Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle Moving Services | I Care Movers

Helpful Tips

What Needs To Be Packed?
Obviously, not everything will fit in a box. As a rule, furniture and major appliances will be wrapped and padded by I Care Movers as part of our standard service. Also light weight, non-fragile items such as clothing can be left in dresser drawers. To ensure adequate protection, anything that is loose and/or breakable should be wrapped and packed in sturdy cartons.
It's a good idea to leave your most fragile or awkward things to the I Care Movers professionals; they have the experience, materials and techniques to properly protect these articles. Items that require professional disassembly and/or crating -- slate pool tables, chandeliers, or large glass table tops, for example -- should always be handled by your IC agent.

Hazardous Materials
Flammables such as paint, varnish and thinners, gasoline, kerosene and oil, candles and matches, and bottled gas cannot be moved. In addition, Propane tanks of any kind, empty or not, all aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and explosives, corrosives, cleaning fluids and detergents are prohibited. Dispose of these items before you move. Do not pack them!

Garage
Your garage probably contains items that you will need to dispose of: pesticides, fertilizers, oil and gas, the propane tank from the gas grilll these items cannot be shipped. Empty the gas and oil from power tools, and remove as the propane tank also cannot be shipped.
Small hand tools, kids' toys and sports equipment can be packed in 1.5 or 3.0 cu.ft. cartons. Shovels, rakes and brooms need not be packed; gather them together for your I Care Movers driver to bundle in a pad.

Kitchen
Kitchen dishes and glassware should be packed in the same manner as fine china. Use lots of wrapping, and load the items in dish cartons. Pots and pans, and small appliances should be wrapped and packed in 3.0 cu.ft. cartons. Cook books should be packed with the spine facing upward in 1.5 cu.ft.. boxes.Tape shut or dispose of any open packages, and be sure to wrap glass jars to prevent breakage.
Use or dispose of all perishables before moving. You will also need to get rid of cleaning products and other kitchen chemicals. Be sure to allow freezers several days to defrost and dry thoroughly so that mildew does not occur.

Living Room
Fragile curios should be carefully wrapped and packed in dish cartons. Lamps and lampshades should be wrapped and loaded in appropriate boxes, typically 4.5 or 6.0 cu.ft. cartons.
Most pictures can be wrapped and packed in telescoping mirror cartons. Fragile or valuables fine art may require special crating, and should be handled by your I Care Movers agent.
Draperies can be placed on hangers and loaded in wardrobe cartons. Sofas, chairs and tables do not require special preparation. They will be carefully padded and loaded by I Care Movers.

Dining Room
The dining room will generally include your most fragile china and crystal stemware. Each item should be carefully wrapped in newsprint and placed in dish cartons; cellular dividers are recommended for stemware.
Larger serving dishes will require extra wrapping for complete protection.
When assembling the dish carton use a few extra strips of tape, since these cartons are fairly heavy when packed. Line the bottom of the dish carton with three to four inches of wadded paper. Begin by loading plates followed by serving dishes, cups, and finally glassware or crystal. Finally, top off each carton with another layer of wadded paper.
Silverware should be wrapped in newsprint or tissue. Nest several pieces in each bundle, and load them in the dish carton or in a 1.5 cu.ft. carton.

Bedroom
Leave clothing in drawers, but do not overload them. Loose and/or decorative items, often found on dresser tops, may be wrapped and placed in drawers or packed in 1.5 cu.ft. cartons.
Remove valuables such as jewelry from drawers, and do not pack them to go in your shipment. These items will be most secure if they remain in your possession.
Clothing in closets can remain on hangars and be loaded in wardrobe cartons. Shoes can be placed in the bottom of wardrobes, or packed in a 3.0 cu.ft. carton.
Pillows, blankets and other bedding require no wrapping, and can easily be packed in 4.5 or 6.0 cu.ft. cartons. All mattresses should be placed in mattress cartons/bags for added strength and cleanliness.

Bathroom
You will need to dispose of aerosol cans, such as hairspray or deodorant, or take them with you. Other bottles should be taped shut and wrapped to prevent leakage, then packed in 1.5 cu. ft. cartons.
Towels and other linens should be placed in 4.5 cu.ft. cartons. Full length glass mirrors can be packed in large mirror cartons. However, if they are especially heavy, crating is recommended.

Tools
Ideally, you still have manuals for each of your appliances, but if not, don’t panic. You can also go to manufacturers’ Web sites for detailed instructions on how to prepare each item for moving.
You’ll also want to have a toolbox handy with screwdrivers and a variety of wrench sizes. Movers’ plastic wrap will be indispensable to keep the doors of all your appliances closed during the move.
Be sure to arrange for a hand truck to move the appliances to the moving truck and furniture blankets to secure the items during the move to protect them and your other items from damage.

Refrigerator
Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours prior to the move to let the freezer defrost. Clean the refrigerator/freezer inside and out and allow it to dry. For refrigerators with an ice maker, you’ll have to disconnect the water line. Vacuum out the condenser or compressor and make sure the water reservoir is empty. If you have an older model refrigerator, you may need to bolt down the compressor or motor for the move.

Dishwasher
Clean and dry inside and out. Disconnect, drain and dry the hoses. Leave the dishwasher door open for several days to thoroughly dry and air it out. Then wrap the hoses in towels and packing paper and place them in the dishwasher. Remove and pack the lower rack and then secure the door.

Washing machine
Most manufacturers recommend bolting down the washing machine tub before moving it. Check the manual for directions, or you can buy a washing machine moving kit that will have everything you need. When you have secured the drum, wrap the metal ends of the connector hoses in towels and place inside the washer. Secure the lid.

Clothes dryer
If you have an electric dryer, the move will be more straightforward, though you should check its electrical requirements before plugging it in at your new home. A gas dryer requires a little more preparation, as you’ll need to disconnect it and have the gas line capped by a technician. Be sure to have your gas dryer ready to go before the movers arrive and to clean the lint basket of either type of dryer prior to moving it.

Quilt Storage:

The best way to store a quilt is by spreading it on an unused bed and placing an everyday coverlet over it. Quilts can be layered on a bed. This storage method keeps quilts safe from dust and light, while reducing stress on the vintage fibers that can result from folding. If you do need to fold a quilt, spread it face down between two well-worn white cotton sheets and fold in a pleated accordion fashion. While storing flat is best, folding in this manner helps to reduce stress on old fabrics and reduce the likelihood of tearing. Limited space may dictate storing a quilt under a bed safely sealed in a Rubbermaid-type container. Just be sure to fold the quilt in the accordion manner recommended above and making sure it is completely void of moisture before placing it in the container. If you are going to store a quilt by hanging it on a wall, a good method is sewing a four inch wide tube or sleeve of fabric along the top back edge and stitching every inch or so through all layers of the quilt. You can then attach it to a wall or other display area easily with a sturdy rod. Materials used in manufacturing plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and wooden trunks and chests can all react with quilting fabrics. These should be avoided when storing quilts. If reactions occur with plastic bags, cardboard or wood, they can cause quilts to become fragile, prone to tearing or even stain them. When using a Rubbermaid or similar container for storage, make sure the textile is completely dry to avoid mildew from moisture trapped in the container. If you're hanging the quilt on the wall for the summer season, be sure distribute the weight evenly over the entire width to avoid stressing the fabric. Don't plan to store a quilt on a wall for more than six months. No matter how or where you store your quilts, avoid sunlight. All light damage to textiles is irreversible."

Any questions please ask us, we are here to help make the move easier and less time consuming.

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