The things our crews wish every client knew before move week. Two parts: how to prepare a household, and how to pack a box that will arrive in one piece -- from our Jackson Hole crews.
The most useful thing you can do in the weeks ahead is take inventory of what shouldn't make the trip. Less to pack means less to move, less to unpack, and a lower estimate. Most households eliminate ten to twenty percent of their volume this way.
We won't carry items that could leak, combust, corrode, spoil, or otherwise pose a hazard. That includes gasoline, propane, paint, oil, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, cleaning chemicals, ammunition, perishable foods, liquids including non-collectible alcohol, cooking oils, bleach, detergent, vinegar, and illegal substances. We are prohibited from handling, packing, or transporting firearms. We can only handle, pack, or transport plants if permitted by law (state-specific).
If you're packing yourself, the box matters more than you'd think. Use strong corrugated cartons with covers — purpose-made if possible -- they reduce damage by a wide margin over used boxes.
If you do reuse boxes, make sure they're clean, dry, and rated to carry weight, and pad with clean packing paper rather than newsprint, which transfers ink.
The principles are simple, and they hold for every room.
A note on clothes in dresser drawers — yes, leave them. Just make sure nothing solid is in the drawer that could damage the piece in transit.
Basic protection is carried on every move as standard. Ask about full valuation coverage -- available for purchase if you'd like your belongings protected at their actual value during the move.