The following material has been reproduced to assist you and your family in preparing your household for the shipping of goods when relocating with McWilliams Moving & Storage.
Before the Move
Make moving arrangements as far ahead as possible.
Notify the following organization of your change of address: Post Office, Utilities, Vehicle Licensing Office, Banks & Financial Institutions, Doctor, Dentist & School Authorities, Family & Old Age Pension, Allowances, and Magazine Publishers.
Whenever possible, try to move at times other than the beginning or end of each month, when all movers are busiest.
Before moving, dispose of hazardous materials, as it is illegal to ship such items as flammable, explosive or corrosive liquids, compressed gases such as propane tanks, oily mops & rags.
Drain items such as outboard motors and power mowers. Leave approximately 1/4 tank of gas in automobiles.
If moving in cold weather, articles subject to freezing should not be shipped on the moving van. For example, plants, perishable foodstuffs, and preserves.
Carry with you currency, jewelry, valuable papers and keys to cabinets. Movers cannot take responsibility for articles of extraordinary value.
Automatic washers and dryers should be disconnected and serviced before moving.
Refrigerators should be defrosted and emptied prior to move day.
Don't leave trays or racks loose in refrigerator and stove.
Discuss the moving of your deep freezer and contents with your moving consultant.
Advise the moving consultant where you may be contacted at destination.
Tie or tape brooms, mop handles and curtain rods in bundles.
Make arrangements prior to moving day to have all fixtures removed. Have swing sets, portable tool sheds and power tools dismantled.
If required, cages can be obtained from your local pet shop to send pets by air.
When an automobile is being shipped on the van during the winter months, store in in a heated garage for at least 24 hours prior to shipment. This will ensure the ice and snow have melted and will not damage goods on board the van.
Get estimates and promises in writing. McWilliams
Moving & Storage will be pleased to confirm all aspects of our services by
letter.
Packing
If you plan to do your own packing, start well in advance of moving day to avoid the last minute packing rush and strain.
Use sturdy containers for packing. It is essential to have lids on containers. McWilliams Moving & Storage will gladly provide the necessary containers at a reasonable cost (for clients who are moving with us).
Wardrobes are always supplied at no additional cost. They are used to hang your suits and dresses in transit, allowing them to hang full length as they do in your closet. They are also ideal for moving drapes and curtains.
Identify contents of each carton you pack for easy unpacking.
Never pack articles above the top of containers.
Books and records should be packed on edge in small cartons, not weighing more than 40 or 50 lbs.
Remove all fragile or heavy items from dresser drawers. Blankets, towels and pillows may be left in drawers, or packed in large cartons.
We suggest large mirrors, glass table tops and valued paintings be crated by movers. We prefer that they are left hanging in place.
Table lamps should be packed in cartons. Pack lampshades in cartons by themselves. We have special cartons specifically designed for lamp shades!
Use clean towels or tissue to pack lampshades and avoid soiling.
Fragile stickers on cartons will alert you and the movers to give special attention and care to these containers.
When marking cartons, mark them on the top and the side for easy identification.
In packing china, place heavy pieces on the bottom of the container, all flat pieces should be placed on edge.
Small items, such as salt and pepper shakers, should be packed in a small box, then placed in a larger container.
Do not pack irons or heavy kitchenware in the same container with china or crystal.
Do not wrap anything in newspaper. The print will rub off. Blank newsprint is available from your mover.
Do not wrap the furniture with paper or cloth, or use rope or twine on any articles of furniture.
Leave furniture as it presently is in your home. Our trained crews can load your effects faster and easier this way, than if it is all placed in one room.
Dismantling and setting up of beds is part of
McWilliams service. It does not, however, include waterbeds. This should be
handled by a professional and we can arrange for professional service by a
third party service.
Moving Day
Go through your house with the van foreman when he comes to your home, giving any special instructions you may have. Advise him of any articles you may require first in your new home so that they may be loaded accordingly.
Any items, such as luggage, that you are not including in the goods to be moved should be kept separate so they will not be moved in error.
The van driver will make note of the condition of your goods on an inventory list. Try to accompany him as the list is being prepared to ensure that everything is completely listed.
Check all closets, the attic, basement and garage to make sure all items have been taken.
Long distance moving rates on shipments over a distance of 50 miles are based on weight and mileage. To protect you, McWilliams will weigh the shipment, and charges will be based on actual weight.
Local moving rates are on an hourly basis. McWilliams experienced personnel can reduce the moving time to a minimum.
Unless credit has been arranged, your mover will
require cash or certified cheque on delivery
Storage
McWilliams has clean safe storage facilities in three major cities. Our affiliation with North American Van Lines offers us additional storage facilities in over 120 towns and cities across Canada.
Household effects are stored indoors in private storage pallets, which are sealed and dust proofed.
Rugs are rolled, plastic wrapped and stored separately on racks. Sofas are also plastic wrapped and stored separately to ensure their safe-keeping.
When storing, advise our warehouse office of any
items you might want access to, in order that these pieces may be kept forward
in the storage pallet.
