Preparation Tips


Electronics Care

When packing electronics:

  • Disconnect and mark all wires and cables for easy assembly
  • Place cords, remotes, etc. in a small box labeled Electronics Parts Box
  • Detach paper holders/feeders from printers and wrap monitors and additional hardware as you would other home electronics
  • Remove toner and ink cartridges
  • Back up all of your computer files on DVDs or other file storage disks/devices
  • If you no longer have the original carton and packing materials, carefully pack the item in a sturdy carton that has been lined with newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts
  • Securely seal the carton and mark outside Extremely Fragile
  • All plasma TVs must be serviced by a third party services prior to your move, crated in a wooden crate, and moved in an upright position
  • Remember that when your belongings are delivered to your new home, do not turn electronics on until they have time to warm up to room temperature


Crated items

In order to preserve your fragile and precious belongings, we recommend that you require the mover to pack the following in a custom made wooden crate:

  • Aquariums
  • Chandeliers
  • Curved glass curios
  • Doll houses and large models
  • Large glass doors and table tops
  • Large Mirrors
  • Large or expensive artwork and/or sculptures
  • Marble
  • Plasma TVs
  • Slate, including slate tops on pool tables
  • Stained glass
  • Taxidermy items


Memory Foam Mattresses

Tempurpedic memory foam mattresses are becoming very popular. They may be great products to sleep on, but they are easily damaged if not properly prepared for packing and transport.

The following are some facts obtained from the manufacturer that you should be familiar with:

  • The mattress consists of three layers of foam. The top layer is the memory foam, followed by two separate layers of foam. The memory foam is a viscoelastic material that is sealed inside the mattress. When the mattress is placed on its side, the viscous nature of the foam will allow it to settle toward the bottom edge.
  • Ambient air temperature plays a big role in the viscosity and elasticity of memory foam. Temperatures below 50* F may cause the foam to lose its elastic ability to reshape. Temperatures around 70* F are necessary for the foam to settle to its original form. Temperatures above 70* F can cause the foam to become less viscous.
  • Memory foam has a tendency to turn a yellowish color when exposed to oxygen.
  • Trapped moisture on the pad's surface can cause mold.


With these facts in mind, we can perhaps minimize the risk of damage by doing the following:

  • Pack and transport the mattress flat whenever possible and limit the time the item is on its side.
  • Mattress cartons are always a requirement and are the best method of keeping a mattress free from being soiled. The mattress carton provides an additional support for the mattress and assists in the compressing foam layers, which reduces the risk of separation.
  • Do not lean the mattress carton at loading or delivery. At delivery, take the mattress into the residence, lay it flat and reassemble the beds ASAP. This will allow the mattress time to regain its elastic ability and its shape.

Please remember: For your protection, the following items cannot be transported in the van

Aerosol Cans
Alcohol/Wines
Ammunition
Automotive Fluids
Carbonated Items
Charcoal Briquettes
Cleaning Supplies
Firewood
Fireworks
Flammables
Outdoor Chemicals
Paints
Perishable Items
Prescription Medications
Propane Tanks

Other items that should not be shipped, as they are not covered under our transit policy:

Currency
Fur Coats
Important Documents
Jewelry
Passports
Securities
Stocks/Bonds


Allegheny Valley Transfer Co.  © 2008