Welcome back to the blog for Florida Moving Systems where we want to make your moving experience the best it can possibly be for you! This is the second part of our two-part blog regarding packing – when should you pack what items? It can seem so daunting as you walk around your house wondering how and where to begin. You try snapping your fingers like Mary Poppins thinking maybe something magical will happen, but everything stays right where it is. Sigh. You can always call us because we can handle your move from start to finish! But, like we mentioned in the first part of this blog, we wanted to offer a packing guide for those of you who will be packing up your house yourself and then letting us do the heavy lifting for you!

Packing Prep

When packing yourself, have everything properly packed and ready for loading the evening before moving day.  Leave out only the things you’ll need that night.  the next morning, and immediately at your destination for last-minute packing. Basic guidelines to make packing a snap:

• Make a schedule, allowing enough time leading up to moving day
• Pack items in the basement, garage, or attic first – these items usually aren’t needed right away
• Stay organized by packing room by room
• Designate work areas in each room
• When a room is completed, sort cartons by light, medium and heavy – limit your heaviest cartons to 50 pounds each
• Clearly label cartons or items that you do not want to transport on the van

Pack For Success

It’s recommended that your Florida Moving Systems, Inc. (North American Van Lines) pacer handle the following:

• Marble or glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments and mirrors 40″ x 60″ or larger
• Pool table
• Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statues, chandeliers, etc.
• Major appliances

Your self-packed cartons will need to be inspected by your packer before they can be loaded.  If items are improperly packed or cartons are susceptible to damage, they may need to repack them before thy can be safely transported. Here are a few more suggestions for a successful pack:

• Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, non-transportable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items
• Keep all parts or pairs of things together – for example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts, and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped securely to the article to which they belong
• Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper.  Place small boxes in a single large bx, filling in spaces with crushed paper
• Put a special mare (the number 1, or the letter A) on cartons you want to unpack first at your destination

The U.S. Department of Transportation allows plants to be transported if the trip is less than 150 miles and transport time is under 24 hours.  However, some states quarantine plants at all times.  Overall, moving companies can’t ensure proper care for transporting plants and unfortunately, cannot be held responsible for their final condition.  Check with us at Florida Moving Systems, Inc (A North American Van Lines Agent) to see if plants are allowed for your move. If you still wish to attempt transport on your own, keep the following in mind:

• Allow your plants to store extra energy by giving them extra sunlight several weeks prior to moving day
• Prune back overgrown leaves and branches one month prior to moving
• Reduce feeding to minimize growth
• Water thoroughly the day before moving
• Stabilize the plant in a sturdy carton to prevent tipping

Here’s a general idea of what to expect on the big move day:

• If packing was arranged through Florida Moving Systems, Inc., (A North American Van Lines Agent) a team of specially-trained packers will arrive on loading day or before your scheduled departure.
• Floor runners will be laid over carpets and flooring and padding placed around banisters and doorways to protect your home and contents.
• Accompanied by you, the driver will prepare a detailed inventory report of the items to be moved, noting any special concerns or handling considerations.
• You and the driver must sign the inventory to acknowledge the items loaded.  You’ll receive a copy to use at your destination.
• All cartons and furniture to be moved are recorded, numbered, and color-coded.
• Furniture as well as items that can scratch or cause damage are wrapped with cloth padding or stretch wrap.
• The driver will ask you to sign a bill of lading (relocation contract) that confirms services performed, pickup and delivery schedules, and protection plan selected.
• After loading, a walk-through of your house with the driver is necessary to make sure nothing has been overlooked.
• You or a responsible person designated by you to act on your behalf must be present throughout the loading process.

If you have any questions, please contact your Agent Representative at Florida Moving Systems, Inc.,

TELEPHONE:  800.283.6683

LOCAL PHONE:  321.259.4330

Our highly trained family of Relocation Consultants, move Coordinators, Drivers and packers guide you through the move.

Your Relocation Consultant is responsible for assessing your move needs, explaining all your service options, and accurately estimating your costs.  Your home will be fully surveyed for items that will be moved, and the Relocation Consultant will alert you to items that are not allowed to transport or have special requirements.

Your Move Coordinator is the person who stays on top of the details and makes sure that things happen when and how they should.

Your North American Driver and Packer do more than just drive the van and fill the boxes.  Drivers and packers are in charge of all aspects of physically moving your belongings.

This includes:

• Using protective coverings to protect your home and items
• Preparing a detailed inventory of items to be moved
• Labeling each carton and piece of furniture with coded stickers to account for each and every one
• Loading your properly packed and inventoried items into the van
• Providing a Bill of Lading (a shipping contract) authorizing transport of your possessions
• Finally, safely delivering your belongings to your new home

In a state-to-state move, a local North American Agent will handle completion of final delivery details and paperwork.  If requested in your estimate, this agent will also arrange for unpacking and removal of empty cartons and packing materials.

And, of the most important members of this team is – YOU!  your input is absolutely essential.  We’re counting on having you involved every step of the way.