Returning Resident, Balikbayan Shipment

TIPS: Packing, Padding and Protecting your Shipment

Based on your budget, Manila Forwarders can provide packing, padding and crating services for your shipment. You may also do it yourself to save on the expenses. Please use the pointers below as a guideline:

Use packing materials and cartons are of the best quality. All china, glass and crystal will be individually wrapped prior to packing. Be aware that insurance companies does not cover breakage of these items. Diligent efforts on your part in properly packing this is a must.

Cartons will be taped across top, bottom and all sides. All rugs and carpets will be rolled and wrapped. Customer's name, room and contents will be marked on each carton.

All items which are not suitable for packing will be padded for transport. These items include furniture items, large bulky pieces and large appliances. These items are paper padded as a standard and where items require additional protection the use of double wrapping and crating is involved. Home Depot offers styrofoam insulation that works better for this purpose as they are easy to cut and light to carry. Proper padding requires the following steps:

· All furniture will be dismantled, if appropriate all hardware (nuts and bolts) will be placed in plastic bags before being put in the master hardware box.

· All furniture will be wrapped in a minimum 3-ply paper pad. Corner pads will be used to provide additional protection.

· All paper pad seams will be sealed using export vinyl tape. Skeleton or full crates will be used on awkward or fragile pieces.

· Tape the bottom of every box; tape the top closed tightly when full. Run two strips of tape along the side and one strip down the center. (If the box is still not strong enough, apply more tape on the sides.)

· Use small boxes for heavier items; larger boxes for light weight, bulky items. Use crates if need. Ice box ,plastic storage, or tool boxes are also recommended as you can reuse it later on.

· Wrap small and/or fragile items individually. Be generous with padding and other protective materials.

This helps prevent shifting, rubbing and possible breakage. Be aware that insurance companies do not insure self-pack shipment against breakage
 


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· Stack light boxes to the top to prevent them from being crushed. But don't pack fragile items too tightly. Stuff with paper. and proper packaging materials.

· Label the contents of every box and the room where it belongs. Group boxes together that belong in the same room. Label any boxes/items "STORAGE" that will be stored for you.

• Dishware and Glasses:
  

  * Use double corrugated boxes.
  * Cushion the bottom with rolled up paper.
  * Wrap each piece individually.
  * Bundle flatware in groups of three and wrap the bundle.
  * Don't place one layer of dishware directly on top of another; separate with a layer of stuffed paper.
  * Cushion the top and sides with paper to prevent shifting. The steadier the contents, the less chance of damages.
  
  Clothing:
  * Put hanging clothes in wardrobe boxes.
  * Place shoes in medium size boxes. Use paper to protect and keep pairs separated.
  * Place other clothes in medium size/linen size boxes.
  
  Pictures:
  * Use a picture box.
  * Line bottom of box with paper.
  * Place picture in box, then stuff front, back and along the top with paper.
  * It is sometime possible to pack more than one picture in a box.
  * Packing of pictures is always required for moves into storage.
  
  Packing for special items
  
  Lamps:
  * Remove light bulbs.
  * Put lampshade in separate box. Mark "FRAGILE."
  
  Electronics:
  * If possible, pack in original cartons. If not, pack each item in ample amounts of bubble wrap and/or white paper.
  * Code wiring with tape for easy reinstallation.
  * Stereo: fasten down the tone arm and dustcover.
  * Compact disc: check instructions to secure the laser.
  * Personal computer: backup all important information; "park" the hard disk (program often included on diagnostics CD).
  * Though you should use big and small boxes, try to keep the variation in size to a minimum, since it is easier and space saving to stack similar size boxes.
  * Label all boxes clearly (it is recommended to mark all sides). It will save a lot of time when you later access your storage, and make the move out of storage efficient.
  * Television sets, stereo, computers, printers, and similar electronic equipment should be packed with corrugated cartons. Using packing blankets alone is not sufficient. If you no longer have the original packaging, you should get adequate boxes. It is recommended to wrap the item with a blanket or bubble wrap before packing it with foam insulation pad available at home depot. Pad the bottom of the box as well.
  * Records, video cassettes, CDs and DVDs should be stored vertically to avoid warping and breakage.
  * Musical instruments should be placed in a hard case, or packed in a box. They should not be stored at pitch.
  * Clean, defrost and dry your refrigerator before storing it. Wrap it with blankets for protection.
  * Any equipment that contains gasoline should be drained before you ship it. Let the engine run until it runs out..
  * Wipe metal items with a rag that was dipped in oil to protect them from rust.
  * Pack standing lamps in a lamp box.
  Separate the shade from a table lamp and pack it in a box. Use paper for the empty spaces.
   
  

• Don't Pack These Items:
  

  * Money, securities, valuable papers or jewelry. Keep them with you.
  * Flammable items: aerosol cans, paints, gasoline, etc.
  * Perishable times: frozen foods, produce, plants, etc.
  * Soaps, polishes or medicines with foods.
  * Kitchenware or other heavy items in boxes with dishware.
  * Guns and any items with military application Items that was exposed outside must be properly  washed and decontaminated  to prevent the transport of micro organisms and other elements to your new home. Power sprayer with the use of household bleach is advisable.
  
  It is important to check the Restricted Items from US Homeland Security.
  
  Now watch this featured relocation tips courtesy of relocation.com and youtube. Make sure you come back to this page and click next below:
  
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