave any spaces inside of your boxes by supplementing that space with blankets, pillows and even clothing can serve as a buffer between items. However, be careful not to over pack in one box.

 

Boxes and Materials

 

·         Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing paper are worth every dime. To move things a bit more quickly for you, we also recommend that you have a tape dispenser handy and also a box cutter to cut tape

o    Get smaller boxes for books. Use bigger boxes for lighter items.

o    Boxes have a seal on the bottom that gives their strength and capacity. That seal will indicate a weight limit and an "Edge Crush Test" rating. 32ect is standard for most moving boxes.

o    44ect is standard for most wardrobe boxes and larger specialty boxes.

o    And get more boxes than you think you will need, in case you run out of time closer to moving day.

 

·         It is essential that you have the right packing materials in order to minimize the effect of this eventual vibration. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper are worth the money. A tape dispenser may help you move along quicker. A box cutter can also be used to "cut the tape" and will also be very handy when unpacking.

o    Use heavy-duty packing tape (not masking tape)

o    Reinforce the bottom of boxes with at least one strip of packing tape.

       Organizing

·         Start packing one room at a time and label boxes with the correct description of contents and destination (e.g. bedroom, garage). Be as specific as possible!!! Your unpacking will be much smoother when you can “see inside the box”.

·         Put heavy items in small boxes, and heavier items on the bottom of boxes.

·         Don’t apply packing tape directly on the surface of any polished or painted wood finishes. Once the tape is removed, you will have a slightly less satisfying piece than when you started out.

·         Items that are needed immediately at your new destination, make sure they are packed last onto the truck and labeled “Un-Pack First”

·         Double boxing any fragile items and adding cushion between will help eliminate any damages.

·         Pack rugs last, they should be the first to be laid out in your new home.

 

Keep in Mind and Keep in Hand

 

·         When preparing for a move, we sometimes forget what needs to STAY with us. Or at least put aside in a box labeled as “Essentials” or “Un-Pack First”

·         In these essentials, include items such as pet food, trash bags, dishes, soap and sponge, hammer, nails, screwdrivers, snacks and beverages, tape measure, light bulbs, shower curtains and rods, flashlight, small tool-kit for reassembling items, medicines and pain relievers

·         Each person should have packed a change of clothes, toiletries such as soap, toothbrush, towels and other personal items.

·         Prepare for yourself a light meal that you can easily heat and serve on your first night. You may want to have disposable plastic ware, cups and plates.

 

Packing Household Items

 

·         Beds: Once the bed frame is disassembled, tie the rails or any cross-pieces together with packing tape and mark where the pieces fit together for an easier reassembly. You will want to purchase plastic covers to protect your mattresses and box springs, however you may find these covers with our Service Team for a very reasonable price. If you bring these items out of the rooms and down the stairs yourself you will save our team time and you money in the overall process.

·         Bureaus and Dressers: Take advantage of the space you find in the drawers by packing small, light breakable items with loose clothing or blankets to secure the items. Our service team can professionally wrap this dresser in our special blankets and tape so the drawers are secure, and the dresser is protected from scratching/dust/environmental hazards. Do not overload with heavy items.

·         Clothes: You can fold and pack in dresser drawers, but for hanging items, a wardrobe box works best and can double as storage boxes for your seasonal clothes.

·         Table: Pad the top of the table and wrap the legs to prevent scratching. For a larger table, disassemble and put hardware in a small sealed plastic bag and tape to the underside of the table top. Once legs are removed, tie together. Table leaves can be padded and tied together. Remove glass tops, heavy padding is needed.

·         Chairs: You can stack armless chairs in pairs with a folded blanket or padding between seats. For chairs with arms, wrap the legs and arms to prevent scratches and put plastic cover over seating to prevent stains or tears.

·         Large/Light Items: Comforters and pillows are best packed in extra large boxes or garbage bags to reduce on your amount of boxes needed. You can use these items as extra protection for smaller, fragile items in large boxes. Be careful when you are unpacking not to forget that they are there!!!

·         Fine Furniture: Wrap in bubble wrap, or stretch wrap to prevent from small scratches and dust. Remember to pack them tight to prevent it from being caught and torn during the handling of your move.

·         Lamps: Once lamps are disassembled, the bases are perfect for putting into dresser droors or chests, if they are too large you can pack them in large boxes with lots of padding. Box the shades with plenty of stuffing, but make sure not to use newspaper because it can rub off.

·         Books: Only use small boxes since they become heavy quite fast, packing books flat and alternating bindings. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper; be sure not to mix books with other items.

·         Glasses: Wrap each glass in plastic bag to prevent washing later and pad with bubble wrap or padding paper, each individually.

·         Kitchenware: Pots, pans, etc. can be packed creatively in boxes with paper in-between them, but be sure that you are not packing a heavy load.

·         Mirrors/Paintings: For larger mirrors/paintings, a frame box works best with extra padding to fill space. Smaller mirrors can be well padded and packed in boxes. Be sure to mark all boxes with GLASS to keep our service team aware that these boxes must be stored on end, always.

·         Radios/TVs: It is best to pack in the manufacturer’s box, but a large box will do with padding on all sides. Keep and move the box upright. Mark FRAGILE.

·         Rugs/Blankets: After vacuuming, sprinkle moth flakes, roll up and tape. If you are using blankets to pad most of your boxes and you are storing your items, be sure to put moth flakes in those boxes as well.

·         Stereos, CDs: Pack each component separately in well-padded box marked FRAGILE. Tie CDs together in smaller bundles for easier unpacking and pack upright in cases. Fill air space with packing paper.

·         Lawn Mowers: Remove the handle from hand mowers and pack in a sturdy box. Be sure to drain fuel and oil before loading. Mark with Proper name.

·         Adult/Child Bikes: Be sure to cover the chains and pedals to keep from snagging on other items while being packed or stored. Loosen and lower handle bars and seats, and turn handlebars at right angles to save space in the moving truck.

·         Tools/Gardening: Pack shovels, rakes, and any other tools of this shape together and tie with tape. Drain your hoses, coil together and pack in boxes.

·         Paints/Flammables: Don’t take these to your new location, leave as a gift for the next residence or dispose in the proper way. This goes for lighter fluid, solvents, alcohols, ammunition, used mops that can breed bacteria.

·         Valuables: KEEP THESE WITH YOU. Set aside your valuables in a small container to keep with you. These can include important documents, jewelry, or safe deposit box contents.

·         Appliances: Try to pack in the original container or box, if not available use a small box with lots of padding. Be sure not to use shredded paper, this may clog the appliance. You can even call the appliance dealer to find if there are any special moving instructions. Tape down or wedge with padding any removable or movable parts and doors.

o    Refrigerator/Freezer: Unplug in advance of your move, you will need to let interiors defrost and dry. Once done, use the space to pack lightweight linens, stuffed toys, clothing, pillows, etc. You may want to contact your local dealer to see if the refrigerator can be moved lying down. If yes, be sure that you let stand upright for 24 hours before you plug into your new location.

o    Gas Appliances: You should contact your gas company for disconnection.

o    Washing/Dishwasher: