Movers and Packing Selecting a moving company or deciding if you should move your household goods yourself can be one of the most challenging aspects of relocating. And packing those goods can be downright painful. Argonaut Relocation Services offers these tips to help your move go smoothly. Here are some packing tips that will help whether you are packing yourself or a moving company is packing for you. Packing for the move * Purchase the correct containers for the job. Don't make the mistake of getting boxes from the grocery store. Many of those boxes have holes in the bottom or lid. Moving companies require boxes that completely close, because others don't hold up during the move. * Get rid of stuff! Wolf says this is the single best way to reduce the overall cost of a move. * Use newsprint, not newspaper, or you could end up with a sloppy mess. Make sure you put newsprint along the sides of the box, not just the top and bottom especially when packing fragile items. Newsprint can be purchased from any moving company, packaging store or self-move facility. * Never pack a lamp shade with anything else in the box. "It doesn't matter what the item is, it will puncture the lamp shade," warns Wolf. * Label cartons clearly. Put your name on all cartons, whether you are moving yourself or using a moving service. Indicate which rooms you want boxes placed in. If you are using used boxes, make sure you scratch out the name of the previous owner and room. * Secure loose items such as bolts and lamp finials. Tape loose pieces to the piece of furniture to which they belong. * When unpacking, shake out every piece of paper. Wolf says many people forget to do this, and it's a great source of aggravation when cherished articles "disappear." * Don't ship aerosols or household chemicals. Chemicals such as bug spray, cleaning supplies, even dish soap, can be a disaster especially in the summer. "Temperatures inside a moving truck can exceed 125 degrees," says Wolf. "At that temperature, household chemicals explode." If you must take chemicals with you, carry them in your car. Better yet, buy new items once you reach your destination. * Movers don't take plants. Because of high temperatures and the amount of time spent in a moving van, most plants won't make it to their destination. If you must take your plants, carry them in your car. Wolf suggests placing the watered plant in a large garbage bag, then closing the bag to create a terrarium effect. "We suggest that plants make wonderful parting gifts for the friends and family you are leaving behind. Many plants just can't tolerate the stress of moving," commented Wolf. * If you are using a moving company, let them pack your fragile items. No matter what type of valuation (moving insurance) you have, movers will not be responsible for a customer's poor packing. * If you must pack your own fragile items, be careful. Stack dishes on their ends, not one on top of another. Pad the bottom, top and sides of the box for maximum protection. If you are packing glassware, purchase cellpacks, specially-designed box dividers, from a moving company. Wrap glasses in bubble wrap. * Confirm the arrival date of your household goods. Be sure you know when your possessions will arrive. Because an average load of household goods weighs between 5,800 pounds and 9,200 pounds and a moving van holds up to 24,000 pounds, your household goods will probably be moved with another household's. Also, make sure you give the movers a contact number so they can reach you if there is a problem. Above all, use common sense. Don't pack your blender with your bowling ball. Don't make the boxes too heavy, or the bottoms might fall out. "And if you have a cat, make sure to check your boxes before you seal them," says Wolf. "Cats love to play in boxes, and you don't want the family pet shipped to your new home in the back of a sweltering moving van. Unfortunately, it happens." Another way to make your move a little easier is to obtain a moving checklist that will give you a timeline of things to arrange before the move. Your moving company should have one, or you can review the checklist here on the Argonaut Relocation Services web site. Professional movers vs. do-it-yourself Making the decision of whether to hire a moving service or do a self-move can be difficult. Loni Wolf, a household goods management consultant with Argonaut Relocation Services who has 20 years of experience in relocation, says you should always choose to use a professional moving service in either of two situations: * If you are moving more than six rooms of furniture and more than two appliances * If your household goods are valued at more than $50,000. "The largest truck you can rent is 24-feet, which is supposed to hold eight rooms of furniture if a professional is packing the truck," explains Wolf. A professional moving van is usually 48-feet long and 102-inches wide. "When a non-professional packs a truck, it holds much less than eight rooms. Most people moving themselves don't know how to use the space efficiently . A lot of room is wasted, resulting in more time for re-organizing boxes and other goods." "It amazes me that people will spend hours choosing a stereo or VCR; but when it comes to a moving service, they just open the Yellow Pages and choose the first one they see," Wolf says. "A little research can save a lot of heartache." If you do choose to use a professional moving service, get estimates from at least three different companies. Don't necessarily choose the company with the lowest bid. Check out the moving company before you hire it. Wolf suggests calling the Federal Highway Administration, Motor Carrier Division, at 202-366-2519. Make sure no lawsuits or complaints have been filed against the company. You can also call your state agency that regulates movers, such as the Department of Transportation.